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Reading: Read a variety of literary genre, including folk tales, poetry and articles. Identify and explore favorite authors, illustrators and titles. Sequence events in chronological order. Blend, reproduce and segment sounds. Decode and read complex words made up of compounds, digraphs, dipthongs. Develop reading fluency and comprehension through the Open Court anthologies, basal readers, poetry, short novels and magazines. Identify and navigate through sections of books. Read for pleasure.

Writing: Develop an appreciation for and an ability to write rhymed and unrhymed poetry. Write a 1,2,2 expository piece. Generate and respond to topic prompts for creative and journal writing. Use correct punctuation, synonyms, antonyms and homonyms. Apply editing process and syllabication rules to writing. Alphabetize sets of words.

Speaking/Listening/Viewing: Memorize and recite a piece of literature, using proper diction and elocution, at the annual oratory public presentation. Develop expressive language. Communicate information regarding character, setting and initiating event. Strengthen visual perception and multiple cueing systems.

Reading: Build story comprehension and interpretation. Integrate context clues, structural analysis, phonetic cues and illustrations while reading. Identify cause and effect relationships. Expand upon decoding, blending and the reading of complex literary pieces. Read independently for sustained periods daily. Participate in the Accelerated Reader Program and SRA to strengthen comprehension skills and enhance a passion for reading.

Writing: Write for a variety of purposes, including an expository paragraph on a given topic. Use conventions of writing (punctuation, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, subject-verb agreement, apostrophes in contractions, etc.). Develop summarization skills. Apply understanding of prefixes, suffixes and syllables. Introduce similes and alliteration.

Speaking/Listening/Viewing: Share information, ideas, values and points of view from simple research projects, original stories, etc. Increase language proficiency using standard English, appropriate rate, volume and body language. Use active listening skills to deliver courteous, appropriate responses during group discussions. Respond to oral readings from a variety of genres.

Reading: Read and compare a variety of genre. Recognize and decode high frequency words and those with unusual spelling patterns. Acquire comprehension skills necessary to synthesize and analyze content.

Writing: Write original short stories, descriptive pieces and poetry. Summarize readings. Develop a complex descriptive and opinion response paragraph with transitional words and conclusion. Research a specific topic, such as “birds” to create a book. Write narrative pieces which include story elements. Publish writing through a variety of media. Expand on use of figurative language.

Speaking/Listening/Viewing: Through a curriculum integrated format, use a variety of digital/visual media and resources to evaluate, interpret and express understanding. Respond to and generate higher order cognitive questions. Deliver oral presentations related to a variety of content areas in monthly assemblies with appropriate elocution and diction. Develop active listening techniques.

Reading: Build upon the aforementioned with a higher level of cognitive reasoning. Read a variety of classical and modern literature. Identify the author’s purpose. Compare and contrast works of two or more authors.

Writing: Conduct research and write a five paragraph report with supporting detail, transitional words and a conclusion on topics, such as: State Report, Endangered Species and Florida. Respond daily to journal prompts. Expand use of regular and irregular verbs, plurals of irregular nouns, comparative and superlative adjectives and adverbs. Build upon the use of figurative language (metaphors, similes, personification). Write in a variety of modes (expository, persuasive, narrative, expressive, functional).

Speaking/Listening/Viewing: Deliver oral presentations in public forums, like the annual State Fair. Retell, dramatize and summarize stories. Identify the main idea and specific details. Summarize and paraphrase ideas and concepts.

Reading: Engage in the Socratic Method. Develop critical thinking techniques, analyze and evaluate information. Identify theme and cause and effect relationships. Draw conclusions and make generalizations.

Writing: Write daily research reports, original stories, letters, essays, interviews, surveys, etc. Apply the conventions of writing in narrative. Diagram parts of speech. Study direct objects, indirect objects, prepositional phrases, abbreviations, synonyms, antonyms, base words, comparatives and superlatives, irregular verbs, etc.

Speaking/Listening/Viewing: Continue to deliver oral presentations in public forums. Express and support opinions and ideas to persuade and inform. Develop an appreciation for personal genre preferences.

