Grade 4 Curriculum-Saint John School - Wellesley Hills Massachusetts



	Grade 4 Curriculum Download this curriculum in printable PDF format GRADE 4 ENGLISH The purpose of the sixth-grade English program is to provide the student with a thorough knowledge of the English language and to lead him/her to appreciate language as a gift. Grammar/usage and composition are the foundation of this curriculum. It also covers word study, poetry, and literature. ENGLISH COMPOSITION The Student learns to recognize the three parts of a paragraph and to arrange sentences in a proper order to form a paragraph writes different kinds of sentences to begin and end a paragraph learns and applies that middle sentences support the specific idea of a paragraph and that they provide details learns a method of organizing his/her ideas creates an interesting, original title for a paragraph learns to write sentences in correct order and to use transition words to connect sentences learns to recognize and use colorful words in order to improve his/her writing learns to recognize and understand and write similes learns how to expand sentences by asking specific questions learns to recognize and trim rambling sentences learns to revise writing and to proofread and use the proofreading symbols learns how to interpret and write good instructions (purpose, materials, steps) learns the purpose of a feature and how to write a feature story learns some ways authors develop characters in a story, how to recognize good character description and how to create his/her own description of a given character learns the definition of plot and setting and that within plot there is a conflict learns to write an original story developing character, setting, and plot learns to write a book report learns to use his/her senses to describe the world around him/her and to write descriptive sentences learns a descriptive paragraph paints a picture with words learns that a word map is one way of organizing ideas for two or more paragraphs learns that a word map is a basis for writing an outline creates a word map learns how to create an outline from a word map and that an outline is preparation to writing learns the format of a report and relates the sections of a report to its corresponding section in the outline writes a report learns the parts of a social letter, the correct format, punctuation, and capitalization for each part of a social letter, and writes a friendly letter learns there are other kinds of social letters and how to write a letter of invitation, a letter of acceptance, and a thank-you letter learns how to address an envelope GRAMMAR The Student learns to distinguish a complete thought (sentence) from an incomplete thought learns to identify the simple and complete subject and predicate learns that a sentence may be completed by a direct object identifies compound subjects and compound predicates learns to combine subjects and predicates to form compounds identifies the four kinds of sentences and punctuates each type learns that a noun names a person, place, or thing learns to recognize proper and common nouns learns that proper nouns begin with capital letters and are often composed of two or more words learns to recognize singular and plural nouns and learns various ways of forming plural nouns learns how possession is shown in singular and plural nouns learns that a noun can be the subject or direct object of a sentence learns to recognize a personal pronoun and to use personal pronouns in place of a noun learns that there are three kinds of personal pronouns (the speaker, the spoken to, and the spoken about) and that some are singular and some are plural learns that certain pronouns are used as subject pronouns and that certain pronouns are used as direct object pronouns learns the correct use of some personal pronouns (I/we and me/us) learns to identify and use possessive pronouns correctly learns that adjectives describe a noun or pronoun and that a proper adjective comes from a proper noun learns that some limiting adjectives point out nouns (articles, distributive), some tell how many (numeral), and some are used with descriptive adjectives learns that adjectives are used to compare persons, places, or things, and learns how to form that comparison learns to recognize action verbs and to use them in sentences distinguishes between an action verb and a being verb learns that the verb is an essential part of a sentence learns that a verb phrase is composed of a helping verb or verbs and a main verb learns that verbs that form their past and past participle by adding d or ed to the present are called regular verbs learns that verbs that do not form their past or past participle by adding d or ed to the present are called irregular verbs learns that a verb may be in the present, past, or future tense and that in the present tense, singular verbs end in s; plural verbs do not end in s recognizes a linking verb which links the subject with a noun or an adjective learns that a singular subject must have a singular verb and that a plural subject must have a plural verb learns that a subject often follows a predicate and what the correct use of there is/there are and there was/there were is learns that there are three kinds of adverbs (time, place, and manner) and how to identify adverbs and use them correctly form the comparison of adverbs correctly using er and est as well as more and most to use the adjective good and the adverb well correctly and to use only one negative idea in a sentence learns to use diagramming sentences as a method of identifying the parts of a sentence POETRY The Student learns to follow and to imitate the form of a poem learns to use colorful description and rhyme in a poem learns to use rhyme in the scheme abccb learns to combine unlike objects in a two-line poem learns about stanzas and applies the knowledge to an original poem learns to name feelings and things in a poem LITERATURE The Student learns to appreciate realistic fiction and to express opinions and support them with details using “Rodeo” by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve learns to appreciate realistic fiction and to recognize the journal format using “Henry’s Summer Vacation” by Keith Robertson learns to appreciate historical fiction and to distinguish historical events from fictional events using “Electricity” by Robert Lawson learns to recognize nonfiction as a resource for information using “Honoring America’s Birth” by James Cross Giblin learns to appreciate the folktale as a literary form using “The Most Worthy and Most Beautiful Daughter” by John Steptoe learns to appreciate fantasy as a literary form using “Dorothy’s Greatest Wish” by L. Frank Baum learns to appreciate realistic fiction as a literary form and to identify the mood of a literary excerpt using “ Trouble” by Nicholasa Mohr STUDY SKILLS The Student learns a process for taking notes for fiction (story elements) and nonfiction (main idea and details) MECHANICS The Student learns the correct use of the period, comma, question mark, exclamation mark, quotation marks, apostrophes and capitalization WORD STUDY The Student learns that synonyms are words that have the same or almost the same meaning learns that antonyms are words that have opposite meanings learns the meaning of a homophone and uses homophones correctly in sentences learns how to form contractions using a pronoun and a verb learns how to form contractions using not learns to recognize the two words that make up a compound word METHODS AND STRATEGIES OF THE ENGLISH CURRICULUM Textbook with resource materials Teacher–led instruction Practice exercises Diagramming sentences Cooperative learning groups Writing process (plan, draft, revise, proofread, publish) Peer editing Oral presentation by students Games Homework Grammar assessments and composition TEXTBOOK FOR THE ENGLISH CURRICULUM Voyages in English Loyola Press Copyright 1995 Exercises in English Level F Loyola Press Copyright 2003 SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS Merriam Webster Dictionary Thesaurus GRADE 4 READING CURRICULUM The purpose of the fourth grade reading program is to deliver research-based reading instruction using literature that motivates students and develops high levels of reading