fifth curriculum overview 2015 - cascadesacademy.org...! 1!!!!!...
TRANSCRIPT
1
Fifth Grade Curriculum Overview
The Fifth Grade Learning Environment The curriculum areas are integrated throughout the year between projects, novels, and assignments. Fifth grade students at Cascades Academy communicate through well-‐written multi-‐paragraph compositions in a variety of genres, refine their self-‐editing skills, and comfortably use reference tools to assist in their work. They use abstract reasoning in math and are also introduced to basic algebraic operations. Fifth graders explore U.S. History and variety of science areas. At this level technology is incorporated into all areas of the curriculum. This year is focused on preparing for Middle School by being independent in their work efforts to foster responsibility and gain self-‐confidence. Fifth graders culminate their year with their independent research projects to showcase their research and presenting skills.
2
Fifth Grade Academics: Language Arts The fifth grade language arts program focuses on the use of critical thinking and abstract reasoning to analyze literature and writing with a strong commands of standard written English. Students regularly use technology to create, edit, and publish compositions. Throughout the year students read a wide range of genres including but not limited to historical, mysteries, biographies, humor, and personal narratives in our novel based curriculum. Each child analyzes the novels for the elements of a story and participates in book group and class discussions. Students also create multiple essays ranging from creative stories to research topics. The focus is to create strong paragraphs using the 6+1 Writing Traits, as well as, develop the skill of researching. Oral presentations and readings continue to develop with their culminating presentation of their Independent Project in late spring. Reading: At this stage the students are able to read for content and analyze literature more critically. The students explore a novel-‐based approach to learn the elements of a story across the various genres. They work in groups and individually to develop skills that include participating in book group discussions and independent leveled reading with Fountas and Pinnell. Writing: Each student completes multiple essays ranging from creative stories to research topics. Learning the skill of summarizing develops students’ ability to be competent researchers and limits plagiarism. The year begins with students learning about the 6+1 Writing Traits and applying them to their writing and editing. Students also are exposed to cursive letter writing to support sensory-‐motor connections and development. Students typically show a wide range of development throughout the school year as they advance in their writing craft. Skills • Reads aloud with fluency using intonation, pacing and expression • Reads, analyzes and responds to novels using critical thinking • Identifies and discuss elements of a story • Sequences and summarizes literature • Discuss, understand and respond to different genres of literature • Defines and uses figurative language • Writes legibly in cursive • Writes in organized multi-‐paragraphs • Self edits for content, spelling and grammar • Writes in various genres • Uses and identifies grammatical conventions, voice, sentence fluency, ideas and content, word
choice and organization in writing
3
Language Arts Materials: Various novels, may include: Wonder, Johnny Tremain, The Westing Game, Stout Hearted Seven, Rascal Oregon Department of Education writing prompts and examples Current events magazine: Time for Kids, National Geographic Explorer
Textbooks/Curriculum: Wordly Wise 3000 Easy Grammar
Assessments: Writing final drafts and journal writing Co-‐operative group writings and discussions Final projects Novel study packets Mini grammar assessments Wordly Wise lesson tests
Social Studies The fifth grade social studies program explores U.S. History from Pangaea to the Revolutionary War period, including explorers, Native Americans, and colonial times. Geography is intertwined into the curriculum with map skills and interpreting information from various resources. The fifth graders compete in our school GeoBee with the Middle School classes with the goal of competing at the state level. The class discusses current events using the Time for Kids and National Geographic Explorer magazines.
Skills • Recognize diversity of human character • Identify and analyze the causes and effects of historical events • Investigate current events • Place key events in chronological order • Interpret and apply information from maps
Materials United States maps National Geographic map skills
Textbooks/Curriculum: Novels: Stout Hearted Seven, The Captain’s Dog, Mr. Tucket, Bound for Oregon
Assessments: Journal writing and projects
4
Math Using the Trailblazers curriculum, fifth graders encounter new concepts such as, using the four basic operations to solve equations involving negative numbers, fractions, and decimals. Creating and interpreting graphs while analyzing data from math labs are another key concept. Real life situations are brought into assignments. The ALEKS program is individually based software for the students to practice customized strands. Skills • Investigate fractions: equivalent fractions, improper fractions, mixed numbers, ordering, addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division • Ratios, decimals and percentages and their relationship to fractions • Understand prime numbers, exponents, patterns • Master the multiplication tables through twelve • Develop strategies for word problems • Identify, describe, classify properties of geometric figures • Display, compare and interpret different data • Use probability to solve problems • Introduction to algebra
Materials ALEKS Math software Independent supplemental material and manipulatives Excel
