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Art Students at all grades participate in art classes in which they study art awareness and the elements of art and design. They have the opportunity to express themselves and explore their artistic talents in a variety of media. Formal instruction includes work in drawing, sculpture, pastels and appointing tempera and watercolor. An “Artist of the Month” is usually featured in which the students learn about each artist and his/her style as they become familiar with world famous works of great art. There are also numerous special projects and opportunities for participating in city-wide art contests and shows. |
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Music Music class instruction is offered at every grade level, Pre-K through 8th grade, and covers a wide variety of concepts that are developed at each level. The Silver Burdett Music Series supported by Orff/Kodaly materials and instruction form the basis for the program. The Core Knowledge Sequence is incorporated into the curriculum, as well. Concepts and activities included in the music curriculum are:
The more the child understands the foundation of music, the more he or she will enjoy the art of making music. |
| Christian Education BFCS students learn many aspects of the Christian Life and what it means to be a Christian today. During the class, students learn Bible knowledge such as books of the Bible, divisions and authors. Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments help the children understand their faith. The life of Jesus is studied with an emphasis on His birth, miracles and parables, and His death and resurrection. Important Biblical figures in both the Old and New Testaments are also emphasized. A look at other religions such as Judaism, Hinduism, and the Moslem faith comprise a part of the curriculum. We believe that children need to know of the religions others embrace around the world, in order to promote respect and understanding for the differences. Sex education and the importance of developing a healthy respect for one’s body, a gift from God, is another component of our Christian Education classes. Our overall goal is to help children understand that God loves us, is ever-present and all-knowing. God takes care of us, He hears our prayers and responds, and has promised us if we accept His Son, Jesus, as our Lord and Savior, we will have eternal life with Him after our earthly journey has been completed. |
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Physical Education Physical education is a developmental program organized to promote physical fitness, good health and growth, and provides an opportunity to learn lifetime activities. The instructional program is organized into three major divisions: Games and Sports, Rhythmic Activities and Gymnastics. At each level of development, assessment is done in order to encourage children to strive to reach their potential. Units in the lower grades (Pre-K through 2nd) include: Manipulative and Motor Skills (frisbees, jump rope, gymnastics, tumbling) Rhythms (parachute, wands, hoops) Also included are kickball, a variety of games, and participation in field day Upper level units stress readiness to participate in sports and actually playing the game. Activities include: Frisbees, juggling, soccer, football, basketball, rhythms, jump rope, gymnastics, volleyball, softball, track and field and participation in Field Day. |
| Computer Science Computer Science is a progressive program spanning all grades. We strive to help our students become computer literate and understand the uses and great potential of the computer as it can be applied in every day life. Lessons are age and grade-level appropriate as students learn to use the computer as a tool for word processing, research, presentations and spread sheets, and to assist with specific curricular enrichment. Library BFCS students enjoy a library class time each week. During this visit, the children may enjoy having a story read to them, as well as learn about the functions of the library; how to locate books of their choice, and how to access information in the research area. Children are always encouraged to check out books and read as much as possible. We strive to help the children develop a true love of reading, so they are encouraged to visit the library before or after school, or at times, as permitted by their classroom teachers. Spanish We recognize the importance of proficiency in a second language, so Spanish is an integral part of our curriculum. Students develop oral proficiency while learning essential study techniques and self-discipline that are needed to learn a new language. Our primary goal is for each student to develop a working knowledge of the language so he/she can understand and express himself-herself clearly and effectively. S.O.A.R. (Strategies of Accelerated Reasoning) Beginning in the first grade, students participate in a weekly class designed to help them develop higher order thinking skills. Emphasis is placed on instruction in Calvin Taylor’s Talents Unlimited Thinking Model that encompasses Productive Thinking, Forecasting, Communication, Planning and Decision Making. In addition, students participate in Jr. Great Books style discussions about literature they have read as they are encouraged to think analytically and creatively. Critical thinking and creative problem solving skills, as well as analogical reasoning and writing creative analogies, are also included as a vital part of this curriculum. |
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