Curriculum

All across the country educators teach the story of science, language, math, even physical education, all through the lens of a postmodern culture. Central Christian School is different. Our curriculum, rather, is delivered in an integrated, thematic approach based on God’s story of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation from the very beginning of time through the present. When we plan each unit at grade level, we begin with a Biblical worldview. We look at the Creation Story to see what God intended, how it has fallen, what part in the redemptive story we play in restoring it and finally how it will look upon fulfillment. Only after this framework is in place for all content do we plan instruction.

 

Curricular Distinctives. At each grade level (JK - 6^th) our teachers weave four curricular distinctives: Story Framework, Enduring Truths, Global Study and Biblical Story. Story Framework provides connection with meaningful experiences at developmentally appropriate levels. For example, students relate to family before they are able to understand more complex social structures such as government. Enduring Truth is defined as Biblical truth in everyday reality. When we teach the American Revolution, we help students understand it as conflict resolution.   These Enduring Truths are the foundation of each unit, and Essential Questions are the means to uncover these Truths. Global Studies orient young minds to our global culture. Biblical Story means that Biblical integration is evident in all subjects. For example, we present the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys while studying Ancient Greece and Rome.

 

Why Integrated Curriculum? Integrated Curriculum allows students to see experiences and interests as a whole. Units are comprised of connected content across disciplines (curriculum maps) to understand Truth in a real world, problem-solving context. Students discover the unity between disciplines that exist in creation and are equipped to deal with complex issues, including social and moral aspects, as they study across defined subjects. Because longer blocks of time are given to the study of integrated units, students are provided an increased focus on learning. Integration benefits not only our students, but our faculty, as well; collaboration among teachers implementing integrated units leads to renewed enthusiasm for teaching!

 

We have also drafted skills based standards founded on the latest research and best practices to marry with content. The standards have also been written with higher level thinking taxonomy built in, not just rote memorization. Critical thinking and literacy skills emphasize reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking to articulate God’s truth. Research-based best practices drive instruction and assessment to share God’s truth with the next generation. Because all subjects connect to each other, our students engage in real life problem solving that will allow them to be discerners of the culture and be able to impact it accordingly for the glory of Christ!