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LIVING GOD'S STORY
since 1905

Grade-Level Curriculum

Transitional Kindergarten

Science

  • seasons
  • heat
  • nocturnal animals
  • taking care of my body
  • baby animals

Math

  • Can count to 20
  • Can arrange numerals 0-12 in correct order
  • Can identify numerals by name to 12
  • Can write numerals 0-10
  • Can count objects 1-12 with a one-to-one correspondence
  • Can recognize, describe, create and extend a simple pattern
  • Can sort, classify, and order objects by color, size, and shape
  • Can recognize and describe shapes- square, rectangle, circle, triangle, rhombus, and oval
  • Can demonstrate the understanding of size- small, medium, large
  • Can demonstrate the understanding of position words- above/below, in/out, over/under, top/bottom, inside/outside, in front/behind

Financial Literacy

  • Understand the distribution of resources
    • Explain spending versus savings
    • Recognize that items cost money
  • Understand financial instruments
    • Distinguish different types of money (bills, coins)
    • Identify the values of each type of money
  • Understand rights and responsibilities as borrowers
    • Explain that a borrowed item needs to be returned
    • Demonstrate that if loaned, an item should be returned
  • Establish strategies for protection of identity
    • Describe what an identity is
  • Recognize different types of insurance
    • Recognize ways people can lose possessions
    • Demonstrate ways to protect possessions
    • Recognize the consequences of loss
  • Recognize different types of non-insurance protection
    • Explain how written notes, emails, or phone calls between school and home can help prevent misinformation
    • Recognize the role of adults in providing safety

Handwriting

  • capital and lowercase of each letter
  • write top to bottom and left to right
  • write first name correctly

Phonics

  • identifying the name and sound of each letter
  • initial sounds in words

Social Studies

  • all about me
  • community helpers
  • transportation

Bible

  • Christmas
  • Easter
  • chapel theme stories/topics/songs
  • how we can honor, praise, obey our God in our work and play (mission statement)
  • showing love to others
  • devotion for each letter of the alphabet

Reading

  • following left to right, top to bottom
  • rhyming words
  • onset rhymes
  • word families
  • sequencing
  • listening
  • comprehension

Music

  • chapel theme songs
  • alphabet songs
  • nursery rhyme songs
  • TK-4th grade musical

Art

  • multiple projects
  • identify 8 basic colors (red, yellow, blue, orange, green, purple, black, brown)

PE

  • running
  • walking
  • hopping
  • stretching
  • marching
  • catching
  • bouncing
  • jumping
  • kicking
  • throwing
  • over, under, around, through

Additional Topics

  • apples
  • pumpkins
  • grandparents
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas
  • snow
  • Valentine's Day
  • spring
  • rain
  • Mother’s Day

Social and Personal Development

  • follow group directions
  • raise hand before speaking
  • participate in discussions
  • pay attention, respond to questions, and speak audibly
  • be respectful of themselves and others
  • able to solve conflict independently
  • independent in the classroom by learning to help themselves
  • good hygiene practices
  • independent in toileting, washing hands, dressing, eating, blowing nose, zipping, buttoning, and cleaning up

Fine Motor Skills

  • hand-eye coordination to perform self-help and fine motor tasks with a variety of manipulative materials
  • show increase in skills in scissors, glueing, writing tools

Speaking

  • participate in one-on-one situations and group settings
  • ask teacher and peers for help
  • speak in complete thoughts and sentences
  • respond appropriately to conversations
  • ask appropriate questions
  • participate without disruption
  • take turns speaking

Listening

  • listen for information and understanding
  • follow directions
  • establish, maintain, and enhance relationships
  • listen to peers and teachers when they are speaking
Kindergarten

Science

  • plants and their environment
  • weather and climate
  • living and non-living
  • solid, liquid, gas
  • hot and cold
  • floating and sinking
  • engineering

Math

  • Can count to 100 by ones, fives, and tens
  • Can write numbers from 0 to 50
  • Can write a number for a group of 0 to 20 objects
  • Can put numbers in order to 50
  • Can identify missing numbers before, after, and in between numbers 1-50
  • Can understand that the last object counted tells the number of objects in a group
  • Can understand that adding an object to a group will make the total number one bigger (and taking away will make the total number one smaller)
  • Can count to tell how many
  • Can count out a number of objects between 1 and 20
  • Can tell if a group of objects in one group is greater than, less than or equal to a group of objects in another group
  • Can compare two written numbers between 1 and 10
  • Can use objects, fingers and pictures to help me show addition
  • Can use objects, fingers and pictures to help me show subtraction
  • Can add and subtract and know math facts from 0-5 with a goal of 20 facts per minute
  • Can tell how an object can be measured using non-standard units (length, weight)
  • Can compare how two objects are similar or different (more of, less of, taller, shorter)
  • Can place objects into categories
  • Can count the number of objects in categories
  • Can sort the categories by the number of objects
  • Can find shapes around me
  • Can tell where shapes are (above, below, beside, in front of, behind, next to)
  • Can tell about shapes
  • Can compare shapes
  • Can name 2D shapes (square, rectangle, triangle, circle, rhombus, oval, trapezoid, hexagon)
  • Can identify money – penny, nickel, dime, quarter (name, value)
  • Can count groups of pennies, groups of nickels, and groups of dimes
  • Can tell time to the hour
  • Can copy patterns, extend patterns, and identify AB, ABB, AAB, ABC

Financial Literacy

  • Understanding needs vs. wants
    • Define wants and needs
    • Know the importance of needs and wants
  • Understand financial instruments
    • Distinguish different types of money (bills, coins)
    • Identify the values of each type of money
  • Understand rights and responsibilities as borrowers
    • Explain that a borrowed item needs to be returned
    • Demonstrate that if loaned, an item should be returned
  • Recognize different types of insurance
    • Recognize ways people can lose possessions
    • Demonstrate ways to protect possessions
    • Recognize the consequences of loss
  • Recognize different types of non-insurance protection
    • Explain how written notes, emails, or phone calls between school and home can help prevent misinformation
    • Recognize the role of adults in providing safety

