|
We believe that math and literacy are the foundation of all learning. Therefore, these subjects are taught daily with focused attention on providing EACH student with a cognitive and stimulating learning challenge at their “just right” level of learning. State and national standards are used as a baseline for learning targets. Ultimately, we teach students how to become resilient, innovative thinkers and problem solvers who can persevere with intention and purpose in their own learning. Students gain confidence in assessing and reflecting on their own strengths and challenges, setting personal goals through the use of journals, rubrics and teacher assistance.
Instructional strategies are diverse, flexible and comprehensive. These strategies include guided reading, literature circles, cooperative/collaborative inquiry groups, direct instruction, mini-lessons, routine conferencing, teaching metacognitive awareness, journal writing, literacy centers with attention to learning style needs, peer projects, technology integration, public presentation, research, and more. We utilize small groups, full class and 1:1, and independent student learning environments. More integrated project work is expected at these grade levels. Students generally have structured choice and sometimes organize projects based upon their development of a central question to be researched and solved. Higher level thinking includes more emphasis upon analysis, evaluation and synthesis of knowledge and ideas.
Content Areas:
- Math includes: more advanced mastery of number sense (multiplication, division, fractions, percentages), geometry, measurement, probability, and algebra. Students are expected to explain their thinking, reason mathematically and apply concepts to real world situations through more complex problem solving. They must also be able to explain their thinking processes in writing through constructed responses (important on the ERB as well).
- Literacy: Students continue with more advanced vocabulary study for “word work” having mastered phonetic and decoding skills. Fluency is gained with more complex text in all genres with emphasis on narrative and expository, poetry, and biography genres. Students are expected to read 25 books per year outside of class. Literacy analysis and synthesis are further developed with basic skills being taught in research and writing 5 paragraph essays. In Writers’ Workshop, students work on the Units of Study that include: Narrative, fiction, essays and memoirs. Students continue to refine their skills in craft, word choice, idea generation, fluency, conventions, and organization.
- Science: Our science program in fourth through sixth grades is balanced with hands-on learning experiences and inquiry. Our students learn about life science, earth science, and physical science.
- Social Studies: Fourth grade students focus on California State history. Fifth grade students study American history. Sixth grade students focus on world history and the early civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome.
At the intermediate level, students become more independent learners and we stretch them to be more responsible and organized with regard to assignments, homework, projects and peer contributions. Students participate and provide presentations to their parents in parent/teacher conferences and are expected to work more successfully with peers in collaborative inquiry and projects. Technology is more fully integrated. Students learn use of the SMARTBoards, increased research skills via internet, use of video and power point for presentation and some basic skills in spread sheets. Spanish is increased to 4 times per week in 6th grade.
|
|
