Grade 1
To learn and practice skills in ELA and literacy, we have developed theme-based units that incorporate social studies and science content. These studies allow students to develop foundational literacy skills while addressing essential grade-level content.
Students also use Fundations (a systematic, foundational word study/phonics program) and Geodes (accessible, knowledge-building books for emerging and developing readers, aligned with the scope and sequence of Fundations), RAZ-Plus, Journeys and Scholastic resources.
New learning at grade 1 includes:
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Notice when a story has a message or lesson for its readers
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Respond directly to what other people say in a conversation
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Choose and use words in speech and writing to show whether something happened in the past (like I ate), is happening now (like I am eating), or will happen in the future (like I will eat)
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Have a clear ending when writing about something
Grade 2
Second graders continue to develop their foundational literacy skills as they learn more complex words and engage with longer, more rigorous texts across a variety of genres. Grade 2 students also expand their reading comprehension skills as they talk about what they read, and develop more advanced ideas around those topics.
Students will also use Fundations (a systematic, foundational word study/phonics program) and Geodes (accessible, knowledge-building books for emerging and developing readers, aligned with the scope and sequence of Fundations), RAZ-Plus, Journeys and Scholastic resources
New learning at grade 2 includes:
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Notice and talk about the structure of a text
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Explain the overall purpose of a text
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Use knowledge of word parts to figure out meanings
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Compare formal and informal English
Grade 3
After mastering literacy skills in earlier grades, third graders become more independent readers. Third grade reading focuses on teaching students how to think and talk about what they read in deeper and more detailed ways. We use Journeys and Fundations to secure foundational reading skills and build reading endurance and comprehension through a novel study of Third Grade Angels by Jerry Spinelli. Students will also use Scholastic resources.
Learning includes:
- Refer to specific parts of a text when speaking or writing about what it means
- Notice differences between literal and figurative language
- Organize writing in ways that help readers understand
- Improve writing by making changes
- Changes can be larger (like explaining ideas more fully) or smaller (like fixing spelling mistakes)
Grade 4
To learn and practice skills in ELA and literacy, we have developed novel studies. These studies allow students to build reading endurance as they prepare to transition to middle school. Units are developed based on the following books:
- Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
- Riding Freedom by Pam Muñoz Ryan
- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
- Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Students will also use Journeys and Scholastic resources.
Learning includes:
- Compare and contrast stories from different cultures and stories told from different points of view
- Explain the meaning of figurative language (like metaphors and similes) in speech and writing
- Choose precise words when speaking, writing, or editing writing, including words related to academic subjects
- Understand when it is important to speak more formal English (like when giving class presentations) and when more informal English is appropriate