Eighth Grade Curriculum

Eighth graders have entered their adolescent years. They continue to mature both physically and emotionally, preparing for high school and developing the skills required to succeed therein. Our goal is to meet the developmental, academic, social, and spiritual needs of our students. They are becoming excellent critical readers and thinkers, as well as refining composition skills that are used in other core disciplines: social studies, science, foreign language, and Christian Education. Students also continue to develop and apply abstract thinking skills to mathematics. City Tree Christian School has adopted grade level standards in each subject area. Below you will find a summary of the main eighth grade curriculum materials we use as well as special classroom and school-wide activities which enhance our students' learning experiences.

Language Arts:

• Individualized reading instruction through self-selected literature
• Literature Circles
• ABeka Spelling Program and Language Programs
• Writing (journals, various genres, responses to literature, creative pieces, reports)
• Oral Presentations (current events, poetry, reports tied to social studies and science)
• Visits to the school library
• Association of Christian Schools International's Speech Meet
• Association of Christian Schools International's Spelling Bee

Math:

• Prentice Hall Mathematics Program - "Algebra 1"
• Association of Christian Schools International's Math Olympics (biannually)

Science:

• Holt, Rinehart, Winston Science Program - "Physical Science"
• School-wide Science Fair - using the scientific method, younger students participate through class projects and older students submit their own individual projects
• Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair

Social Studies:

• Glencoe, McGraw/Hill Social Studies Program- "The American Journey"
• Week-long Washington D.C. trip
• School-wide Multicultural Fair - each classroom does an in-depth study of a particular culture and then opens their doors to share their knowledge with others

Christian Education:

• Thematic Focus: Christian Service & Leadership, The Essentials of Christianity
• Chapel - each Monday 1:20-2:15pm
• Chapel Team participation
• Two-day Leadership Retreat
• Memory Verse Program - an optional program where students memorize verses related to chapel lessons
• Bible reading, prayer, and devotions

Physical Education:

• Physical Education units at the Kroc Center: (i.e. swimming, basketball, fitness, volleyball, etc.)
• Physical Education in the park - City Tree instructors collaborate on special park units (i.e. soccer, track & field, etc.)
• SPARK Program (Sports, Play and Active Recreation for Kids)
• Presidential Fitness Program and testing
• Fitness Fairs
• Mile Fun Runs in the park
  

Health:

• Glencoe, McGraw/Hill Health Education Program: "Teen Health". Integrated into science and physical education curriculum as well as presented as special units throughout the year.
• Drug and alcohol education
• Human development

Spanish:

• McDougall/Littell Spanish 1B: "En Español 1A". Academic Spanish program. Prepares students for 2nd year Spanish in high school.

Suplementary Curriculum:

• Technology: Students visit the computer lab during open lab time and with subject matter teachers. Special units on topics such as PowerPoint presentations are integrated throughout the year.
• Art: Special units are taught in conjunction with the San Diego Museum of Art. Students are exposed to a variety of art mediums.
• Music: Instruction includes music theory, appreciation, and history. Students will apply what they learn in theory using recorders, percussion and orff instruments. Optional participation in Chapel Team, Choir and String Orchestra is available. Field trips and special assemblies take place throughout the year.
• Theater Arts: Eight week unit sponsored by Christian Youth Theater (CYT) culminating in a school assembly and performance. Participation in the K-8th grade Christmas program.

School Sponsored Extra Curricular Activities:

• Chapel Team (band, vocals, technology)
• Choir
• String and Percussion Orchestra
• Student Council
• Yearbook Club
• Athletics: volleyball (girls), basketball, and cheerleading
• Student store: operation and management
• After-School Program Assistant - working with younger students after school in large group and small group settings
• Academics Tutoring/Homework Club