K-5 Curriculum

The following "Scope and Sequence" grid reflects our Classical and University-style approach. For more detail on the underlying principles that shape our curriculum, please refer to The Classical Model page, which also provides some examples of the content and methods used in our curriculum. The TCS curriculum is designed to be vertically integrated, with consistency and linkages between course topics in each grade level.  At the same time, the TCS curriculum is horizontally integrated, allowing for a smooth and logical progression between grade levels. The resources listed are subject to change.   Kindergarten First Grade Second Grade Third Grade Fourth Grade Fifth Grade  Math Saxon Math 1 Saxon Math 2 Saxon Math 3 Saxon Math 5/4 Saxon Math 6/5 Saxon Math 7/6  Science Selected Topics Life Science: Animals, the Human Body, and Plants Earth Science, Geology, Weather,   and Astronomy Real Science 4 Kids: Chemistry Real Science 4 Kids: Physics Life Science  History and Bible                             The Child's Story Bible and selected historical topics drawn from outstanding children's literature Ancient Civilizations (Story of the World)   Medieval History, the Renaissance, and the Reformation  (Story of the World)  America and the World, 1600-1850 (Story of the World, A History of US) America and the World, 1850-2000 (Story of the World, A History of US) Ancient Civilizations (Story of the World)  Language Arts Classical Phonics, Spell to Write and Read Phonogram Cards, Primary Phonics Readers, Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization, D'Nealian Handwriting, Copy Work, Classic Literature Spell To Write and Read, D'Nealian Handwriting, Shurley English, Writing With Ease, Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization, Classic Literature    Spell To Write and Read, D'Nealian Handwriting,Writing With Ease, Shurley English, Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization, Classic Literature Spell To Write and Read, D'Nealian Handwriting, Writing With Ease, Shurley English, Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization, Classic Literature  Spell To Write and Read, D'Nealian Handwriting, Writing With Ease, Shurley English, Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization, Classic Literature  Spell To Write and Read, D'Nealian Cursive, Vocabulary from Classical Roots,  Shurley English, Linguistic Development Through Poetry Memorization, Classic Literature   Electives Fine Arts Song School Greek Song School Latin Latin for Children Latin for Children Latin for Children Math TCS uses the Saxon pedagogy of incremental development: teaching in small pieces, continual review of those increments, and ongoing cumulative review. This approach was pioneered by John Saxon and Dr. Frank Wang (Ph.D. in Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology). We agree with John Saxon's assessment that "creativity comes from a well-prepared mind. What we want to give every child in America is the ability to work to develop a well-prepared mind." Representative resources: Saxon Math 2: Saxon Publishers Science TCS encouages students to explore God's creation through the study of the natural sciences. We believe that students must learn to think as scientists when studying science. Observation, data gathering, evaluation, and presentation are all part of the educational experience. Mastery of fundamental concepts in the lower grades then progresses to more in-depth analysis and experimentation in the upper grades. TCS students in the lower grades study zoology, earth science, life science, chemistry, and physics. In the upper grades, this will progress into a more advanced study of physics, chemistry, and biology. Representative resources:  Real Science 4 Kids, by R. W. Keller: Gravitas Publications Language Arts We aim to instill a love of reading and clear expression through writing. We use classic literature and help students master the fundamentals of English grammar, pronunciation, spelling, handwriting, and vocabulary. Students also participate in an Individualized Reading Program, in which each student's reading assignments are customized to his or her individual level.  Representative resources: Spell to Write and Read, by Wanda Sanseri Wordly Wise 3000, by Kenneth Hodkinson and Sandra Adams History & Bible We believe that knowing a chronological sequence or timeline is a crucial part of history education for the lower grades. Students will develop an understanding of world, European, and U.S. history with an emphasis on mastering names, dates, places, and events that will lay the foundation for more in-depth analysis and rhetorical expression in the upper grades. Topics covered in the lower grades include the Old Testament and Ancient Egypt, the New Testament, Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renassiance, the Reformation, Early Explorers, and modern history. Representative resources:  Story of the World, by Susan Wise Bauer FOR MORE INFORMATION If you would like more information about the TCS K-5 program, please attend an information meeting to receive an application. Students are admitted on an ongoing basis as applications are received and a waiting pool will be formed when the class size limit is reached. Questions may also be directed to admissions@tcshouston.org.