Reading/Spelling
Trophies Reading Curriculum: Harcourt School Publishers
Spelling; Modern Curriculum Press
Students read narrative and expository text aloud to strengthen their fluency, accuracy, pacing and intonations. They draw upon a variety of comprehension strategies and compare information from several resources. They are able to describe the different genres of reading; fantasies, biographies, fiction, etc. They successfully use the stages of writing and spelling (i.e. drafts, revising, editing, etc.) to the best of their ability.
Language Arts/Writing
Language; Harcourt School Publishers
Handwriting; Zaner-Bloser
Students demonstrate a command of the English language through oral and written projects. Use of reference materials is taught to aid them in continuing to produce quality work. Students combine short, related sentences with participle phrases, adjectives, adverbs and prepositional phrases.
Mathematics
Mathematics-California Edition, McGraw Hill Publishers
Students solve problems involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and decimals. They interpret one and two variable data graphs to answer questions about a problem. Students use and interpret formulas (e.g. Area=length time width, A=lw) and work with measurements; centimeters, meters, kilometers, square yards, etc. They make logical decisions on how to approach a problem with the correct method of operation.
Social Studies
History – Social Science: California Studies; Houghton Mifflin
Social Studies Alive! California’s Promise; TCI
Students learn the history of their home state, unique in American History. In addition specific milestones in California history are focused on (e.g. pre-Columbian, Spanish and Mexican influences). Students understand the functions and powers of the United States local, state and federal government. They are also able to describe the roles and responsibilities of our local officials.
Science/Health
Science; Macmillan/McGraw Hill Publishers
Students learn how to design and build simple series and parallel circuit boards. They learn that ecosystems can be characterized in terms of living and nonliving components. They understand the properties of rocks and minerals. The Scientific Method is used when completing their Science Fair Project. Health and body changes are discussed through our Health Education Program in the Spring.
STEAM/Enrichment Curriculum
STEAM principles promote critical thinking, asking questions, observation and exploration through hands-on, real world problem solving activities.
- Science – Focus on hands-on activities to promote collaboration and cooperation, incorporating science, technology, and engineering utilizing lab experiments, planting, gardening, and learning about the world around them.
- Technology – Focus on project based experiences incorporating technology with engineering and science and utilizing typing programs. Classroom iPads and AppleTV/projectors used to enhance curriculum and reinforce skills.
- Engineering – Practical, hands-on design and construction with a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to, Legos, Magna Tiles, Blocks, K’Nex, Connectors, and Lincoln Logs.
- Arts – The visual arts curriculum challenges and encourages students to actively participate in the arts. Students do an Artist of the Month study and develop an appreciation for artistic representation that they create, in addition to the pieces their classmates create. Specific instruction occurs in color, texture, design, and spatial relations. Our music curriculum develops a general knowledge of music vocabulary, movement, beat, interpretation, and rhythm which allows students to develop sensitivity to musical experiences. This is accompanied by a Composer of the Month study where students are introduced to various types of music.
- Mathematics – Focus on hands-on activities to promote collaboration and cooperation, using manipulatives, sorters, counters, and various other classroom materials to supplement the adopted grade level curriculum. Students have access to an individualized computer math program that assists them with strengthening core skills at their independence level.
Physical Education Curriculum
All Junior Kindergarten through Fourth Grade students at Primary Plus Elementary School are learning to move and moving to learn. This document outlines the skills and concepts presented throughout the year during our Physical Education classes.
- The development of skills in Fourth Grade is reflected in the year’s collection of: Progress Reports, Weekly folders and Report Cards provided to parents throughout the Fourth Grade year.
