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Curriculum Overview
Language Arts
The curriculum offers a balanced approach of direct instructional skill, integrated with opportunities to apply these skills. Authentic literature in a variety of genres issued to help students develop a life-long love for reading. Students learn to read for pleasure, information and insight. Real reasons to write are provided.
Speaking and Listening
Word Recognition/Spelling
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Independent Reading
Writing (Modeled, Shared, Guided)
English as a Second Language (ESL)
English language learning students (ELLs) learn the same curriculum as all other students. Teachers in the Martha’s Vineyard Public Schools are trained or in the process of being trained in Sheltered English Instruction (SEI), which enables them to make the mainstream curriculum comprehensible to English language learners as they learn English. All content in the core subjects of language arts, math, history/social studies, and science is taught in English, using SEI strategies to make the material accessible and the learning environment welcoming, stimulating and inclusive for learners from different cultures and languages. The language arts curriculum is supplemented by English language development (ELD) classes taught by ESL teachers and is aligned with the Massachusetts DOE’s “English Language Proficiency Benchmarks and Outcomes for English Language Learners” and “English Language Arts Frameworks”.
Mathematics
Common themes include:
Use of Manipulatives; Connection to Real Life Applications; Mastery of Facts; Problem Solving; Explanation of Process (oral and written); Recognizing Patterns
Topics include:
Number Sense- (Counting by 2, 5, 10; Numbers 0-1,000)
Operations- (Addition/Subtraction facts up to 20 with regrouping up to 3 digits)
Measurement-(Time: to quarter hour/analog & digital, Money, Distance:fractional units, Volume, Weight, Area)
Geometry: Symmetry/Shapes– 3-D, attributes, congruent, rotations, reflections, directionality)
Fractions- (Numbers on a number line or ruler, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, relationship to a whole)
Graphs- (Collecting and Organizing Information)
Math Vocabulary/Symbols
History/Social Science
Common themes include:
History, Geography, Economics, Civics and Government
Students will:
· Discuss rules and the process of making rules;
· Compare life long ago with present times;
· Describe the life stories of notable individuals in United States history;
· Identify patriotic symbols, songs and traditions; acquire the skills to use maps and globes;
· Develop an appreciation of diversity by learning about people from other cultures;
· Understand that goods and services are produced and purchased.
Science
Students will observe the world around them. They will: Ask questions; Make predictions; Observe, record, sort and classify data; Identify and use equipment; Draw conclusions
Students will explore:
Life Science: Living things—Plants and Animals; Life Cycles; Classification; Habitats
Physical Science: Liquids, Solids, Gases; Energy and Motion
Earth Science: Weather; Seasons; Objects in the Sky
Technology and Engineering: Natural and Man-made Materials; Using Classroom Tools Safely
World Languages
In second grade, students are introduced to more vocabulary like the parts of the body, family members, days of the week, and the months. They learn to employ this vocabulary in order to communicate in greetings and conversations.
Computer Technology/ Media
Today’s school library media program plays an integral role in educating children for the future. It is where students learn to find, analyze, evaluate, interpret and communicate information and ideas—skill they will need as adults to live and work in an information-based society.
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Art
Projects stress imagination, drawing skills, and appreciation of art.
Students will:
· Understand and apply techniques and processes using varied materials (crayons, paints, clay, paper, wood)
· Develop an understanding of line, color, texture, form shape and design.
· Understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
Music
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Through active involvement in musical experiences, students will:
· Sing a varied repertoire of music in groups, and perform rhythmic movements in unison.
· Recognize beat and basic music notation.
Physical Education
Development of:
Basic locomotor and non-locomotor movements;
Hand-eye and foot coordination (throwing, catching and kicking skills);
Spatial awareness;
Basic skills of team sports/sportsmanship
Health/Social-Emotional Learning
Guidance Counselor comes into our class to work on Social/Emotional health, self-esteem, building, bully prevention half hour once per week.
Field trips to Polly Hill Arboretum, Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary and Cape Pogue
Responsive Classroom
The Vineyard schools are committed to the Responsive Classroom Approach to teaching and learning which fosters a safe, challenging, and joyful classroom in Kindergarten through fifth grade. Responsive Classroom consists of practical strategies for bringing together social and academic learning throughout the school day. Children’s developmental needs remain at the center of decisions about everyday practices for a developmentally grounded curriculum.
Home-School Connection
Learning is a continuous process that involves the home as well as the school. Take time to talk with your child about school each day. Help your child to develop sound study habits by establishing a regular routine for completion of homework.
Keep informed of your child’s progress by communicating with teachers regularly.
Read to your children, play games, etc.
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