Spelling/Vocabulary

  • color words
  • sight words (approximately 36)
  • number words to 10

Grammar

  • exclamation point
  • question mark
  • quotation marks
  • period

Handwriting

  • pencil grip
  • top/middle/bottom lines
  • uppercase/lowercase letters
  • constructing basic sentences
  • writing name using title case
  • writing simple CVC words
  • writing sight words

Writing

  • Launching the Writing Workshop 
  • Writing for Readers 
  • How-To Books: Writing to Teach Others 
  • Persuasive Writing of All Kinds: Using Words to Make a Change

Social Studies

  • all about me (God made me special)
  • life at school (rules, etc)
  • holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, President’s Day)
  • seasons
  • community helpers (fire department, police department)
  • map skills (where they live in God’s world)
  • money (understand the role of money in our society and use it responsibly)
  • apples (how they grow - farm to factory, field trip to Country Apple Orchard, Harrisburg, SD)

Art

  • apple art (torn paper technique)
  • water color painting (seasonal topics)
  • leaf man (using real leaves to create images)
  • Thanksgiving mural (pilgrim/Mayflower art)
  • parent/child project (Tom the Turkey - dress him in disguise so he is not eaten for Thanksgiving dinner!)
  • candy cane tissue paper art
  • parent/child project (snowman collage art)
  • paper snowflake
  • symmetry art (tempera paint - heart)
  • kite painting
  • Easter art (paper stained glass watercolor with cross)
  • beginning/end of the year self portrait

Bible

  • little children come to Jesus
  • a new world and a new start (creation)
  • the patriarchs
  • from Egypt to Canaan
  • Israel in Canaan
  • kings and prophets
  • exile and return
  • Jesus on earth
  • parables of Jesus
  • Christmas
  • Jesus’ death and resurrection
  • Ascension and Pentecost
  • school-wide theme

Bible Memory Verses

  • Genesis 8:22
  • Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Luke 2:7
  • Philippians 4:13
  • Mark 12:30
  • John 14:6

Faith Formation Journal Questions/Prompts

  • I can show God’s love by....
  • I love Jesus because...
  • I know God loves me because....

Reading

  • alphabet letters/sounds/sight words are in order based upon our reading curriculum  
  • topics correlate with science/social studies themes for the month

Reading Read-Alouds

  • trade books that correlate with the alphabet letters for the week
  • trade books that correlate with science/social studies units

Music

  • steady beat
  • singing in tune
  • loud/soft volume
  • call and response
  • body percussion
  • listening skills (Musicmap series)
  • TK-4th grade musical

PE

  • developing positive relationships through interacting with others while participating in physical education
  • life-long fitness skills
  • team sports
  • skills
    • dribbling
    • rolling a ball
    • catching
    • throwing
    • kicking
    • passing
    • trapping
    • fielding
    • striking
    • batting

Health Literacy

  • My Body
    • How do I keep my body healthy?
    • What are my senses and how do they help me?

Techonology Standards

  • DISCERN IT:  Apply discernment in technology use
  • MAKE IT:  Use technology to create projects, identify patterns, and make predictions
  • SHARE IT:  Use a variety of technology tools and media-rich resources to work collaboratively with others
  • FIND IT:  Utilize predetermined digital resources and tools to answer questions or solve problems
  • SOLVE IT:  Use technological resources to investigate given questions or problems
  • PROTECT IT:  Understand and practice appropriate and safe uses of technology
  • USE IT:  Understand basic technology hardware and software and their application

Library

The teacher librarian will work with students in meeting the standards below during library class:

  • utilize circulation procedures efficiently and effectively
  • identify, locate, select appropriate level, assess, and access materials
  • identify, locate, and utilize parts of a book and other materials
  • identify different types of books and resources and their use
  • demonstrate care of materials
  • demonstrate proper use of the library and materials
First Grade

Science

  • space systems
  • structure function, information processing in animals
  • pushes and pulls
  • engineering

Math

  • Can count to help me add and subtract
  • Know what an equal sign means
  • Can count to 120 by 1s, 5s, 10s, and 100s
  • Can write numbers to 120
  • Can tell whether a group of objects is odd or even
  • Can tell how many tens and how many ones are in a number
  • Can put three objects in order from longest to shortest
  • Can tell the length of an object using whole numbers
  • Can tell and write time in hours and half-hours using an analog and digital clock
  • Can tell about shapes (square, rectangle, triangle, circle, rhombus, oval, trapezoid, hexagon)

Financial Literacy

  • Understanding needs vs. wants
    • Define wants and needs
    • Know the importance of needs and wants
  • Practice and understand spending money
    • Describe the exchange of goods and services as part of the monetary system
    • Identify the outcome of spending money
  • Understand the distribution of resources
    • Explain spending versus savings
    • Recognize that items cost money
  • Understand financial instruments
    • Distinguish different types of money (bills, coins)
    • Identify the values of each type of money
  • Understand rights and responsibilities as borrowers
    • Explain that a borrowed item needs to be returned
    • Demonstrate that if loaned, an item should be returned
  • Establish strategies for protection of identity
    • Describe what an identity is
    • Recognize that everyone has an identity
  • Recognize different types of insurance
    • Recognize ways people can lose possessions
    • Demonstrate ways to protect possessions
    • Recognize the consequences of loss
  • Recognize different types of non-insurance protection
    • Explain how written notes, emails, or phone calls between school and home can help prevent misinformation
    • Recognize the role of adults in providing safety
  • Recognize investment options
    • Identify the value of saving
  • Distinguish investment options
    • Explain the difference between a piggy bank and financial institutions
  • Understand the relationship between investment risk and return
    • Explain that something loaned may or may not be returned

