Arithmetic helps the students deal more efficiently with the quantitative aspects of God’s creation.  Our goal in arithmetic by the end of 6th grade is to see the students computing accurately and quickly in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, algebraic equations, and geometry, and to apply these operations to life’s problems.  The students must memorize the arithmetic facts in order to compute quickly.  Students are taught to perform basic computational processes so as to be independent of electronic calculators.
…I will multiply the number of people…I will increase the number…
Ezekiel 36:10,11

The Biblical Core is the term used at the Woodcrest Christian School System to describe the philosophical approach to education, and specifically academic instruction that is used at every grade level transitional kindergarten through twelfth grade.

We believe that because all Truth is God’s Truth, subject matter cannot be separated between secular and sacred (Biblical). God’s revealed truth drives all classroom instruction and provides the core of our curriculum. Thus, we have identified 4-6 key Biblical Truths for every subject matter around which we wrap our curriculum so that students are taught that God’s eternal character and His active involvement in His creation are a central part of every classroom. While there are many more Biblical Truths, and our teachers cover them in class, these key truths form the foundation for each course. From that “core,” we teach a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare each student for the next grade level.

Ultimately, our goal is to develop students who see the world as God sees the world and are able to make decisions through a Biblical worldview clearly discerning the Truth of the Bible from the lies and deceit of a fallen world.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,…”
2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

Computer instruction is given 30 minutes a week for grades kindergarten through sixth.

Kindergarten through second grade receive instruction with educational software that reinforces arithmetic, reading, writing, and art skills along with developing basic computer skills.

Third through sixth grade students learn keyboarding skills and create projects on the computer that complement classroom learning.  Students in third through sixth grades are given instruction in word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and graphics.

Christ-like character is encouraged through instruction in four “Starter Qualities.”  Attentiveness and obedience are taught to help students learn to become “hearers” and “doers” of what is right.  Responsibility and kindness are taught to promote internal motivation for productive work and wholesome relationships.

Do not merely listen to the Word…Do what it says.  James 1:22

Students are encouraged and trained to apply themselves in academic achievement.  Habits are fostered regarding orderly accounting and accurate completion of assignments.

…approved…workman…who correctly handles the word of truth… 2 Timothy 2:15

History is the story of what people have done in past times with what God has made and revealed.  General historical unit studies are given in Kindergarten through third grades.  Overviews of California history, United States history, and world history are taught one semester per year in grades fourth, fifth, and sixth, respectively.  Geography studies are coupled with historical studies.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…  1 Corinthians 10:11

ENGLISH GRAMMAR & COMPOSITION:

Godly thinking is the key to wholesome speaking and meaningful writing.  Meaningful composition expresses a wholesome message in an orderly written form. The eight parts of speech are emphasized along with grammar rules to give orderly form to oral and written expression of students.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author…of our faith… Hebrews 12:2

ORAL READING & LIBRARY READING:

Fluent oral reading is needed to develop public speaking skills and to reinforce silent reading skills.  Individual oral reading instruction and practice are given in lower grades and reinforced thereafter.  We encourage students to make full use of wholesome library books.  We have weekly class trips to the WCDS library.  Joshua read all the words of the law…just as it is written in the Book of the Law. Joshua 8:34

PENMANSHIP:

Standard block printing of letters is taught in kindergarten, first, and second grades.  Cursive writing is introduced in the middle of second grade and reinforced thereafter.  Students should be enabled to produce both block printing and cursive writing in neat and legible style.  I write these things…that you may know… 1 John 5:13

PHONICS:

Phonics connects sounds to letter symbols to aid in decoding written language and to aid in proper spelling.  Each sound/symbol connection becomes a valuable key to sounding out new words.  The phonics foundation is laid in kindergarten, first, and second grades by oral drill, visual illustrations, and phonics exercises in workbooks.  He said…I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.  Revelation 21:6

READING COMPREHENSION:

Reading gives insight for living from the written page.  Through the use of Christian readers, developmental reading texts and comprehension skill-building workbooks, students are taught to understand thoroughly, evaluate morally, and apply positively what they read.  The proverbs…for attaining wisdom and discipline…fear of the LORD… Proverbs 1:1-7

SPELLING & VOCABULARY:

Words are handles for meaning.  The more words a student knows the better he can express a message.  A student possesses a word only after he learns its spelling and meaning.  Students are encouraged to spell correctly and identify misspelled words in order to become better proofreaders and therefore writers.  …speak intelligible words… 1 Corinthians 14:9

The students are led in singing psalms, hymns, and wholesome songs in making melody with their whole hearts to the Lord.  Singing is a part of general classroom activities, as well as specific choral practice and special class program presentations.  Art is generally incorporated as an expression of class studies such as Bible, Geography, Science in grades kindergarten through second grade.  Students in third through sixth grade attend weekly art classes receiving instruction on technique as well as art history.

… Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord…Ephesians 5:19

Sports education and physical fitness classes are scheduled regularly.  In grades kindergarten through second grade fitness skills are taught weekly.  For students in grades third through sixth the Physical Fitness Program encourages the development of physical strength, flexibility, and endurance,  Intramural sports are offered for students in third through sixth grades.

…your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…therefore honor God with your body… 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20

Science is the study of God’s creation.  God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power, beauty, and orderliness are clearly revealed in what He has made.  It is by seeing God’s universe of living and non-living things, and particularly by believing He purposefully made them, that we understand the appropriate perspective and use of His creation.  Students are taught appreciation, proper care, and development of their bodies as instruments of righteousness.  Science unit studies are given in grades kindergarten through second and one semester per year in grades third through sixth.

…He has spoken to us by His Son…through whom he made the universe… Hebrews 1:1, 2