Lower School Curriculum Overview

First grade language arts instruction focuses on strengthening students’ literacy skills.  Students receive instruction in: 

• Reading 
• Writing 
• Spelling 
• Grammar
• Public speaking 

McGraw-Hill’s Wonders curriculum is the foundation for Language Arts instruction. Teachers supplement instruction with integrated language activities and technology designed to strengthen communication skills.

The overall objective is that first graders enjoy reading and writing and feel comfortable sharing ideas.

Math instruction emphasizes: counting, sequencing, addition, subtraction, place value, simple fractions, decimals, measurement, graphs, geometric shapes, telling time, and counting money.

In conjunction with the University of Chicago's Everyday Mathematics series, emphasis is placed on problem solving skills and strategies. Manipulatives and math games are used extensively to assist with concept development.

First grade science is inquiry-based and hands-on. Major topics of study include:

• Plants 
• Animals and their life cycles
• Owls 
• Insects 
• The solar system
• Weather

Lab safety techniques and the scientific method are emphasized as students conduct projects and experiments in a laboratory setting under the instruction of the Lower School Science Specialist.  Lab activities include lessons on microscopes, the life cycle of a frog, fingerprints, and rockets.  

The social studies curriculum begins with an emphasis on students as individuals and progresses to their roles as members of groups such as family, school, community, state, country, and the world focusing on the responsibilities and rules associated with belonging to these groups.

The concepts of leadership, voting, conflict resolution, basic economic principles, and environmental responsibility are presented. In addition, students learn basic map and globe skills, study the meaning of patriotic symbols, and learn to compare and contrast as they discuss different cultures. 

First grade art classes emphasize:

• Drawing 
• Design 
• Painting 
• Crafts 
• Art History 

Within each of these areas, emphasis is placed on the elements of design. The program provides a variety of methods and media with which the students are encouraged to produce original and creative works of art. Aesthetic growth and visual discrimination are expanded through the study of major artists and their works.

The goal of the Lower School music curriculum is to present a program of sequential musical learning designed to develop an appreciation of the joy of music making. Students in first grade music class learn the basics of music reading, writing, and composition skills through the methods of Orff and Kodály. 

These approaches to music education include sequential organization of music concepts and skills that help children acquire music literacy: reading, writing, listening, and creating music. 

Students acquire knowledge about music through the process of experiencing music through singing, speaking, moving, playing instruments, and creating.  Students have the opportunity to participate in grade-level performances that demonstrate classroom learning.

First grade physical education emphasizes motor skill development, perceptual awareness, and overall health and fitness. Students participate in developmentally appropriate activities balancing the growth of individual skills with the concept of team play.

Activities are designed to promote strength, flexibility, and cardio respiratory health as well as coordination, gross motor skills, and balance in the context of safety and good sportsmanship.

Speaking and listening skills are emphasized in first grade Spanish class. Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS) focuses on teacher and student interaction, using stories to keep the learner's interest. Unique oral stories are co-created, containing the most commonly used Spanish words and phrases. The goal is to help students get familiar with a new language easily and quickly. Additionally, the study of cultural topics helps develop an appreciation for Spanish culture. Class is conducted almost exclusively in Spanish.

First graders are full of imagination.  The technology and idea labs offer many opportunities for curiosity and creative problem solving.  First graders learn basic computer skills  using dynamic online programs that teach keyboarding, coding, and digital citizenship.  

In the Idea Lab, students enjoy a wide range of activities and projects intended to bring out the inventor, scientist, engineer, and designer in every student.

The study of Language Arts in second grade includes instruction in reading, writing, grammar, spelling, and public speaking.  As students continue to improve in reading fluency, they learn the concepts of main idea, point of view, character, plot, setting, and tone.  McGraw-Hill’s Wonders program is the foundation for second grade Language Arts.  Cursive writing is introduced and practiced throughout second grade.  In addition, students are given several opportunities to practice public speaking.

