English Language Arts (ELA)
Core Focus:
Advanced reading comprehension, multi-paragraph writing, research skills, grammar mastery, and confident speaking and listening.
Reading Literature & Informational Text
Students read a wide range of stories, novels, articles, and informational texts. They learn to identify themes,
analyze characters’ motivations, and track how plots develop and resolve. They compare and contrast characters,
settings, and events using specific evidence from the text. Students determine the meaning of figurative language
and academic vocabulary in context, and they practice summarizing texts in their own words without adding personal
opinion. They also integrate information from multiple sources—such as articles, charts, and stories—to build a
deeper understanding of a topic.
Writing
Students write multi-paragraph compositions with clear introductions, organized body paragraphs, and thoughtful
conclusions. In opinion writing, they state a clear claim and support it with facts, details, and logical reasoning.
In informative and explanatory pieces, they research topics, organize information, and use text evidence to explain
ideas clearly. Narrative writing includes well-developed characters, dialogue, pacing, and descriptive details that
bring events to life. Throughout the year, students conduct short research projects using credible sources and
practice revising and editing their work for clarity, organization, grammar, and style.
Language (Grammar & Conventions)
Students refine their understanding of grammar and usage. They correctly use perfect verb tenses (past, present,
and future) and build more complex sentences using conjunctions, prepositions, and interjections. They apply rules
for capitalization, punctuation, and spelling in all writing tasks. Students also expand their vocabulary, using
precise and domain-specific words to communicate ideas more effectively in both speaking and writing.
Speaking & Listening
Students participate in structured discussions, coming prepared with notes and questions. They learn to listen
actively, summarize a speaker’s key points, and respond respectfully. Students plan and deliver short presentations
and reports, often using multimedia elements such as slides or visuals to support their ideas and engage their
audience.
Mathematics
Core Focus:
Fractions, decimals, volume, multi-digit operations, and foundational algebraic thinking.
Number & Operations
Students fluently add, subtract, multiply, and divide multi-digit whole numbers using standard algorithms and
strategies. They extend their understanding of fractions by adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing them,
including fractions with unlike denominators. Students convert fractions to decimals and compare decimal values to
thousandths, using place value understanding and number lines to reason about size and order.
Algebraic Thinking
Students write and interpret numerical expressions that include parentheses, brackets, and braces. They explore
patterns and relationships in tables and rules, beginning to see how variables can represent unknown quantities.
This early algebraic thinking prepares them for more formal algebra in later grades.
Measurement & Data
Students convert among different-sized measurement units within the same system (customary and metric) and solve
real-world problems involving these conversions. They represent and interpret data using line plots and other
visual displays. Students also develop a strong understanding of volume as a measurable attribute of solid figures
and learn to calculate the volume of right rectangular prisms using formulas.
Geometry
Students graph points in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane to solve problems and represent relationships.
They classify two-dimensional figures based on properties such as parallel and perpendicular lines, types of
angles, and symmetry. This classification work deepens their understanding of geometric structure and vocabulary.
Science
Core Focus:
Earth systems, matter and its interactions, ecosystems, and engineering design practices.
Earth & Space Science
Students explore Earth’s major systems: the geosphere (land), hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), and biosphere
(living things). They study weather patterns, climate zones, and how these systems interact. Students examine
Earth’s natural resources and discuss how human activities can both help and harm the environment, connecting
science learning to real-world stewardship.
Physical Science
Students investigate the structure and properties of matter, learning about solids, liquids, and gases, as well as
observable properties like mass, volume, and density. They explore mixtures and solutions and learn to distinguish
between physical changes (such as melting or dissolving) and chemical changes (such as burning or rusting). The
idea that matter is conserved, even when it changes form, is emphasized through hands-on activities.
Life Science
Students study ecosystems and the flow of energy through food chains and food webs. They examine how plants and
animals are adapted to their environments and how changes—such as natural disasters or human actions—can affect
populations and habitats. Students consider how organisms survive, grow, and reproduce within their ecosystems.
Engineering & Design
Using a simple engineering design process, students define problems, brainstorm possible solutions, and build
prototypes. They test their designs, collect data, and use what they learn to improve their solutions. This
process encourages creativity, persistence, and collaboration while connecting science concepts to practical
problem-solving.
Social Studies
Core Focus:
Foundations of U.S. history, geography skills, government structures, and basic economics.