proficiency. A variety of reading strategies are taught and practiced to develop comprehension and fluency. READING READING STRATEGIES The Student learns and practices how to monitor/clarify the text learns and practices questioning to stay involved in the text learns and practices decoding using the principles of phonics learns and practices how to predict outcomes and makes inferences about the text learns and practices how to summarize text learns and practices how to evaluate the text COMPREHENSION The Student identifies the sequence of events in text identifies how the text is organized identifies the author’s view point identifies and differentiates between topic, main idea, and supporting details identifies the structure of the story learns to categorize and classify details from the text learns and practices how to compare and contrast different elements of stories identifies the difference between fantasy and realism learns and practices problem solving learns and practices how to draw conclusions, make inferences, and predict outcomes learns to make judgements and generalizations from the text identifies cause and effect within the text learns and practices differentiating between fact and opinion DECODING The Student applies prefixes and suffixes to base words recognizes VCV, VCCV, and syllabication patterns identifies and pronounces correctly vowel diphthongs, consonant digraphs, the two sounds of g, and the two sounds of c, consonant clusters, short vowels (a, e i, o, u) long vowels (a, e, i, o, u) recognizes when a word has its final y to changed to i before adding a suffix beginning with vowel learns and practices how to decode three-syllable words, words ending with –ed and –ing, words beginning with a- or be-, words that end with final /k/, /ng/, ;kw/, final /e/, final /j/, final /s/, and final /er/, /l/, /el/ learns and practices the suffixes –less, -ness, -ion, -ible, -able, -er, -or, -ist, -ly and -y learns and practices the prefixes re-, mis-, ex-, pre-, con- and com- reads r-controlled words, unusual spellings, silent consonants, and compound words identifies words with specific roots: graph, sign, spect, tile, and rupt learns and applies contractions, possessives, and homophones identifies and applies spelling of /oo/, /oo/, /ir/, /ar/, /ar/, /or/, /ur/ and /yoor/ applies the endings –er and –est to base words to form appropriate comparisons decodes words using rules of syllabication VOCABULARY The Student learns and applies multiple-meaning words. learns and applies dictionary skills (guide words, alphabetical order, entry words, definitions, multiple-meaning words, spelling table, syllabication, base words, inflected forms, suffixes, prefixes, and parts of speech). learns and applies thesaurus skills. learns and applies antonyms and synonyms. learns how to use context clues to determine the meaning of a word. learns the positive and negative connotations of words. identifies word families of vocabulary words. learns, differentiates, and applies homophones. learns and uses a strategy to solve analogies. recognizes word histories and what they tell. LISTENING/SPEAKING/VIEWING The Student learns and applies the skills for a successful literary discussion identifies and applies steps in group problem-solving compares and contrast the selection “Cendrillon” with traditional versions of the same story or compare and contrast different versions of the same character. participates in a class literature discussion. INFORMATION AND STUDY SKILLS The Student uses a time line to learn the order of events and uses a schedule to know what to do at a certain time. learns to identify and chart on a variety of forms the story elements. learns when and how to adjust reading rate learns how to use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast. learns to read and interpret a newspaper forecast (real-life reading experience) finds directions in text, list steps in following directions, and follows the directions. learns how to take notes (title, main ideas, heading, details). identifies and applies methods of data collection and presentation METHODS AND STRATEGIES OF THE READING CURRICULUM Basal reader for reading comprehension and reading skills Guided reading sessions Written responses to demonstrate understanding Teacher –led instruction for skills Practice exercises Class discussion and cooperative learning group discussion Oral reading Listening exercises Homework TEXTBOOK FOR THE READING CURRICULUM Reading Legacy of Literacy Houghton Mifflin Copyright 2001 SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS Jane Ervin’s Reading in Varied Subjects Educators Publishing Services Copyright 1999. GRADE 4 RELIGION The purpose of the Fourth-Grade Religion Program is to share our faith through many dimensions: the instruction in doctrine, Scripture, and morality; the experience of prayer and liturgy; the building of a value system; the ability to relate teaching to life; the knowledge of the rich heritage we share in time, place, and people; and respect for and love of the Catholic Church. RELIGION LITURGY The Student Learns about the Mass Learns about the Liturgical Year Attends First Friday Masses (throughout the year) PRAYER The student Learns about kinds of prayer Learns about devotions Learns the Apostles Creed Learns the Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity Learns the Act of Contrition Learns how the church honors Mary by praying The Rosary DOCTRINE AND MORALITY The Student Learns about the goodness from God learns about evil in the world learns about making choices learns about choosing what is good learns about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit learns The Great Commandment learns about the eight beatitudes learns how our church honors the saints learns about the Ten Commandments learns about the Works of Mercy learns about our merciful God and forgiveness learns about the sacraments (Reconciliation and Eucharist) learns about following Jesus and being a light to the world learns about how Christians are called to serve others HOLY DAYS The student learns about how our church celebrates Advent learns about how our church celebrates Christmas learns about how our church celebrates Lent learns about how our church celebrates Holy Week learns about how our church celebrates Easter learns about how our church celebrates the holy days of the Ascension and Pentecost METHODS AND STRATEGIES FOR THE RELIGION CURRICULUM Religion text for presentation of doctrine and morality and some types of prayer Whole-class discussion groups (teacher-led) Small cooperative learning groups First Friday Mass and preparation (hymn practice) for the liturgy Prayer services Projects Written responses to demonstrate understanding Some Bible reading Participation in the charitable works sponsored by the school TEXTBOOK FOR THE RELIGION CURRICULUM This Is Our Faith Silver Burdett Ginn Copyright 1998 SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS Bible Hymns GRADE 4 SPELLING The purpose of the fourth-grade spelling program is to deliver a curriculum that accommodates the developmental needs of students. In grades three through six, the focus is on the structural conventions of English spelling. Students examine prefixes, suffixed, inflectional endings and words that are related by spelling pattern and meaning, thus focusing on comparing words and on discovering structural patterns and relationships among words. Spelling instruction is organized in the systematic and orderly processes of spelling and thinking, spelling and reading, and spelling and vocabulary. SPELLING SPELLING AND THINKING The Student reads the spelling words in list form and in context sorts the words according to sounds and spelling patterns learns and applies the spelling strategies for short vowel sounds, vowel-consonant-e pattern, long a (a, ai, ay), long e (ea, ee, ie), long i (I, I-C-e, y, igh, ey,uy), long o (o, oa, ow), vowel sounds /yoo/, /oo/, vowel diphthongs (/oi/, /ou/), vowel sounds (/or/, /o/), controlled vowels (/ir/, /ur/), r-controlled vowels (/ar/, /ar/), silent letters, silent consonants, spelling pattern qu and squ, consonant sound /j/, pattern final le and en, schwa-r (er, or), suffixes (-er, -est, -ful, -less, -ness, -ment) prefixes (un-, re-, pre-), and