Reading: Strengthen critical thinking skills. Expand vocabulary and apply word study techniques to unfamiliar words. Understand story elements, make inferences and draw conclusions. Distinguish between the characteristics of different genre.

Writing: Continue to write in all genres. Understand and demonstrate the use of alliterations, metaphors, similes, rhymes and analogies. Master correct use and identification of parts of speech with a focus on predicate complements.

Speaking/Listening/Viewing: Memorize and recite poetry, lines from a speech or dialogue from a play monthly. Serve as the lead cast in the annual Spring Play. Deliver lines with appropriate elocution and diction. Display active listening techniques when engaging in cooperative group work or upon serving as a member of an audience.

Reading: Read and respond personally, aesthetically and critically to a variety of materials and genre from American literature with increased fluency. Identify various points of view in writing. Read, interpret and dramatize Shakespeare’s literary works. Strengthen critical thinking and expand vocabulary.

Writing: Communicate ideas and points of view. Write persuasively. Apply understanding of complex parts of speech to written work. Publish information in a variety of digital media.

Speaking/Listening/Viewing: Express, support, paraphrase and summarize ideas and information to persuade or inform, work individually and as part of a team.

Language ArtsReading: Introduce a variety of genre including poetry, fables, fairy tales, fiction and non-fiction. Recognize sight words. Identify story elements: character and setting. Discriminate between sounds in the beginning, middle and ending locations. Identify upper and lower case letters. Use segmentation, deletion and blending of sounds and words. Use controlled vowel patterned readers.

Writing: Use inventive writing through journal experiences and creative writing. Develop expository writing skills. Relate a narrative creative story, or message through drawing, telling, emergent writing and simple sentence structure. Begin to identify and use correct punctuation.

Speaking/Listening/Viewing: Use a variety of visual media to evaluate and express understanding. Recognize rhyming patterns in word families. Listen and follow simple multi-step directions. Develop receptive, expressive language, active listening skills, visual perception and multiple cueing systems (pragmatics, textual, syntactical and graphophonic). Interpret art across time periods. Participate in monthly assemblies with the demonstration of proper articulation, diction and poise.

Problem Solving: Use a variety of estimation strategies to develop reasonable solutions to problems. Demonstrate fluency with computation through ten. Apply Singapore Math’s model drawing approach to solve problems.

Number Sense, Concepts and Operations: Expand upon the concept of inverse relationships between addition and subtraction using Singapore Math number bonds and the Cuisenaire Rods. Introduce skip counting by 2’s. Use repeated addition and arrays to solve multiplication problems. Use sharing and grouping to divide. Use number bonds to create addition, subtraction and multiplication stories. Count and identify more than, less than and ‘parts of a whole’. Introduce regrouping.

Geometry and Spatial Sense: Name, build and draw two and three dimensional shapes. Understand direction and distance while navigating space.

Data Analysis: Collect, organize and display data through a variety of simple graphs. Identify and understand the value of bills and coins. Solve simple word problems involving money. Make halves and fourths. Estimate order. Compare and subtract using numbers to 100.

Problem Solving: Determine the reasonableness of results when estimating. Begin to round numbers. Classify numbers as odd or even. Apply Singapore Math’s draw model approach to solve problems.

Place Value: Expand place value. Add and subtract complex numbers using regrouping and borrowing. Develop monetary concepts.

Number Sense, Concepts and Operations: Master multiplication tables of 2 and 3. Multiply and divide by 4, 5 and 10. Solve multiplication and division problems. Use repeated subtraction to divide and find the remainder. Apply appropriate operations to solve real world problems.

Measurement: Use length, weight and capacity measuring concepts, i.e. meters, centimeters, yards, feet, inches, kilograms, grams, pounds, ounces, liters, gallons, quarts, pints and cups. Recognize, write, name and illustrate fractions of a whole. Compare and order unit fractions. Tell time after and before the hour using various time intervals.

Geometry and Spatial Sense: Develop geometry concepts, i.e. flat and curved faces.

Data Analysis: Describe, analyze and continue to explore a variety of patterns and functions. Use picture and bar graphs.

Problem Solving: Develop mental calculation proficiency while building upon problem solving concepts.

Place Value: Identify place values. Introduce and apply decimal place value to addition and subtraction.

