Academic Program

Elementary

     Here you will find links to the various classrooms in the Elementary end of the school. Here you can read interesting tidbits about the curriculum, trips, and other highlights of the school year in the respective classes.

Junior Kindergarten

The building blocks of learning begin in Junior Kindergarten. Introductory subjects take place in a fun, age-appropriate learning environment. Often learning is accidental at this level, once the teacher sets the stage.

Each month we have a theme that encompasses our subjects. We work through:  Nursery Rhymes, Fall, Christmas, Winter, Valentine’s Day & Friends, Five Senses, Easter, Spring, The Farm and My Feelings. Students learn about God’s world and their place in it according to our Bible lessons. Units are highlighted with a variety of school trips and special guests throughout the year including:  the apple orchard, theatre trips, skating, the farm and Butterfly Magic. Our big performance is our school concert when we perform on stage for our families.

The school day is divided into small time segments. Our classroom is very musical from the singing of “O Canada” to theme songs and even all   through the day as we learn and play. Students enjoy music class with the SK students and the elementary music teacher. Readiness skills are taught through a Phonics-based program, hands-on activities, games and seatwork. Students learn upper and lower case letters, the letter sounds, rote counting to 100 and number recognition to 30. French is introduced by our elementary French teacher, with songs and games about simple things that the students grasp readily. The elementary Physical Education teacher provides a program for students to use a variety of apparatus including balls, beanbags, a parachute, hoops, etc. Good team work, listening skills and physical control develop. Activity time provides students with a self-directed socialization time at a variety of play centres. Of course lunch and recess are the most favourite times of the day! Most importantly, the students learn: that Jesus is our best Friend, that Jesus loves us and has a wonderful plan for our lives!

Senior Kindergarten

Welcome to Senior Kindergarten!

     The Senior Kindergarten program is a daily, full day program that consists of academic and play activities that are Christ centered. In addition to the teacher, there is an experienced, full time Teaching Assistant who provides continual support.

     The intellectual development of each child is encouraged by the teaching of reading readiness skills, phonics (initial and final consonants, vowel sounds, rhyming words, opposites), printing, reading from a variety of sources, including the “Starting Out” reader, and journal writing. The children also learn many Math concepts such as counting by ones, twos, fives and tens to 100, number recognition to 100, number formation, shapes, pattern recognition, addition, subtraction and time.

     With the use of songs, rhymes and games, the students are encouraged to participate and enjoy French.  Physical Education, Art and Computers are also an important part of the program.

     Units that are covered in Social Studies/Science include Teddy Bears, Seasons, Apples, Holidays, Safety, Maple Syrup, Animals, and Nutrition.

     The spiritual growth of each child is encouraged by the teaching of Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments, memory verses and songs. The children develop an awareness of God’s love and are encouraged to care for and respect each other.   

     Throughout the year, the class enjoys going on field trips related to the areas being studied.  These have included a visit to a farm, a fire station, a sugar bush, Ontario Science Centre and African Lion Safari. In addition, the class goes skating four times in January and February.

     The Senior Kindergarten class participates in several chapel services throughout the year, as well as the Christmas Concert. At the end of the year, there is a special Graduation ceremony to which parents and relatives are invited. This is a great way for the students to celebrate a successful year of learning and growth.

Grade 1

Welcome to Grade 1

     Grade 1 is a very exciting year at Brampton Christian School. Some students come into Grade 1 knowing how to read while others learn how to read during their year in Grade 1. Reading is the doorway to learning so is the main focus at the beginning of Grade 1. Students read every day at school and every night at home. Below are the subjects taught in Grade 1, along with a list of skills learned in each subject and the topics covered in the Grade 1 Curriculum. We follow the Ontario Curriculum in all subject areas.

READING: Students are given a Reader that contains stories and vocabulary designed to increase their reading ability. Reading activities for each story are completed in workbooks. By the end of Grade 1, students are beginning to answer simple questions in complete sentences. SRA is also a big part of the Reading Program in Grade 1.

