Academic Programs
"CHA is amazing. The administration is involved and collaborative. The teachers are energetic and communicative. The facility is bright and beautiful. School food is healthy and nutritious. Includes Art, music, PE, Library, Tech, Spanish. A great list of extracurriculars. The administrative staff is organized and helpful. Ski program! I love this place and so does my first grade son."
Curriculum by Subject
Mathematics
Our mathematics curriculum, Dimensions Math, is a Singapore Math curriculum. It is designed to ensure all students have an opportunity to become mathematically literate, as well as logical and conceptual thinkers. Students are provided with a full range of mathematical topics including algebra, probability, geometry, measurement, numeration, patterns, and operations. CHA’s math curriculum also provides learning opportunities for problem solving, reasoning, communicating, and applying mathematics to other curricular areas.
Language Arts
Our program draws on content from Into Reading, Daily 5 Cafe, Wired for Reading, Writer's Workshop and Handwriting Without Tears to provide a balance of literature, writing, word study, speaking, and grammar. Students are encouraged to demonstrate critical thinking skills, expand their reading comprehension, to write with clarity and purpose, and to speak in a confident, fluent manner. Opportunities to read for enjoyment, cultivate their personal voice, and understand and appreciate various genres and multicultural literary themes are also provided.
Science
Developing scientific literacy in order to help students make informed and effective decisions in their life is the goal of our program. Through activities in the physical, life and earth sciences the program provides hands-on experiences where children can learn by actively participating in the scientific method. Students are actively involved in developing scientific skill and concepts, working cooperatively and independently, and conducting research or experiments.
Social Studies
Our social studies program, supplemented with the TCi Social Studies curriculum prepares students to be informed, responsible and contributing citizens to our society. Our students are instilled with respect for the rights and beliefs of others in this diverse world through the study of history, geography, economics, political science, cultures, government, and current events students examine cultural and historical events from a global perspective.
Social Emotional
Second Step and the Leader in Me are used as a comprehensive program in every grade level to support social emotional development. Second Step is a nationally-recognized curriculum, both teacher-informed and classroom-tested, and schools that utilize Second Step see remarkable growth in students’ self-awareness, interactive skills and ability to proactively avoid and effectively resolve conflict. Students learn to better manage emotions as well. Taken together, all of the above results in improved academic performance. Second Step’s age-appropriate games, activities, and media engage students and set children on a path to lifelong success. At CHA, Second Step is introduced in kindergarten, and its lessons are delivered through grade five, along with a few different grade level-specific teaching tools and resources (i.e. Whole Body Listening, Superflex, solution boards, etc.). Learn More
By specializing instruction, differentiating our approach, and offering accelerated paths, we aim to individualize the educational experience of our learners. Daily rotations for core subjects prepare students for their move to middle school, teaching skills associated with transitioning, time management, and organization.
Curriculum by Grade
Kindergarten
READING
Our program incorporates whole language and strong phonics instruction to ensure that students develop a firm reading foundation. We use Houghton Mifflin Into Reading curriculum for sight words and comprehension and Word Wires to build a solid phonics foundation, teaching students to know how their mouth forms sounds as they learn letter sounds. We also use the Daily 5 literacy program in which students work independently in five areas: read to self, read to someone, word work, work on writing, and listen to reading.
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Comprehending setting and main characters in a story
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Making predictions
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Recalling beginning, middle, and end
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Mastering all letters, sounds, vowel and consonant blends
MATH
The Dimensions Singapore Math curriculum enables students to learn math concepts through meaningful lessons and hands-on tasks. Students are taught concepts to gain a solid foundation in mathematics. We also incorporate the workshop model for differentiated instruction.
- Number sense
- Geometry
- Measurement
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Patterns
- Graphing
- Money
- Time and Calendar
SCIENCE
We use the Mystery Science curriculum to engage students in exciting hands-on science activities such as making shelters for an animal stuffy, growing plants, and learning to take care of animals. We also use the Engineering is Elementary program from the Boston Museum of Science to practice the engineering design cycle to build ramps, bridges, and “rollercoasters” in the process. Students practice using tools to make measurements and record data. We also incorporate field trips to give students real world experience with what we have learned in class.
