Legacy Christian Academy Classroom Curriculum
As a private school, we have the freedom to choose our own curriculum without governmental interference. Our curriculum selections are based on proven scientific research – not fads. We choose curriculum that is relevant and matches our learning goals. For the core subjects of reading, writing, and mathematics, here are our research-based choices in curriculum:
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Rowland Reading
Rowland Reading Foundation’s Superkids curriculum is a research-based, highly-engaging language arts curriculum that has proven successful in developing our kindergarten, first, and second-grade students’ reading and writing abilities. Most notably, our SAT-10 reading scores increased in K-2 with the addition of the Rowland Reading curriculum. Our students and teachers alike find this curriculum to be incredibly enjoyable as well. Rowland Reading is entirely aligned to current standards and provides students with a comprehensive, systematic way to engage with literacy. We are confident that this program will provide the excellent foundation primary grade learners need for lifelong success in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
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Step Up to Writing At Legacy
we are equipping our students with the ability and desire to write with purpose. One of Legacy’s stated LEAD goals is for students to be "Accelerated Achievers” – to articulate thoughts clearly through systematic writing. One way we have targeted this learning goal is by adopting the program Step Up to Writing (SUTW). This organized system is used school-wide and is integrated across all grade levels, in enrichment classes and even during math lessons. Teachers model correct processes of organizing thought into writing in a systematic way, allowing students to take the abstract art of writing and make it concrete. SUTW utilizes color coding, drawing, outlining and systems for revisions and edits. Students use these same tools from grade to grade and across content areas. You’ll be impressed by how this curriculum inspires confidence in even the most hesitant of writers. As students learn how to systematize their writing, they feel more equipped as a writer to branch out creatively and explore different genres of writing. Narrative (stories), expository (paragraphs and reports) and opinion/persuasive writing are each specifically targeted at all grade levels. With SUTW we equip our students to LEAD in their understanding and analysis of excellent writing.
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Accelerated Reader
The Accelerated Reader (AR) Program is a computer program that motivates students to read independently and helps teachers and librarians manage and monitor students’ reading practice. A student picks a book at his/her own level and reads it at his/her own pace. When finished, the student takes a short quiz on the computer. AR gives children, teachers, and librarians feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help the child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice. Since they’re reading books at their reading and interest levels, students are likely to be successful. This is satisfying for most children. Incentives are also given to students who reach their point and quiz average goals. But best of all, they learn and grow at their own pace.
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MIND Math
Created by MIND Research in collaboration with more than 13 universities, including University of Pittsburgh, Johns Hopkins University, Medical University of South Carolina, East China Normal University, University of Montreal, University of Victoria, UCLA and University of California, Irvine, ST Math games use interactive technology and graphically-rich animations to visually represent mathematical concepts to improve conceptual understanding and problem solving skills. The ST Math K-8 courseware is a research-proven, comprehensive, grade level math instructional program that utilizes Spatial-Temporal (ST) reasoning [or the innate ability to visualize and manipulate images through a sequence of steps in space and time]. ST Math has also been identified by the CEO-led Change the Equation as one of just four STEM programs ready to scale nationally. ST Math incorporates the latest research in learning and the brain and promotes mastery-based learning and mathematical understanding.
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Destiny Quest.
Library Volumes of new books and eBooks are showing up every day on the Legacy Christian Academy campus. Destiny Quest, our library management system that is available online and through the Destiny Quest App, will facilitate students checking out eBooks and hard-copy books. Through Destiny Quest, Legacy students can also view lists of popular books, see what other students are reading at Legacy and even post reviews of books, viewable only by our Legacy family. The "universal search” feature allows students to research or surf the web safely at school or at home. Students will be able to type in a topic and receive a full online listing of Legacy books, eBooks and a comprehensive listing of student-friendly websites and links. This is a huge benefit for Legacy students for two distinct reasons. First, it is a boon for internet safety. Second, it provides a big boost to efficiency. The filtered sites direct students to educational resources instead of advertisements or wikis, so students spend more time reading authentic text and less time searching and filtering content themselves.