Spelling/Vocabulary

  • sight words
  • high frequency words
  • vocabulary words
  • words from the Rebecca Sitton curriculum

Grammar

  • use of 'I'
  • beginning and ending sentences
  • types of sentences
  • inflectional endings
  • parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives)
  • contractions
  • possessives
  • compound words
  • pronoun usage

Handwriting

  • correct pencil grip
  • correct letter formation including shape, size, and slant
  • appropriate spacing between letters and words
  • appropriate use of the top, middle and bottom lines

Writing

  • Small Moments: Writing with Focus, Detail, and Dialogue
  • Nonfiction Chapter Books
  • Writing Reviews
  • From Scenes to Series: Writing Fiction

Phonics

  • letters and sounds
  • blending sounds to create words
  • types of syllables (open, closed, VCVE, R controlled, _le endings, vowel teams)
  • syllable division
  • sight word memorization
  • phonetic awareness

Social Studies

  • Native Americans
  • countries
  • landforms
  • current events
  • map skills

Art

  • line
  • color
  • shape
  • texture
  • value
  • form
  • space
  • seasonal art projects

Bible

  • God's promises
  • the life of the Israelites from creation
  • Abraham
  • Isaac
  • Jacob
  • the Judges
  • the Kings
  • the Prophets
  • Christ's birth
  • living the life of discipleship
  • school-wide theme

Bible Memory Verses

  • Psalm 23
  • Ruth 1:16
  • Proverbs 3:3-6
  • 1 Peter 4:10
  • Luke 2:4-14
  • Matthew 28:1-8

Faith Formation Journal Questions/Prompts

  • "This year, I discovered God in big and little things through…."

Reading

  • Topics
    • Welcome to 1st Grade
    • All About Us
    • Outside My Door
    • Let's Connect
    • Nature Watch
    • Adventures all Around
    • Let's Discover
  • "Authors of the Month" Books:
    • Dr. Seuss
    • Leo Lionni
    • Kevin Henkes
    • Mercer Mayer
    • Arnold Lobel
    • Stan & Jan Berenstain
    • Norman Bridwell
    • Helen Lester
    • James Marshall
  • Multiple Copies Sets:
    • Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman
    • Leo the Late Bloomer by R. Kraus
    • The Bear’s Toothache by D. McPhail
    • Miss Nelson is Missing by J. Marshall and H.G. Allard, Jr.
    • Nate the Great (Book 1) by M.W. Sharmat and M. Simont
    • The Magic Treehouse (Book 1) by M. Pope Osborne
    • The New Baby by M. Mayer
    • Just Me and My Puppy by M. Mayer
    • Frog and Toad All Year by A. Lobel
    • Frog and Toad Are Friends by A. Lobel
    • Jigsaw Jones #1-Case of Hermie the Missing Hamster by J. Preller and R.W. Alley
    • Henry and Mudge #1- The First Book by C. Rylant and S. Stevenson
    • Mr. Putter & Tabby Bake the Cake by Cynthia Rylant
    • The Poppleton Series by Cynthia Rylant
    • Minnie & Moo Go to the Moon by Denys Cazet
    • Cam Jansen Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David A. Adler
  • Read-Alouds:
    • The Mouse and the Motorcycle by B. Cleary
    • Runaway Ralph by B. Cleary
    • Ralph S. Mouse by B. Cleary
    • Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket by B. Park
    • Junie B. Jones First Grader (At Last) by B. Park
    • Clementine by S. Pennypacker
    • The Talented Clementine by S. Pennypacker
    • The Puppy Place books by E. Miles
    • Ready Freddy Tooth Trouble by A. Klein
    • Stink the Incredible Shrinking Kid by M. McDonald
    • Stink Solar System Superhero by M. McDonald
    • The Wishbone Wish by M. McDonald
    • The Magic School Bus Chapter Books by J. Johnston
    • The Berenstain Bears Chapter Books by S. and J. Berenstain
    • Ivy and Bean by A. Barrows
    • Ivy and Bean Make the Rules by A. Barrows
    • Magic Tree House books by M. Pope Osborne and S. Murdocca
    • Littles Go Exploring by J. Peterson
    • The Story of Diva and Flea by M. Willems
    • Nancy Clancy Super Sleuth by J. O'Connor
    • The Buddy Files Books by D. Butler

 Music

  • strong and weak beats
  • 2/4 and 4/4 meter
  • reading notation
  • tempo markings
  • largo, andante, allegro, presto
  • dynamics
  • long and short phrases
  • orchestra instruments and families
  • listening skills (Peter and the Wolf by Prokofiev)
  • TK-4th grade musical

PE

  • developing positive relationships through interacting with others while participating in physical education
  • life-long fitness skills
  • team sports
  • skills
    • dribbling
    • rolling a ball
    • catching
    • throwing
    • kicking
    • passing
    • trapping
    • fielding
    • striking
    • batting

Health Literacy

  • All About Me
    • How can I be safe?
    • How can I keep clean?
    • How can I keep my body healthy?
    • How am I feeling?