Number Sense, Concepts and Operations: Read and write standard and expanded notation. Begin to read, write, order and compare decimals. Apply inverse operations to solve addition, subtraction, multiplication and division problems. Add, subtract, construct and compare fractions. Master multiplication tables of 6, 7, 8 and 9.

Measurement: Master telling time to the minute. Solve for perimeter, area and volume. Build upon measuring concepts.

Geometry and Spatial Relations: Explore properties of polygons. Develop geometry concepts, i.e. angles, quadrilaterals, triangles and solid figures.

Data Analysis: Build evaluation skills, including presenting data and probability.

Problem Solving: Apply rounding strategies to estimate the reasonableness of a result. Fluently compute facts. Strengthen problem solving skills.

Place Value: Apply place value concepts to solve whole number and decimal problems.

Number Sense, Concepts and Operations: Multiply and divide using multi-digit numbers. Reduce and identify equivalent fractions. Use like and unlike denominators. Apply the rules of order of operations. Expand decimal concepts. Determine prime factorization. Use ratios and proportions to show relationships. Use proportions to solve ratio word problems.

Geometry and Spatial Sense: Recognize and apply the properties of acute, obtuse and right angles, lines, line segments and rays.

Measurement: Apply concepts related to length, width and capacity to solve word problems. Determine the area and perimeter of polygons.

Data Analysis: Collect, organize and analyze data using tables and graphs. Identify the mode and median of categorical data.

Problem Solving: Solve increasingly complex word problems.

Number Sense, Concepts and Operations: Understand and use integers. Write and solve multi-step word problems and computations involving proportions, percentages, interest rates and taxes.

Geometry and Spatial Sense: Use formulas to determine the area and perimeter of composite figures formed from squares, rectangles, triangles, semicircles and quarter circles. Understand the coordinate grid, locate points and write ordered pairs.

Measurement: Convert measurements of length, mass, volume and time. Solve problems involving volume and surface area.

Data Analysis: Develop data gathering, reporting and analyzing skills using graphs. Identify the range, median and mode from a set of numerical data. Describe, analyze and generalize a variety of patterns and functions.

Pre-Algebra: Solve problems by identifying a predictable visual or numerical pattern. Express numerical relationships and patterns using algebraic symbols. Understand constants and variables. Simplify numerical expressions. Differentiate between a number sentence, replacement set and a solution. Translate word phrases into mathematical expressions, word sentences into equations or inequalities and word problems into algebraic expressions, equations or formulas; and solve.

Algebra I: Understand and apply real numbers, graph equations and inequalities. Write and solve equations that represent real world problems. Perform operations with polynomials.

Algebra II: Expand upon Algebra I. Develop concepts related to linear and quadratic equations, relations, inequalities, functions and radicals. Perform operations with matrices and polynomials. Graph and factor quadratic equations. Study irrational numbers, including radical expressions. Perform operations and simplify expressions with radical numbers and exponents. Explore conic section equations and solve systems of quadratic equations. Study logarithmic and exponential functions.

MathProblem Solving: Develop problem solving techniques and estimation strategies that require spatial reasoning or a solution.

Number Sense, Concepts and Operations: Understand numbers, ways of representing them and their relationships using strategies, such as Singapore Math number bonding. Develop and expand one-to-one correspondence. Match quantity of objects to numbers. Understand the meanings of operations and how they relate to one another. Use Cuisenaire Rods to order and compare sizes. Create and use representations to model mathematical ideas. Count objects in sets. Identify patterns. Add and subtract whole numbers. Begin skip counting.

Place Value: Develop concepts and understand the base ten number system.

Measurement: Sort and order objects according to the attributes of length, width and capacity. Develop the concept of ‘parts of a whole’ as related to fractions, time and money.

Data Analysis: Represent data using concrete objects or pictures.

Problem Solving: Use Singapore Math to apply, adapt and document strategies involving whole and decimal numbers, fractions and percentages. Advance estimation strategies.

