Open Door Christian Schools

ODCS is very proud of its Elementary School program and students. In addition to traditional academics, emphasis is placed on missions and mission support, drama programs, and extracurricular sports programs. Elementary students have won awards in local events including the Lego Olympiad, ACSI Spelling Bee, Ad Design campaigns, etc... Our students are encouraged to do their best academically, physically, socially, and spiritually.

BIBLE
God’s Word is the foundation for all truth and teaches us how we should live. (II Timothy 3:16) Bible stories are told through the use of pictures and a written text. Christ-like characteristics and moral values are taught. Bible verses are explained by the teacher and learned by students each week. The focus of the curriculum is God and my world
ACSI Elementary Bible Series – Grade 1. 1995.

READING/WRITING/SPELLING
This course includes direct instruction in phonemic awareness, daily oral reading activities, silent reading times, invented spelling and formal spelling instruction, and writing and handwriting exercises.
SRA Open Court Reading. McGraw Hill Companies, 2002. 

BIBLE
Students will study the lives of several Old Testament and New Testament personalities. Important character traits to model will be discussed. Weekly Bible verses will be memorized and discussed.
ACSI Elementary Bible Series – Grade 2. 1995.

READING
The second grade reading curriculum is largely a phonetic program using meaningful literary content. It is a program designed with explorable concepts that will encourage the learner to think, raise questions, and become good readers.  All students are challenged to stretch and to grow, each at his or her own level. Children learn to read critically incorporating God’s values into the literature.
SRA Open Court Reading. McGraw Hill Companies, 2002.

BIBLE
The focus in third grade Bible is Christ and His Church. Students study the gospels and the book of Acts. Weekly Bible verses are memorized and discussed.
ACSI Elementary Bible Series – Grade 3. 1995.

READING
Through the use of a variety of genres, this course will develop comprehension and monitoring skills and introduce literary elements, while the students participate in oral and silent reading.
SRA Open Court Reading. McGraw Hill Companies, 2002.

BIBLE
The focus of this study is on basic doctrines of the Christian faith, put in a way children can understand. There will also be time spent on the use of Bible reference materials such as a concordance and an atlas.
ACSI Elementary Bible Series – Grade 4. 1995.

READING
Through the use of a variety of genres, fourth graders will develop reading strategies, vocabulary, and comprehension. Choosing materials appropriate for researching a particular theme is emphasized to promote thinking and decision making skills. We believe these skills are necessary for interpreting and understanding the Bible as well as other literature.
SRA Open Court Reading. McGraw Hill Publishing Company, 2002.

BIBLE
The primary goal of Bible class is to make the Word of God more meaningful to the lives of the students. Students need to find knowledge, wisdom, and understanding for themselves from the Word of God. The Bible can teach them how to live by using key stories to show students how to conform to the image of Jesus Christ. A workbook with life principles, character studies, puzzles, skits, and discussion will be used. Weekly memory verses will be given for students to be tested on, along with quizzes pertaining to the daily studies from the workbook. Focus will be on the Old Testament.
ACSI Elementary Bible Series – Grade 5. 1995.
NIV Bible
Memory Verse list

READING
In this course the natural connections between reading, writing, speaking, and viewing are integral parts of the program. Students are encouraged to develop intrinsic motivational principles and ultimately improve communication skills. Various reading selections and novels are used to provide experience in many genres. Story grammar, character analysis, vocabulary, and developing a love for the written word are key elements.
Bereiter, Anderson, Brown. Collections for Young Scholars 5. Open Court Publishing Company. 1995. Novel studies

BIBLE
The sixth graders are introduced to the elements of inductive Bible study in this curriculum. Bible memorization is also emphasized.
God’s Amazing Creation. Precepts Ministries, 2001.
Digging up the Past. Precepts Ministries, 2001.
Abraham – God’s Brave Explorer. Precepts Ministries, 2003.

READING
Students learn to analyze, interpret, and critique an author’s intended message. Students discuss and communicate their analysis in written and oral form including: the author’s choice of plot, character development, dialogue, vocabulary, and scene description. Students are evaluated through written essays, oral presentations, quizzes, tests, and appropriate projects.
Pearson, Johnson, Clymer, …. Wind by the Sea. Silver Burdett & Ginn, 1989.
Novel studies