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Weather
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Effects of Sunlight
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Environmental Impact
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Living Things
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Forces
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Engineering Design Process
Writing
The Kindergarten students learn to write through the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Reading curriculum in which students practice writing in three main units: Opinion, Informational, and Narrative Writing. The students develop stories about their lives, beliefs and write “how to” books. Through our Handwriting without Tears program, students also learn letter formation, spacing, punctuation and proper capitalization.
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Writing to label a picture
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Writing with phonetic spelling
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Explaining a picture with a word or sentence
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Using beginning punctuation and capitalization
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Spelling sight words accurately
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Writing to tell a story, persuade, and inform
SOCIAL STUDIES
The Kindergarten students participate in their first school Cultural Fair by studying about a specific country or region. The children learn about the world around them through the Teachers’ Curriculum Institute (TCI) Social Studies Alive! program and incorporate OSPI’s Since Time Immemorial curriculum, designed by 20 local tribes. We incorporate field trips to give students real world experiences with what we have learned in class.
- Social Studies Alive! Me and My World - Who am I? What is a family?
- Social Studies Alive! - How do I get along with others? How do I make friends?
- Since Time Immemorial - Tribal Lands and Tribes
- Social Studies Alive! - How do I solve problems with others?
- Social Studies Alive! - How do people live around the world?
- Country/Region of Study TBD
- Social Studies Alive! - How can I be a good helper at school? What is in my neighborhood?
- Social Studies Alive! - Where am I in the world? What do people need and want? How can I help take care of the world?
1st Grade
MATH
We use Dimensions Singapore Math for whole group and small group instruction. Students use IXL and explore with math games as a math enrichment tool.
- Numbers 0 to 10
- Number Bonds
- Addition
- Subtraction
- Position
- Numbers to 20
- Shapes
- Length
- Weight
- Capacity
- Comparing Numbers
- Graphs
- Numbers to 40
- Multiplication
- Division
- Halves and Fourths
- Time
- Numbers to 100
- Money
SOCIAL STUDIES
Students gain hands-on experience through each TCI (Teachers’ Curriculum Institute) Social Studies Alive! My School and Family unit. They work cooperatively to solve problems and gain a real-world perspective.
- The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
- Life Today and Long Ago
- Cultural Literacy: One Nation, Many People
SCIENCE
Students observe plant and animal adaptations. Students experiment with different materials that create light and sound waves. Students learn about the various components of the Earth, Solar System and other celestial objects.
- Plants and Animal Superpowers
- The Spinning Sky
- Light and Sounds
- Engineering
LANGUAGE ARTS
Students learn to recognize problem and solution relationships in text, use inference skills to decipher information in context, interpret information from fiction and nonfiction sources. Strengthen and build reading fluency. They plan, write, and revise personal narrative stories. Students also strengthen their phonetic skills and spelling strategies, and practice handwriting skills.
- Students gain experience of working independently and in peer groups to develop reading and writing skills.
- Students select reading materials using the IPICK (Independence, Purpose, Interest, Comprehension, Know the Words) rules.
- Students learn about various genres of reading literature.
- They also build reading comprehension skills, vocabulary, and a deeper connection to text.
- The Into Reading curriculum helps with reading comprehension, phonemic awareness, and spelling.
- The Handwriting Without Tears curriculum guides handwriting practice.
- Students are supported in whole group and one-on-one instruction to express their ideas clearly and effectively in writing.
- Students participate in small group guided reading circles.