Textbooks/Curriculum: Trailblazers curriculum Marilyn Burns curriculum
Assessments: Informal ‘exit slips’ assessments Unit assessments and homework Multiplication fact tests ALEKS progress analysis
5
Experiential Education Experiential Learning at Cascades Academy is implemented at all levels of curriculum (PK -‐ 12) and revolves around the central idea of learning by doing. The central tenets of this learning methodology include engaging students in a cycle of (1) activity / experience, (2) reflection, (3) conceptualization and (4) application of and on our desired learning outcomes. In the Lower School, students are involved in experiential education both inside and outside the classroom. Experiential learning is manifested through a variety of programs: Storyline (K-‐5) and Robotics (4-‐5), Outdoor Education (PK-‐5), Traveling School (3-‐5), Service Learning (K-‐5), and Enrichment Classes (PK-‐5). Storyline (K-‐5) One of the most popular programs in the lower school is Storyline, a teaching method developed in Scotland. During Storyline, students become characters related to a theme and are asked to respond to various incidents using teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. During past Storylines, our Lower School Commons area has come to life as a rainforest, medieval castle, research ship, art museum, and invention factory. Students are active participants in the Storyline via their characters; they are engaged and invested in the learning process. Throughout the Storyline, fourth and fifth grade students work individually and cooperatively on various projects. These projects may include research, construction, art, science experiments, brainstorming, inventions, or musical performances. Storyline topics culminate with a showcase of the student’s knowledge through performances, topic books, service learning projects, or celebratory activities. In addition, each teacher brings the Storyline theme into the classroom by integrating related topics throughout other curriculum areas. In previous years, students have played the part of loyal British subjects traveling to a new world, as well as, voyagers and opportunist venturing out over the uncharted American Plains in search of a new way of life. Robotics Fourth and fifth grade students participate in First Lego League (FLL) Robotics Challenge each December. Teams of students work together to design and program robots, solve teamwork Challenge problems, and research Project topics. FLL instills core values of: gracious professionalism, teamwork, inspiration, letting kids do the work, and having fun. Past Challenge and Project topics have been on nanotechnology, climate, quality of life, and transportation. The Robotics program exposes students to potential career paths, STEM principles, teamwork, problem solving, and gives the students opportunities to build on positive character traits.
6
Outdoor Education (PK-‐5) Experiential learning is showcased through the Outdoor Education program and is facilitated around teaching responsibility for (1) self, (2) others, and the (3) environment, through participation in a host of outdoor activities and experiences. Outdoor activities take place in a variety of outdoor settings and occur regularly in the context of standard Field Trips (PK-‐5), the Outdoor School Program (K-‐5), the Winter Ski/Snowboard Program (K-‐5), and the Traveling School Program (3-‐5). Field trips (PK-‐5) Field trips afford Lower School students with real world hands-‐on learning experiences. Field trips are designed to enhance classroom curriculum, build culture, and expose students to new experiences. Examples of field trips include: museums, local businesses, plays, musicals, art shows, and more. Outdoor School (PK-‐5) The Lower School "Outdoor School" occurs three times a year: one day in the fall, one day in the winter, and a final three-‐day outing in the spring. Outdoor School takes place at local parks and focuses on a central theme. Students participate in variety of experiential activities ranging from academic to artistic that connect students to self, others, and the environment.
Winter Ski/Snowboard Program (K-‐5) Students take all-‐day ski or snowboard lessons at Mt. Bachelor. Students are grouped by ability and age and are assigned an instructor that will work with them throughout the five weeks. First timers are riding the lifts by the end of the session! The program not only teaches ski and snowboard skills, but it also affords students the opportunity to challenge themselves, gain confidence, be adventurous, and take responsibility for themselves and others in a winter environment.
Traveling School (3-‐5) There’s no better way to bring the concepts of learning to life than through the school’s unique Traveling School program. Students take school “on the road” for a week each spring semester to experience what they are learning first-‐hand. Teachers tailor course content, homework and reading assignments about the destination area, local activities, and cultural events. For example, in the spring of 2012, lower school students traveled to Eastern Oregon to study the Oregon Trail. The 3rd-‐5th graders experienced what life would have been like living in a covered wagon, learned about the Native Americans from the Umatilla Indian Reservation, visited the Whitman Mission in Walla Walla, Washington, and learned about the Chinese immigrants while visiting the historical sites in John Day and Pendleton. The students travel for five days with their classroom teachers and parent chaperones. They learn to be independent as well as learn valuable life skills of traveling in a group.
Opal Creek Ancient Forest Leadership Orientation (4-‐5) Every fall students head to the Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center for a two-‐night environmental education and team-‐building experience. Lessons focus on local history and comparative ecology, while hiking and participating in team-‐building initiatives.
