Elementary
Summary of Our Elementary Program:
Bible:
Bible
at Tampa Bay Christian Academy includes daily Bible lessons, Biblical
integration into every subject, character development, mission emphasis,
and ministry opportunities. Specific events throughout the year include
weekly chapels, guest speakers, CBM- a Bible memory program, and the
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering.
Language Arts:
Reading
is fast paced and challenging as the students use the 2008 Imagine It,
the brand new reading/language arts curriculum by Open Court/SRA. It
provides a balance between phonological awareness and whole language
activities that include thematic units, brainstorming and acting out,
and explore a variety of material across the curriculum. As students
move into the upper elementary, the emphasis shifts from learning to
read to reading to learn. The amount of reading comprehension activities
and research opportunities increases at this level. In addition to
reading, Language Arts includes the teaching of writing, spelling,
phonics, language and handwriting using various approaches to meet all
learning needs. Specific activities throughout the year include the
Book-It reading program, journal writing, Young Author's Day, Spelling
Bees at the class and regional levels and the TIPS program.
Mathematics:
The
math program at Tampa Bay Christian Academy includes thorough coverage
of all aspects of math from the basics- addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division, to the more complicated- fractions,
geometry, measurement and money. Advanced math classes are offered in
4th -12th grades, allowing students to move up according to their
ability. We recently adopted Harcourt Math and are using the Florida
Edition so that our students are sure to cover all of the materials that
are tested in the public school system.
Social Studies:
Social
studies begins with an awareness of oneself, family, and develop a
sense of neighborhood, communities, and regions. Fourth grade focuses on
the state of Florida and fifth grade covers the history of the United
States. Special events through out the year include Florida History
Week, Black History and Multi-cultural Heritage Week, and mock elections
during election years. Related field trips include Cracker Country,
Heritage Park, PAC, and Great Explorations.
Science:
The
elementary school adopted a Christian science curriculum that is
published by Purposeful Design through the Association of Christian
Schools International. Throughout the elementary years, students are
introduced to the basics of life, earth/space, physical and chemical
science. Students learn through the scientific method, experiments,
hands on activities and projects, and special events such as the Science
Fair and God’s World Day. Science field trips include Lowry Park Zoo,
MOSI, The Florida Aquarium and a visit to the farm.
Music:
Elementary
music instruction includes songs, voice, instruments and theory.
Students in grades 3-8 can participate in the Academy Mixed Chorus.
Musical talent is showcased through special chapels, programs, music
festivals, and trips to local retirement centers. Students also
participate in an annual choir trip where they travel and sing in
various Florida cities. The Academy Mixed Chorus also performs at the
Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center each year.
Library:
Elementary
students visit the school media center on a weekly basis. Students are
taught how to use the library, have the opportunity to check out books
and are assisted with research for information using a variety of
resources including encyclopedias, almanacs, specific subject references
and the Internet.
Physical Education:
Students
in grades Kindergarten-5, have P.E. with the coaches every day.
Students are taught skills for a variety of sports as well as exercise
habits for a lifetime of fitness. Fifth grade students that master the
required level of fitness skills are awarded the Presidential Fitness
Award.
Art:
Elementary
students have the opportunity to explore a variety of media, textures
and color in different art activities throughout the year. Two
highlights in art are when a professional illustrator comes for some art
lessons, as well as an art gallery created by student art during our
Fine Arts Festival in the spring.
Computer:
Tampa
Bay Christian Academy has a new elementary computer lab and each class
visits on a weekly basis, or more often as needed. Students are
introduced to basic computer terms and skills. Basic keyboarding is
taught beginning in 3rd grade. The lab has a variety of educational
software that reinforces the learning activities of the classroom and
students are encouraged to visit the web sites and activities that
supplement our language arts and math curriculum.
Piano Lessons:
Piano lessons are available throughout the school day on an individually contracted basis.
Karate:
Karate is offered after school hours one day per week
Final Banquet:
As
a special closure to the elementary years and a send off to middle
school, the fifth grade has a very special end of the year banquet.