The Abeka and Bob Jones curriculum for elementary grades (PK4-5th) offers a scope and sequence that focuses on comprehensive, content-based approach to learning, emphasizing on foundational skills and character development. The curriculum covers core subjects like Language Arts, Mathematics, History & Geography, Science & Health, and Bible. It utilizes a phonics-based reading program, a systematic approach to handwriting, and a spiral learning approach that builds upon previous concepts.
BJU Press elementary curriculum provides a Christian worldview-focused education across core subjects like Bible, reading, math, science, social studies, and English. The curriculum emphasizes a systematic approach to learning, building foundational skills, and encouraging critical thinking while integrating biblical principles and worldview.
The elementary school experience is designed to increase and enrich students’ abilities as they engage in meaningful learning. Through a hands-on approach, we believe in developing critical thinking skills that foster personal growth and stimulate independence. Our curriculum is Abeka and some Bob Jones, which is designed with high expectations as we seek to challenge our students academically, socially, and spiritually.
Curriculum: Abeka
Bible: In K5 Bible, children will review many stories that were taught in Preschool and K4 Bible, and this year they will hear additional stories. Students will learn stories about God’s creation of the world and about the life of Christ while viewing beautifully illustrated Abeka Flash-Cards. Age-appropriate applications are included in each lesson. K5 Bible Activity Book is correlated with the Genesis and Life of Christ Bible lessons taught in the K5 Bible curriculum. These activities are designed to bring Bible truths to mind again during language enrichment or seatwork time. Activities include simple mazes, hidden pictures, dot-to-dot pages, and stand-up and fold-out pictures.
Weekly Memory Verse: Kinder students are given 1 – 2 verses each week to memorize and is also discussed in the classroom with thoughtful insight.
Language Arts: Phonics: Students enjoy the varied activities found in Letters and Sounds K5 as they learn and review vowel and consonant sounds, blends, one- and two-vowel words, words with special sounds, and sentence comprehension.
Writing: Writing with Phonics K5 is an appealing cursive writing book that is correlated with the phonics program. Students learn to write the letters as they learn what sound the letters say. Teachers appreciate the sample letters that show exactly how each letter is to be written. The “houses” help students remember where each letter “lives.” Review is included along with new instruction. Students will write letters, blends, words, and even sentences.
Numbers: Numbers Skills K5 is a colorful workbook that reinforces number concepts and formation through 100, addition and subtraction combinations, number sequences, number words, telling time, and working with money. Some pages are designed to be worked together as a class while others are designed as independent work.
Physical Education (P.E.): P.E. is a time to enjoy physical activity, teacher-led exercises, and group and team activities. Some activities include jump rope, hula hoop, bouncing balls, relay races, and more. Throughout the year, teachers lead the elementary students in an in-house field day with lots of fun activities: cardboard box races, blanket races, red-light/green-light, and more. P.E. helps foster confidence, coordination, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a love for movement.
Bible (Abeka curriculum)
The Bible stories that have been taught from Preschool to K5 have laid the foundation for stories that will be taught in first grade. Students learn more about the character, strengths, and weaknesses of men and women from the Bible. By studying the lives of Bible characters, students will learn practical truths to apply to their own lives, such as our actions will bring about either rewards or consequences.
Bible Friends is correlated with the Bible concepts taught in the First Grade Bible curriculum. These activities are designed to bring Bible truths to mind again during independent seatwork time.
Weekly Scripture Memory Verse: 1st grade students are given 1 – 2 verses each week to memorize and is also discussed in the classroom with thoughtful insight.
History & Social Studies (Abeka curriculum) In My America and My World, students will learn how our country was founded and what our basic freedoms are. They meet several famous American patriots and take a trip across America. Good citizenship is emphasized and reading skills are developed. In addition, students will learn new patriotic songs and be introduced to major countries and U.S. Territories. America: Our Great Country, Children of the World, and Community Helpers are used in correlation with My America and My World.