Math instruction emphasizes numeration, measurement, operations, geometry, and patterns in addition to reinforcing the skills acquired in first grade. Students are introduced to multiplication and division and the concepts of median and mode. In addition, students learn to figure the perimeter of polygons. Students learn to explore data and understand charts, graphs, and tables. The use of a calculator is introduced. Students use the University of Chicago's Everyday Mathematics series, which emphasizes problem solving skills. Students access Everyday Mathematics computer math games, which directly support instruction. Additionally, math facts are practiced with adaptive and individualized online resources.

In science, second grade students learn about topics in the life, earth, and physical sciences. Specific topics include:

• Investigating the physical properties of matter
• Observing rocks and minerals 
• Investigating forces and work, simple machines, exploring sound and light
• Investigating birds 

Lab safety techniques and the scientific method are emphasized as students conduct projects and experiments in a laboratory setting under the instruction of the Lower School Science Specialist.

Students conduct experiments in which they learn to identify and control variables as they observe, compare, classify, and interpret data in order to make hypotheses and draw conclusions. The basis for the curriculum is Nancy Larson Science, a comprehensive and creative approach to elementary science where sophisticated topics are explored in age-appropriate ways.

The social studies curriculum in second grade focuses on current events, important days in history, and map skills. An interactive, online news program is used to keep students abreast of age appropriate news stories. These stories serve as a springboard for investigating other cultures and discovering a bigger world than their own neighborhood.  

Second grade art emphasizes drawing, design, painting, crafts, and art history. Within each of these methods, emphasis is placed on the elements of design. Students produce original and creative works of art with a variety of media. Aesthetic growth and visual discrimination are expanded through the study of major artists and their works.

The goal of the Lower School music curriculum is to present a program of sequential musical learning designed to develop an appreciation of the joy of music making. Students in second grade music class learn the basics of music reading, writing, and composition skills through the methods of Orff and Kodály. 

These approaches to music education include sequential organization of music concepts and skills that help children acquire music literacy: reading, writing, listening, and creating music. Second grade students continue to build upon the foundational concepts learned in first grade.  Students acquire knowledge about music through the process of experiencing music through singing, speaking, moving, playing instruments, and creating. 

Students have the opportunity to participate in grade-level performances that demonstrate classroom learning.

Second grade physical education emphasizes motor skill development, perceptual awareness, and overall health and fitness. Students participate in activities that balance the development of individual skills with the concept of team play. Activities are designed to promote strength, flexibility, and cardio respiratory health as well as eye-hand coordination, gross motor skills, and balance in the context of safety and good sportsmanship.

In second grade Spanish class students continue to build speaking and listening skills. Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS) focuses on teacher and student interaction, using stories to keep the learner's interest. Unique oral stories are co-created, containing the most commonly used Spanish words and phrases. The goal is to help students get familiar with a new language easily and quickly. Additionally, the study of cultural topics helps develop an appreciation for Spanish culture. Class is conducted almost exclusively in Spanish.

Second graders are full of imagination.  The technology and idea labs offer many opportunities for curiosity and creative problem solving.  Second graders learn basic computer skills using dynamic online programs that teach keyboarding, coding, and digital citizenship. 

In the Idea Lab, students enjoy a wide range of activities and projects intended to bring out the inventor, scientist, engineer, and designer in every student. 

Third grade students study reading, writing, spelling, and grammar in language arts class. Students read from textbooks, trade books, and library books. McGraw Hill's Wonders curriculum is used to target comprehension skills.  Emphasis is placed on:

• Critical reading skills 
• Summarizing 
• Responding to literature  

Empowering Writers curriculum is introduced, and students gain writing skills through guided practice. They begin to recognize and implement the building blocks of effective writing for narrative and expository pieces. In addition, students have numerous opportunities to practice public speaking.

