Curriculum-
Language Arts/Reading- Students
experience a variety of reading strategies using the Rigby Literacy and trade books. Six Traits of Reading skills are used
with these materials. Traits of Writing are used to teach and assess students in their writing. The Rebecca Sitton spelling
program is used to teach students to correctly spell and use the most frequently used words in writing.
- Accelerated Reader Students read books independently at their own reading level and are assessed with a computerized
quiz.
- STAR-A computerized program used to assess student's reading levels
- SuccessMaker-A
computerized program in which students work on reading and math skills at their own level.
Math-The
Everyday Mathematics series is used. This program builds on the basic training and begins to make the transition to mathematics
concepts and ways of using math. Fourth graders strengthen and increase their "number sense", "measure sense",
and estimation skills. They review and extend their skills in the basics of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Students learn about "variables" and other topics in algebra. They develop their geometry concepts and skills. They
take a World Tour and along the way consider many kinds of data about various countries and how to locate various locations
on world globes and flat maps. Students do many projects involving numerical data. Student progress is monitored using beginning,
developing, and secured goals. In addition, students are assessed on their mathematical skills using Math Exemplars as a district
wide assessment.
Science- The Scott Foresman Science series is used. This series provides opportunities
for students to develop and maintain skills that form the basis for lifelong learning. The science process skills that the
students learn are important inquiry tools and are essential for investigating the natural world. The areas of Life Science
include plant and animal growth, and adaptation and the human body systems; Earth Science includes: earthquakes and volcanoes,
weather, planets, and other objects in space; Physical Science which includes physical properties of matter, heat, electricity
and magnetism, forces and motion, and simple machines are incorporated into the curriculum.
Social
Studies- the Harcourt series is used. The units are organized around five regions of the United States. Students study
the geography and history of the areas. Throughout the year units are integrated with other curricular areas. Learning centers,
small groups, and projects are used to teach the content and essential learnings of the school district.
Protecting
You/Protecting Me- This curriculum was developed by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and is supported by the American
Academy of Pediatrics. The curriculum includes eight lessons covering the growth and development of the human brain,
health and safety, friends, how to say "no" and keep our friends, what the media doesn't tell us that we need
to know, and how children can talk to grown-ups about difficult subjects and can help protect themselves when grown-ups don't.
