"EDUCATION IS NOT THE LEARNING OF FACTS, BUT THE TRAINING OF THE MIND TO THINK."
-Albert Einstein
CURRICULUM
Abeka
Abeka is our main resource for Pre-K and Kindergarten as well as 1st and 2nd Grade Reading/Phonics.This teacher-directed framework empowers teachers to focus students’ attention on the material they need to learn—in a context and sequence that will help them learn it best. Please click on the buttons to the right for Abeka Scope and Sequence.
Bob Jones University (BJU)
ODCS uses BJU Press for following grade levels and subjects.
Science - 3rd thru 7th
History - 1st thru 7th
Reading - 3rd and 4th
Bible - 1st thru 7th
According to their core values, BJU Press uses the biblical themes of Creation, the Fall, and Redemption as the lenses through which to look at all academic disciplines. As students view academic subjects through the lens of Scripture, they learn how to redeem those subjects back to God.
This curriculum uses hands-on-learning, creative problem solving, and other research-proven instructional strategies to engage students and inspire real learning. BJU Press also challenges students to connect what they are learning with other subject material. Students learn how concepts they learn in one subject are related to concepts learned in another subject.
All subjects in BJU Press curriculum promote critical and creative thinking that is foundationally biblical. BJU Press has been doing critical evaluations with other national standards for years in an effort to stay true to Scripture while at the same time still properly prepare students for the expectations of higher studies and the requirements of standardized testing.
Click on the button above to view Scope & Sequence for BJU.
Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW)
ODCS uses IEW for the 3rd thru 7th Grade Grammar, Writing, and Spelling.
IEW's unique approach provides the structure that teachers need to move students from imitation to innovation in all types of writing. Students develop confidence in the speaking and writing process while gradually working toward greater independence and creativity. They will learn nine structural models (note-taking, writing paragraphs, stories, simple reports, writing from pictures, research reports, inventive writing, essays, and critiques) to help them organize any type of composition and acquire the thinking skills they need to develop and express their own thoughts.
Additionally, stylistic techniques (strong verbs, quality adjectives, sentence openers, and more) are taught incrementally to gently move students from the basics into more sophisticated writing. As students work through the writing process, they use collaboration activities to learn group listening and speaking skills as well as public speaking skills.
Please watch the video to the right.
IEW Articles
Math in Focus: Singapore
The principles behind the Singapore Math® approach are drawn from foundational research that has identified the most effective mathematics instruction.
Leveraging global best practices and research to create a unique approach based on powerful visual models, engaging hands-on activities, and a consistent K–8 pedagogical approach, this solution empowers students to develop the critical-thinking skills, positive attitudes, and confidence needed to set the stage for achievement.
Summit Ministries - Apologetics
Apologetics is defined as reasoned arguments in justification of something, usually a religious doctrine. For us, Christian apologetics means the reasons we have for being Christians—the reasons we have for believing what we believe.
The foundation for Christian apologetics comes from many places in the Bible, but it is specifically mentioned in 1 Peter 3:15, where Peter writes the following:
“ … in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect …” (emphasis added)
The greek word in the original text that is translated as “to make a defense” is the word “apologia,” where we get the word apologetics. Christian apologetics, then, is the practice of making a defense for what we believe as followers of Christ.
Latin - Classical Academic Press
Classical Academic Press' award-winning Latin for Children curriculum is a strong, inviting, and creative program designed to introduce students (5th grade & up) to Latin. It incorporates elements that will engage students of every learning style. When used as a whole, this series trains students in grammar, vocabulary, and English derivatives in a lively, interactive way that is perfectly suited to students in the grammar stage. The Latin for Children series is taught directly to the child and is a perfect choice for teachers and parents, including those who will be learning along with their students.
Why Study Latin?
Articles
Handwriting - The Good and
the Beautiful
Research shows that teaching handwriting skills benefit cognitive development and motor skills, and can lead to improved writing skills and reading comprehension. In other words, children not only learn to read faster when they learn to write by hand first, but research suggests they are also better at generating ideas and retaining information than children who do not practice handwriting.
The physical act of printing requires focus, discipline, patience, attention to detail, and accuracy - priceless skills for the young child at the beginning of their academic career.
At Open Door, we are intentional about our students developing excellent penmanship as research supports the idea that cursive can increase left/right brain connection. Once cursive is taught in 3rd grade, students are required to write in cursive across all subjects each year.
Nature Studies: PK - 2nd Grade
Nature Study lays the foundation for science lessons.
It awakens the scientific side of the brain in the same way that a good book can awaken the imagination.
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It helps the student to see science face to face, to understand the processes going on around them every day and to develop in them a hunger to learn more.
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The study of science began with philosophers observing things in nature that made them question why.
Nature study can be one of the tools we use to train them how to observe because it teaches the student to slow down and really see the science surrounding them.
Most importantly, Nature Studies provide us with beautiful opportunities to teach our children about God's creation and how everything in nature points us right back to our Creator.
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