Curriculum

We have chosen curriculum for each grade level in every subject area that we believe is challenging and interesting. We continue to evaluate, supplement, and change our curriculum as needed, bringing in more effective tools and new methodologies where they may benefit our program. Because of this, our excellent curriculum has continued to grow stronger and stronger over the past 35+ years.

Language Arts

Reading

Reading is the single most important skill that a child will learn in school. Our reading instruction begins in kindergarten and is built on a phonics-based approach. An understanding of phonics is the key that enables students to decode words. As decoding skills increase, the primary emphasis is on comprehension and vocabulary acquisition. Students are instructed in specific comprehension strategies in order to improve their understanding of any type of text.

In grades K – 2, the reading instruction is personalized so that students are challenged to excel and progress to levels beyond their grade level. In grades 3 – 4, we use a literature-based approach as students grow in their comprehension and vocabulary through analysis of the literature. Each class spends dedicated time each week to be in our library. Teachers use this reading instruction time to foster the love of reading, help children check out books, and continue to work on developing their passion and skills as readers.

Grammar

The Shurley Grammar program progressively teaches students to understand all the words in a sentence and how they relate to one another. Students are taught that each part of speech has a particular function within every sentence. Shurley Grammar uses repetition, builds one concept upon another, and teaches students how to perform a critical analysis of entire sentences. These skills are foundational for communicating with clarity and precision as well as developing foreign language skills.

Writing

Writing is taught K – 3 in a workshop approach. Instruction is differentiated for each student as they work on their own writing pieces and develop their skills and strategies for idea development, organization, and conventions. When students enter grades 3 and 4, they begin to pull all they have learned together as they write animal research projects (grade 3) and write and present on biographical figures and U.S. presidents (grade 4).

Grades K – 3 host author celebrations when every student displays a piece of writing, and parents are invited to attend all of these celebrations and presentations.

Spelling

The Spalding method used in grades K – 4 is a multi-sensory approach where students learn to spell by saying, hearing, writing, and seeing, thereby using all avenues to the brain. The students memorize 70+ phonograms and the letters or group of letters that represent one sound. The students apply their knowledge of phonograms and English rules to analyze and spell the 1,000 most commonly used words in the English language (the Ayre's List).

Math

Our goal in mathematics is to give students a solid foundation in skills and knowledge while expanding their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. We use Saxon through Math 4 as the core curriculum and enrich with problem solving and critical thinking exercises. Saxon is a hands-on mastery-oriented program that introduces and practices new skills each lesson, then gives independent practice on previously introduced skills so the students constantly review concepts. Assessments are given weekly to ensure mastery of concepts. GO Math! curriculum from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is used beginning with Math 5.

Math Placement

We are committed to challenging our students to go as far as possible in their math skills and to keep the math instruction at a pace that is appropriate for each student's development. Students in grades 1 – 4 are evaluated at the end of the previous school year and placed in math classes that are the best fit for them, either at grade level or above grade level. All math classes are offered simultaneously so that students can move to the appropriate class for that instructional period.

Lab-based Science

Our lab-based science program is designed to equip our young students to think well and to be compelled by their faith to know science and apply that knowledge in innovative ways. A science specialist is dedicated to preparing our young scientists in the Lower School. From exploration to engaging the scientific method, students refine discovery, analysis, and research skills.

Each grade level studies topics in earth science, life science, and physical science. The classroom experiences and the lab are integrated to encourage students to want to know more as they master content, learn the scientific method, and successfully draw conclusions. In kindergarten, our DIG (Discovering and Investigating God’s Creation) is an outdoor science experience which helps students explore God’s creation.

Arts

Our visual and performing arts programs include music and art specialists as well as live dramatic and music performances. As part of the music curriculum, students in grades 3 and 4 learn to read music and play the recorder, ukelele, and Orff Schulwerk instruments. General music class is part of the curriculum in all Lower School grades.

Learn more about Lower School Arts at Bear Creek.

Innovation and Technology

Technical and digital literacy is a critical competency in today’s world. Students develop skills utilizing various software, hardware, and web-based tools while learning to apply basic engineering principles of creative problem solving, collaboration, and design. Students explore keyboarding, graphic design, and learn basic programming.

Students also use computers and iPads as tools to increase their learning in subjects they are studying in the classroom with adaptive programs that individualize instruction to focus on each student’s specific needs for math fact fluency, reading skills, and vocabulary development and to conduct research. Beginning in grade 3, keyboarding is taught intentionally. The curriculum progresses through a series of computer skills, and students learn many applications including PowerPoint, Word, and Teams.

Our Programming and Math Foundations specialist curriculum is designed towards creative computing. Students design creations, personalize them, collaborate with peers, and then reflect on and rethink their ideas. Students imagine, plan, design, and then create projects using visual programming languages.

Social Studies/History

It is important for students to understand the world around them and have knowledge about historical events and how they impact the world today. Students study cultures in countries around the world as well as our own community, state, and nation. In grades 2 – 12, students spiral through the study of ancient, Medieval, and modern history three times.

Bible

Students learn about the grand narrative of the Christian faith by studying the Bible. They study the people, places, and events in the Bible. They are taught a cohesive framework for Christianity and understand where they fit into God’s plan for His people.

LanguageS

Songs, games, drama, and other fun activities help students learn vocabulary and grammar in other languages. In kindergarten, students are exposed to several languages. Students study Spanish in grades 1 – 2, and Latin in grades 3 – 4.

Latin

Learning Latin helps students better understand English vocabulary and complex grammatical concepts. Latin also improves analytical and problem-solving skills and exposes students to culture and linguistic history. Students in grades 3 – 4 receive Latin instruction which provides an excellent foundation for future language acquisition. Latin instruction is part of the required curriculum through grade 8 at Bear Creek, and Upper School students may continue to study it or learn another language.

Physical Education

Twice each week, students participate in Physical Education, enjoying movement and working together. We focus on fun, friendship, and exercise as well as building our coordination and learning skills that transfer to sports and games. In class, we emphasize that honoring God is more important than the game. Read more about Lower School P.E. on our blog.

Program Highlights

Field Trips

Field trips give students the opportunity to experience hands-on learning. Field trips are integral to the overall curricular plan because they help students directly apply their learning in a variety of settings outside the classroom.

Shakespeare Immersion

Students in grade 4 investigate and experience theater by studying and performing classical Shakespeare. All Lower School students attend these drama performances. This unique window into the world of Elizabethan drama provides an exceptional platform to teach about the human condition and aims to cultivate in students an understanding of human virtue and frailty by examining the great works of William Shakespeare through stage performance and curricular parallels. Through drama, students increase vocabulary, develop literacy skills, and experience literature. They also gain confidence and composure in front of an audience and learn to present themselves well.