Techonology Standards

  • DISCERN IT:  Apply discernment in technology use
  • MAKE IT:  Use technology to create projects, identify patterns, and make predictions
  • SHARE IT:  Use a variety of technology tools and media-rich resources to work collaboratively with others
  • FIND IT:  Utilize predetermined digital resources and tools to answer questions or solve problems
  • SOLVE IT:  Use technological resources to investigate given questions or problems
  • PROTECT IT:  Understand and practice appropriate and safe uses of technology
  • USE IT:  Understand basic technology hardware and software and their application

Library

The teacher librarian will work with students in meeting the standards below during library class:

  • utilize circulation procedures efficiently and effectively
  • identify, locate, select appropriate level, assess, and access materials
  • identify, locate, and utilize parts of a book and other materials
  • identify different types of books and materials and their use
  • demonstrate care of materials
  • demonstrate proper use of the library and materials
Second Grade

Science

  • waves: light and sound
  • inheritance and variation of traits
  • interdependent relationships in ecosystems
  • structure and properties of matter
  • engineering

Math

  • Can use strategies to solve addition word problems to 100
  • Can use strategies to solve subtraction word problems to 100
  • Know my addition facts to 20 with a goal of 20 facts per minute
  • Know subtraction facts to 20 with a goal of 20 facts per minute
  • Can understand and use hundreds, tens, and ones
  • Can read numbers to 1,000 in different ways
  • Can compare three-digit numbers using >, =, and <
  • Can add and subtract with regrouping
  • Can explain why I need to use addition or subtraction to help me solve problems
  • Can use different tools to measure objects
  • Can compare the length of an object using two different units of measurement
  • Can compare the length of two different objects
  • Can use addition and subtraction to 100 to solve measurement problems
  • Can make and use a number line
  • Can tell time to five minutes on an analog and digital clock
  • Can understand a.m. and p.m.
  • Can count dollars, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies to help me solve word problems
  • Can make a picture and bar graph

Financial Literacy

  • Understanding needs vs. wants
    • Define wants and needs
    • Know the importance of needs and wants
  • Understand various sources of compensation
    • Recognize sources of income for children such as allowances and gifts
  • Understand the distribution of resources
    • Explain spending versus savings
    • Recognize that items cost money
  • Understand financial instruments
    • Distinguish different types of money (bills, coins)
    • Identify the values of each type of money
  • Understand rights and responsibilities as borrowers
    • Explain that a borrowed item needs to be returned
    • Demonstrate that if loaned, an item should be returned
  • Recognize different types of insurance
    • Recognize ways people can lose possessions
    • Demonstrate ways to protect possessions
    • Recognize the consequences of loss
  • Recognize different types of non-insurance protection
    • Explain how written notes, emails, or phone calls between school and home can help prevent misinformation
    • Recognize the role of adults in providing safety

Spelling/Vocabulary

  • short vowels
  • prefixes
  • suffixes
  • contractions
  • consonant digraphs
  • antonyms
  • visual skills
  • irregular spellings
  • homophones
  • possessive pronouns
  • long vowels
  • compound words
  • diphthongs
  • spelling patterns
  • r-controlled vowels
  • silent letters
  • plurals
  • vocabulary development
  • homographs
  • irregular spellings
  • s and k spellings
  • ABC order
  • possessives
  • double letters

Grammar

  • statements and questions
  • commands
  • exclamations
  • subjects
  • predicates
  • sentence combining with subjects and predicates
  • nouns
  • plural nouns
  • proper nouns
  • possessive nouns
  • action verbs
  • present tense verbs
  • subject-verb agreement
  • past-tense verbs
  • linking verbs
  • helping verbs
  • irregular verbs
  • contractions
  • pronouns
  • pronoun-verb agreement
  • adjectives
  • articles
  • adjectives that compare
  • adverbs

Handwriting

  • keys to legibility (shape, size, spacing, slant, writing numerals, writing letters and words)

Writing

  • Lessons from the Masters: Improving Narrative Writing
  • Lab Reports and Science Books
  • Writing about Reading
  • Poetry: Big Thoughts in Small Packages

Phonics

  • open and closed syllables
  • silent e syllables
  • vowel team syllables
  • r-controlled syllables
  • consonant-le syllables
  • ss, ll, ff, zz, c, k, and ck, ch and tch
  • y as a vowel
  • soft c and g
  • hard c and g
  • syllable division vc/v
  • irregular vowel teams

Social Studies

  • maps, charts, graphs
  • Constitution Day
  • Martin Luther
  • Johnny Appleseed
  • elections
  • Thanksgiving
  • Veteran’s Day
  • famous African Americans
  • presidents
  • China
  • Netherlands
  • current events
  • Scholastic Weekly Reader
  • field trips
  • special visitors

Art

  • line
  • color
  • shape
  • texture
  • value
  • form
  • space

Bible

  • the Christian life
  • Old Testament review/overview
  • intertestamentary times
  • a Savior is born
  • Jesus begins his ministry
  • Jesus preaches
  • prayer
  • miracles of Jesus
  • parables of Jesus
  • the beginning of Passion week
  • Easter
  • early church
  • Paul’s missionary journeys
  • Paul’s trip to Rome
  • Christ’s promised return
  • school-wide theme

Bible Memory Verses

  • I John 4:7-12
  • Psalm 105:1-5
  • Matthew 11:28-30
  • James 1:19-20
  • Matthew 16:24-25
  • Psalm 8

Faith Formation Journal Questions/Prompts

  • Be imitators of God...What does it mean to imitate someone? How are you an imitator of God?
  • Our Bible stories this year are about God’s promises. Which of God’s promises comforts you? How?
  • Write about a gift that God has given you. How do you use it to serve others?