compound words learns and applies homophones, contractions, calendar words, plurals, possessives, continents and nationalities SPELLING AND READING The Student completes factual and opinion sentences using spelling words solves analogies using spelling words identifies spelling words that can replace phrases that mean the same uses spelling words to complete a sentence, paragraph, or story writes spelling words to complete a series of related words chooses and writes correct homophones SPELLING AND VOCABULARY The Student differentiates meanings of spelling words and writes spelling words for their synonyms identifies spelling words with a specific spelling pattern selects and writes two-syllable words with the short vowel sound in the first syllable selects and writes two-syllable words with the short vowel sound in the second syllable selects and writes multi-syllable words with specific phonemes divides spelling words into syllables identifies and writes words that rhyme identifies spelling words that are base words adds suffixes to base words to form spelling words adds the suffix –er to verbs to form nouns adds –s or –es to words to form plurals writes words in alphabetical order categorizes spelling words changes singular possessive words to plural possessive words writes contractions for given words and use them in sentences locates spelling words in a dictionary for pronunciation, part of speech, meaning, syllabication, and stressed syllable identifies the first syllable of a dictionary entry as an “open” or “closed” syllable uses a dictionary to write homographs and homophones, their definitions, and their part of speech writes spelling words that would appear on the same dictionary page as given guide words matches spelling words with synonyms and antonyms uses a thesaurus to complete a series of synonyms writes words of nationalities and countries and of the calendar SPELLING AND WRITING The Student learns and applies proofreading marks to written work proofreads his/her writing METHODS AND STRATEGIES OF THE SPELLING CURRICULUM Textbook with resource materials for spelling strategies, words, practice exercises, dictionary, thesaurus, and assessments Teacher–led instruction Practice exercises Games (Spelling Olympics) Homework Weekly Assessments TEXTBOOK FOR THE SPELLING CURRICULUM Spelling Connections Zanner Bloser Copyright 2000 SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS Merriam Webster Dictionaries GRADE 4 MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM The purpose of the Fourth Grade Mathematical Program is to teach a combination of computation and problem solving skills with a special emphasis on long division. These skills are taught through the use of manipulatives, drills, practice, cooperative learning, lectures, writing, and real world problem solving. Through the various methods the students learn the necessary content of the fourth grade program. COMPUTATION UNDERSTANDING NUMBERS The Student: Identifies the value of a number to the millions place Identifies the value of a decimal to the hundredths place Compares and orders whole numbers, decimals, and fractions Identifies prime numbers Learns the Roman Number System Learns how to round decimals ADDITION The Student: Adds whole numbers with four and five digits Adds decimals to the hundredths place Adds fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators Estimates sums of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions SUBTRACTION The Student: Subtracts whole numbers by breaking apart and using compensation Subtracts decimals to the hundredths place Subtracts fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators Estimates the differences of whole numbers, decimals, and fractions MULTIPLICATION The Student: Multiplies by one-digit, two-digit, three digit numbers Multiplies multiples of 10, 100, and 100 Orders and rounds decimals Uses zeros as placeholders DIVISION The Student: Divides with three digit dividends; two and three digit quotients Divides with two digit numbers with and without remainders Estimates quotients Recognizes zero in the quotient Estimates quotients for whole numbers PROBLEM SOLVING The Student: Chooses a computation method Recognizes data from a picture graph Uses number sense to solve word problems Identifies extra information in a word problem Uses estimation to solve word problems Solves a multi-step word problem Uses the guess, test, and revise method to solve a word problem Identifies patterns to solve a word problem Creates a table to solve a word problem Draws a diagram to solve a word problem Makes an organized list to solve a word problem GEOMETRY The Student: Recognizes and names angles Recognizes vertex of angles Learns formulas for area and perimeter of a rectangle Learns formula for volume of a rectangular prism Identifies intersecting, parallel, and perpendicular lines Learns the slide, flip, and turn method MEASUREMENT The Student: Measures length in standard and metric form Estimates customary and metric units Estimates area of a rectangle MONEY The Student: Estimates sums and differences Rounds to the nearest dollar PROBABILITY AND GRAPHING The Student: Uses combinations Recognizes tree diagrams Chooses the best graph Recognizes line and non-numerical graphs Uses stem and leaf plots METHODS AND STRATEGIES OF THE MATH CURRICULUM Manipulatives Practice exercises Writing mathematical ideas Teacher presentation Class discussion Games Drill exercises Written assignment Co-operative learning Problem-solving activities TEXTBOOK FOR THE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM Mathematics Silver Burdett Ginn Copyright 2001 SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS Daily Review Silver Burdett Ginn Copyright 1999 Problem Solving Connection Charlesbridge Publishing Copyright 1992 GRADE 4 SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM The purpose of the Fourth Grade Social Studies Program is to build on major understandings and skills acquired and build on these skills. Students can integrate major concepts and skills with their own experience. Through various strategies students learn to organize their thinking and develop competencies they will need in a diverse and changing world. SOCIAL STUDIES GEOGRAPHY: The Student: Identifies physical features (landforms and bodies of water) Understands climate and seasons Explains settlement patterns and trade Recognizes regions (physical and cultural) HISTORY The Student: Understands sequence of events Understands cause and effect Recognizes people who contributed to change Recognizes the importance of individuals and groups Explains the importance of events Understands the time in which people lived Explains growth and expansion GOVERNMENT The Student: Recognizes patriotic customs and traditions Understands the democratic process Explains the levels of government Understands the purpose of government ECONOMICS The Student: Explains trade (imports and exports) Explains transportation and communication links CULTURE The Student: Understands customs and traditions Understands family and community MAP AND GLOBE SKILLS The Student: Recognizes hemispheres Locates equator and prime meridian Demonstrates the use of maps and map terms Explains relief and elevation Identifies cardinal and intermediate directions Locates using lines of latitude and longitude CHART AND GRAPH SKILLS The Student: Understands charts and diagrams Understands line and pie graphs METHODS AND STRATEGIES OF THE SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM Teacher presentations Uses maps to locate Uses globe to locate Class discussions Written assignments Games Co-operative learning *Problem solving activities TEXTBOOK FOR GRADE FOUR SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM Harcourt Brace Copyright 2000
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The purpose of the First Grade Language Arts Program is to teach reading, writing and spelling. Phonics skills, high frequency word recognition, comprehension, oral language and vocabulary are all emphasized. These skills are taught using a variety of methods including basal reader, guided reading books, Big Books, trade books, phonics instruction, journal writing, spelling activities , technology support and worksheets.