Language Arts: Reading (Bob Jones Curriculum) First graders learn that there is a whole new world just waiting for them as they advance their reading skills. The early readers coordinate the reading material with the phonics concepts students are learning. Students move from stories with simple one- and two-vowel words to stories based on children’s classics, giving them valuable practice in applying phonics skills. Each reader features delightful, character-building selections that appeal strongly to the interests of first graders.
Language Arts: Spelling & Poetry (Abela Curriculum) In Spelling and Poetry 1, first graders apply the phonics concepts they are currently learning as they master the spelling of approximately 420 words. Most of the words in Spelling and Poetry 1 are arranged phonetically, which teaches students to recognize basic spelling patterns. They will learn sight words, contractions, and abbreviations that they will encounter frequently in their reading and writing. First graders will also learn eight poems that will help them develop their oral speaking skills while deepening their appreciation for poetry.
Language Arts: Phonics (Abeka curriculum) Letters and Sounds 1 is a complete phonics practice seatwork book. Each phonics element necessary for learning to read is systematically reviewed in an appealing way. The many puzzles, riddles, exercises, and illustrations are designed to teach word analysis skills, build vocabulary, and increase reading comprehension.
Handbook for Reading is an invaluable teaching tool for the application of phonics rules. The words for students to read are arranged to correlate with the sequence in which diphthongs, digraphs, consonant blends, etc., are taught. Ample practice and thorough review help students master phonics concepts. The early introduction of short vowels allows students to read whole words, sentences, and stories during the first few weeks of first grade.
Cursive Writing/Creative Writing (Abeka curriculum) Cursive Writing Writing with Phonics 1 is designed for use as a first-grade cursive writing work-text. Students learn the proper formation and slant of letters and the correct spacing between letters, words, and sentences. Through daily writing exercises, students will practice and review what they are learning in phonics, beginning with single letters and progressing to special sounds, words, sentences, paragraphs, and poems.
Creative Writing: Beginning in lesson 81, penmanship class will focus primarily on creative writing skills and some penmanship review. Creative writing skills will be taught in a sequence that will prepare students to write their own stories.
Math (Abeka curriculum) Using delightful themes and full-color illustrations, Arithmetic 1 presents concepts in an orderly manner, building on prior learning and including consistent year-long review. Concepts include counting, writing and reading numbers, place value, addition and subtraction, money, graphs, measurements, time, temperature, and fractions. Applications to real-life situations and daily thinking questions stretch the students’ reasoning ability.
Science/Health (Abeka curriculum) The colorfully illustrated science text Discovering God’s World presents God as the Master Designer of the world around us. The studies of plants, animals, insects, energy, health, the seasons, and the five senses provide an excellent introduction to science, with the emphasis on building student interest and augmenting students’ reading skills. Hands-on activities and demonstrations also increase students’ comprehension of basic science concepts.
Health, Safety, and Manners 1 is an interesting and attractive health reader that introduces first graders to the importance of good health habits and gives God the glory for the way He has designed us. Students will learn about nutrition, exercise, proper sleep habits, good posture, safety habits, and manners. Activities and checklists help students apply good principles of health, safety, and manners.
Physical Education (P.E.) P.E. is a time to enjoy physical activity, teacher-led exercises, and group and team activities. Some activities include jump rope, hula hoop, bouncing balls, relay races, and more. Throughout the year, teachers lead the elementary students in an in-house field day with lots of fun activities: cardboard box races, blanket races, red-light/green-light, and more. P.E. helps foster confidence, coordination, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a love for movement.
Bible (Abeka curriculum)
Second graders will enjoy learning about a variety of Bible characters including Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Jonah, and Moses. The Abeka Flash-a-Cards help students visualize events as they study the life of Moses and his journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. Students will learn about Moses’ decision to suffer with God’s people rather than live in luxury; they will also learn that even though Moses chose to follow God, he still faced many trials. By studying Bible characters such as Moses, students will learn how to respond to real-life joys and struggles.