Reading

  • Topics:
    • comprehension-character and setting, plot, main idea and details, predictions, conclusions, sequence, inference, cause and effect, illustrations, summarize, description, author’s purpose, problem and solution, classify and categorize, fantasy and reality, make judgments
      • Themes-Relationships-School Days, Making Friends, Firefighters at Work, Being Yourself, Coming to America
      • Growth and Change-Plants Alive, Animal Rescue, A Hospital Visit, How Animals Grow, Staying Fit
      • Better Together-Telling Stories, Safety First, Creatures Old and Older, Curtain Up, On the Farm
      • Land, Sea, Sky-Animal Needs, Animal Survival, Helping Planet Earth, Wild Weather, Habitats and Homes
      • Discoveries-Life in the Desert, Play Time, Exploration, In the Garden, Our Moon
      • Expressions-Count on a Celebration, Creating Stories, Worlds of Art, Inventions Then and Now, Other People, Other Places
  • Multiple Copies Sets:
    • Amelia Bedelia and the Baby by P. Parish
    • Three Pigs, One Wolf, & Seven Magic Shapes by G. Maccarone
    • Curious George Takes a Job by H. Rey
    • Through Grandpa’s Eyes by P. MacLachlan
    • Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by J. Barrett
    • Gregory, the Terrible Eater by M. Sharmat
    • Boy Who Held Back the Sea by L. Hort
    • A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln by D. Adler
    • A Picture Book of George Washington by D. Adler
    • Big Al by A. Yoshi
    • When I was Young in the Mountains by C. Rylant
    • No Jumping on the Bed! by T. Arnold
    • Gingerbread Baby by J. Brett
    • Best Friends For Frances by R. Hoban
    • Grandpa Gets Grumpy by A. Hines
    • Now One Foot, Now the Other by T. de Paola
    • Miss Rumphius by B. Cooney
    • Nana Upstairs & Nana Downstairs by T. de Paola
    • China by H. Pluckrose
    • From Seed to Plant by G. Gibbons
    • Balto, the Bravest Dog Ever by N. Standiford
    • Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares by F. Murphy
    • Escape North by M. Kullilng
    • Giant Pandas by G. Gibbons
    • Hungry Plants by M. Batten
    • Story of Johnny Appleseed by Aliki
    • Lon Po Po by E. Young
    • Netherlands by S. De Capua
    • Ruby Bridges by R. Coles
    • Spiders by G. Gibbons
    • The First Thanksgiving by L. Hayward
    • The Five Chinese Brothers by C. Huchet Bishop
    • The Magic School Bus Plants Seeds by J. Cole
    • The Missing Mitten Mystery by S. Kellogg
    • The Whingdingdilly by B. Peet
    • Tikki Tikki Tembo by A. Mosel
    • Trouble in the Barkers’ Class by T. de Paolo
    • The Wednesday Surprise by E. Bunting
    • The Spooky Tail of Prewitt Peacock by B. Peet
    • Beauty and the Beast by J. Brett
    • Mr. Putter and Tabby Bake the Cake by C. Rylant
    • Hidden Army:  Clay Soldiers of Ancient China by J. O’Connor
    • Henry and Mudge the First Book by C. Rylant and S. Stevenson
    • Just Plain Fancy by P. Polacco
  • "Authors of the Month":
    • Cynthia Rylant
    • Robert Munsch
    • Peggy Parrish
    • Marc Brown
    • Jan Brett
    • Patricia Pollaco
    • Tomie DePaolo
    • H.A. Rey
    • Bill Peet
  • Read-Alouds:
    • Cam Jansen and the First Day of School Mystery by D. Adler and S. Natti
    • Tornado by B. Byars
    • Johnny Appleseed Biography
    • Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
    • My Dog, My Hero by B. Byars, L. Myers, B. Duffey, and L. Long
    • The Lucky Baseball Bat by M. Christopher and R. Henneberger
    • Mayflower Treasure Hunt by R. Roy and J. Steven Gurney
    • The Trouble with Chickens by D. Cronin and K. Cornell
    • The Case of the Snowboarding Superstar by J. Preller and J. Smith
    • Grace’s Letter to Lincoln by P. and C. Roop and S. Schuett
    • The Magic Tree House Abe Lincoln at Last by M. Pope Osborne and S. Murdocca
    • Esio Trot by R. Dahl and Q. Blake
    • Because of Winn Dixie by K. DiCamillo
    • Piper Reed by K. Willis Holt and C. Davenier
    • My Father's Dragon by R. Stiles Gannett and R. Chrisman Gannett
    • Kenny and the Dragon by T. DiTerlizzi
    • Flat Stanley by J. Brown and M. Pamintuan
    • A-Z Mysteries: The New Year Dragon Dilema by R. Roy
    • The Magic School Bus and the Giant Germ by J. Cole and B. Degan
    • Magic Treehouse Perfect Time for Pandas by M. Pope Osborne
  • Authors of the Month:
    • Cynthia Rylant
    • Robert Munsch
    • Peggy Parrish
    • Marc Brown
    • Jan Brett
    • Patricia Pollaco
    • Tomie DePaolo
    • H.A. Rey
    • Bill Peet

Music

  • tied notes
  • dynamics
  • crescendo, decrescendo
  • introduction, interlude, ending
  • rondo
  • recorders
  • listening skills (The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky, Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens)
  • TK-4th grade musical

PE

  • developing positive relationships through interacting with others while participating in physical education
  • life-long fitness skills
  • team sports
  • skills
    • dribbling
    • rolling a ball
    • catching
    • throwing
    • kicking
    • passing
    • trapping
    • fielding
    • striking
    • batting
    • swimming

Health Literacy

  • Health and Nutrition
    • What should I eat to stay healthy?
    • What should I do to keep clean?
    • Why are exercise and rest important?
    • Who can help keep me healthy?

Techonology Standards

  • DISCERN IT:  Apply discernment in technology use
  • MAKE IT:  Use technology to create projects, identify patterns, and make predictions
  • SHARE IT:  Use a variety of technology tools and media-rich resources to work collaboratively with others
  • FIND IT:  Utilize predetermined digital resources and tools to answer questions or solve problems
  • SOLVE IT:  Use technological resources to investigate given questions or problems
  • PROTECT IT:  Understand and practice appropriate and safe uses of technology
  • USE IT:  Understand basic technology hardware and software and their application

Library

The teacher librarian will work with students in meeting the standards below during library class:

  • utilize circulation procedures efficiently and effectively
  • identify, locate, select appropriate level, assess, and access materials
  • identify, locate, and utilize parts of a book and other materials
  • identify different types of books and materials and their use
  • demonstrate care of materials
  • demonstrate proper use of the library and materials
  • understand plagiarism and be able to cite sources
Third Grade