Number Sense, Concepts and Operations: Relate the properties of numbers. Round numbers with greater accuracy. Apply common factors, multiples, primes and composites to a variety of problems with increasing complexity. Calculate the product and quotient of fractions. Develop and apply concepts of positive and negative integers. Convert percents, fractions and decimals. Develop ratio and pre-algebra concepts. Determine the percentage of a quantity. Solve real word problems involving average, rate and percentages.

Measurement: Understand and apply measurable attributes of objects. Recognize the similarities and differences of area, perimeter and volume.

Geometry and Spatial Sense: Use appropriate geometric vocabulary to identify and describe attributes of two and three-dimensional figures up to ten sides. Identify, name and find unknown angles.

Inquiry: Build upon the use of the Scientific Method of Research and one’s senses to solve problems.

Earth/Space Science: Explore the water cycle, cloud formations, weather patterns. Measure and chart temperature. Understand the Earth, its relationship to other planets, the solar system, the sun and the moon. Learn the properties of sand and rocks.

Life Science: Differentiate between and recognize the interdependence between animals and plants. Determine life cycles, plant growth, purposes of plant structures and plant pigmentation. Develop a greater awareness of the human body, its parts and functions.

Physical Science: Develop the concept of motion and the effects of friction and gravity. Predict how temperature changes forms of matter. Explore chemical reactions, magnetic attraction and repulsion and simple concepts of light, color and shadow.

Inquiry: Identify and describe objects using observable properties. Record, measure and report data.

Earth/Space Science: Understand the properties, locations and motions of planets, the similarities and differences between bodies of water, the components of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Life Science: Classify animals from different groups. Investigate differences in animal life cycles. Develop and promote a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition. Understand the function of bones, muscles and internal organs.

Physical Science: Explore laws of force, wind energy and motion. Categorize states of matter. Identify natural and artificial sources of light and heat.

Inquiry: Utilize aforementioned tools to gather and record data. Analyze and discuss findings.

Earth/Space Science: Explore igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, the effects of weathering and soil types. Understand the rotation and revolution of the Earth and how they relate to seasons.

Life Science: Introduce animals, their skeletal systems, habitats and behaviors. Research characteristics of different birds, differentiate between native and non-native migration patterns. Plant cycles, how they respond to different variables, and differences between flowering and cone-bearing.

Physical Science: Compare and contrast evaporation, condensation and precipitation. Demonstrate physical changes in matter through experimentation. Explore solar energy, concepts of sound and chemical reactions.

Inquiry: Build upon the aforementioned with greater skill and higher order problem solving. Apply the Scientific Method of Research to other disciplines.

Earth/Space Science: Understand the components of the Earth’s surface, atmosphere and weather patterns. Identify the locations and compositions of oceans, lakes, etc.

Life Science: Explore Florida’s wildlife, flora and wetlands. Research and report on an endangered animal. Differentiate between animal and human behaviors that are instinctive and learned. Understand the processes of photosynthesis and transpiration. Explore the digestive and circulatory systems and the organs and functions involved. Introduce interdependence among plants and animals as it relates to the food chain.

Physical Science: Understand the relationship between energy, force and motion and the use of mechanical, chemical, solar and nuclear energy in our society. Explore the properties of static and current electricity.

Inquiry: Further develop science process skills to record, measure and report data through Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint.

Earth/Space Science: Understand Plate Tectonics. Explore the composition of various bodies of water, their current patterns and the ocean floor.

Life Science: Introduce cellular structures, their functions, growth and division patterns. Mutualism, parasitism and commensalism. Classification of living things: vertebrates, invertebrates, crustaceans, arachnids, millipedes, reptiles, birds, mammals, fish and amphibians. Muscular and skeletal systems. Processes of the respiratory and excretory systems. Animal growth and heredity.

Physical Science: Explore forms of energy. Study perpetual motion, how motion of objects can be described by their position, direction of motion and speed. Fossil fuels. Elements, metals and non-metals. Solutions, suspensions and colloids. Explore complex concepts of light and sound. Apply scientific concepts through the participation in hands-on laboratory experiences and field trips.

Inquiry: Develop science process skills. Design and execute investigations.