2nd Grade
LANGUAGE ARTS
Reading
Daily 5, CAFÉ strategies, Into Reading curiculum, and Accelerated Reader are used to structure the reading block so every student is independently engaged in meaningful literacy tasks. With guidance, students self- select reading materials at their independent reading level. Whole group, small group, and individualized instruction are used to support them in progressing to the next level. Houghton Mifflin reading curriculum, Into Reading, is used to expose students to a variety of texts, genres, comprehension strategies, and decoding skills.
Writers’ Workshop:
Students focus on the three types of writing: 1) to inform 2) to persuade 3) to entertain. Through the use of writing journals, the Lucy Calkins writing curriculum, and the use of the writing process, students will become stronger writers. Students are guided to effectively communicate their ideas and express themselves through the various steps of writing including drafting, editing, revising, and publishing
Spelling, Vocabulary Development and Handwriting
The linguistic-based Wired for Reading and Word Wires program helps structure our spelling and vocabulary curricula and provide differentiated instruction that allows students to practice, strengthen, internalize these skills. Handwriting Without Tears curriculum is used for handwriting mastery.
- Recognize problem and solution relationships in text
- Use inference skills to decipher information in context
- Interpret information from fiction and nonfiction sources
- Strengthen and build fluency
- Plan, write, and revise personal narratives, informational writing, and persuasive writing
- Strengthen phonetic skills and spelling strategies
- Develop speaking and listening skills
SCIENCE
Scientific understanding is integrated with engineering using the Mystery Science and Engineering is Elementary curriculum. Video lessons are integrated with hands-on kits to make observations, construct explanations, and design solutions.
- Hands-on science kits teach physical, life and earth sciences through inquiry.
- Content is enhanced through field trips and journals.
- Earth Science: The work of Water (Mystery Science)
- A Sticky Situation: Earth Materials Engineering Kit (EiE)
- Physical Science: Materials Magic (Mystery Science)
- Life Science: Plant and Animal Adventures (Mystery Science)
- Thinking Inside the Box: Designing Plant Packages (EiE)
- Engineering Design Process - Invention Convention
MATH
Dimensions Singapore Math is used for whole group and small group instruction. The structure of the approach begins from concrete, to pictorial, and lastly abstract; enabling students to deeply understand mathematical concepts. Students frequently work with manipulatives or draw models in order to deepen understanding of mathematical concepts and solve complex problems. IXL Math and Sprints are used to reinforce and practice basic facts and mental math. Math games and Early Finish Packets are used as enrichment tools.
- Numbers to 1000
- Addition and Subtraction
- Length
- Weight
- Multiplication and Division
- Money
- Fractions
- Time
- Capacity
- Tables and graphs
- Geometry
SOCIAL STUDIES
The program is based on Social Studies Alive: My Community from TCi
Unit 1: Geography
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What is a community
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How are communities different?
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How do we use maps?
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What is geography?
Unit 2: Economics
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How do people use our environment?
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How are goods made and brought to us?
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Who provides services in a community?
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How can I be a smart consumer?
Unit 3: History
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How can we learn about Native American Cultures?
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How do families learn about their past?
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How do communities change?
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How did one community change?
Unit 4: Civics
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How can one person make a difference?
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How do leaders help their communities?
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What does a good citizen do?
Second graders also use the Since Time Immemorial unit: "Honoring the Salmon". Resources from the Eastside Heritage Center specific to Bellevue and the Eastside provide opportunities for researching our community’s history.
3rd Grade
LANGUAGE ARTS
Writers’ Workshop & Writable
Students self-select writing topics in addition to teacher-directed prompts. Students are taught the writing process using partner editors and teacher direction. They are supported by a balance of whole group, small group, and one-to-one instruction that allows individual students to become a more competent writer.
Readers’ Workshop & Into Reading
Daily 5 is used for leveled reading development. Accelerated Reader is used for monitoring the student’s reading level and goals. Into Reading and Thinking Maps are utilized for whole group reading and reading strategy lessons.
Handwriting
Cursive Handwriting is introduced through the ‘Handwriting Without Tears’ series.