(For current Legacy students and parents)
K-5 Grade Level Distinctives
Differentiated Reading and Math Centers
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & student iPads and Bee Bots
Oral Presentations:
- Poetry Recitations
- Superkids Open House presentation of “The Glum Princess"
Major Writing Projects:
- Problem and Solution Story
- Riddles describing favorite Superkid
- Nonfiction write about mixing colors
Animal research project
Author Studies:
- Nonfiction research for mixing colors and learning about animals
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Wood and paper unit with observation journals
- Life-Science (fish/worms/bugs?)
- Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO
Biome Study:
- N/A
Music:
- Piano Keyboarding
- Learning songs for Christmas play and graduation
Christmas Performance:
- The Nativity Play
Field trips:
- Dentist Office
- Underwood Farms
Reading:
- Systematic Explicit Phonics Curriculum
- Producing Early Readers
- Decodable Leveled Readers
- Accelerated Reader Library Program
- Literature Read Alouds
- Emphasis on Building Exceptional
- Spelling, Phonics, Vocabulary,
- Penmanship, Grammar & Writing Skills
- Mastery of 90 Dolch Sight Words
Math:
- Progress in Mathematics
- Zero the Hero
- Mountain Math Spiral Review
- ST MIND Math and Math Fact Fluency on iPads & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
- Names & Locations of 50 States
Science:
- Animals Two by Two
- Properties of Wood & Paper
Bible:
- Memory Verses, Daily Class Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
- PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Mandarin Chinese (optional)
Differentiated Reading and Math Centers
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & student iPads
Oral Presentations:
- All About Me Informative Speech
- Ladder Book Report Presentation
- Forest Animal Biome Report & Presentation
Major Writing Projects:
- If You Give a Mouse a Cookie - Cause & Effect
- Personal Narrative
- Forest Animal Research Report
- Response to Literature
- Author Studies: Laura Numeroff, H.A. Rey, & Margaret Wise Brown
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Design and observe insect habitat
Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO - Biome Study: Temperate Forest
Music:
- Piano Keyboarding, King Wenceslas Christmas Performance
Field trips:
- Los Angelse Zoo
Language Arts:
- Systematic Explicit Phonics Curriculum, Decodable Leveled Readers, Literature Circles, Novel Studies & Accelerated Reader Library Program, Literature Read Alouds, Emphasis on Building Exceptional Spelling, Phonics, Vocabulary, Penmanship, Grammar & Writing Skills
Math:
- Progress in Mathematics, Problem of the Day, Mountain Math Spiral Review, ST MIND Math and Math Fact Fluency on iPads & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
- America Past & Present
- Pearson My World - Our Past, Our Present
Science:
- States of Matter (solid, liquid, gas), Air & Weather, Lifecycle of Plants & Animals
Bible:
- Memory Verses, Daily Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
- PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Art, Mandarin Chinese (optional)
Differentiated Reading and Math Centers
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & student iPads
Oral Presentations:
- Poetry Composition Recitation
- My Flat Stanley Presentation
- Ocean Animal Speech
Major Writing Projects:
- Poetry Unit
- Ocean Animal Research Report
- Friendly Letter
- Response to Literature
- Transition from print to cursive
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Designs and builds a roller coaster
- Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO
Biome Study:
- Ocean
Music:
- Piano keyboarding, The Reluctant Inn Keeper Christmas Performance
Field trips:
- Long Beach Aquarium
- Natural History Museum
Language Arts:
- Systematic Explicit Phonics Curriculum, Decodable Leveled Readers, Literature Circles, Novel Studies & Accelerated Reader Library Program, Literature Read Alouds, Emphasis on Building Exceptional Spelling, Phonics, Cursive Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar & Writing Skills
Math:
- Progress in Mathematics, Problem of the Day, Mountain Math Spiral Review, ST MIND Math and Math Fact Fluency on iPads & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
- My Community, My Country, Celebrating our Traditions; Our Nation Past & Present
Science:
- Balance and Motion, Soil Science, Reproduction of Plants & Animals
Bible:
- Memory Verses, Daily Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
- PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Art, Mandarin Chinese (optional)
Differentiated Reading and Math Centers
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & personal computer Chromebooks for research
Oral Presentations:
- Historical Figure Presentations
- Rainforest Animal Speech
- Imaginative Narrative Presentation
Major Writing Projects:
- Rainforest Research Report
- Historical Figure Research Report
- Imaginative Narrative
- Response to Literature
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Brine Shrimp Investigation,
- Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO
- Biome Study: Rain Forest
Music:
- Piano keyboarding & recorder, The Loaned Manger Christmas Performance
Field trips:
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Santa Clarita Historical Tour
Reading:
- Novel Studies, Literature Inquiry Circles, Accelerated Reader Library Program, Literature Read-Alouds, Emphasis on Building Exceptional Vocabulary, Phonics, Comprehension Inquiry, Spelling, Writing, Grammar, and Cursive Penmanship Skills
Math:
- Progress in Mathematics, Problem of the Day, Mountain Math Spiral Review, ST MIND Math on Computer Chromebooks & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
- Our Communities, Our Environment, US Government, Oceans, Continents & US Regions
Science:
- Matter & Energy, Solar System, Ecosystems & Food Chains
Bible:
- Memory Verses, Daily Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
- PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Art, Mandarin Chinese (optional)
Differentiated Reading Centers and Leveled Math Classes
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & personal computer Chromebooks for research, word processing, Google Docs, & access to educational websites
Oral Presentations:
- Impromptu Speech (Informational Summer Presentation)
- Landmark Speech
- Persuasive Speech
- Monthly Poetry Presentations
Major Writing Projects:
- California Landmark Research Report
- Fantasy Narrative
- Persuasive Letter
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Build a Telegraph
- Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO
- Biome Study: Desert
Music:
Piano keyboarding
Christmas Hang-ups Christmas Performance
Field trips:
Santa Barbara Mission,
California Science Center, & Sacramento Overnight
Language Arts:
Reading - Foundational Comprehensive Skills (Making Meaning Curriculum) Shared Inquiry (Jr. Great Books)
Cursive Penmanship Skills
Novel Studies & Accelerated Reader Library Program
Literature Read Alouds
Emphasis on Building Exceptional Spelling, Vocabulary, Grammar & Writing Skills
Math:
Progress in Mathematics
Cursive Penmanship Skills
Mountain Math Spiral Review
ST MIND Math on Computer Chromebooks, Real-World Project & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
California History & Gold Rush Simulation
Science:
Magnetism, Circuits, Electromagnetism, Geology, Earth Materials, Environment
Bible:
Memory Verses, Daily Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Art, Mandarin Chinese (optional)
Departmentalized and differentiated Math, English, Literature, and History classes
Technology-rich classroom with Interactive Whiteboards with mobile iPad, document camera & personal computer Chromebooks for research, word processing, Google Docs, & access to educational websites
Oral Presentations:
- State Presentations
- Persuasive Speech
- Declaration of Independence
Major Writing Projects:
- State Research Reports
- Travel Agent Persuasive Write
- Tall Tale Narratives
- Response to Literature
Interactive Science Laboratory:
- Develop a Scientific Inquiry Project following the Scientific Method
- Opportunity to participate in STEM EXPO
Music:
- Piano keyboarding, Camel Lot Christmas Performance
Field trips:
- Ronald Reagan Museum
- Riley’s Farm Overnight
Literature & English:
- Novel Studies & Accelerated Reader Library Program
- Literature Inquiry Circles
- Literature Read Alouds
- Emphasis on Building Exceptional Spelling, Vocabulary, Grammar & Writing Skills
Math:
- 5th or 6th Grade Progress in Mathematics, Mountain Math Spiral Review, ST MIND Math on Chromebooks, Math Market Entrepreneur Project & More
History/Social Studies/Geography:
- United States History: America’s Past
- Explorer’s Simulation, Colonial Fair
Science:
- Mixtures & Solutions, Planetary Science & Weather, Living Systems
Bible:
- Memory Verses, Daily Devotions, Heartwork
Enrichment Classes:
- PE, Library, Spanish, Computers, Music, Art, Mandarin Chinese (optional)