Curriculum

LITERACY BLOCK

Reading – Whole Group Reading – Writing

READING

-Novels, non-fiction texts & additional reading materials

-Alternate between whole group and small group

-Reading is chosen at appropriate level

-Explored in-depth

-Variety of genres

-Focus on key vocabulary

-Writing integration

-Focus on key reading skills

WHOLE GROUP READING

-Skill Centers:

+Review of literacy skills such as inferencing, summarizing, context clues, main idea, text     structure, poetry, reference skills, perspecitve, figurative language, theme, etc.

-Vocabulary recognition

-Grammar

-Test taking strategies

-Comprehension skills

-Non-fiction

WRITING

-Narrative, Expository, & Persuasive writing

-Through Common Core Standards, big push to write about what you’re reading

-Pulling from multiple sources to provide evidence to support your opinion

-Book reports including bibliography

VOCABULARY

-Weekly vocabulary packets focus on building of vocabulary, prefixes, suffixes, root words, comprehension, and writing to showcase an understanding of words

-Posttest is taken on Friday and new packet is given on Friday

MATH

Math Big Idea

-Using Mathematics as a way to approach challenges through          investigating, reasoning, visualizing, and problem solving

5 Major Math Units

-Geometry

-Number Sense (includes fractions)

-Measurement Concepts

-Algebraic Concepts

-Data Analysis

*Problem Solving (applied through all units)

Materials

-Use a variety of materials including McGraw Hill (new district curriculum), Glencoe McGraw Hilltextbook, math activities, manipulatives, dry erase boards, problem solving problems, math games, etc.

Homework & Grading

-Daily homework is given to practice skills learned Monday-Thursday

-“Check-ups” used as an assessment to check student’s understanding

-Tests-what to study will be clearly presented with study guides

Multiplication Facts

-Students will practice multiplication facts each week.

Problem Solving 

-Each Friday, we will focus on a strategy to better understand and solve problems.

-Is also immersed in every unit.

-Practices explaining mathematics in words (used on PARCC)

-Promotes thorough understanding of concepts learned

SCIENCE

Science Big Ideas

-Understand inquiry process related to Life, Physical, Earth Science   (3 areas of Science)

-Learn importance of scientific knowledge and its application in         everyday life

5 Major Science Units

-Scientific Processes & Scientific Method

-Matter

-Food chains

-Human impact on Earth

-Plate tectonics

Materials

-Use of a variety of materials including three textbooks (Prentice Hall Science Explorer: Chemical Building Blocks , Holt Science and Technology: Inside the Earth & Scott Foresman Science: Life), experimental procedures, activity-based supplies, technology, experiments, etc.

-Participate in hands-on activities in order for students to better          understand concepts

Grading

-Tests-what to study will be clearly presented with a study guide

-“Check ups” will be given to assess understanding

-Projects

-Class work

Science Fair

-Long term project done both in and out of class

-Students are able to choose from a variety of experiments and undergo the experiment through the scientific method

Miscellaneous

-Always in need of aluminum foil, vinegar, and baking soda:)

  

SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies Big Ideas

-Geography determining where people settle and how they live

-Compare cultural differences and similarities of Canada and Latin America in terms of language, clothing, holidays, and traditional sports

-Comparison of political systems (leaders, government, and branches) in Western hemisphere

-Interdependence of different countries

Social Studies Alive – America’s Past 

-Aligned to our social studies curriculum

-Incorporates the multiple intelligences with varied activities

-Develops critical readers

-Engages students with interactive lessons

-Truly brings learning alive!

United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central America 

-Focuses on the early settlements and United States History

-Used to emphasize the 13 colonies and colonial regions

World Studies – Foundation of Geography

-Aligned to the geography curriculum

-Develops an understanding of the Earth

Nystrom Atlas of Our Country’s History 

-Used to teach basic geography skills in a hands on setting

-Focuses on early history of the U.S.

World Studies – Latin American & The United States and Canada 

-Overview of culture of both Latin America and Canada

-Overview of the history of both countries

-Government and Political Systems

5 Strands of Social Studies

-Geography

-Economics

-History (U.S.A., Canada, and Latin America)

-Political Systems (Government)

-Social Systems (Culture)