First grade

Students explore the lives of key men and women of the Bible, gaining insight into their character, strengths, weaknesses, and the choices that shaped their journeys. Through these stories, students learn practical, timeless truths—such as how obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings consequences, and God faithfully works through imperfect people.

Throughout the cycle, students study a variety of Bible figures, including Joshua, the Judges, Ruth, Jonah, Moses, and others. Using Abeka Flash-a-Cards and engaging narratives, students visualize major events—such as Moses’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land—and discover how his choices, courage, and trials reveal God’s guidance and faithfulness.

As students examine the victories, failures, joys, and hardships of these biblical characters, they learn how to respond to real-life challenges with wisdom, humility, and trust in the Lord.

Math with Confidence Level 1 is a full-year, hands-on math curriculum designed to give first-grade students a strong foundation in essential math skills. Through interactive lessons, real-life examples, and playful activities, students explore number sense, addition and subtraction, place value, measurement, time, money, and beginning geometry. The program uses a gentle spiral approach with built-in review and engaging practice to ensure deep understanding and long-term mastery. With its clear, step-by-step instruction, Math with Confidence Level 1 helps students develop fluency, confidence, and a positive attitude toward math.

Students discover a whole new world of reading as they build confidence and fluency through stories that coordinate directly with the phonics concepts they are learning. They begin with simple one- and two-vowel word stories and gradually progress to beautifully written early readers inspired by classic children’s literature. These selections not only strengthen decoding skills but also nurture character and a love for reading.

Language 1, designed for independent work time, provides daily practice that strengthens thinking skills, reading comprehension, and early writing abilities. Throughout the year, students learn to write complete sentences, use correct capitalization, add appropriate ending punctuation, alphabetize words, and recognize common prefixes and suffixes.

In Writing with Phonics 1, students develop cursive handwriting while reinforcing phonics knowledge. They learn proper letter formation, consistent slant, and clear spacing. Practice begins with single letters and gradually moves to special sounds, words, sentences, short paragraphs, and even simple poems. Beginning around Lesson 81, penmanship transitions into creative writing, guiding students step-by-step as they learn to craft their own stories while maintaining neat handwriting habits.

In Spelling and Poetry 1, students apply their phonics skills as they master the spelling of approximately 420 words. Because most spelling lists are arranged phonetically, children naturally learn common spelling patterns. They also memorize sight words, contractions, and abbreviations that will appear frequently in their reading and writing. Throughout the year, students memorize and recite eight poems—building oral speaking skills, expression, and an early appreciation for the beauty of poetry.

Our early elementary history program helps first- and second-grade students understand their place in God’s world by exploring America’s heritage, community life, and the people and events that shaped our nation. Using a two-year rotating cycle, students build a strong foundation in citizenship, geography, and patriotism while developing map skills, reading comprehension, and an appreciation for God’s hand in history.

In My America and My World, students explore the foundations of the United States and the freedoms we enjoy. They meet influential American patriots, travel across the regions of the country, and learn what it means to be a responsible, engaged citizen. Students also learn patriotic songs, practice basic map and globe skills, and are introduced to key countries and U.S. territories. Additional resources—America: Our Great Country, Children of the World, and Community Helpers—enrich the study by helping students understand how people around the world live, work, and contribute to their communities.

At BHCA, our early elementary science curriculum is designed to help first- and second-grade students marvel at God’s creation while building foundational scientific understanding, curiosity, and critical thinking. Using a two-year rotating cycle, students explore the world around them through engaging lessons, vibrant visuals, and hands-on activities—all taught through a biblical lens that highlights God as the Master Designer.

In Discovering God’s World, students are introduced to essential scientific concepts through studies of plants, animals, insects, energy, health, the seasons, and the five senses. Colorful illustrations and interactive demonstrations draw students into the wonder of creation, strengthening early comprehension skills and building confidence as young scientists.

Our art program is designed to nurture creativity, build confidence, and help students appreciate the beauty of God’s creation through hands-on artistic expression. Rotating on a two-year cycle, students explore a wide range of techniques, styles, and mediums while enjoying meaningful monthly projects that align with seasons, holidays, and classroom themes.

Throughout the program, students are introduced to foundational art concepts—such as the color wheel, basic design elements, and principles of composition—while experimenting with various media, including crayons, markers, paint, paper crafts, and chalk. Each project is crafted to encourage imagination, develop fine motor skills, and guide students in expressing themselves in ways that are pure, lovely, and of good report.

Seasonal, patriotic, academic, and keepsake projects add variety and excitement, giving students plenty of opportunities to create artwork they are proud to share. A glossary of art terminology and guided instruction help students understand important concepts while still enjoying the fun, exploratory nature of art.