The main academic emphasis in the primary grades (K, 1st, and 2nd) is reading, writing, and math skills. In reading, we focus on the elements of "Learning to Read” and in mathematics, our focus is on math facts and mathematical concepts appropriate to our primary students. Curriculum in these grades levels will be more hands-on. Worksheets and workbook pages will serve to reinforce what has been taught in class.
Our academic focus in the intermediate grades (3rd, 4th, and 5th) is again strong in reading, writing and mathematics. Our reading focus has switched from “Learning to Read” now to “Reading to Learn” along with further development of our writing skills. Mathematics again focuses on the use of manipulatives and hands-on activities, but with more time given to understanding mathematical concepts. Rounding out the curriculum are foundational concepts in science, social studies, and grammar.
We have recently adopted the EnVision Math curriculum. This is a dynamic program that will allow the students to get excited about math through daily problem-based interactive learning followed by visual learning strategies. This will deepen conceptual understanding by making meaningful connections for students and delivering strong, sequential visual/verbal connections. We are confident that not only will this curriculum give every student the opportunity to succeed, but that they will have fun doing it!
In all grades there is a focus on handwriting, or penmanship. While we understand the need to help children learn to write in a legible manner, we also understand the developmental readiness of students and their fine motor skills. Furthermore, spelling and vocabulary usage become a focus. While some words are easy to spell, we find that the easiest way to learn to spell is within the context of the subjects taught. In kindergarten, the primary focus is on learning phonics. This will give the children a strong base they will need to be successful readers. In 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, the children will learn spelling through a process called Scientific Spelling. With Scientific Spelling, students will learn to spell words by using reliable spelling patterns and rules of the English language, multi-sensory strategies for permanent memorization of irregular words, and learn how to analyze words. In 4th and 5th grades, children will use a research-based vocabulary curriculum that assists in building lifelong fluency. This will provide students with abundant exposure to words in multiple formats. In addition, it will be a great stepping-stone for middle school!
This year, we are proud to introduce the implementation of Guided Reading! In guided reading, the teacher guides small groups of students in reading short, carefully chosen texts in order to build independence, fluency, and comprehension skills. In addition, the teacher introduces reading strategies, tailoring the instruction to the needs of the students. Children, in turn, will be encouraged to apply these strategies in their independent reading.
Rounding out the curriculum is the teaching of simple Biblical theology through the stories of God's Word, the Bible. We spend time each day learning and talking about the stories of the Bible and their meaning for us today. We spend time praying for one another as well as memorizing God's Word.
Students are also given instruction in art, music, physical education, and computer skills. Students in 4th grade focus on keyboarding skills and must pass a keyboarding mastery test by the end of the computer class.
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Academically Able Students
To be admitted to Rosehill Christian School, all students are tested with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and the Woodcock Johnson by an educational diagnostician. One test captures student educational performance at the time of testing for their age / grade, and the other test provides an IQ score showing the educational potential of the student. Students who at least score in the average to above average range in IQ and who score mostly above the 50th percentile in academic performance are considered for admission to Rosehill. With this in mind, Rosehill is not able to admit students who fall below these parameters because we do not have the staff to support these students and the educational needs they may have.
Therefore, the target group of students that are accepted to Rosehill Christian School are considered academically able, assuming that no learning or behavior problems contribute to difficulty in school. While we do not have a “gifted program” at RCS, our students are taught as if they are in an academically able class based upon our testing and admittance guidelines.
Students in the Elementary
Students in the elementary school classroom will be challenged through small group instruction in reading and mathematics. Students are continually assessed to determine their levels in reading and mathematics, and then taught in the appropriate groups within the classroom. In mathematics, Rosehill uses the nationally adopted version of the Envision Math Series. This national version is approximately one-half to one year above the State of Texas adoption which is being used in surrounding school districts. In reading, we continually assess students to challenge them in reading materials appropriate to their assessed levels plus, we continually enrich the curriculum through activities and projects which are higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy.
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