Problem Based Learning
Students are posed with a problem where they will need to work collaboratively to combine Language Arts skills and concepts taught in class in combination with 21st-century skills to come up with a solution.
Read literary and informational texts closely and analytically to comprehend a range of increasingly complex literary and informational texts:
- Key Details
- Central Ideas
- Word Meanings
- Reasoning & Evidence
- Analysis Within or Across Texts
- Text Structures & Features
- Language Use
Produce effective writing for a range of purposes and audiences:
- Write and revise brief/full narrative and informational texts
- Write and revise one or more paragraph opinion pieces
- Accurately use language and vocabulary in writing
- Edit appropriate grammar usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
- Learn proper cursive handwriting techniques and write in cursive fluently
Employ effective speaking and listening skills for a range of purposes and audiences:
- Followed agreed-upon rules for discussion
- Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions
- Speak in complete sentences to provide detail or clarification
- Ask and answer questions about information from a speaker
- Create engaging audio recordings of stories or poems
- Report on a topic or text, tell a story or recount an experience
MATH
Dimensions Singapore Math is used for whole group and small group instruction. It blends problem solving and deeper level mathematical thinking to support growth and development of concepts.
IXL Math and math sprints are used to reinforce and practice basic facts.
Students are encouraged to solve challenging word problems and to develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Manipulatives are used to problem solve and model thinking.
Group tasks are used to encourage collaborative problem solving and use of mathematical language.
Math games are used as an enrichment tool.
- Numbers to 10,000, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Graphs and Tables
- Multiplying and Dividing with 6,7,8,9, Fractions, Measurement, Geometry, Area and Perimeter, Time, Money
SOCIAL STUDIES
TCI Social Studies Alive! Our Community and Beyond. Class discussions. Projects and Presentations. Field Trips. Question text during reading and listening. Use simple note-taking strategies. Interpret or explain main idea and support with evidence
- Maps and Globes
- Ideals and Principles of the United States
- Economic Systems
- North America
- Human Interaction with the Environment
- Country Study/Cultural Fair
- Culture and History
SCIENCE
Highline kits. Mystery Science. Lab investigations. Science notebooks. Engineering is Elementary Kits. Technology integration
- Motion and Stability: Forces
- Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
- From Molecules to Organisms: Structure and Processes
- Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits
- Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity
- Earth Systems: Climate and Weather
- Earth and Human Activity
- Engineering Design
4th Grade
LANGUAGE ARTS
- Reading comprehension and fluency
- Vocabulary
- Spelling
- Grammar
- Writing
- Independent reading
- Non-fiction and current events
- Cursive handwriting
- Classroom presentations of book and research projects
Students follow a modified Daily 5 model to do the following:
- Read to self – Supported by the online Accelerated Reader (AR) program
- Read with others– AR and Into Reading
- Word work – Into Reading, supplemented by Wired for Reading
- Work on writing – Into Reading, supplemented by Units of Study
- Work with teacher – Students work 1:1 or in small flexible groups with the teacher to work on targeted reading and writing skills using Into Reading
Accelerated Reader
Students are guided in selecting appropriately-leveled books for independent reading. After completing a book, students take a short comprehension quiz on the computer and earn points based on the number of correct answers.
Reader’s Workshop - Our new research- and standards-based curriculum, Into Reading, integrates reading, writing, spelling and grammar. Students work with the teacher in whole class, one-to-one and in small flexible groups to strengthen reading fluency as well as to work on understanding story elements and reading for enjoyment across various genres using authentic literature. The program allows for differentiated instruction to support and challenge diverse learners. Scholastic News magazines are used as a supplement to incorporate additional nonfiction articles and current events.
Writer’s Workshop - The writing program is paired with the Into Reading curriculum. Students write from assigned and self-selected topics. They engage in the writing process, including a rough draft, revising and editing, and publishing. Feedback is provided by other students and one-on-one instruction from the teacher. Specific skills are taught through direct instruction and applied to independent writing. Units of Studies concepts are used to supplement the program.