READING

PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS

The Student:
-Identifies consonants and vowels
-Replicates the sounds of vowels, consonants, blends and digraphs
-Identifies and produces rhyming words
-Blends onsets and rimes
-Recognizes beginning and ending sounds
-Segments onsets and rimes
-Associates specific sounds with “ r” clusters and “l” clusters
-Matches beginning sounds with digraphs sh, th, wh, ch, and tch
-Replicates the ending sounds of nd, ng, nk, ft, lk, and nt in words
-Associates sounds with clusters sc, sk , sm, sn, sp, st, sw
-Segments and counts phonemes
-Associates sounds with scr, spl, spr,and str
-Associates soft g sound and soft c sound to letters and letter patterns

PHONEMIC AWARENESS

The Student:
-Creates and reads words with the endings: -an, -at, -it, -in, -ock, -op, -ox,
-en, -et, -ut, -ug, -ip, -in, -ock, -op, -ell, -est, -um, -ump, -ash, -atch, -ate, -
ake, -ite -ide, -oke and –eat
-Reads and creates nouns with the plural ending –s
-Reads and understands verbs with endings –s, -ed and –ing
-Recognizes double final consonants and the sounds they make
-Reads words with triple clusters spl, spr, scr and str
-Decodes, reads and creates words with vowel pairs ai, ay, oa, oo, ou, ue,
oy, ee, and ea
-Identifies and writes rhymes with words containing the letter
combinations igh, ight, and ie
-Decodes and builds base words with suffixes –es and –ies and prefixes
re- and un-
-Identifies and reads words with –ar, -ir and er
-Builds base words with –or and –ore
-Identifies silent letters in kn, wr, and gn.
LISTENING, SPEAKING AND VIEWING

The Student:
-Listens for the main idea in an oral presentation
-Compares and contrasts story elements
-Understands the difference between a fact and an opinion
-Differentiates between reality and fantasy stories
-Categorizes and classifies information
-Draws conclusions based on facts
-Listens for details in a story and can verbalize them
-Creates synonyms, antonyms and homophones
-Identifies aspects of conversation in a story
-Participates in a conversation
-Uses words and pictures to learn about maps
-Learns how to read and follow directions
-Identifies the beginning, middle and ending of a story
-Recalls details of a story
-Is able to put story details in chronological order
-Retells a familiar story
-Listens for information
-Discusses different ways to solve a problem
-Identifies problems and solutions in a story
-Recites a choral reading
-Listens for a purpose
-Recognizes expressive writing
-Compares and contrasts details in photographs
-Finds at least three pieces of information from a visual source
-Identifies rhyme and rhythm in poetry

COMPREHENSION SKILLS AND STRATEGIES

The Student:
-Is able to put events in sequential order
-Notes story details
-Understands cause and effect
-Can compare and contrast story elements using a Venn Diagram
-Summarizes a story
-Is able to predict and infer
-Uses facts to draw conclusions
-Identifies topic, main idea and supporting details of a story
-Locates questions and answers in a text
-Writes answers to questions
-Categorizes and classifies information in a story
-Knows how to read a poem
-Is able to read and sing a song
-Develops skills for reading different kind of texts
-Knows how to read social studies, science and math text
-Examines poetry, folktales and plays
-Explains the characteristics of each genre and creates his own
-Reads and knows how to create contractions
-Identifies story structure
-Makes a story map
-Makes predictions on what will happen next in the story based on what
he has already read
-Retells a story using the words first, next and last
-Identifies characters in a story
-Identifies story similarities and differences
-Knows how to read directions
-Uses story details to retell a story
-Classifies story events as fantasy or reality
-Identifies topic, main idea and details of a story
-Uses facts from the story and previous knowledge to draw conclusions
-Identifies the mood of a story
-Compares and contrasts story characters
-Retells a story in order of events read in the story