PHONICS: Students use the Modern Curriculum Press Level A phonics workbook. Students learn about initial, middle and final consonants, short and long vowels, blends, word endings, contractions and digraphs. Review pages are given throughout each unit and a test is given at the completion of each unit.

SPELLING: Students use The ACSI Grade One Spelling Workbook. This program compliments the Phonics Program that is used in Grade 1. Students learn initial consonants, long and short vowels, word endings, double letters, blends and digraphs. At the beginning of the year Sight Words are introduced each week. Students do a variety of activities with these words and are tested at the end of the week. By the 6th week of school a spelling list is given to each student and a test is given at the end of the week.

MATH: Students use the Math Quest 1 workbook designed for their grade level. The workbook is divided into several Units of Study. At the completion of each unit a test is given. Supplemental materials, gathered from a variety of sources, are used to enhance and consolidate learning in each unit. Students learn number recognition, counting by 1's, 2's, 5's and 10's to 100, greater than/less than, ordinals to the 10th position, addition and subtraction facts to 12, patterning, measurement, place value (tens and ones), recognition of shapes, geometric terms, recognition of money (penny, nickel, dime, quarter), time (hour and half hour), fractions (halves, thirds, quarters), simple graphing, word problems and readiness for multiplication and division (dividing objects into equal groups)

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Students in Grade 1 use the BJU Press Bible Truths Curriculum Workbook. The program is divided into 10 different units that focus on a particular Bible event or Bible character from both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Tests are given at the end of each unit, to assess student's knowledge. Christian Videos are also used to supplement learning. Weekly Bible verses are learned by students.

SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES: We adhere to the Ontario Curriculum Guidelines for Science and Social Studies. The following units are covered in Grade 1: My Body, The 5 Senses, Nutrition, Growth and Changes in Animals, Properties of Objects, Energy, Structures, Cycles and Seasons, Relationship/Rules/Responsibilities, Local and World Communities and Special Days and Holidays. A workbook is made for each topic. General knowledge, research, hands on activities and experiments are used to teach each unit. Tests are given at the end of each unit to assess student's knowledge.

FRENCH AND MUSIC: These subjects are taught 3 times each week by another teacher.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Students participate in a Gym class twice a week. Students learn basic motor skills through a variety of games and use of equipment.

COMPUTER/ART/LIBRARY: Students go to the Computer Lab once a week, do Art projects once a week and visit the Library once a week.

FIELD TRIPS: Students go on several Field Trips throughout the year such as: Albion Apple Orchard, The Kortright Centre for Seasonal Changes and Maple Syrup, The Meadowvale/Rose Theatre, The Peel Safety Village and The Toronto Zoo. The Mad Scientist is periodically invited to Grade 1 to help students understand the units they are studying. This is always a fun time. Students also go skating in the Winter and Bowling in the Spring.

Grade 2

     Grade 2 is an exciting year at Brampton Christian School. Students learn many things. Reading is very important. Students read every day at school and every night at home. Below are the subjects taught in Grade 2, along with a list of skills learned in each subject and the topics covered in the Grade 2 Curriculum.

READING: Students use Readers geared to their level of reading. Students are taught to answer questions in complete sentences. At the end of the year, students complete a Novel Study using The Mouse and the Motorcycle

PHONICS: Students use the Modern Curriculum Press Level B phonics workbook. Students learn about initial, medial, and final consonants, short and long vowels, vowel pairs and digraphs, syllables, consonant blends, contractions, word endings, suffixes and prefixes, diphthongs, hard and soft C words, hard and soft G words, synonyms, antonyms and homonyms. 

SPELLING: Students use the ACSI Spelling Series for Grade 2. Students learn about long and short vowels, syllables, plurals, word endings, base words, contractions and compound words. The Spelling program is an extension of the Phonics program.

