Grades Three, Four and Five Curriculum Overview
Aside from meeting with various specialists, classrooms are self-contained up through grade three. Beginning in grade four, students work with three core subject teachers – one for language arts and social studies, a science specialist and a math specialist. These fourth and fifth grade teachers work closely together to provide significant depth in the curriculum as well as meaningful connections and integration. The science and math teachers will each have the students for both of these years of significant growth.

Language Arts
Language arts is integrated into all facets of the curriculum. Our goals for student reading, writing and oral communication are stressed in science, mathematics, art, music, computer and library as well as the language arts and social studies time. The teachers in these areas meet together to collaborate on projects, structure curriculum and develop unity in purpose and a common vocabulary.

The goal of our reading program is to develop confident, enthusiastic readers who are able to critically apply their skills in various forums for a broad range of purposes. We provide authentic opportunities for reading within an integrated and literature-rich environment. The vital interconnectedness of reading and writing is foundational in our curriculum. The students select and read a variety of good literature from different genres including fiction and non-fiction such as mysteries, science fiction, legends and biographies. We emphasize vocabulary development and comprehension on the literal, interpretive and evaluative levels. Children meet in teacher-led small groups and student-led literature circles to discuss the story elements and vocabulary. They are appropriately challenged through individual reading projects and are also given time to simply enjoy books of their own choosing.

The goal of the writing program is to develop confident, skilled writers. Writing is a process of thinking and a means of communication. Our curriculum helps children to see themselves as writers, sharing their personal experiences, ideas, knowledge and observations. Content is emphasized and the framework of grammar and mechanics is constructed as the writer moves toward writing in a clear and purposeful fashion. Students brainstorm, draft, revise, edit and produce final drafts for publication as books, stories, poems, expository works, journals, oral presentations, and a multitude of other forms. This process helps to teach the student to understand and use the structure of language and to employ acceptable usage in both creative and expository materials.

Oral communication goals are also evident throughout the grades and subject areas. We teach students to present, with poise, information on a topic researched to educate others, develop and state personal opinions and retell a story in a concise summary. Opportunities are provided for students to engage in public speaking through sharing of books read, current events, research reports, multi-media presentations, reenactments, dramatic presentations, personal history, poetry readings and class discussions. Regular K-five assemblies provide students the opportunity to speak or perform in a large forum, yet one that is emotionally safe and supportive.

Social Studies

In grade four the social studies program is an integrated, student-directed, research and cooperative learning experience. The students explore geography and the fifty states in six regions through various activities and research. The program encourages proficiency and independence in using reference materials as well as map and writing skills. The year begins with a reenactment project of life in the Western Reserve in the early 1800’s. The year continues on that timeline through the 1800’s and further exploration of Ohio and the rest of the United States. Students’ study of this history revolves around the following areas: geography, economics, government, and citizenship. There are mini-units throughout the year that highlight various cultures that can include China, Africa, and India. Current events and student interest also direct the subjects explored.

The central theme in fifth grade social studies is understanding our connectedness with history. The study revolves around the notion that history is personal and that historical understanding begins with the establishment of a connection between the past and the person. Students concentrate on understanding the reasons their families had for the decisions they made. Specifically, through all the elements of social studies including sociology, history, geography, etc., students explore U.S. immigrations, World War II, and engage in a personal history exploration that includes genealogy, family stories and traditions and geographical and historical references to place.

Mathematics
In these grades students are developing the ability to understand major concepts in math and weave them together in order to make their own discoveries. The program recognizes that students think in their own ways. Teachers create a mathematical environment and encourage students to think, invent, investigate, and make real life connections. The teacher’s role is more that of a facilitator, asking questions, setting up challenges, then observing students’ methodologies and solutions.

The program includes the mastery of basic arithmetic facts and operations and further develops the fundamental concepts. The basic curriculum includes the study of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, geometry, and measurement. New topics are introduced through appropriate manipulatives. Each of these are reviewed and extended through problem solving activities, math games cooperative group activities and real-life applications. Various mental math techniques, calculators, and computers also enrich the basic concepts. The third grade program is often directly connected with the unit studies. The fourth and fifth grade math curriculum is periodically integrated with language arts, social studies and science through real-life situations, computer applications, and measurement.

Science
The third grade unit studies incorporate two major science themes, both of which are highly integrated with mathematics and language arts. The study of our solar system includes development of a cross-campus scale of the solar system in which the same scale is used for sizes and distances as well as studies in gravity, planet speeds and rotations and seasonal effects. The garden science unit involves student planning and planting of a garden to be harvested in early June. This comprehensive project includes studies in: soil composition, plant structure and growth, garden creatures, composting, measurement and graphing. It also includes authentic research, designing and conducting a long-term experiment.

The focus of the fourth and fifth grade science curricula is to expand and refine the students’ abilities to use their scientific skills and knowledge. The content includes topics in life, physical, earth and space sciences. Methodology utilizes a variety of techniques, activities, and materials to stimulate scientific awareness to make science relevant and engaging for students. Hands-on investigations are designed to promote inquiry/process skills within the scientific approach. Major topics in these grades currently include: measurement, matter, work/energy, electricity/magnetism, light/sound, the human body, classification of living organisms and aeronautics.

Study Skills
Study and organizational skills are taught throughout the upper elementary grades and are integrated within the various subject areas. These skills are considered to be foundational and include such topics as: use of resource materials, organization of homework and class materials, use of assignment notebook, test preparation and project planning.

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