VOCABULARY

The Student:
-Identifies animal names, school words, shapes words, words for feelings,
color words, words that show position, family words, sensory words,
noise words, pattern words, nature words, and fruit and vegetable words
-Asks and answers questions that begin with who, what, where or why
-Arranges words in alphabetical order
-Recognizes symbols on signs
-Identifies and creates compound words
-Knows days of the week and months of the year
-Lists words that are synonyms, antonyms and homonyms

GRAMMAR, USAGE AND MECHANICS

The Student:
-Knows that a sentence begins with a capital letter
-Knows that all sentences end with a punctuation mark
-Knows that a period, question mark, and an exclamation mark are the
punctuation marks that end a sentence
-Identifies a telling sentence, asking sentence, and an exclaiming sentence
-Identifies, reads and writes possessive nouns ending with ’s
-Decodes and builds words ending with –er, and -est
-Supplies the correct punctuation for a sentence
-Identifies a naming word (noun) and an action word (verb) in a sentence
-Able to write a complete sentence which includes a naming part and an
action part
-Knows that an asking sentence requires an answer
-Writes questions and listens to answers
-Identifies when I and me are used in sentences and uses them correctly in
sentences
-Identifies proper and common nouns, verbs and pronouns
-Distinguishes between the use of is and are
-Uses the words was and were correctly in sentences
-Knows that proper nouns begin with a capital letter
-Identifies and creates different kinds of sentences
-Substitutes pronouns for nouns in sentences

WRITING

HANDWRITING

The Student:
-Understands correct writing posture
-Understands the correct pencil grip
-Is able to write each letter correctly and legibly
-Writes spelling words from dictation
-Understands the symbols for long vowel, silent letters and phonograms

CREATIVE WRITING

The Student:
-Writes independently in his journal
-Writes on a specific theme in his journal
-Creates his own topic for a journal story
-Plans and writes a class story, class message, class summary, class poem,
and class letter
-Writes independently a news report, invitation, thank-you note,
informational paragraph, friendly letter, sequel to a story, tongue twister,
persuasive letter and research report
-Adds interesting, describing words to a story
-Writes and illustrates a personal narrative
-Identifies characteristics of a paragraph
-Writes sentences about a topic
-Writes in complete sentences
-Writes an opinion about a story character
-Writes and gives a book report

SPELLING

Spelling

The Student:
-Recites the alphabet
-Recognizes and writes the alphabet correctly
-Matches capital and lowercase letters Aa – Zz
-Spells correctly plural nouns using “s” and “es”
-Writes possessive nouns
-Adds –ful, -ly and –y to words to make new words
-Reads verb endings -s, -ed, and –ing
-Spells correctly, with proper markings, the ten weekly words

METHODS AND STRATEGIES OF THE LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM

-Teacher instruction
-Basal reading
-Guided reading
-Shared reading
-Independent reading
-Read aloud
-Big Books
-Poetry
-Word Walls
-Literacy Centers
-Journal Writing
-Creative writing
-Games and activities

TEXTBOOK FOR THE LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM

A Legacy of Literacy Houghton Mifflin 2001

GRADE 1 MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM

The First Grade Mathematics Curriculum allows students to explore concepts using manipulatives, then practice and apply the skills that reinforce those concepts through hands-on problem-solving activities. Each chapter opens with a high interest illustrated story that introduces the chapter theme. The student book provides clear models to help students make connections, lists vocabulary in a word bank as it is introduced, and provides a math mascot from each story to offer hints and strategies throughout each chapter. Journal ideas and critical thinking questions encourage children to discuss and communicate their mathematical thinking. Problem solving is embedded into the program.

COMPUTATION

UNDERSTANDING NUMBERS

The Student:
-Understands same, more and fewer
-Understands zero
-Identifies ordinal numbers to tenth
-Identifies and shows numbers using words, pictures and numbers
-Identifies and writes numbers to one-hundred
-Recognizes numbers on a one hundred chart
-Uses number patterns to skip count by twos, fives and tens
-Identifies numbers greater than and less than a given number
-Identifies numbers before, after and between given numbers
-Builds and writes two-digit numbers using base ten blocks

ADDITION

The Student:
-Explores the concept of addition
-Uses counters, pictures and symbols to add
-Writes addition sentences using horizontal and vertical forms
-Explores the order property of addition
-Uses patterns to write addition sentences
-Adds three numbers
-Explores counting on to add
-Uses number lines to count on 1, 2 or 3
-Identifies and uses doubles to find sums to 18
-Uses doubles to find sums of facts that are near doubles
-Makes ten when 7,8 or 9is an addend
-Adds tens
-Counts on 1, 2, or 3 to add ones to two-digit numbers
-Counts on by 10, 20 or 30 to add tens to a two-digit number
-Adds tens and ones without regrouping
-Chooses strategies to add two-digit numbers
-Memorizes addition facts to twelve