Weekly Memory Verse: Second grade students are given scripture verses to memorize each week which is discussed in the classroom with thoughtful insight.
History/Social Studies (Abeka curriculum) Our America takes students back into history to learn what life would have been like in our country’s early days. Students will study the lives of groups of people who have made valuable contributions to our American heritage: the Pilgrims, Native Americans, early colonists, pioneers, cowboys, and immigrants. In addition to maps and geographical facts, Our America also features information about our flag and the history behind our patriotic holidays and songs. Review questions and activities throughout the text help to check students’ comprehension.
Language Arts: Reading (Bob Jones curriculum) Fostering Lifelong Readers with a Biblical Worldview
Students will advance their reading and comprehension skills as they reinforce the application of phonics rules. The early readers correlate with the progression of the concepts and sounds presented in the phonics curriculum. Subsequent readers include children’s classics, stories from America’s past, selections by famous authors, and stories with heroes that the children can emulate. One reader is a juvenile novel, another presents life in Israel in the days of Christ, and others include fables, animal tales, stories from children’s classics, biographical stories, poetry, Scripture readings, and patriotic stories.
Language Arts: Cursive Writing/Creative Writing (Abeka curriculum) Cursive Writing: Building upon each grade, the consistent step-by-step approach to good penmanship presented in Writing with Phonics 2 emphasizes neatness and correct letter formation in daily practice. Writing habits which are polished during second grade will greatly influence students’ penmanship skills throughout life. Added Enrichment Creative Writing: Beginning in lesson 81, penmanship class will focus primarily on creative writing skills and some penmanship review. Creative writing skills will be taught in a sequence that will prepare students to write their own stories incorporating higher level thinking skills into imaginative writing.
Language Arts: Spelling & Poetry (Abeka curriculum) In second grade, spelling is taught as an individual subject for the first time. The spelling curriculum continues to be correlated with phonics. The spelling lists in Spelling and Poetry 2 reinforce the phonics concepts which the students are learning. By the end of the year, students will be learning vocabulary words and their definitions. Poems for memorization have been selected for their beauty of language, literary greatness, and character-building qualities.
Math (Abeka curriculum) The traditional work-text Arithmetic 2 builds a foundation for learning more abstract concepts and teaches students how to apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations. Concepts taught or reviewed in Arithmetic 2 include counting, place value, addition and subtraction, money, time, graphs, simple geometry, multiplication and division, and Roman numerals. Students will apply the skills and facts they have learned as they complete word problems that are based on concrete situations. New material is built on prior learning and encourages students to think through new concepts. Arithmetic 2 and curriculum include daily reasoning questions that challenge students’ thinking ability.
Science/Health (Abeka curriculum) Enjoying God’s World guides the student’s study of God’s plan for creation. Students will increase both their reading comprehension and their knowledge of scientific concepts while learning about the human body, plants, animals and their habitats, matter and energy, and earth and space from God’s viewpoint. Through the “how” and “why” questions that are answered in this text, children will learn about the world around them while developing their thinking skills. Enjoying God’s World also includes hands-on activities and demonstrations that help to increase each student’s comprehension of basic science concepts.
The purpose of Health, Safety, and Manners 2 is to teach the basic facts of health and safety; to teach courtesy at home, at school, and everywhere; and to instill within students a desire to take care of the body God has given them.
Physical Education (P.E.) P.E. is a time to enjoy physical activity, teacher-led exercises, and group and team activities. Some activities include jump rope, hula hoop, bouncing balls, relay races, and more. Throughout the year, teachers lead the elementary students in an in-house field day with lots of fun activities: cardboard box races, blanket races, red-light/green-light, and more. P.E. helps foster confidence, coordination, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a love for movement.
Bible (Bob Jones curriculum) Developing a deeper understanding of Bible truths further students’ development of a biblical worldview with foundational truths. Bible 3: Truths for Life continues to lay a solid biblical foundation for students. This course uses a variety of teaching strategies and songs to deepen students’ understanding of biblical truths.