Science

  • weather and climate
  • earth's systems: processes that shape the earth
  • forces and interactions
  • earth's systems - water
  • space systems
  • engineering

Math

  • Can understand multiplication by thinking about groups of objects
  • Can understand division by thinking about how one group can be divided into smaller groups
  • Can add and subtract numbers within 1000
  • Can multiply any one digit whole number by 10
  • Can show and understand that fractions are equal parts of a whole
  • Can tell and write time
  • Can measure time in minutes
  • Can create a picture or bar graph to show data and solve problems using the information from the graphs
  • Can memorize multiplication and their related division facts from 0-10 with a goal of 20 facts per minute
  • Can measure to the nearest half inch
  • Can review addition and subtraction facts from 0-12 with a goal of 20 facts per minute
  • Can determine place value to the millions
  • Can use strategies to solve word problems

Financial Literacy

  • Understanding needs vs. wants
    • Explain difference between wants and needs
    • Explain prioritization factors to consider when determining expense-related decisions
  • Understand various sources of compensation
    • Recognize multiple sources of income as well as alternative sources (family members, neighbors, friends for jobs or gifts)
    • Recognize other types of compensation (bartering, trading)
  • Establish strategies for protection of identity
    • Explain what it means to have a personal financial identity stolen
    • Identify ways of protecting their identity

Spelling/Vocabulary

  • related to phonetic concepts in our reading
  • prefixes and suffixes
  • context clues
  • vocabulary in the content areas
  • multiple-meaning words
  • dictionary skills

Grammar

  • types of sentences
  • subjects and predicates
  • mechanics
  • proofreading
  • sentence combination
  • nouns
  • verbs
  • adjectives
  • pronouns
  • parts of speech
  • contractions
  • compound words

Handwriting

  • review

Writing

  • Crafting True Stories
  • The Art of Information Writing
  • Changing the World: Persuasive Speeches, Petitions, and Editorials
  • Once Upon a Time: Adapting and Writing Fairy Tales

Social Studies

  • communities (attend Heritage Days)
  • physical geography
  • human geography
  • countries
  • citizens and government
  • American culture
  • jobs
  • economics

Art

  • related to social studies, holidays, and reading themes
  • line
  • color
  • 3-D
  • texture
  • pottery
  • using different mediums

Bible

  • Ephesians
  • Becoming a Bible Explorer
  • In the Beginning
  • Fall of Babel
  • Abraham and Isaac
  • Jacob
  • Joseph
  • Moses
  • Wilderness through Joshua
  • Promised Land
  • school-wide theme

Bible Memory Verses

  • Psalm 135:1-7
  • Joshua 1:7-9
  • Ephesians 4:29, 32
  • Psalm 119:9-12
  • Genesis 1:27-28
  • summary of the Ten Commandments
Faith Formation Journal Questions/Prompts
  • What do you believe about the character of God?

Reading

  • Multiple Copies Sets:
    • Jumanji by C. Van Allsburg
    • The White Stallion by E. Shub
    • Stargazing by G. Gibbons
    • Dakota Dugout by A. Turner and R. Himler
    • Mr. Popper’s Penguins by R. & F. Atwater
    • Little House in the Big Woods by L. Ingalls Wilder
    • The Boxcar Children by G. Chandler Warner
    • Helen Keller by S. & P. Graff
    • The Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #18:  Penguins and Antarctica  by M. Pope Osborne
    • Freckle Juice by J. Blume
    • The World According to Humphrey by B. Birney
    • Let’s Go Rock Collecting by R. Gans
    • Babe: the Gallant Pig by D. King-Smith
  • Read-Alouds:
    • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by R. Dahl
    • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
    • Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
    • One of the Third Grade Thonkers by P. Reynolds Naylor
    • Treasure in an Oatmeal Box by K. Gire
    • The BFG by R. Dahl
    • The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by K. DiCamillo and B. Ibatouilline
    • Judy Moody by M. McDonald
    • A Long Walk to Water by L.S. Park
    • I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg by L. Tarshis

Music

  • eighth notes
  • tied notes
  • ¾ meter
  • sight reading
  • dynamics
  • staccato vs. legato
  • accent
  • theme and variation
  • recorders
  • listening skills (Heroic Symphony by Beethoven, The Farewell Symphony by Haydn, Peer Gynt Suite by Edward Greig)
  • orchestra
  • TK-4th grade musical

PE

  • developing positive relationships through interacting with others while participating in physical education
  • life-long fitness skills
  • team sports
  • skills
    • dribbling
    • rolling a ball
    • catching
    • throwing
    • kicking
    • passing
    • trapping
    • fielding
    • striking
    • batting
    • swimming

Health Literacy

  • Safety:  Myself and Others
    • How can I live safely?
    • How can I help others in emergencies and when they are injured?
    • How can I stay healthy?
    • How can I resolve conflicts?
    • How can I make good decisions?

Technology Standards

  • DISCERN IT:  Apply discernment in technology use
  • MAKE IT:  Use technology resources to create original products, identify patterns and problems, make predictions, and propose solutions
  • SHARE IT:  Use interactive technologies in a collaborative group to produce digital presentations or products in a curricular area
  • FIND IT:  Utilize digital tools and resources to investigate real-world issues, answer questions, or solve problems
  • SOLVE IT:  Use technological resources to develop and refine questions for investigation
  • PROTECT IT:  Understand and practice appropriate, legal, and safe uses of technology for lifelong learning
  • USE IT:  Understand technology hardware and software system operations and their application

Library

The teacher librarian will work with students in meeting the standards below during library class:

  • utilize circulation procedures efficiently and effectively
  • identify, locate, select appropriate level, assess, and access materials
  • identify, locate, and utilize parts of a book and other materials
  • identify different types of books and materials and their use
  • demonstrate care of materials
  • demonstrate proper use of the library and materials
  • understand plagiarism and be able to cite sources
Fourth Grade
 
