Program of Studies 4-5
The ELA and Math curricula (K-5) have been aligned to the Pennsylvania Core Standards. All other curricular areas are aligned to the PA Academic Standards.
English/Language Arts (ELA)
Supplemental Instructional Programs
Students in Grades 4 – 5 may access EdInsight for additional ELA support. Each student will have a username and password.
Mathematics
The Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Into Math is the math series used in Grades K – 5. It is based on the Common Core Standards. The core math program will help students to develop a conceptual understanding of mathematics. Math is taught daily for 60 minutes.
In Grade 4, the students will learn the following concepts: Geometry, Measurement and Data, Numbers and Operations in Base Ten, Numbers and Operations – Fractions, Operations and Algebraic Thinking. In Grade 5, the students will learn the following concepts: Geometry, Measurement and Data, Numbers and Operations in Base Ten, Operations and Algebraic Thinking.
Supplemental Instructional Programs
Technology is integrated into the math curriculum as well. Each student can access these resources through CLEVER.
Science
Our students in Grades K – 8 use Science Matters kits, in addition to the grade level standards-based curriculum, for Science instruction. Science Matters, launched in 1996 at the IU1 STEM Center, was designed to change the way science is taught and learned. The program provides nationally endorsed curriculum modules, teacher training, classroom follow-up, and kit refurbishment to support K – 8 inquiry-based science.
Students in Grade 4 Science will use the following Science Matters Kits: Water Planet; Magnetism and Electricity. Other concepts which will be explored in Grade 4 Science include: Heat, Light, Motion, Animals, Ecosystems, and Invasive Species.
Students in Grade 5 Science will use the following Science Matters Kits: Ecosystems; Motion and Design. Other concepts which will be explored in Grade 5 Science include: Life Science, Environmental and Earth Science, and Planetary Science.
Social Studies
Various content skills are taught at each grade level. The students learn about civics and government, history, geography, economics, and sociology through various activities. Social studies instruction occurs every other day.
Grade Four
Students will gain an understanding of the geography, culture, economics, and government of the United States. The five regions of the United States will be addressed, which will include a study of the geography, history, and economics of each region. Map and globe skills will be addressed. National and international current events will also be discussed.
Grade Five
An in-depth study of early American history will be the focus for Grade Five. Included in the study will be the origins of America, early explorers, colonial period, Revolutionary War, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Students will also gain an understanding of world and U.S. history, geography, culture, government, and economics.
Health
Students will learn how to build healthy lifestyles through the health instruction. Topics include: nutrition, drug awareness, wellness, growth and human development, exercise, and good health practices. Health and physical education are taught by the Health and Physical Education-certified staff. Progress in Health and physical education are reported to parents on the students’ report cards for the second and fourth nine weeks as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. The School Nurse and Guidance Counselor make presentations to reinforce topics(relevant to their respective fields) that are taught by the classroom teacher.
Library
The students are scheduled one time per week for Library class with a Librarian. The students are exposed to various forms of literature and learn library skills. Other skills that the students learn during Library class include research skills and how to retrieve information using the Internet and other resources. Students in Grades K – 5 are given the opportunity to obtain books from the library through the use of the computerized card catalog system. Progress in the students’ Library skills is reported to parents on the students’ report cards for the second and fourth nine weeks.
Music
Students are schedule one time per week for Music class with a Music teacher. Students are provided with musical knowledge through various activities which include singing and movement. Students will gain an understanding of musical knowledge which will be relevant throughout the students’ lives. Progress in Music is reported to parents on the students’ report cards for the second and fourth nine week periods.
Band*
Band is performance-based and geared for novice to moderate aptitude level instrumentalists in the music program. In addition to the concert band repertoire, the students will have experience performing in a marching band setting. Students will participate in group lessons, which will be based on a class pull-out rotation schedule. Students will perform in parades and concerts during the school year. Band is an available option for students in Grades 4 and 5.
*Exceptionally talented instrumentalists in Grade 5 will have the opportunity to audition for All-Star Band. All-Star Band is an additional program that functions after school. The most talented band students from all eight elementary buildings make up one band to perform in All-Star Band Concerts.
Chorus*
Chorus is a vocal performance ensemble. Vocal skills are refined throughout the year, including an introduction to basic musicianship. Objectives addressed include note reading and part singing. Students will demonstrate understanding of musical terms, using proper breath support, singing with accurate diction and proper vowel placement. Students will perform in concerts during the school year. Chorus is an available option for students in Grades 5.
*Exceptionally talented vocalists in Grade 5 will have the opportunity to audition for All-Star Chorus. All-Star Chorus is an additional program that functions in the evenings, after school. The most talented choral students from all eight elementary buildings make up one chorus to perform in All-Star Chorus Concerts.
Physical Education
The students will be provided with skill development activities, games, relays, athletic games, activities that encourage physical fitness, dance, cooperation, and will learn lifelong skills which will help to promote a healthy lifestyle. Students in Grades 4 and 5 are scheduled for physical education one time per week with the Health and Physical Education Teacher. Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn on the day that the student is scheduled for physical education. Progress in Physical Education is reported to parents on the students’ report cards for the second and fourth nine week periods.
Fourth Grade Swimming Program
Students in Grade 4 are transported to the senior high school every Wednesday for three (3) weeks for swimming instruction. Senior high physical education teachers provide the instruction. All fourth grade students are required to participate in the program.
Special Programs
Art Standards are addressed in the content areas through projects assigned to the students in Grades 4 and 5.
Computer Applications. All students in Grades K – 12 are instructed in Internet Safety by the computer teachers and librarians. Students in grades 3-5 are taught computer operations, computer care, media storage, coding and how to use various Google Programs. Proper typing skills continue to be addressed.
Handwriting. The Peterson Handwriting Program is used in Grades K– 5. Students in Grades K and 1 are taught how to print properly (formal manuscript). Students in Grade 2 are taught how to properly write in the cursive style, through the use of the Peterson Handwriting Program. Handwriting progress is reported to parents on the students’ report cards on the second and fourth nine weeks.