Weekly Memory Verse Third grade students are given scripture verses to memorize each week which is also discussed in the classroom with thoughtful insight.
History/Social Studies (Abeka curriculum) Our American Heritage is a full-year biographical study of over fifty people who made an impact on American history through their character, contributions, and courage. Students will be inspired as they learn about the lives and accomplishments of these great Americans. This chronologically arranged introduction to American history makes it easier for students to remember important events and provides them with valuable, diverse heroes and role models.
Language Arts: Reading (Bob Jones curriculum) Expanding Literary Horizons
Reading 3 empowers students to deepen their comprehension and critical thinking skills through a progression of increasingly challenging selections. With an emphasis on biblical worldview, this reading program presents a diverse array of genres, from historical fiction to poetry, encouraging students to explore complex literary elements such as character development, conflict, and figurative language. Alongside phonics review and vocabulary building, students engage in activities that hone their ability to infer, analyze, and articulate their thoughts both orally and in writing.
Language Arts: Spelling (Bob Jones curriculum) Spelling 3 continues to develop essential spelling skills, equipping students to confidently communicate through writing. Using word study techniques like word sorting, phonics practice, and dictionary skills, this course deepens students’ understanding of spelling patterns and word meanings. With engaging activities and purposeful applications, students learn to connect spelling with real-life writing tasks, all while building critical thinking. Rooted in a biblical worldview, Spelling 3 emphasizes the importance of using language as a tool to glorify God and serve others, fostering accuracy and thoughtful communication.
Language Arts: Writing & Grammar (Bob Jones curriculum) Achieving Effective Communication
English 3 combines grammar and writing skills in a student-friendly consumable book to provide students with the knowledge and practice they need to become clear verbal and written communicators. Students will gain a foundational knowledge of standard English and learn to effectively plan for and write opinion pieces, informative texts, and narratives. Teacher modeling, mentor texts, and independent practice help students master necessary writing and grammar skills.
Math (Bob Jones curriculum) Math 3 teaches place value, multiplication, division, and fractions. Throughout the course, students will focus on four basic themes: math is a tool to help people work; math shows the world is designed; math helps people help people; and math has limits. Special characters in the worktext work together with the reviews, manipulatives, and visuals to constantly drive students to both enjoy the subject and apply what they are learning. Students will be encouraged to think more deeply about problem-solving and to use math as a powerful tool within a biblical worldview.
Science & Health (Abeka curriculum) Exploring God’s World guides the student’s study of God’s plan for creation. Students will increase both their reading comprehension and their knowledge of scientific concepts while learning about matter and energy, the earth’s atmosphere and surface, the plant world, the solar system, animals and their habitats, and the human body from God’s viewpoint. Through the “how” and “why” questions that are answered in this text, children will learn about the world around them while developing their thinking skills. Exploring God’s World also includes hands-on activities and demonstrations that help to increase each student’s comprehension of basic science concepts. Begin the year by teaching this 120 lesson course followed by 50 lessons of Health.
The purpose of Health, Safety, and Manners 3 is to teach students about the body God has given them and to encourage them to practice good health, safety, and manners habits each day. Third-grade students enjoy learning about good posture, healthy habits, exercise, nutrition, first aid, personal health, public safety, recreational safety, home safety, manners, and courtesy.
Physical Education (P.E.) P.E. is a time to enjoy physical activity, teacher-led exercises, and group and team activities. Some activities include jump rope, hula hoop, bouncing balls, relay races, and more. Throughout the year, teachers lead the elementary students in an in-house field day with lots of fun activities: cardboard box races, blanket races, red-light/green-light, and more. P.E. helps foster confidence, coordination, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a love for movement.