Science
  • interdependent relationships in ecosystems
  • animal and human structure, information processing
  • energy
  • waves and information
  • engineering
Math
  • Can review multiplication and division facts from 0-12
  • Can review subtraction and addition facts from 0-12
  • Can understand that multiplication fact problems can be seen as comparisons of groups (e.g., 24 = 4 x 6 can be thought of as 4 groups of 6 or 6 groups of 4)
  • Can multiply or divide to solve word problems by using drawings or writing equations and solving for a missing number
  • Can use what I know about addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to solve multi-step word problems involving whole numbers
  • Can create a number or shape pattern that follows a given rule
  • Can notice different features of a pattern once it is created by a rule
  • Can read and write larger whole numbers using numerals, words and in expanded form
  • Can compare two large numbers using symbols to show the comparison
  • Can round large whole numbers to any place
  • Can add and subtract large numbers
  • Can multiply a whole number up to four digits by a one-digit whole number
  • Can multiply two two-digit numbers
  • Can find whole-number quotients and remainders with up to four-digit dividends and one-digit divisors
  • Can understand that improper fractions have a greater numerator than denominator
  • Can understand addition and subtraction of fractions as joining and separating parts referring to the same whole
  • Can multiply a fraction by a whole number
  • Can show that I know the relative size of measurement units within a single system
  • Can use the four operations (+, -, x, /) to solve word problems involving measurement
  • Can use what I know about area and perimeter to solve real world problems involving rectangles
  • Can recognize angles as geometric shapes where two rays share a common endpoint

Financial Literacy

  • Develop a realistic spending plan for financial independence
    • Illustrate that education and skills, and economic conditions affect income
    • Determine own attitudes and behaviors toward spending, saving, and investing
    • Recognize sources of money (earned or gifted)
  • Identify responsible credit management
    • Recognize the uses of credit
    • Identify appropriate times to use credit
  • Understand different types of debt
    • Recognize that borrowing is a debt to be repaid
    • Explain the role of interest regarding debt
  • Understand rights and responsibilities as borrowers
    • Recognize the importance of repaying a debt
    • Explain potential consequences for not returning a borrowed item
    • Explain the positive consequences of repaying debt on time
  • Understand the relationship between investment risk and return
    • Explain how an investment can grow in value
    • Explain how an investment might decrease in value

Spelling/Vocabulary

  • weekly lists based on different skill areas
  • daily spelling
  • enrichment words provided from other curricular areas

Grammar

  • prepositions
  • nouns
  • adjectives
  • verbs
  • adverbs
  • mechanics
  • pronouns
  • types of sentences
  • punctuation
  • capitalization

Handwriting

  • keyboarding skills

Writing

  • The Arc of Story: Writing Realistic Fiction
  • Boxes and Bullets: Personal and Persuasive Essays
  • Bringing History to Life
  • The Literary Essay: Writing about Fiction

Social Studies

  • regions of the United States (state locations and capitals)
  • Native Americans

Art

  • positive/negative space
  • color
  • texture
  • shape
  • form (totem poles and masks)
  • line
  • value

Bible

  • Judges
  • Kings
  • exile
  • writing of the Bible
  • Psalms and Proverbs
  • school-wide theme

Bible Memory Verses

  • Old Testament books
  • 1 Samuel 15:22
  • Psalm 27:1-3
  • Psalm 51:10-12
  • Proverbs 2:6-8
  • Psalm 103:1-5
Faith Formation Journal Questions/ Prompts
  • What does it mean to Fully Rely on God? How can we do this each day?
Reading
  • Topics:
    • fairy tales
    • racial discrimination
    • citizenship
    • conflict solving
    • survival
    • persistence
  • Multiple Copies Sets:
    • The War With Grandpa by R. Kimmel Smith
    • Chester Cricket’s Pigeon Ride by G. Selden
    • The Chocolate Touch by P. Skene Catling
    • Anna, Grandpa, and the Big Storm by C. Stevens
    • Stone Fox by J. Reynolds Gardiner
    • The Sign of the Beaver by E. George Speare
    • Teammates by P. Golenbock
    • Shiloh by P. Reynolds Naylor
    • The Light at Tern Rock by J. Sauer and G. Schreiber
  • Read-Alouds:
    • Out of My Mind by S. Draper
    • Cricket in Times Square by G. Williams
    • Owls in the Family by F. Mowat
    • Lawn Boy by G. Paulsen
    • Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Christ Grabenstein
    • Insignificant Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling
    • Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
Music
  • eighth notes
  • syncopation
  • major scale
  • treble clef pitch names
  • ritardando
  • slurs
  • fugue
  • recorders
  • listening skills (Goldberg Variations by Bach, Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin)
  • orchestra
  • TK-4th grade musical

PE

  • developing positive relationships through interacting with others while participating in physical education
  • life-long fitness skills
  • team sports
  • skills
    • dribbling
    • rolling a ball
    • catching
    • throwing
    • kicking
    • passing
    • trapping
    • fielding
    • striking
    • batting
    • swimming

Health Literacy

  • Healthy Choices
    • What are the effects of illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol on human bodies?
    • What are responsible and irresponsible uses for medications and other substances?
    • How can we make wise choices for healthy living?