7
Service Learning (K-‐5) Through Service Learning opportunities, students learn the value of giving back to the greater community. Lower School students mainly participate in Service Learning as a part of the Storyline theme. In the past, students have become stewards of Tumalo State Park, as well as, our own campus through weed pulling and native planting projects. Lower School students also visit senior friends at Fox Hollow and organize food and clothing drives. Enrichment Classes (PK-‐5) Cascades Academy believes that offering Enrichment Classes, which include fine arts, foreign language, and physical education, is an important way to promote rich and diverse learning experiences and to enhance whole child development. Studio Art, Music, Spanish, and P.E. Twice a week for 45 minutes Science Once a week for 45 minutes FLIGHT/Lower School Community Time Once a week for 45 minutes Mindfulness Once a week for 45 minutes Storyline and Robotics Approximately 3 hours a week Studio Art Fifth grade art students learn to successfully compose utilizing the principles (balance, movement, unity, emphasis, repetition, and contrast) along with the elements of art (line, shape, color, value, texture, form, and space). Emphasis is placed on thoughtful creative problem solving in students’ designs. A deeper understanding of art as a visual language, how it communicates, and connects us is an overarching theme of the later Lower School art program. More challenging art media and techniques are introduced and we continue to gain inspiration from different art forms and concepts from a variety of cultural and historical sources. Students are encouraged to discuss, interpret, and critique art as a means to expand on their personal connection and reaction to different forms of art. Music In fifth grade music class, students continue to develop an understanding of musical concepts through theoretical exercises and experience with voice, dance, and instruments. Students are exposed to and participate in the music of other cultures and explore historically significant composers in Western culture. Students are expected to practice leadership and positive social skills in class, during all school assemblies and during performance. One day a week the fifth graders attend ukulele orchestra where they learn about the instrument, practice proper technique, and develop repertoire for performance. Fifth Grade Ukulele Orchestra is a right of passage a Cascades Academy. While the focus in class is learning to play the ukulele, students are also learning: skills and knowledge to enhance an overall understanding of music, to become good listeners, good communicators, self-‐advocates, and team-‐players. In every song studied there are lyrical and vocal components, and everyone is encouraged to
8
sing while playing. This engages different parts of the students’ brains and bodies, and in this process they have the opportunity to face performance anxiety, to connect with peers, and to examine song structure. By the end of the year fifth grade ukulele students have a basic understanding of verse, chorus, and bridge. Spanish Through lessons, games, songs, stories, and art projects, students are engaged and having fun while learning the Spanish language. Students learn to use the verb dar to provide information about what someone has given them, and to use the verb tener to provide information about their bodies and the bodies of animals. They learn to use prepositional phrases to describe where objects are, the five senses, and how to order food in a restaurant. Students learn to use the conjunction cuando and the verb ver to form complex sentences in order to provide information about something they see and more. Science Fifth grade students combine new information with existing knowledge to draw new conclusions. They creatively solve technological problems with resources and limited guidance. Fifth graders keep a laboratory notebook, in which they log: questions, predictions, observations, and conclusions. They explore astronomy, geology, energy, chemical reactions, simple machines, electricity, magnetism, and areas of science within the Storyline topic. Students also create and propose new ways to improve agriculture, equipment, systems or processes through the Central Oregon Inventerprise Project. Physical Education In P.E. class, students continue to learn a variety of games and activities that focus on effective manipulative skills (catching, bouncing, dribbling), as well as, motor skills (agility, reaction time, balance, speed). The class engages in team games and traditional team sports that encourage cooperation with others and the value of safety and procedures (following rules, fair play). For these grade levels, P.E. class is an avenue to encourage joy of movement, skill competence, self-‐confidence, self-‐expression, and accepting challenges.
9
Social Emotional Learning (K-‐5) The social emotional program at Cascades Academy is a Lower School multi-‐grade program. This program consists of introducing the students to and exploring with them positive character traits and values. The community vision is to impart a common culture and language so that the students can feel empowered and safe. The acronym that is used in this program is F.L.I.G.H.T. F.L.I.G.H.T. F = Friendship L = Leadership I = Imagination G = Gratitude H = Honesty T = Tolerance Within each of these traits, students are encouraged to take ‘flight’ and investigate, determine and experience for themselves and with their small groups the trait through various activities. The 5th graders are considered the FLIGHT Captains and the 4th graders are the ‘captains in training’, co-‐captains. Each captain has a mixed grade group between Kindergarten and 4th grade. The intention of this program is to enhance the Lower School community across all grade levels. For each trait, students explore the meaning and the action behind possessing the trait for themselves. Mindfulness Mindfulness means paying attention to the here and now and being in the present moment, with awareness to breath and body. During the Mindfulness Program, students learn specific methods of attending to their breath, body, thoughts, feelings, and the world around them. Students learn to know and navigate their “inner landscape” by allowing for observation of thoughts and feelings, without being derailed by them. Technology Fifth graders use the computer to showcase their abilities with writing and research. Students use multimedia presentation software and video editing software. Each student is expected to keyboard at least 20-‐25 WPM and to use spell check, grammar check, copy, paste, and page setup. Students learn to analyze material from the Internet for appropriateness and reliability. Research skills are also a focus with the ability to understand effective websites, plagiarism, and to develop a bibliography. The Robotics FLL program teaches programming as well as presentation, teamwork, and research skills. Assessment Once a year, Cascades Academy administers ERB’s Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP) standardized assessments. The assessments provide instructionally useful information about individual student growth and performance in key areas of school achievement: reading, vocabulary, math, writing, as well as, verbal and quantitative reasoning and auditory comprehension. The purpose of standardized testing is not “high stakes,” but rather is used to assess student growth and performance in order to inform best practice for classroom instruction.