SUBTRACTION

The Student:
-Explores the concept of subtraction
-Uses counters, pictures and symbols to subtract
-Writes subtraction sentences using horizontal and vertical forms
-Uses patterns to write subtraction sentences
-Explores counting back to subtract
-Uses a number line to count back 1, 2 or 3 to subtract
-Identifies and uses doubles to subtract
-Uses the strategy make ten to subtract
-Uses counters to subtract
-Uses addition to subtract
-Subtracts tens
-Counts back to subtract tens or ones from two-digit numbers
-Subtracts two-digit numbers without regrouping
-Chooses strategies to subtract two-digit numbers
-Memorizes subtraction facts from twelve

PROBLEM SOLVING

The Student:
-Makes and interprets a bar graph to solve a problem
-Uses pictures and counters to solve story problems
-Uses addition and subtraction to solve story problems
-Uses information from a picture to solve problems
-Chooses to use addition or subtraction to solve word problems
-Makes and uses drawings to solve problems
-Uses logical reasoning to solve problems
-Uses counters for a guess and check strategy to solve problems
-Chooses reasonable answers to solve problems
-Makes and uses a table to solve problems
-Writes a number sentence to solve a problem
-Determines what information is not needed and then solves a problem
-Solves two-digit problems involving money

GEOMETRY AND FRACTIONS

The Student:
-Identifies and compares space shapes and their characteristics
-Identifies plane shapes that make up space shapes and their
characteristics
-Identifies open and closed figures
-Identifies and completes a pattern
-Explores the meaning of symmetry and creates symmetrical figures
-Identifies equal and unequal parts of a region
-Identifies halves, thirds and fourths of a region
-Identifies a fractional part of a group
-Solves problems involving fair shares

MONEY

The Student:
-Identifies pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters
-Determines the value of sets of pennies, nickels and dimes
-Counts on with quarters to determine the value of a set
-Chooses coins to equal a specified value
-Makes and uses a table to solve problems
-Compares the value of two sets of coins
-Counts sets of coins to make purchases
-Adds and subtracts money

TIME AND PROBABILITY

The Student:
-Arranges a sequence of events in order
-Understands the length of a minute and an hour
-Determines whether an event takes an hour or a minute
-Tells and writes time to the hour
-Tells and writes time to the half hour
-Uses a clock to act out time and solve problems
-Reads and uses a calendar
-Reads and uses a schedule
-Explores probability
-Uses tallies to keep track of data

MEASUREMENT

The Student:
-Compares the lengths and heights of objects
-Estimates and measures length and height using nonstandard units
-Estimates length and height using inches and centimeters
-Compares the weight of objects
-Measures weight in pounds and kilograms
-Explores capacity
-Estimates and measures capacity by using cups, pints, quarts and liters
-Chooses appropriate tools to measure length, weight and capacity

METHODS AND STATEGIES OF THE MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM

-Manipulatives to understand concepts
-Practice exercises
-Drill exercises
-Teacher presentations
-Class discussions
-Games
-Cooperative Learning
-Problem solving activities

TEXTBOOK FOR THE MATHEMATIC CURRICULUM

Mathematics The Path to Math Success Silver Burdett Ginn
Copyright 1999

GRADE 1 RELIGION CURRICULUM

The purpose of the First Grade Religion Curriculum is to teach the children a deeper understanding of the Catholic religious beliefs and traditions. It includes the instruction of the doctrine, Scripture and morality, the experience of prayer and Liturgy, as well as the building of a value system. Daily prayers, memorization of the Christmas Gospel for a Christmas Program, a prayer service and, assisting in a First Friday Liturgy are also included in the First Grade Religion Curriculum.

GOD GIVES US MANY GIFTS

GOD MAKES US SPECIAL

The Student:
-Realizes God made them special and unique
-Understands the importance of the Bible
-Understands their families are special
-Realizes they can help others feel special by their own actions
-Uses a reverent bow to honor the Bible

GOD GIVES US SPECIAL GIFTS

The Student:
-Knows that God created the whole world
-Enjoys, shares and makes things from God’s gifts
-Cares for the world
-Expresses thanks for God’s gifts of creation

GOD GIVES US SPECIAL PEOPLE

The Student:
-Recognizes God’s love through the love of people
-Understands that God created people
-Chooses to act unselfishly
-Expresses thanks for special people

GOD GIVES US JESUS

The Student:
-Recognizes Jesus as God’s son and as God’s greatest gift to us
-Understands Jesus is their friend who loves them
-Discovers that the Bible contains stories about what Jesus said and did
-Realizes Jesus is their Savior who helps them remember God’s love for
them
-Learns to pray the Sign of the Cross

JESUS LEARNED ABOUT LIFE

JESUS GREW UP IN A FAMILY

The Student:
-Recognizes that Jesus lived a human life with his family
-Understands the value in being part of a family
-Appreciates the members of his/her family and how they help one
another
-Expresses thanks for his/her family and for the Holy Family

MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS

The Student:
-Learns the story of the annunciation
-Recognizes Mary as his/her mother who loves all people
-Discovers ways Catholics honor Mary
-Learns the Hail Mary

JESUS LEARNED MANY THINGS

The Student:
-Recognizes that Jesus learned as a child as they learn
-Discovers that Jesus liked to learn about God
-Discovers the ways Jesus learned about the world
-Discovers that some signs tell them about God’s love
-Asks God to help them learn

JESUS PRAYED

The Student:
-Realizes the value of prayer
-Learns how Jesus prayed
-Recognizes that like Jesus they can pray the psalms
-Discovers ways to get ready to pray

JESUS TEACHES US TO LOVE

JESUS TEACHES US THAT GOD CARES

The Student:
-Recognizes that people and all living things need care
-Understands that God provides care for all living things
-Discovers ways God cares for all creation and them
-Plans ways they can help God care for the world
-Expresses praise for God
JESUS CARES FOR US

The Student:
-Recognizes ways Jesus cared for people
-Trusts that they can count on Jesus to care for them
-Learns that Jesus wants to care for others and bring love to the world
-Discovers ways in which other people care for them