MATH: Students use the Math Makes Sense 2 Workbook.  Students learn about sorting, patterning, number relationships time, temperature, money, addition and subtraction to 100, linear measurement, area, perimeter, 2D geometry, 3D geometry, multiplication, division, fractions, mass and capactity.

CREATIVE WRITING:  Students learn how to write sentences and questions. Students learn the three parts of a story and how to write a proper story. Students write a monthly story and journal. Other stories are written throughout the year.

SCIENCE AND SOCIAL STUDIES:  This year we are learning about our own heritage through a look at Canadian Traditions and Celebrations. We will travel the globe using our mapping skills, and do three in depth studies of different communities. We will study Nunavut, and Zimbabwe. In Science we study Air and Water in the Environment, Liquids and Solids, Animal Life Cycles, Animal Classifications and Simple Machines.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:  We are using Bible Truth's For Christian Schools - A Servant's Heart. During the year we will study unit of God is my King, The Best Way, A Humble Heart, Christmas, Serving God, God Gives Courage, A Forgiving Heart, Easter: He Lives, Jesus the Messiah and A Generous Heart.

FRENCH AND MUSIC:  These subjects are taught three times each week by another teacher.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION:  Students participate in a Gym class once a week. Students learn to play many co-operative games.

COMPUTER / ART/ LIBRARY:  Students go to the Computer Lab once a week, do Art projects once a week and visit the Library once a week.

FIELD TRIPS:  Students go on Field Trips throughout the year such as:  The Meadowvale Theatre, and the Toronto Zoo. Students also go skating in the Winter and swimming in the Spring.

Grade 3

The Grade Three curriculum offers a year full of new and challenging learning
opportunities for the students.

• cursive writing /  multiplying and dividing

This year also marks the beginning an exciting journey for students to
represent our school on our competitive and intramural sports teams.

• cross country /  track and field

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:  Bible Truths for Christian Schools: Following Christ, leads the students on a spiritual journey to know God, His character and promises, and His purpose for our lives. Students are given a verse from the Bible to memorize and are tested orally on a weekly basis.

COMPUTER LAB/LIBRARY: Students meet with Mrs. Groenenberg, twice a week for computer instruction and practice, and for library. Students sign out books of interest and/or research on a weekly basis.

CREATIVE WRITING: Using the text, Ontario Writing, students learn the writing process through the use poetry and stories. They learn how develop paragraphs, creating good opening and closing sentences. They will critique their spelling and grammar skills, and the continuity of their ideas, through the editing process.

FIELD TRIPS: Students have the opportunity to leave the classroom to explore their world through several trips. These trips compliment the units of study in the curriculum. We hike through the forest at Kortright Centre to investigate soil and the growth and change of plants. We go back in time as we tour Black Creek Pioneer Village to visualize the differences, and similarities of the early settlers in Canada. Mad Science visits our class to expand our scientific knowledge and understanding through hands-on experiments. Ontario Place is the end-of -the-year trip to reward ourselves for a successful Grade 3 year.

FRENCH AND MUSIC:  The students are taken to the French room four times a week to receive French instruction with their teacher, Ms. Plouffe.  Mrs. Fanni, the music teacher, offers an interactive music program twice a week in the music room.

MATHEMATICS: Students use the textbook, Math Quest 3, to review and build on the concepts they have learned and are introduced to new and challenging mathematical concepts. Topics include multiplication and division, measurement, money, fractions, decimals, problem solving, sequencing, rounding, graphing, temperature, perimeter, sorting, and classifying.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: Students participate in gym class twice a week. Students learn a variety of skills through co-operative games, sports, fitness, skating, and swimming activities played throughout the year.

READING: Students are assigned to a reader, Treat Street, Wonder Time, and Finders Keepersthat best suites their reading ability. Advanced readers will complete a comprehensive novel study, Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater.

SCIENCE: We discover our world through the units on Soil, Growth and Changes in Plants, and how machines work through the units on Magnets, Forces and Movement, and Structures and Stability.