Earth/Space Science: Understand astronomy: stars, galaxies, solar systems and the Milky Way Galaxy. Study the layers of the Earth’s interior and exterior landmasses, causes of changes of the Earth’s surface, the composition of the Earth’s core, mantle and crust, Plate Tectonics, causes of earthquakes. Measure activity, weather patterns and factors that influence weather and temperature. Climatic changes within climatic zones. Weathering and soil formation, erosion and deposition. Further analyze the use and generation of natural resources. Study the impact of Earth’s waters, their role as natural resources and the impact of pollution.

Inquiry: Further develop science process skills. Introduce various tools, i.e. microscope.

Earth/Space Science: Available as an elective, taught at a high school level.

Life Science: Explore, compare, contrast theories of plant and animal adaptations. Differentiate between adaptation and variation. Structures of viruses and cells. Characteristics of atoms, elements, molecules and compounds. Cellular processes and reproduction. Genetics. Plant Kingdom. Animal Kingdom. Moneran Kingdom. Protista Kingdom. Fungi Kingdom. Ecosystems.

Physical Science: Understand the concept of matter. Classify, describe and test matter. Measure matter to determine density, volume, mass and weight. Explore atoms, molecules, elements, mixtures, solutions and compounds; chemistry of matter; chemical bonding; radioactivity; energy and motion; electricity and magnetism. Understand sound, the factors that influence the transmission of ultrasonic waves and electromagnetic waves.

ScienceInquiry: Apply the Scientific Method of Research and the use of one’s five senses.

Earth/Space Science: Chart daily weather conditions and determine weather appropriate attire. Identify weather types and changes. Become familiar with the solar system.

Life Science: Understand concepts of living and non-living things. Identify the characteristics and needs of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and fish. Observe, sort, and identify plant structures. Apply simple processes of farming from harvest to consumer through the school companion garden. Develop awareness of the human body.

Physical Science: Introduce concepts of force and motion. Explore simple machines. Observe, classify and communicate differences among solids, liquids and gases. Discover concepts of color, light and shadows.

Visual: Identify basic and intermediate colors. Mix hues to create intermediate colors. Explore positive and negative space. Reproduce animals and scenes depicting farm life. Discover varied media, i.e. crayon resist, papier mâché, pinch clay, etc.

Performing: Build upon the aforementioned with increasing difficulty.

Visual: Draw various types of lines demonstrating how they divide space and influence movement. Explore patterns as well as geometric and curved shapes. Express movement. Experience texture. Discover new media, i.e. engraving, sand cast with plaster, loom weaving, etc.

Performing: Listen, respond to and interpret a variety of musical pieces from varied genres. Develop a physical body that is uninhibited by the expression of inner rhythm and feelings. Develop sound breathing techniques and healthy vocal habits. Make cultural and intellectual connections using music. Introduce tempo, rhythm, and basic note reading. Perform as the supporting cast in the annual Spring Play.

Visual: Explore and define shapes and space. Understand unrelated shapes. Use texture to add realism, depth, variety and interest. Discover new media, i.e. chalk, collages, watercolor, etc. Apply textures, glazes, carvings, stitching and appliqué.

Performing: Use various pitched and un-pitched instruments. Develop a keen sense of time and focus. Use music as the springboard for the acquisition of concepts and content in literature and poetry.

Visual: Understand advanced and receding colors. Use shapes and lines in drawings, explore widths, lengths, directions, etc. Differentiate between two and three dimensional space. Identify dark to light values. Discover new media, i.e. stitchery and appliqué, charcoal, metal, etc.

Performing: Play soprano recorder and Orff instruments. Demonstrate understanding of varying representations and symbols including repeat, intervals, accents, crescendo, diminuendo, coda and staccato.

Visual: Identify and create neutral colors, pure to neutral, light to dark and cool to warm. Connect shapes to organic structures and various sized masses that serve functional purpose. Understand the color relationships between earth and sky, perspective. Discover new media, i.e. murals, India ink, contour drawing, etc.

Performing: Participate in vocal ensemble. Demonstrate an understanding of harmony, unison and the range of singing voices. Identify composers from the following eras: baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary. Apply understanding of notes and scales through singing. Engage in a cappella singing. Study guitar and apply music vocabulary, skills and symbols.