JESUS TEACHES US TO CARE

The Student:
-Identifies caring actions of others
-Understands what Jesus means by being a good neighbor
-Practices being a good neighbor
-Recognizes that many people are Good Samaritans

JESUS TEACHES US TO PRAY

The Student:
-Recognizes the importance of prayer in Jesus’ life and in their own life
-Understands the meaning of The Lord’s Prayer
-Understands they can each pray in their own way

WE BELONG TO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

WE ARE CHRISTIANS

The Student:
-Recognizes that Christians are friends and followers of Jesus
-Values friendship, especially the friendship of Jesus
-Discovers ways in which Christians follow Jesus’ example
-Understands that their friendship with Jesus leads them to act in special
ways
-Prays for others as Jesus did

WE WELCOME NEW CHRISTIANS AT BAPTISM

The Student:
-Recognizes that they became a member of the family of Jesus at Baptism
-Becomes acquainted with the rite of Baptism
-Recognizes the special elements of a Christian Baptism
-Reflects on Baptism
-Learns to pray a Litany and ask the Saints to watch over him/her

WE ARE CATHOLICS

The Student:
-Recognizes the Church as the family of Jesus’ friends and followers
-Appreciates the Church as a special family to which he/she belongs
-Learns the meaning of church and becomes familiar with the objects in it
-Deepens his/her understanding of how Catholic Christians act like Jesus

WE COME TOGETHER FOR MASS

The Student:
-Appreciates the Mass as the special meal they share with Jesus
-Understands what Jesus did and said at the Last Supper
-Understands that they hear God’s word at Mass
-Learns some of the special words associated with Mass
-Prays with Jesus, “Amen” to God’s love

THE HOLY SPIRIT HELPS US

JESUS GIVES US THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Student:
-Appreciates the Holy Spirit as a gift from Jesus
-Learns the story of Jesus giving the gift of the Holy Spirit to his
followers
-Appreciates the help we receive from the Holy Spirit
-Understands that the Holy Spirit helps them act like Jesus

THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US STRENGTH

The Student:
-Learns that the Holy Spirit offers them courage when they are afraid
-Learns that the Holy Spirit helps them when they are afraid
-Understands that he/she may be afraid but that Jesus is always with them
-Understands that when he/she helps others, the Holy Spirit is with them

THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US PEACE

The Student:
-Understands that God always forgives them and wants them to forgive others
-Learns a Bible story about Jesus’ love, forgiveness, and compassion
-Learns to use words of forgiveness and sorrow
-Discovers that they can be peacemakers and pray to become peacemakers

THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES US JOY

The Student:
-Understands that the Holy Spirit helps them to be joyful and happy
-Discovers that because Jesus is with them, the Spirit of joy is too
-Understands that the Holy Spirit can turn their sadness into joy
-Recognizes that they can share the Spirit of joy with others
-Learns the Glory Be to the Father

METHODS AND STATEGIES OF THE RELIGION CURRICULUM

-Class discussion
-Reading
-Writing
-Stories
-Art
-Songs
-Prayer
-Role-playing
-Teacher instruction

TEXTBOOK FOR THE RELIGION CURRICULUM

GRADE 1 SCIENCE CURRICULUM

The purpose of the First Grade Science Program is to introduce the student to a variety of scientific principles through the discussion and exploration of topics in life science and physical science. These principles are presented using a variety of techniques including discussion, oral presentation, experiments, artwork and trade books.

LIFE SCIENCE

LIVING THINGS

The Student:
-Identifies living and non-living things
-Understands that animals can move from place to place while plants can
move only certain parts while remaining in one place
-Knows that animals must find their food and plants make their own food
-Learns that animals and plants need particular things to live
-Understands why an apple is considered a fruit
-Learns that the fruit is the part of a flowering plant that contains seeds
-Realizes that apple trees revisit the same seasonal cycle year after year

ANIMAL CLOSE-UPS

The Student:
-Knows that different animals have different body parts
-Explains how the body parts of animals enable them to live in their
environments
-Names the three ways that animals move
-Describes the body parts that help animals move
-Knows that animals eat plants and or animals
-Understands that different animal parts enable them to eat different
things
-Understands that owls are birds of prey
-Knows that owls are nocturnal
-Explains how the owl’s hearing, feathers and talons help him hunt

FINDING OUT ABOUT PLANTS

The Student:
-Knows what plants need to live and grow
-Describes the different parts of a plant and their functions
-Knows that different plants can live in different places
-Explains pollination
-Understands how a plant can grow from a seed
-Describes what happens to a tree in different seasons

ANIMALS IN WINTER

The Student:
-Names and describes the four seasons
-Understands the terms “migration” and “hibernation”
-Knows the reasons why some animals migrate and some animals
hibernate in the winter
-Explains the term “camouflage”
-Understands the needs of certain animals in the winter

HABITATS

The Student:
-Explains the characteristics of two habitats: the rainforest and the ocean
-Identifies some of the animals that live in these two habitats
-Explains how these animals have adapted to their environment
-Describes a Food Chain

POLAR BEARS AND PENGUINS

The Student:
-Knows where the Arctic and Antarctica are located
-Knows that the Arctic is a body of land and Antarctica is a body of
frozen water
-Knows that penguins are found in Antarctica and polar bears are found in
the Arctic
-Describes what the Arctic and Antarctica look like
-Understands how a penguin’s feathers keep him warm
-Knows that a penguin is a bird even though it doesn’t fly
-Knows that the polar bear’s white coat is camouflage and it along with
the bear’s strong sense of smell helps him hunt
-Explains how the Emperor penguins take care of their young
-Understands that there are different types of penguins