Bible (Bob Jones curriculum)
This course shows students how the Old Testament books tell a single, connected story so they can develop clear foundations for a biblical worldview. Students will follow the theme of redemption as it unfolds in the Old Testament and will see how the promise of Christ is the only possible answer to the need for redemption. Throughout the course, students will learn Bible study skills, foundations for apologetics, and Bible truths.
Weekly Memory Verse: Fourth grade students are given scripture verses to memorize each week which is discussed in the classroom with thoughtful insight.
History/Social Studies (Abeka curriculum) The History of Our United States is an interesting, narrative approach to an age-appropriate study of American history. Beginning with the settlement of the thirteen colonies, students explore how the United States became a free nation, formed a government, and grew to be a powerful world leader. Twenty chapters walk students through America’s timeline of successes and struggles that shaped our nation. Important people and events in America’s story will inspire students to stand for right, respect their country and its people, and love their native land.
Language Arts: Reading (Bob Jones curriculum) An engaging, comprehension-based program designed to support teachers as they guide students to lifelong reading success. Students develop biblical discernment through teacher-guided instruction and comprehension through strategies, questions, and activities before, during, and after reading. Materials provide opportunities for silent and oral reading that build vocabulary and literary skills. They also include assessment opportunities aligned with objectives.
Language Arts: Spelling (Bob Jones curriculum) Strengthening Spelling Skills
Spelling 4 helps students become more independent and confident spellers by deepening their understanding of word patterns, phonics rules, and spelling strategies. Instead of relying solely on memorization, students will engage in activities like word building, dictionary practice, and proofreading to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. With carefully chosen word lists and guided lessons, this course challenges students to think critically about language. Rooted in a biblical worldview, Spelling 4 encourages students to use their spelling abilities to honor God through clear and effective written communication.
Language Arts: Writing & Grammar Encourage Literacy Development
English 4 reviews and broadens students’ foundational knowledge of English conventions and teaches them how to apply grammar, mechanics, and usage to writing and speaking. This course offers six writing projects as well as journaling practice for students to apply the writing process and grammar skills. Develop your students’ skills in speaking, writing, visual and digital literacy, and research through biblical worldview themes that will increase their sense of wonder at God’s gift of language.
Language Arts: Spelling, Vocabulary & Poetry: Students will build spelling and vocabulary skills by completing a variety of activities as well as expand spelling knowledge beyond the spelling list. Opportunities to develop a biblical worldview are provided as each list begins with A Word to Live By: a Bible verse and character trait related to a spelling or vocabulary word.
Math (Bob Jones curriculum) Math 4 is an interactive approach to building your student’s understanding of multiplication, division, decimals, fractions, geometry, and pre-algebra. As students explore the biblical worldview themes, they will learn to interact with math on a real-world level. The ocean theme used throughout the course helps students to visualize and comprehend lessons.
Science & Health (Abeka curriculum) From the starry heavens to the ocean depths, Understanding God’s World takes students on a journey to discover the Creator’s detailed design in the world around them. Your students-turned-scientists will hone their observation and critical thinking skills through a variety of activities that bring learning to life.
Through the new Developing Good Health, students will be amazed at God’s intricate design of five different body systems. Practical instruction on fitness, nutrition, hygiene, and safety will equip students to improve their physical health. Thoughtful biblical guidance on right relationships with God and others will help students develop their spiritual, mental, and social health. Health continues with practical demonstrations and experiments to enhance the study of the human body.
Physical Education (P.E.) P.E. is a time to enjoy physical activity, teacher-led exercises, and group and team activities. Some activities include jump rope, hula hoop, bouncing balls, relay races, and more. Throughout the year, teachers lead the elementary students in an in-house field day with lots of fun activities: cardboard box races, blanket races, red-light/green-light, and more. P.E. helps foster confidence, coordination, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a love for movement.