Handwriting - Students learn and practice cursive handwriting using the Handwriting Without Tears program.
SCIENCE
- Engineering Design Process
- Energy and Natural Resources
- Sound Waves
- Changes to the Earth’s Surface
- Structures and Functions of Plants and Animals
- Information Processing
Engineering is Elementary is a hands-on investigations curriculum that teaches the Engineering Design Process.
Students perform a variety of hands-on investigations that allow them to experience phenomena
Mystery Science is a program with engaging content well-suited for remote learners
Content is enhanced with visits by subject-matter experts and multi-media projects.
NGSS-based instruction: Authentic activities aligned to content standards and application-based assessments
MATH
- Numbers to One Million
- Addition and Subtraction
- Multiples and Factors
- Multiplication
- Division
- Fractions
- Adding and Subtracting Fractions
- Multiplying a fraction and a whole number
- Measurement
- Area and Perimeter
- Decimals
- Addition and Subtraction of Decimals
- Multiplication and Division of Decimals
- Line Graphs and Line Plots
- Angles
- Lines and Shapes
- Properties of Cuboids
Lessons mostly start with a problem to think, setting a stage for discussion. Students use the strategies that they know or taught and manipulatives to solve the problem and model thinking.
Students are encouraged to solve challenging word problems and to develop their critical thinking skills. Individual and group tasks are used.
Use of math language is encouraged and Math games are also used for engaging the students in learning. IXL Math and math sprints are used to reinforce and practice basic facts.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Chestnut Hill Academy’s social studies curriculum prepares students to be informed, responsible and contributing citizens to our society. Our students are instilled with respect for the rights and beliefs of others in this diverse world through the study of Washington State history, geography, economics, political science, cultures, government, and also current events students examine cultural and historical events from a global perspective.
- WA State History throughout the year
- Early Pacific Northwest People
- Lewis & Clark Simulation
- Oregon Trail
- Immigration & Settlement
- Washington State Civics
- Economics of Our Region (with Junior Achievement)
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Current Events
- Holidays and traditional celebrations of our diverse community members
We use the textbooks Washington: Our Home and TCI: Social Studies Alive! – Regions of Our Country to learn about state history, exploration and settlement, government, industry, and geography.
We incorporate OSPI’s Since Time Immemorial curriculum, designed by 20 local tribes, to support the teaching of tribal sovereignty, tribal history, and current tribal issues
Students participate in a Lewis and Clark simulation activity to gain greater understanding of the challenges faced by the Corps of Discovery as well as consider the perspective of the Native People they met along the way.
They also conduct an in-depth investigation into a culture. Students move past a surface-level understanding as they explore a self-selected research question touching on history, handicrafts, food, clothing, spiritual beliefs, language, transportation, social roles, and more. Examples from last year include a project on coastal tribes’ traditional whaling practices and an in-depth look the Lushootseed, a native language of the Puget Sound.
5th Grade
LANGUAGE ARTS
Reading Skills
- Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension
- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in text, including figurative language
- Read grade-level texts with purpose and understanding
- Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding
- Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences
- Determine the theme of a story, drama, or poem
- Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events drawing on specific details in the text
- Describe how a narrator’s point of view influences how events are described
- Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience
Writing Skills
- Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information
- Write informative texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly
- Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, descriptive details, and clear event sequences
- Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, and rewriting. Use technology and the internet to produce and publish writing
Speaking and Listening Skills
- Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly
- Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions and carry out assigned roles
- Pose and respond to specific questions by making comments that contribute to the discussion and elaborate on the remarks of others
- Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats including visually and orally
- Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence
- Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and descriptive details. Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations
Curriculum
- The Into Reading curriculum provides students with a wide variety of reading experiences in different genres. Students develop reading skills through assignments and written responses, during classroom discussions, and while working in cooperative learning groups.
- Accelerated Reader enables students to test their comprehension using short quizzes based on books they have read independently. Teachers use AR information to assess students’ comprehension and guide them to choose appropriate level books.