EARTH SCIENCE

LOOKING AT THE SKY

The Student:
-Explains why the sun and stars look so small from the earth
-Describes why the sun appears to move across the sky during the day
-Explains what the surface of the moon looks like
-Describes and explains the different phases of the moon
-Defines a constellation
-Describes the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper
-Understands the difference between a planet and a star
-Explains why there is day and night

WEATHER

The Student:
-Describes the different types of weather
-Explains how the sun warms the air
-Explains how clouds form rain
-Distinguishes a fair weather cloud from a rain cloud
-Explains the water cycle
-Describes how weather changes with the seasons
-Explains how seasonal changes affect animals and plants
-Explains how changes in weather affect what people do and wear

HUMAN BODY

STAYING HEALTHY

The Student:
-Names foods that are good for you
-Explains the Food Pyramid
-Describes activities that help people stay healthy
-Explains how germs can harm the body
-Relates how staying clean can keep the body healthy
-Understands proper dental care

METHODS AND STRATEGIES OF THE SCIENCE CURRICULUM

-Discussions
-Experiments
-Trade Books
-Art Work
-Teacher presentations
-Worksheets

TEXTBOOK FOR THE SCIENCE CURRICULUM

GRADE 1 SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM

The First Grade Social Studies Curriculum is a series that mixes together past and present to bring history alive. Students discover that social studies is about real people, events and places interacting and making history each day. It follows a progression from self to family to world communities. The curriculum is divided into monthly themes. Each theme is presented in “Big Book” format. These books have attractive artwork and photographs that encourage interest and discussion. Trade Books, Biographies, audiotapes and maps are all used to help students learn about their world.
A unit on Mexico is also included in the first grade social studies curriculum. Through stories, tapes, artwork, teacher instruction and music the children learn about our neighbor to the south.

WE ARE FAMILY AT SCHOOL

The Student:
-Compares and contrasts three schools
-Shares first day experiences
-Recognizes school workers
-Discusses the necessity for rules and creates classroom rules
-Explores schools long ago and compares them to schools of today
-Learns to read a picture map and follow routes on a map

WE WORK TOGETHER AS TEAMS

The Student:
-Investigates the benefits of teamwork
-Describes different kinds of teams and how they work together
-Identifies seasonal changes in the fall
-Compares fall activities from long ago to those we do today
-Learns about Columbus’s voyage and the teamwork that made it possible
-Sees neighborhood teamwork involved in creating a community garden
-Learns to read a map key and see how a map is developed

WE WORK TOGETHER AS NEIGHBORS

The Student:
-Identifies responsibilities that go with being a good neighbor
-Identifies workers in a neighborhood
-Learns about decision-making and three methods of voting
-Compares what we know about the first Thanksgiving with Thanksgiving
today
-Learns facts about early harvest foods
-Explores contributions from different cultures at a modern day
Thanksgiving celebration
-Explores distances on a map
WE CELEBRATE WHO WE ARE

The Student:
-Recognizes the significance of light in seasonal celebrations and events
-Identifies the inventions of Thomas Edison and Garrett Morgan
-Learns the history and ways of celebrating five different holidays
-Learns to describe movement around a globe using cardinal directions
-Discusses many ways to give to one another

WE CELEBRATE WHAT WE DO

The Student:
-Discovers many ways to celebrate the New Year
-Learns about temperatures across the country by reading a table
-Compares and contrasts weather in different geographic locations
-Learns how people long ago dressed for the weather and compares that to
today’s clothing
-Recognizes the importance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday by
reading about his life and his achievements
-Discovers how to plan, organize and take responsibility to meet a
cooperative goal

WE EXPLORE AMERICAN HEROES

The Student:
-Identifies qualities of a leader and a hero by learning about Mae Jamison
-Learns about astronauts
-Recognizes the importance of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln
to this country
-Identifies changes over time as seen in our nations capital
-Discusses how good sportsmanship can help someone be an achiever
-Thinks about many ways to be a local hero

WE EXPLORE SPRINGTIME

The Student:
-Investigates changes that happen in spring
-Identifies the importance of rainfall to plants and animals
-Learns how to read abstract symbols on a map by comparing rainfall
amounts in different locations
-Describes the kind of work performed by children on a farm
-Learns how to plant a garden

WE CARE FOR THE EARTH

The Student:
-Considers all the ways we depend on the Earth to satisfy our needs
-Learns the importance of Earth Day
-Compares and contrasts homes around the world and the wide variety of
materials used to build them
-Matches products to the natural resources from which they are made
-Learns facts about consumption
-Learns how to use recycled materials in craft projects
-Discovers how a ship is an exciting place to learn about the environment

WE CARE FOR ALL PEOPLE

The Student:
-Reads a world map
-Discusses Mothers and their contributions to our lives
-Identifies national figures who worked for freedom and the ways people
can be honored for their deeds
-Describes the purpose of Memorial Day

WE DISCOVER HOW TO BE GOOD CITIZENS

The Student:
-Describes aspects of good citizenship and national pride
-Investigates the history and symbolism of our national and state flags
-Learns how to raise and lower the flag properly
-Explores Theodore Roosevelt’s interests in preserving national lands
-Compares and contrasts several national parks
-Learns about a national symbol, the bald eagle and its habitat

MEXICO

The Student:
-Identifies the geographic location of Mexico on a map
-Identifies mountains, plateaus, rainforest, desert, and volcanoes
-Understands early history of Mexico
-Learns some Mexican words
-Learns about Mexican clothing, family, and lifestyles
-Learns about Mexican foods
-Learns about Mexican customs and holidays

METHODS AND STRATEGIES OF THE SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM

-Big Books
-Whole class discussions
-Songs
-Poetry
-Trade Books
-Biographies
-Audiotapes
-Art projects

TEXTBOOK FOR THE SOCIAL STUDIES CURRICULUM