Holland Christian Schools

The elementary curricula at Holland Christian was created to give students a well-rounded educational background and to help students see God as Creator of all knowledge.

Bible
The Christian Schools International Bible curriculum is used throughout the elementary grade levels. The Story of God and His People presents the story of God and his people in chronological order and teaches the events in context so that students understand more fully what it means to be part of God's family. 

Communication Arts including Reading, Writing, Penmanship, and Language
Reading: Holland Christian uses phonics instruction and sight word memorization to help children learn to read. Quality literature is used as students practice reading strategies and skills (i.e. comprehension, fluency). There is an emphasis on both fiction and non-fiction reading instruction. Reading, a gift from God, provides students an essential skill for life-long learning.

Writing: Writing instruction includes lessons that focus on the many different components: grammar, organizational skills, editing, and writing with creativity. Journals, essays, stories, and reports name a few kinds of writing that are taught and practiced in conjunction with other subject areas. The intent of teaching the writing process is for students to create and discern quality written work; such work is a means for bringing God glory through a communication mode that can touch many lives.

Math
Math instruction combines the memorization of math facts with hands-on investigations that are used to promote learning by doing. A variety of math activities are used to help students gain an understanding of the math concepts: fractions, geometry, money, etc. Two additional goals of the elementary math program are to solve problems using efficient strategies and clearly communicate mathematical thinking.

Social Studies and Science
A variety of units are taught throughout the elementary grades.  Throughout this instruction, students learn to see God and know Him more. Nature, health, and chemistry are a few of the areas covered in science Communities, economics, and geography are a few examples of content covered in Social Studies.  Instruction at the elementary level is very much hands-on learning and incorporates use of the scientific method of discovery.  Technology, literature, and a Biblical perspective are interwoven throughout these subject areas. Students are challenged to see the balance God has created in His world and determine their responsibility for caring and using God's creation in appropriate and God- glorifying ways.

Technology
Technology instruction is provided to all kindergarten – 5^th grade students.  Students use the computer to write stories, review concepts, do research, and learn new skills.  Formal keyboarding lessons are introduced in 3^rd grade. 

Physical Education/Health
PE is taught by a specialist and is provided once a week for kindergarten students and grades 3-5, and twice a week for students in grades 1-2.

Music
Music is taught by a specialist and offered once a week for students in grades kindergarten through 5.

Art
Art instruction is taught by a specialist and is provided every other week for grades 1-2 and every week for grades 3-5.

Orchestra
Orchestra is an optional activity for students.  This program is taught by a specialist twice a week for grades 4-5 .

Band
Band is an optional activity for students.  This program is taught by a specialist twice a week for students in 5^th grade.

Sex Education
This curriculum is taught by teachers in kindergarten, 2^nd, and 5^th grades as part of the Science or Health curricula.