Third graders solve problems involving:

• Addition
• Subtraction
• Multiplication
• Division 

The students identify and explain patterns.  Students learn to work with area, perimeter, and measure to the nearest quarter inch. Students memorize multiplication and division facts, identify and find factors of numbers, and solve two-digit multiplication problems.

In geometry, students understand that shapes in different categories may share common attributes and that shared attributes can define a larger category. Students begin to use variables, parentheses, missing addends, and missing factors as they begin the study of algebra. The primary text is Everyday Mathematics. Additionally, students access Everyday Mathematics games and lessons, which directly support instruction.  Math facts are practiced with adaptive and individualized online resources.

Third grade students study a range of topics including life, earth, and physical sciences. Specific subjects of study include:

• Exploring our solar system
• Investigating elements and compounds
• Meteorology
• Geology 
• Botany 
• Zoology 

Lab safety techniques and the scientific method are emphasized as students conduct projects and experiments in a laboratory setting under the instruction of the Lower School Science Specialist. Students observe, compare, classify, and interpret data to make hypotheses and draw conclusions.

The basis for the curriculum is Nancy Larson Science, a comprehensive and creative approach to elementary science where sophisticated topics are explored in age-appropriate ways.

The social studies curriculum in third grade focuses on local and state history and national geography. We begin the year with a brief study of Oakridge and Arlington history. Students study the regions of the USA using Social Studies Alive! Regions of Our Country.  Each of the five regions of the United States is explored through the lens of four social sciences — economics, geography, political science, and history. 

Along the way, students acquire an appreciation of the diversity, beauty, and contributions of each region of our country. As a culminating activity, students complete a state research project. These projects are presented to fellow students as an oral presentation and to the Oakridge community at the end of the school year. 

Third grade art emphasizes drawing, design, painting, crafts, and art history. Within each of these areas, importance is placed on the elements of design.

The program provides a variety of methods and media with which the students are encouraged to produce original and creative works of art. Specifically, students increase their knowledge of color and color relationships including tints, tones, monochromatic color schemes, and analogous color schemes.

Students learn to use pastels, create mobiles and stabiles, and learn the possibilities and limitations of clay as a medium as they construct slab, coil, and pinch pottery. In addition, students learn how to save and print their computer-generated art. Aesthetic growth and visual discrimination are expanded through the study of major artists and their works.

The goal of the Lower School music curriculum is to present a program of sequential musical learning designed to develop an appreciation of the joy of music making. Students in third grade music class learn the basics of music reading, writing, and composition skills through the methods of Orff and Kodály. 

These approaches to music education include sequential organization of music concepts and skills that help children acquire music literacy: reading, writing, listening, and creating music.

Third grade students continue to build upon rhythmic and melodic concepts learned in first and second grade as they explore part-singing and learn short melodic songs on barred instruments.  Students acquire knowledge about music through the process of experiencing music through singing, speaking, moving, playing instruments, and creating.  Students have the opportunity to participate in grade-level performances that demonstrate classroom learning.

Third grade physical education emphasizes motor skill development, perceptual awareness, and overall health and fitness. Students participate in developmentally appropriate activities balancing the development of individual skills with the concept of team play.

Students participate in a variety of modified games to practice skills needed for sports offered in the middle and upper schools. Some of the sports offered include:

• Volleyball 
• Basketball 
• Soccer
• Flag football
• Baseball

Activities are designed to promote strength, flexibility, and cardio respiratory health as well as coordination and balance in the context of safety and good sportsmanship.

In third grade Spanish class students continue to build speaking and listening skills. Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS) focuses on teacher and student interaction, using stories to keep the learner's interest. Unique oral stories are co-created, containing the most commonly used Spanish words and phrases. The goal is to help students get familiar with a new language easily and quickly. Additionally, the study of cultural topics helps develop an appreciation for Spanish culture. Class is conducted almost exclusively in Spanish.

Third graders are full of imagination.  The technology and idea labs offer many opportunities for curiosity and creative problem solving. Third graders improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy with a dynamic online program. In addition, students learn about coding and digital citizenship.  