- Scholastic News provides students an opportunity to develop higher level thinking and analysis skills while learning about global current events.
- Waggle, a digital component of the Into Reading curriculum, provides students with skills-based activities and games to make learning grammar skills more engaging.
- Can-do Cursive provides students with guided practice in cursive writing.
Book projects and presentations give students the chance to practice and develop their communication skills.
SCIENCE
Students learn investigation and inquiry skills, science methods, and the engineering design process. Students perform a variety of hands-on investigations that complement content. Content is enhanced with field trips and projects. Students use the Engineering is Elementary curriculum from Boston’s Museum of Science to design, test, and improve solutions to engineering problems. Students use a Science Journal throughout the year to set up investigations, record data, and answer comprehension questions.
- Science Methods and Measurement
- Engineering and Problem Solving
- The Solar System and the Universe
- STEM project: Aerospace: Designing Parachutes
- Energy and Ecosystems
- Natural Resources
- STEM project: Ecosystems: Cleaning an Oil Spill
- Structure and Properties of Matter
- Chemical Reactions
- STEM project: Ocean: Designing Submarines
SOCIAL STUDIES
Students study history, economics, geography, and civics from time immemorial to 17991: the development of indigenous societies in North America (time immemorial -1791; encounter, colonization, and devastation (1492-1763; Revolution and the Constitution (1763-1791).
Social Studies Skills and Understandings
- Analyze how people from various cultural groups have shaped the history of the United States
- Analyze costs and benefits of decisions colonists made to meet their needs and wants
- Construct and use maps to show and analyze information about the thirteen colonies
- Understand the physical and cultural characteristics of the thirteen colonies
- Analyze multiple perspectives and interpretations of historical events in U.S. history
- Understand cause/effect relationships in U.S. history
- Understand the impact of the British government on the economy of the thirteen colonies
- Understand the key ideas of liberty and patriotism as outlined in the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and other documents
- Understand the function of the U.S. government
- Evaluate how a public issue is related to constitutional rights and the common good
- Understand that civic participation involves being informed about how public issues are related to rights and responsibilities
- Students research their own cultural history and then present what they have learned during a Cultural Fair in December.
- Students learn about our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., and may have an opportunity to travel there in the spring on a week-long field trip.
Curriculum
- The TCi Social Studies Alive!: America’s Past curriculum enables students to read about and analyze historical events.
- The Since Time Immemorial curriculum honors local Native American tribes and teaches students about their contributions both historically and currently
MATH
Dimensions Singapore Math is used for whole group and small group instruction. It blends problem solving and deeper level mathematical thinking to support growth and development of concepts. IXL Math and math sprints are used to reinforce and practice basic facts. Students are encouraged to solve challenging word problems and to develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Math games are used as an enrichment tool. Math projects are assigned to promote student engagement and application of concepts learned in class.
- Unit 1: Whole Numbers
- Unit 2: Writing and Evaluating Expressions
- Unit 3: Multiplication and Division
- Unit 4: Addition and Subtraction of Fractions
- Unit 5: Multiplication of Fractions
- Unit 6: Division of Fractions
- Unit 7: Measurement
- Unit 8: Volume of Solid Figures
- Unit 9: Decimals
- Unit 10: The Four Operations of Decimals
- Unit 11: Geometry
- Unit 12: Data Analysis and Graphs
- Unit 13: Ratio
- Unit 14: Rate
- Unit 15: Percentage
In This Section
From 1st Grade onwards, students are placed in leveled, ability-based groups for Mathematics and Language Arts, and from 2nd Grade, teachers specialize their instruction in Social Studies and Science as well. Teachers also practice classroom-based instructional differentiation with the support of an Instructional Assistant. Teachers modify their approach and meet individual learning styles by varying the schedule during the day with a balance between large-group, small group, and independent instruction, as well as by using appropriate tools and resources to adapt instruction for a group of diverse learners.