Curriculum
Kindergarten
Curricula
Bible: Investigating God's Word by One Story Ministries
Social Studies: Heritage Studies by BJU Press
Math: Bridges in Mathematics
Sciences: Inspire Science by Mcgraw Hill
Reading & Language Arts: Science of Reading, Simplify Writing​
Social & Emotional Learning
Throughout the Kindergarten year, teachers and all Ridge Christian Academy staff will both model and train students in healthy social and emotional behaviors. Our Christian values include showing respect and compassion for others, using good manners in all interactions, listening attentively, and following instructions. The ultimate goal is that students will form a strong bond with trusted adults and peers and know that they can always ask for help and will be supported.
Communication
One of the most exciting developments in the Kindergarten year is the acquisition and development of early reading skills. Ridge students will be immersed in phonetic instruction, providing skills that will allow them to decode increasingly complex words. Our goal is that students will be able to both read and comprehend grade level text fluently and accurately.
Bible
Investigating God’s Word teaches the entirety of God’s Word, from Genesis to Revelation, over the course of five years. The curriculum works to prepare the next generation; building foundational skills for students to study God’s Word for themselves and training children to think biblically and apply truths to their own lives. Each lesson puts the text of scripture in context, teaching the children that the Bible is real history.
Social Studies
Heritage Studies provides students with the opportunity to learn about historical events and be introduced to world cultures from a Biblical worldview. Children will develop social studies skills and a foundational understanding of geography, economics, history, government, civics, and culture. We hope that they will become lifelong learners who value freedom, equality, and individual responsibility.
Math
Our goal in mathematics is to give the students a solid foundation in numeracy skills while expanding their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Our students will be taught to recognize and write numbers to 100, compare and order whole numbers 0-20, and find sums and differences between numbers 0-10. Kindergarten learning goals also include the ability to recognize two and three dimensional shapes, sort objects by attributes and demonstrate concepts of measurement.
Sciences
A k-5 science learning experience, Inspire Science by Mcgraw Hill, is exciting and easy-to use. Using integrated literacy and math enables students to be a scientist while leveraging and honing their literacy and math skills. With Inspire Science, students will be able to meet science standards while reinforcing Common Core literacy and math requirements easier than ever before.
Reading & Language Arts
Science of Reading is a comprehensive body of research that encompasses years of scientific knowledge, spans across many languages, and shares the contributions of experts from relevant disciplines such as education, special education, literacy, psychology, neurology, and more. SoR helps us to understand the cognitive processes that are essential for reading proficiency. The SoR identifies five essential components that make up the Simple View of Reading.
Structured Literacy incorporates all five: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension.
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The Simplify Writing curriculum was built using research-based strategies and tested in real classrooms. Students will receive dedicated writing time, strategy-focused direct instruction, teacher clarity, teacher modeling and exemplar usage, graphic organizers to increase student retention, and consistent and timely feedback to help develop their writing skills.
Simplify Writing’s method includes four key components: bite-sized instruction, fluid grammar, differentiation, and support to help students become the most successful writers they can be.
Spiritual Growth
​Our faith is at the very core of who we are at Ridge Christian Academy. We will share Jesus and notice signs of our Creator in every subject we teach. We believe that the Bible is the Word of God. We will teach your child that Jesus is the risen Son of God who gave His life to save us. You can expect your child to retell Bible stories at home, perhaps express a desire to pray with you, and possibly to ask Jesus into their heart.
Physical Education
​Kindergarten P.E. builds a foundation for healthy activity. Students develop confidence and skills in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking while moving through physical games and challenges. We strive to create a nurturing environment of positive values and attitudes that students can apply both inside and outside the classroom.
Art
​Art is another exciting way for Kindergarten students to express themselves. We expose our students to a variety of materials to develop their fine motor skills while learning about great artists and emulating their unique techniques. Kindergarten art lessons are a time of creativity, self-expression and joy!​
Music
​Music is a joyful form of self expression. At Ridge Christian Academy, children come together to sing worship songs daily in Assembly. We also have a music teacher on staff to provide weekly in-class experiences in music, rhythm, and simple instruments, ensuring every child receives the exceptional developmental benefits of regular musical instruction.