History
Students begin with early Native American cultures, learning about their diverse ways of life and relationships
with the land. They study European exploration and colonization, examining motives, routes, and impacts on
Indigenous peoples. The development of the 13 Colonies and regional differences in economy and culture are
explored. Students then learn about the causes, key figures, and major events of the American Revolution and
examine how the new United States government was formed.
Geography
Students use maps, globes, and coordinates to locate places and understand spatial relationships. They identify
major U.S. landforms, rivers, and regions and explore how geography influences settlement, culture, and economic
activity. Human-environment interaction—how people adapt to, depend on, and change their surroundings—is a key
theme throughout the year.
Civics & Government
Students learn why societies create governments and what basic rights and responsibilities citizens have. They
study the structure of the U.S. government, including the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, and how
they share and balance power. Students explore how laws are made and discuss ways individuals can participate in
their communities, such as voting when they are older, volunteering, and staying informed.
Economics
Students are introduced to fundamental economic ideas such as supply and demand, scarcity, and opportunity cost.
They distinguish between goods and services and learn about natural, human, and capital resources. Simple personal
finance concepts—saving, spending, and budgeting—are discussed to help students begin thinking about responsible
money choices.
Fine Arts
Core Focus:
Creative expression through visual art and music, with reflection and appreciation.
Art
Students explore the elements of art—line, shape, color, texture, value, and form—and the principles of design,
such as balance, contrast, emphasis, and rhythm. They create artworks using drawing, painting, collage, and simple
sculpture techniques. Students also practice talking about art, reflecting on their own work and the work of
others using respectful, descriptive language.
Music
Students develop musical skills by learning about rhythm, melody, harmony, and musical form. They read simple
musical notation and may perform on classroom instruments or in vocal ensembles. Listening activities introduce
music from different cultures, time periods, and styles, helping students build appreciation for a wide range of
musical traditions.
Physical Education (P.E.)
Core Focus:
Lifelong fitness, teamwork, and healthy habits.
Fitness & Movement
Students participate in activities that build cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility. They
learn how regular physical activity supports overall health and well-being and begin to set simple personal
fitness goals.
Team Sports & Cooperation
Through team games and sports, students learn rules, basic strategies, and the importance of cooperation. They
practice communication, fair play, and good sportsmanship, focusing on effort and improvement rather than only
winning.
Safety & Healthy Choices
Students discuss safety rules for physical activities, including warm-ups, cool-downs, and proper use of
equipment. They also learn about healthy habits such as hydration, sleep, and balanced nutrition at an age-appropriate level.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Core Focus:
Self-awareness, self-management, relationships, and responsible decision-making.
Self-Management & Emotional Regulation
Students learn to recognize their emotions and use strategies—such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, and
taking breaks—to manage strong feelings. They practice setting personal goals and monitoring their progress.
Relationships & Communication
Students practice active listening, respectful communication, and conflict resolution skills. Role-plays and
classroom discussions help them learn how to handle disagreements, apologize, and repair relationships.
Empathy, Kindness & Community
Students explore what it means to show empathy and kindness in everyday situations. They participate in classroom
or school-wide activities that build a sense of community and responsibility toward others.
Digital Citizenship
Students learn about safe and respectful behavior online, including protecting personal information, recognizing
trustworthy sources, and treating others kindly in digital spaces.
Technology & Digital Literacy
Core Focus:
Practical technology skills, research, and introductory coding concepts.
Keyboarding & Productivity Tools
Students improve keyboarding accuracy and speed while using word processing tools to draft and revise writing.
They learn basic formatting skills such as headings, lists, and inserting images.
Research & Information Skills
Students practice searching for information online, evaluating sources for reliability, and recording information
in their own words. They learn to give simple credit to sources when using facts or images.
Introductory Coding
Through age-appropriate coding activities, students explore basic concepts such as sequences, loops, and
conditionals. They may use block-based programming tools to create simple animations, stories, or games.
Multimedia & Presentations
Students create simple digital presentations that combine text, images, and sometimes audio or video. They learn
to design slides that are clear, readable, and supportive of their spoken presentations.
Internet Safety & Responsible Use
Students review rules for staying safe online, including not sharing personal information and telling a trusted
adult if something online makes them uncomfortable. They discuss how to balance screen time with other activities
and how to use technology in positive, productive ways.