In the Idea Lab, students enjoy a wide range of activities and projects intended to bring out the inventor, scientist, engineer, and designer in every student.

Fourth grade students study reading, writing, spelling, and grammar in Language Arts class. 

McGraw-Hill's Wonders curriculum, along with novels, is used to strengthen comprehension skills, foster rich vocabulary, and cultivate a better understanding of theme and plot.  

Empowering Writers equips students to improve writing technique.  They begin to use concrete details and commentary based on evidence in the literature to create meaningful narrative and expository pieces.

Fourth grade uses the Everyday Mathematics curriculum. Students explore geometric figures and solids. Students find perimeter and area of two-dimensional shapes and explore symmetry. Students master the four basic operations and develop a better understanding of fractions and decimals.

Students can access Everyday Mathematics computer games through personal devices at EM Games. These online games directly support instruction.  Additionally, math facts are practiced with adaptive and individualized online resources.

Fourth grade students study a range of topics, including:

• Botany
• Zoology
• Ecology
• Physics

The basis for the curriculum is Nancy Larson Science, a comprehensive and creative approach to elementary science where sophisticated topics are explored in age appropriate ways.

Fourth grade social studies focuses on American history from the first Americans through westward expansion.  Hands-on strategies get students thinking, moving, and asking thoughtful questions. History inspires students to care about justice, kindness, and becoming difference makers in the world, while giving them an understanding of America’s story.

Fourth grade art emphasizes drawing, design, painting, crafts, and art history. Students are expected to demonstrate a maturing appreciation for the elements of design, color schemes, the works of major artists, and new art forms.

Students learn to be more sensitive observers of line, color, texture, form, and pattern in natural and constructed forms.

Students use a variety of methods and media as they produce original and creative works of art using crayons, paint, clay, pastels, textiles, paper, and computer graphics in increasingly complex ways.

The goal of the Lower School music curriculum is to present a program of sequential musical learning designed to develop an appreciation of the joy of music making. Students in fourth grade music class learn the basics of music reading, writing, and composition skills through the methods of Orff and Kodály. 

These approaches to music education include sequential organization of music concepts and skills that help children acquire music literacy: reading, writing, listening, and creating music. Fourth grade students continue to build upon rhythmic and melodic concepts learned in first through third grade. 

Additionally, students learn the basics of playing soprano recorder as they apply their rhythmic and melodic skills to play short songs and duets. Students acquire knowledge about music through the process of experiencing music through singing, speaking, moving, playing instruments, and creating.  Students have the opportunity to participate in grade-level performances that demonstrate classroom learning.

Fourth grade physical education emphasizes motor skill development, perceptual awareness, and overall health and fitness. Students participate in developmentally appropriate activities balancing the development of individual skills with the concept of team play.

Fourth grade students participate in fitness testing and learn how to improve their personal fitness levels. Students participate in a variety of modified games to practice skills needed for sports offered in the middle and upper schools. For example, students learn to play volleyball, basketball, soccer, flag football, and baseball among others.

Activities are designed to promote strength, flexibility, and cardio respiratory health as well as coordination and balance in the context of safety and good sportsmanship.

In fourth grade Spanish class students continue to build speaking and listening skills. Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS) focuses on teacher and student interaction, using stories to keep the learner's interest. Unique oral stories are co-created, containing the most commonly used Spanish words and phrases. The goal is to help students get familiar with a new language easily and quickly. Additionally, the study of cultural topics helps develop an appreciation for Spanish culture. Class is conducted almost exclusively in Spanish.

Fourth graders are full of imagination.  The technology and idea labs offer many opportunities for curiosity and creative problem solving.  Fourth graders improve their keyboarding speed and accuracy with a dynamic online program. In addition, students learn about coding and digital citizenship.  

In the Idea Lab, students enjoy a wide range of activities and projects intended to bring out the inventor, scientist, engineer, and designer in every student.