Bible (Bob Jones curriculum) The Fullness of Time Dive into a study of the New Testament with your students in this edition of Bible 5. This course develops students’ understanding of the New Testament as the culmination of God’s big story of Creation, Fall, and Redemption. Rather than completing brief overviews of moral themes, students will focus on the main themes that run throughout God’s redemption plan—glory, kingdom, covenants, divine presence, law and wisdom, and atonement and priesthood—which confront them with their need for Christ.
Weekly Memory Verse: Third grade students are given scripture verses to memorize each week which is discussed in the classroom with thoughtful insight.
History/Social Studies (Abeka curriculum) Old World History and Geography presents a fascinating study of the Eastern Hemisphere by geographical regions starting with the Middle East, where history began. It not only presents the importance of studying history and the significance of geography, but also describes the beginnings of history from a Christian perspective. Students are introduced to worldwide missions and missionary heroes while learning about the history, geography, and culture of these specific locations: Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica. They will also study history as it relates to important topics such as creation, evolution, humanism, government, and nations.
Language Arts: Reading (Bob Jones curriculum) Reading 5 is a comprehension-based reading program that equips students to be good communicators. Each component is designed to support teachers as they guide students in building reading comprehension, exercising biblical discernment and critical thinking skills, and cultivating an appreciation of literature. Students will have opportunities to interact with colorfully illustrated literature from a variety of authors and genres. They will focus on practicing reading strategies that improve comprehension.
Language Arts: Spelling (Bob Jones curriculum) Mastering Words with Purpose Spelling 5 empowers students to refine their spelling skills while deepening their understanding of word structure and meaning. Through engaging activities like word building, sorting, and proofreading, students learn to apply patterns and rules, helping them master both familiar and unfamiliar words. This course encourages critical thinking and meaningful practice, moving beyond memorization to practical application. With a biblical perspective, Spelling 5 helps students use their language skills to honor God by communicating clearly and accurately, preparing them for effective written expression in all areas of life.
Language Arts: Writing & Grammar (Bob Jones curriculum) Master Foundational Grammar and Writing Skills
Equip your students to master foundational grammar and writing skills so they can learn to express themselves in God-honoring ways. English 5: Writing & Grammar gives regular exercises, activities, and writing projects that require students to practice and apply grammar and writing skills. This course provides teachers with suggested activities and assignments that invite students to collaborate, present what they learn, and review each other’s work so students can become better communicators.
Math (Bob Jones curriculum) Fly Over Math Challenges Challenge your students to apply their knowledge of operations, whole numbers, decimals, and fractions. Math 5 builds on the manipulative-based foundations from elementary math and prepares students to transition to middle school math studies. Students will explore concepts for pre-algebra, geometry, measurement, and data skills.
Science & Health (Abeka curriculum) Investigating God’s World leads students continually from the known to the unknown by teaching important science concepts within the context of things they can see and know. The aim is to help students better understand basic science principles rather than to merely teach them science vocabulary. This text presents the world as the creation of God and glorifies Him as its Sustainer and Upholder. It introduces great scientists and naturalists who believed in the biblical account of Creation, and where appropriate, it refutes the materialist’s faith in evolution. Students will also learn about topics such as plants and animals, matter and energy, light, and minerals.
The active lifestyle presented in Enjoying Good Health emphasizes the significance of maintaining sound health habits. While reviewing the muscular and respiratory systems of the human body, each student is encouraged to measure his level of fitness. An in-depth study of the circulatory system adds to the student’s knowledge of physical fitness. The study of nutrition focuses on the importance of a healthful diet and its effects on overall fitness and personal appearance. Enjoying Good Health also stresses personal responsibility in overcoming spiritual battles, concluding with a practical study of the Christian’s spiritual armor.
Physical Education (P.E.) P.E. is a time to enjoy physical activity, teacher-led exercises, and group and team activities. Some activities include jump rope, hula hoop, bouncing balls, relay races, and more. Throughout the year, teachers lead the elementary students in an in-house field day with lots of fun activities: cardboard box races, blanket races, red-light/green-light, and more. P.E. helps foster confidence, coordination, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and a love for movement.