SOCIAL STUDIES: The students learn about their Canadian heritage through the study of Early Settlements in Upper Canada, and about their beautiful country, Canada, as they investigate Urban and Rural Communities.

SPELLING: Students use the A.C.S.I. Spelling Workbook.  Phonetic and grammatical skills reinforce the learning of new spelling words. Students are given a list of spelling words to study and are tested on them weekly.

Grade 4

The grade 4 year begins with a study of Canada, where students become exposed to the richness and characteristics of the provinces and regions.

The unit concludes with a group project, with many subtasks.

We continue on with an in depth novel study of Helen Keller.  We learn of her inspirational life as a writer, speaker, and advocate.

The Medieval Times unit is a fantastic culmination to the grade 4 social studies curriculum.  During this unit the students learn about the time period as well as; experience the Medieval Times show in Toronto, create a Medieval brass rubbings art piece, and build a 3D castle project.

Once a month, all elementary students participate in an interactive chapel where we can fellowship together through story and song.  Each class participates in the Grandparents' Chapel and Christmas Concert.  These events give the students an opportunity to perform in front of parents, grandparents, family, and friends as we appreciate our ancestors and celebrate Jesus as the Reason for the Season!

Students participate in the ACSI (Association of Christian Schools

International) poetry/speech competition.  At the grade 4 level, all students are required to memorize a poem of their choice and recite it to their peers in class.  They also have the option of participating in the ACSI Math Olympics or Spelling Bee.  Successful candidates will compete against other schools.

The academic program is enriched with in school presentations from Mad Science, Dr. Recycle, and Erewhon Theatre.  The grade 4 and 5 students have the privilege of attending and playing their recorders with The Toronto Symphony Orchestra!

Grade 4 students are given the opportunity to be involved in the competitive sports programs at BCS;

Grades 3-6 Track and Field

Grades 3-8 Cross Country

Grades 4-6 Co-ed Soccer

Grades 4-6 Co-ed Softball

Grades 4-6 Boys' Basketball

Grades 4-6 Girls' Basketball

Our busy school year ends with an elementary picnic and a private pool party for the grade 4 and 5 students.  It's a well deserved treat for all of their hard work!

Grade 5

     In grade 5, I teach to excite the students with learning that is applicable to everyday life. The assignments and activities that the students complete are conducive to many learning styles. In our classroom we emphasize the importance of respect, self worth, and having a Christ centered life.

 
Every day, we work on developing excellent learning habits. We read and discuss Bible during Bible Habit time. We organize our homework and study plans as we complete our agendas. We always take time to do D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) and lunch time goes too fast as we enter the world of IMAGINATION by listening to exciting novels and stories of many genres. We always seem to stop at the most exciting parts!

     Some of our learning takes us out of the classroom.

     At the Ontario Science Centre we learn about how the human body works and how we can help take care of the world and practise sustainable conservation strategies.

     We go to Brampton City Hall to learn about the role of city government in our lives. We go to Peel Safety Village to take part in the exclusive Grade 5 program "Youth and the Law". Going to the ROM is a wonderful way to learn about Ancient Cultures. We explore Egypt through their unique digital gallery and enjoy hands on observation of real artifacts from China.

Finally, our goal is to "Work Smarter, not Harder"! Grade 5 has its challenges, but it is also a lot of fun!

Elementary Library

Our elementary library currently consists of over 8,000 books available to our elementary students on a sign out basis. 

We also have 25 computers which have 18 different Essential Skills Learning programs designed for children in JK all the way through to Grade 5.   

These programs were designed by teachers and they supplement classroom instruction.  Students learn that their own level and pace.  The Internet is also available for students to conduct research.  However, sites are guarded with a Pure Pages block to ensure that inappropriate sites are not visited.

Supervision is provided during both recesses in the library for those students who need to catch up on classroom work.

Each year we host 2 book fairs during the parent-teacher interview weeks in which both students and parents alike can purchase current reading materials.  Profits earned through this are put right back into to library in the form of new books.