Visual: Demonstrate perspective. Use patterns as a decorative motif, soft and hard edges. Understand tactile and visual concepts. Create a self-portrait. Discover new media, i.e. watercolor-graded washes, linoleum block printing, carve in relief from plaster, etc.

Performing: Understand the theoretical aspects of playing instruments, using the Orff method. Perform as the lead cast in the annual Spring Play.

Electives: Classes may vary according to student and/or teacher interest. Students select from a variety of electives, such as: Chinese, French, World Religions and Cultures, Technology Sleuths, Speech and Debate, Web Design, Teacher’s Aide, Portfolio Art, Theatre, Video Production, Guitar, Step, Aerobics, Electronic Publishing/The Cougar Chronicles, Sports Journalism, Stock Market, Law & Order, Journalism, South Florida Ecosystems, Oratory and Dramatization, Brain: Odyssey of the Mind. Ensemble Theatre, Creative Movement, Economics, Yoga.

ArtsVisual: Explore a variety of media. Develop the ability to identify and integrate visual/spatial relationships. Use problem solving strategies to achieve complete projects.

Performing: Introduce different musical styles and genres including instruments and creative movement. Study a variety of composers. Explore basic concepts of rhythm, tempo, pitch, sound and movement. Play Orff instruments. Perform in multiple assemblies. Demonstrate appropriate performer and audience behavior.

Physical Education: Build flexibility, muscle strength, endurance and agility. Enhance manipulative skills.

Team Sports: Develop skills related to a variety of individual and team sports, such as soccer and softball. Participate in the National Physical Fitness Contest.

Physical Education: Modify basic locomotive skills sequence to show changes in direction. Apply body/self awareness and transfer of weight.

Team Sports: Understand game rules and criteria. Use appropriate techniques in team oriented games, such as basketball and volleyball.

Physical Education: Participate in age-appropriate activities that build upon the aforementioned with greater accuracy, endurance, and flexibility. Engage in scrimmages related to each sport mentioned above.

Team Sports: Opt to participate in intramural competitive games, such as soccer and basketball.

Physical Education: Demonstrate self-control and leadership toward the completion of a task.

Team Sports: Strengthen athletic skills and participate in age appropriate activities and team sports, such as tennis and those mentioned above.

Physical Education: Throw for distance and accuracy. Monitor changes in respiration during vigorous physical activity, i.e. mile run, shuttle run, abdominal strengthening exercises, etc. Introduce students to proper hygiene techniques and human growth and development.

Team Sports: Opt to participate in Junior Varsity level competitive sports program, such as girls volleyball, cross country, basketball or soccer. Introduce discipline, dedication and healthy competition.

Physical Education: Use critical thinking strategies in team sports to problem solve and build flexibility, muscle strength, endurance and agility.

Team Sports: Opt to participate in either Junior Varsity or Varsity competitive sports program, which include the aforementioned as well as softball, baseball or tennis. Understand discipline, dedication and healthy competition.

Physical Education: Increase participation and performance in physical activity in and out of school. Use various techniques for performing with greater skill and accuracy. Demonstrate the physiological principles related to exercise and muscle conditioning.

Team Sports: Opt to participate in Junior Varsity or Varsity competitive sports program, which include the aforementioned as well as cheerleading and swimming.

AthleticsPhysical Education: Participate in daily recess and after school free play. Perform basic locomotive and non-locomotive skills using appropriate, integrative body movements. Develop manipulative skills.

Team Sports: Demonstrate teamwork. Participate in individual or group activities that increase fine and gross motor skills, eye-hand coordination, flexibility, agility and endurance.

Spanish: Expand vocabulary to include parts of the human body, clothing and food through songs, movement and games. Introduce time. Convey complex oral messages. Use basic adjectives. Understand a Spanish movie.

Chinese: Expand vocabulary to include body parts, numbers, colors, foods, animals and clothing. Speak basic sentences.

Spanish: Respond to simple oral directions from cultural rhymes, games and songs. Depict various cultural aspects by interpreting folklore, poetry, pictures and stories. Respond to prompts in writing.

Chinese: Recite “alphabet” and introduce characters. Expand understanding of Chinese culture.

