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Curriculum Overview
Language Arts
The curriculum offers balanced skill instruction, integrated with opportunities to apply these skills. Authentic literature in a variety of genres is used to help students develop a life-long love of reading. Students learn to read for pleasure, information and insight. Topics and objectives include:
Speaking and Listening: Develop expressive and receptive language skills for effective communication.
Word Recognition: Phonemic Awareness;
Sound/Symbol Relationship; Develop decoding skills; Recognition of Sight Words; Word Analysis Skills.
Vocabulary: Understand meaning and use of words.
Comprehension: Use reading strategies to aid understanding.
Independent Reading: Develop oral reading fluency/expression.
Writing: Students participate in whole group and individual writing activities. “Real” reasons to write are provided, for a variety of purposes (journals, reports, content area, letters, posters, poetry, etc.).
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; 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 0-100;
Operations: Addition/Subtraction Facts up to 20;
Word Problems;
Measurement: Time- Clock/Calendar; Money;
Inches/Centimeters;
Geometry: Shapes/Symmetry;
Estimation and Probability
Fractions: 1/2, 1/3, 1/4;
Graphs: Collecting and Organizing Information.
History/Social Science
Children learn about major historical events, figures and symbols important to the United States of America. The curriculum strengthens the child’s identity as an American citizen. Common themes include:
History: Awareness of events in time, and their importance (past/present/future; now/then).
Geography: Beginning map and globe skills.
Economics: Understanding that goods and services are produced and purchased, and that people make choices.
Civics: Rules and the process of making rules.
Government: Introduction to the democratic process.
In addition, students will:
Identify patriotic symbols, songs and traditions.
Develop an appreciation of diversity by learning about people from other cultures.
Science
Students will investigate the world around them. They will practice the “scientific method”: Ask questions; Make predictions; Observe and record data; Identify and use equipment; Draw conclusions. Students will explore:
Life Science: Living things--Plants and Animals; Life Cycles; Classification; Habitats.
Physical Science: Simple Machines; Matter.
Earth Science: Weather; Seasons; Earth’s Materials.
Technology and Engineering: Natural and Man-made Materials; Using Classroom Tools Safely.
World Languages
In first grade, the focus is on introducing students to Spanish in a fun and engaging way.
By becoming familiar with basic greetings, colors, and numbers (1-15) in playful ways, students begin to learn that other languages exist in the world and they are encouraged to enjoy the study of languages and cultures. By reading primarily about holidays, students learn about other cultures. (World Languages program begins in 2nd grade at the Tisbury & Oak Bluffs schools.)
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.
Students will learn: Keyboard Skills; Word Processing (typing short entries); Painting/Drawing (using appropriate software); Publishing (group project); Multi- media (class project combining video and sound); Telecommunication (supervised Internet access).
Students will use: Input and Output Devices (keyboard, monitor, mouse); Media and Technology Resources (for directed learning activities using curriculum-related software); Developmentally Appropriate Terminology.
Students will develop:
Literary Appreciation: Exposure to a variety of reading materials (fiction/nonfiction, poetry, folktales and legends).
Research Skills: Learn strategies for locating resources and information about a topic.
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.
· Begin to 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.
· Perform for an audience.
Practical Arts
Interdisciplinary teaching methods are utilized whenever possible to enrich the learning of the students. *Opportunities to work with the Home Economics and Industrial Arts Specialists may be scheduled throughout the year.
* No early grades program at Tisbury/Oak Bluffs Schools
Physical Education
Development of:
· Basic locomotor and non-locomotor movements.
· Hand-eye and foot-eye coordination (throwing, catching and kicking skills).
· Spatial awareness.
· Basic skills of team sports/sportsmanship.
Health/Social-Emotional Learning
The essential learning for health is integrated with other curriculum areas and are discussed at age appropriate levels. Topics include:
Friendship; Nutrition; Food Groups; Personal Health and Safety; Bully Prevention/Self Advocacy; Positive Self Image; Healthy Choices--Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Abuse Prevention.
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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