Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1 & 2
At Manheim Christian Day School, we provide a strong literacy program that builds reading, writing, phonemic awareness, and word study. Our math programs include mental math, daily reviews, and the use of manipulatives for problem-solving and concept exploration. Primary students will learn life, earth and physical science, social studies, and spiritual principles introduced through bible stories, memory verses, daily devotions, and prayer.
Primary
Intermediate
Middle School
Pre-Kindergarten
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Specials
PRE-KINDERGARTEN
Pre-Kindergarten Programs:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday:
9:00 am – 2:40 Pm
Tuesday/Thursday:
9:00 am – 2:40 pm
Overview of
Pre-Kindergarten programs:
Introduction to reading, writing and phonemic awareness
(Letter and sound association)
Mathematical concept awareness
Fine/large motor skill development
Daily Calendar awareness
Learning through play
Learn about God, themselves and the world
Develop positive social skills
Wendy Harley
M/W/F Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Christie Nissley
M/W/F Pre-Kindergarten Aide
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Sharon Ginder
T/Th Pre-Kindergarten Aide
Carolyn Kocot
T/Th Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
NEW FOR
2025-2026!
NEW FOR
2025-2026!
5-DAY
FULL-DAY
pRE-k
5-DAY
FULL-DAY
pRE-k
KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten Programs:
3 Day Kindergarten
Mon/Wed/Fri
5 day kindergarten
MONDay–Friday
Jean Peachey
3 Day Kindergarten Teacher
Lexi Nauman
5 Day Kindergarten Teacher
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MATH
Math Expressions (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
Emphasis on number sense
Includes: addition, subtraction, greater than/less than, numeral recognition, geometric shapes, problem solving
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BIBLE
A Time of Wonder (Journeys With God)
Emphasizes biblical stories as a whole and applies biblical truths to their personal lives
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SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES
As it integrates into weekly themes
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Cherry Crest Adventure Farm – explore the farm and take a wagon ride
Hershey Gardens – guided tour through the Children’s Garden and time to explore the full gardens
Typical Field Trips:
Reading Buddies – once a week reading time with Second Grade
Pumpkin Exploration Day
Gingerbread Houses
"Read Across America" week
Themed STEM activities
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Special Projects and Events:
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SCIENCE & SOCIAL STUDIES
As it integrates into weekly themes
BIBLE
A Time of Wonder (Journeys with God)
Emphasizes biblical stories as a whole and applies biblical truths to their personal lives
MATH
Math Expressions (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt), MyMath
Emphasis on number sense
Includes: addition, subtraction, greater than/less than, numeral recognition, geometric shapes, problem solving
WRITING
Kid Writing/Journaling
Emphasis on hearing sounds in words
Learn beginner writing skills
Students participate in different forms of writing: informational, procedural, opinion, and personal narratives
READING
Heggerty Phonemic Awareness, Fundations Phonics, phonetic readers and guided reading instruction
Emphasis on Early Literacy Skills which include phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary development, sight word recognition, fluency and comprehension
Curriculum:
Sharon Ginder
3 Day Kindergarten Aide
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Pam Eshleman
5 Day Kindergarten Aide (Fr)
Curriculum:
Sharon Ginder
3 Day Kindergarten Aide
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Curriculum:
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Caitlin Gabers
5 Day Kindergarten Aide (M-Th)
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FIRST GRADE
First grade:
Julia Nolt
1st Grade Teacher
READING
Wonders (McGraw Hill) & Fundations - accuracy of decoding, spelling, and handwriting
Emphasis on Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Expanding Vocabulary
Includes: Spelling, Phonics, Language, Writing Workshop and Handwriting
Daily 5 Program: Read to Self, Read to Someone, Word Work Centers, Work on Writing and Listen to Reading
Curriculum:
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MATH
My Math (McGraw Hill) & IXL - math skill practice
Emphasis on addition fluency to sums of 20
Includes daily math stations to reinforce: addition and subtraction strategies, problem solving, number sense to 120, introduction to money, time, measurement, fractions and 2-D, 3-D shapes
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SCIENCE
PA Standards & Scholastic News
Emphasis on Life, Earth and Physical Sciences
Includes: Plant life, Animal life cycles, Earth and Solar System, Caring for Resources, Light, Sound, Information Technology to Communicate in Our World
STEM and Science Experiments
SOCIAL STUDIES
All Together (Pearson Education, Inc.)
Emphasis on Our Community, Our Country and Our World
Includes: Community Helpers, Star Citizens, Where do I live?
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BIBLE
Purposeful Design (ASCI)
Emphasis on The Beginning: Creation and The Founding Family (Abraham – Moses)
Jesus: Birth, Miracles, Parables, Resurrection and Great Commission
Includes: Advent Activities, Peacemaking skills, and Christians Around the World unit
Bible Memory with practical application – My ABC Bible Verses: Hiding God’s Word in Little Hearts by Susan Hunt
Primary Chapels - worship, music, scripture, object lessons
Reading Buddies weekly with both 4th graders and Pre-Kindergarteners
Operation Christmas Child Mission’s Project with 4th grade buddies - raise money, shop for gifts and pack boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
Johnny Appleseed Week, Grandparent's Day, 100 Day Festivities, Bear Hibernation Day
Poetry Festival – each 1st and 2nd grade student memorizes and recites a poem for parent audience
"Adopt a Grandparent" from local retirement community
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Special Projects and Events:
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Flinchbaugh’s Farm and Orchard
Shopping trip for Operation Christmas Child
The North Museum and Planetarium
Typical Field Trips:
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Olivia Shenk
1st Grade Aide
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Lori Greenly
1st Grade Teacher
SECOND GRADE
SECOND grade:
Jennifer Christner
2nd Grade Teacher
Sarah Gerig
2nd Grade Teacher
READING
Wonders (McGraw Hill)
Emphasis on word recognition, fluency, and comprehension
Includes: Spelling, Phonics, Vocabulary, Language, Writing and Handwriting
Curriculum:
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MATH
My Math (McGraw Hill)
Emphasis on subtraction
Includes: addition and subtraction with and without regrouping, numbers to one thousand, money, time, and measurement
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SCIENCE
A Closer Look (Macmillian/McGraw Hill)
Emphasis on Life, Earth and Physical Sciences, and STEM
Includes: Life cycles, habitats, weather, magnets, simple machines and creation care
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SOCIAL STUDIES
Exploring Who We Are (McGraw Hill)
Emphasis on Communities, History, and Government
Includes: Community Helpers, landforms, 50 states, pioneers and biographies
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BIBLE
A Place to Belong (Journeys with God)
Emphasis on Moses to the Promised Land and Jesus’ birth to Resurrection
Includes: Ten Commandments, Twelve disciples, Lord’s Prayer, and the Great Commission
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Makerspace – weekly challenges using paper, cardboard, paper towel rolls, newspaper, pipe cleaners, k’nex, snap cubes, etc.
Reading Buddies – once a week read to Kindergartners
Poetry Festival – each student memorizes and recites a poem
Habitat Diorama – each student creates a diorama of an animal habitat
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Special Projects and Events:
Lancaster Science Factory - participate in STEM and other science activities
MCC Material Resource Center – opportunities to serve and help people in other countries
Zoo America – observe and learn about North American animals
Typical Field Trips:
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Hannah Derr
2nd Grade Aide
Megan Wenger
2nd Grade Aide