Spanish: Respond to simple oral and written questions with proper structure. Expand vocabulary to include home, sports, weather, community, occupations, etc. Read aloud and guide others. Formulate and respond to questions prompted by readings in a group and/or guided reading instruction.

Chinese: Respond to and generate simple statements and questions related to daily life and Chinese culture.

Spanish: Enhance the understanding of Spanish culture. Improve conversational proficiency. Express opinions. Introduce verb conjugation. Comprehend age-appropriate text.

Chinese: Learn basic expressions and advanced characters. Become familiar with Chinese language rules. Comprehend simple text.

Spanish: Identify Spanish speaking countries. Expand vocabulary to include leisure and social activities, geography and map skills, school activities, etc. Introduce possessives and size comparisons. Read and interpret short reading selections. Write descriptions, narratives, dialogues, skits and plays using simple sentences.

Chinese: Deepen understanding and appreciation of Chinese history and culture. Expand vocabulary. Participate in simple conversation.

Spanish: Understand the influence of Spanish culture in the United States, specifically in Miami. Apply decoding and comprehension skills to reading and interpretation. Retell stories both orally and in writing. Perform stories as narratives or plays.

Chinese: Enhance writing ability, learn complex characters. Read advanced text. Participate in simple conversation.

Spanish 1: Read and interpret short to moderate length stories. Write descriptions, narratives and dialogues. Demonstrate through oral presentation and writing the appropriate use of the parts of speech.

Spanish 2: Demonstrate greater proficiency in spoken and written expression. Recognize and use intonation to convey meaning.

Chinese: Available as an elective and taught at an appropriate level.

Latin: Introduce culture, history and people. Study English vocabulary derived from classical Greek and Latin roots. Basic grammar. Engage in simulations related to Greek and Roman Civilization. Explore Latin’s influence on modern day life.

World LanguagesSpanish: Participate in a variety of cultural songs, games and activities. Count. Experience Spanish foods and culture. Differentiate between traditional Spanish and American costumes. Respond to visual and/or oral commands and/or stimuli reflecting a variety of themes. View, listen and respond to literary connections.

Chinese: Listen and respond to stories told from Chinese culture. Introduce basic vocabulary related to numbers, colors, foods, animals and clothing. Respond to visual and oral commands.

Civic Awareness: Understand the election process, the roll of elected officials and the basic concepts of democracy. Recognize that rights are accompanied by responsibilities. Demonstrate the importance of honesty in dealing with others. Know the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.

Geography, History and Culture: Recognize important buildings, statues and monuments. Understand the interdependence of a neighborhood and the value of those who provide community services. Develop map skills and interpret symbols. Identify local and national natural resources, traditions and heroes.

Civic Awareness: Understand the role of government. Identify current elected officials. Recognize the contributions of various cultural groups. Understand the need for products, services and natural resources.

Geography, History and Culture: Know the seven continents and their locations on a map. Recognize and learn to respect global diversity. Study Native American Indians, early pioneers, the significance of the Civil Rights Movement, etc.

Civic Awareness: Differentiate between rural, suburban and urban communities. Explore and contrast different types of communities. Understand the responsibilities underlying citizenship. Understand patriotism. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of conservation of natural resources.

Geography, History and Culture: Improve mapping skills. Explore Miami’s history, the early pioneers and the influence of the Tequesta Indians on the development of Miami. Compare and contrast Miami past and present.

Civic Awareness: Understand the value of Florida’s state and local government, election and judicial processes. Describe the rights and responsibilities of a good citizen. Know the importance, requirements and processes of voting.

Geography, History and Culture: Understand Florida’s landforms, elevations, major crops, industries and climate patterns. Identify the United States’ regions, states, capitals, waterways. Consider possible solutions to local environmental problems. Independently research an aspect of Florida’s history and make a presentation. Understand the various types of businesses, industry and natural resources in Florida. Examine Florida’s tourism, agriculture, trade and the environment from the political, economic and social perspective. Participate in field trips and activities to support the understanding of the aforementioned.

Civic Awareness: Analyze democratic principles, limited government, separation of powers, Federalism, The Constitution and Bill of Rights. Synthesize research about family history and heritage. Participate in annual Heritage Day program.

Geography, History and Culture: Understand U.S. geography and history (1492 - Civil War). Compare and contrast colonial life before and after the Declaration of Independence. Understand how immigration has shaped American culture.

Civic Awareness: Appreciate world geography. Interpret, compare and contrast information provided on a variety of maps: world population cartograms, vegetation, economic activity, density, demographics, physical, precipitation and land elevation. Compare various governments ranging from communist to democratic.

Geography, History and Culture: Identify continents, countries and their capitals. Develop an understanding of environmental problems within our global community and propose possible solutions. Explore and compare social patterns, economic and political issues. Create a theoretical country synthesizing knowledge of government, economy, physical features, demographics and political history.

Civic and Political Awareness: Engage in community and global service learning. Develop an understanding of appropriate discussion techniques and diverse perspectives. Present a persuasive argument through discussion and writing activities.

Geography, History and Culture: Examine the rise of industry, the Reconstruction Era, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, and Civil Rights Movement. Develop a geographic understanding and a historical, cultural and global perspectives as related to Latin America and the United States.

Economics: Identify and compare the distribution of natural resources regarding goods and services. Develop an understanding of production, distribution and consumption principles.

Social StudiesSocialization: Engage in parallel play. Attract the attention of others in a socially acceptable manner. Attempt to solve peer conflicts independently. Develop inner control of one’s emotions, thoughts and behavior. Recognize and follow the daily school routine. Demonstrate that cooperation and interdependence are needed within a family and classroom and assume responsibilities.

Civic Awareness: Introduce the concept of identity. Recognize the United States flag, Pledge of Allegiance and other symbols that represent Americans internationally. Understand community characteristics and the value of personal contributions. Listen and respond to stories about people who have made contributions to United States history.

Geography, History and Culture: Recognize the globe and its characteristics. Listen and respond to stories about family life, past and present, from around the world. Compare and contrast other family traditions and cultures and their distinct celebrations through literature, art and music.

Affirming the Heritage, Fulfilling the Promise, Embracing the Future

Established 1924

THE CUSHMAN SCHOOL

Laptops are introduced as a tool to effectively maximize the delivery and understanding of the curriculum.

Ongoing integration of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, iMovie and web-based modules in to all aspects of learning.

Master the safe and responsible use of technology and apply it to all course work.

Curriculum Guide

592 Northeast 60th Street • Miami, Florida 33137 www.cushmanschool.org

tel 305-757-1966 • fax 305-757-1632

Affirming the Heritage, Fulfilling the Promise, Embracing the Future

Established 1924

THE CUSHMAN SCHOOL

Affirming the Heritage, Fulfilling the Promise, Embracing the Future

Established 1924

The Cushman School: Nursery through Eighth Grade

The Cushman School curriculum is a living document, which is rooted in brain

research, a constantly evolving field that aims to understand how children learn

best. We combine innovative technology with proven concepts in education,

including the work of John Dewey, Maria Montessori and Reggio Emilia, and we

bring them in to every classroom on a daily basis. This allows us to ensure that

our educational approach is tailored to each student.

At Cushman we address the needs of the child holistically. Cushman’s highly

trained faculty empowers students to discover and understand their strengths,

interests, values and personalities while promoting good habits of mind,

leadership, organization and public speaking skills. Cushman’s innovation is

further evidenced by the daily integration of highly-acclaimed, research-based

programs, such as Story Grammar Marker, Power Writing, Open Court

Methodology, Handwriting without Tears, Accelerated Reader, Lexia, Lesson

One Virtues Program, Cuisenaire Rods and Singapore Math. It is this ability to

seamlessly combine these programs while providing application and context that

makes the education foundation at Cushman so effective and unique.

Founded by a true visionary, The Cushman School reflects an 85 year old pledge

made by Dr. Laura Cushman to teach children to embrace the virtues of industry,

courtesy, responsibility and scholarship. The Cushman student is encouraged

and expected to work towards personalized goals, be well mannered, respectful,

accept responsibility, grow in character and develop academically. We believe

in the importance of building a moral community in which each child makes a

valuable contribution.

Affirming The Heritage...Fulfilling The Promise...Enhancing The Future.