Technology Standards

  • DISCERN IT:  Apply discernment in technology use
  • MAKE IT:  Use technology resources to create original products, identify patterns and problems, make predictions, and propose solutions
  • SHARE IT:  Use interactive technologies in a collaborative group to produce digital presentations or products in a curricular area
  • FIND IT:  Utilize digital tools and resources to investigate real-world issues, answer questions, or solve problems
  • SOLVE IT:  Use technological resources to develop and refine questions for investigation
  • PROTECT IT:  Understand and practice appropriate, legal, and safe uses of technology for lifelong learning
  • USE IT:  Understand technology hardware and software system operations and their application

Theme Days

  • team
  • F.R.O.G.
  • Native American
  • ROYGBIV (color)
  • hat
  • USA
Fifth Grade

Science

  • human impacts
  • matter structures and properties
  • human body, cells
  • electricity
  • engineering 

Math

  • Can review multiplication and division facts from 0-12
  • Can review addition and subtraction facts from 0-12
  • Can understand and explain the value of digits
  • Can explain patterns when multiplying a number by powers of 10
  • Can explain patterns when a decimal is multiplied or divided by a power of 10
  • Can read, write, and compare decimals to thousandths
  • Can use place value understanding to round decimals to any place
  • Can multiply multi-digit whole numbers
  • Can add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths. I can use concrete models or drawings to explain the method used
  • Can add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators and mixed numbers
  • Can solve word problems that involve fractions
  • Can convert measurements within the same measuring system
  • Can understand volume
  • Can measure volume by counting unit cubes
  • Can understand how to graph ordered pairs on a coordinate plane
  • Can graph and interpret points in the first quadrant of a coordinate plane
  • Can classify shapes into categories
  • Can classify shapes based on properties

Financial Literacy

  • Develop short-term and long-term financial goals
    • Distinguish between short- and long-term goals
    • Explain the importance of goal setting, how to prioritize those goals, and the need for both short- and long-term goals
    • Create a timely, attainable goal
  • Understand the distribution of resources
    • Explain the benefits of savings versus spending
    • Describe the impact of spending on savings
  • Understand financial instruments
    • Identify the different ways to pay for items (cash, check, credit, and debit)
    • Explain how non-cash methods of payment still require adequate funds
  • Recognize investment options
    • Identify various ways to save
    • Explain the importance of saving in relation to future needs
  • Recognize the local, state, national, and international impact of personal financial habits and actions
    • Recognize that different people have different needs, wants, and financial priorities
    • Explain how one’s actions impact others
  • Demonstrate responsible financial behaviors, at the personal, local, state, national, and international levels
    • Recognize consequences for both good and bad decisions
    • Recognize that an individual’s behavior impacts the decisions and consequences of the broader community

Spelling/Vocabulary

  • vowel sounds
  • homophones
  • compound words
  • word endings
  • prefixes
  • suffixes
  • word roots
  • vocabulary pulled from novels

Grammar

  • prepositions
  • verbs
  • nouns
  • adjectives
  • adverbs
  • pronouns
  • interjections
  • conjunctions
  • sentence types
  • capitalization
  • punctuation

Writing

  • Narrative Craft
  • The Lens of History: Research Reports
  • Shaping Texts: from Essay and Narrative to Memoir
  • The Reserach-Based Argument Essay

Social Studies

  • Iowa (history and geography)
  • Latin America (history, geography, and culture of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean)
  • United States (the history of the United States from the colonization through the western expansion/turn of the century)

Art

  • symmetry
  • shape project
  • calendar picture project
  • texture project
  • vegetable shape project
  • students relate art to God’s creation

Bible

  • God’s Covenant people
  • last days of Judah
  • Daniel
  • Esther
  • Judah’s return
  • gospel writers
  • Jesus birth, early life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension
  • the Sermon on the Mount
  • growing popularity
  • parables of the Kingdom
  • the ministry around Galilee
  • school-wide theme

Bible Memory Verses

  • John 3:16-21
  • Psalm 103:8-12
  • Matthew 6:25-34
  • Isaiah 41:10
  • Matthew 5:3-12
  • books of the New Testament

Faith Formation Journal Questions/Prompts

  • Describe a time when you trusted in God. What happened? What did you learn?
  • Describe a time when you didn’t trust in God. What happened? What did you learn?

Reading

  • Topics:
    • genre study
    • reading recommendations
    • compare and contrast stories
    • story elements
    • non-fiction text features
    • making connections
    • visualizing
    • recall details
    • asking questions
    • making inferences
    • determining importance
    • synthesis
    • author study
    • series books
    • organization methods
    • kinds of reading
    • books vs. movies
  • Multiple Copies Sets:
    • Tuck Everlasting by N. Babbitt
    • Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by R. O’Brien
    • The Black Pearl by S. O’Dell
    • Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by M. Taylor
      • Heart and Soul:  The Story of American and African Americans by K. Nelson
      • “I Have a Dream” Speech by M. L. King
    • Chasing Vermeer by B. Balliett
  • Informational Literature Circle Books:
    • Tracking Trash:  Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion by L. G. Burns
    • Hurricane Force:  In the Path of America’s Deadliest Storms by J.  B. Treaster
    • Battle Heroes:  Voice for Afghanistan by A. Zullo
    • Magic Tree House Fact Tracker #8: Twisters and Other Terrible Storms by W. and M.P. Osborne
    • Friend Me:  600 Years of Social Networking in America by F. D. Dipiazza
  • Non-Fiction Unit
    • Various non-fiction options
  • Independent Reading:
    • 30 Book Challenge (self selection, reading response, discussion, genre, comprehension)

Music

  • sixteenth notes
  • 6/8 meter
  • sight singing
  • tenuto
  • phrasing
  • sonata
  • Orff arrangements
  • listening skills (pictures at an exhibition by Mussorgsky, study music to be played at the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra concert)
  • OPUS honor choir
  • band
  • orchestra

PE

  • developing positive relationships through interacting with others while participating in physical education
  • life-long fitness skills
  • team sports
  • skills
    • dribbling
    • rolling a ball
    • catching
    • throwing
    • kicking
    • passing
    • trapping
    • fielding
    • striking
    • batting

Health Literacy

  • Body Systems
    • What are the major systems of the human body?
    • What are the structures and functions of the major body systems?
    • How should we care for our bodies?
    • How did God make female and male bodies unique?

Technology Standards

  • DISCERN IT:  Apply discernment in technology use
  • MAKE IT:  Use technology resources to create original products, identify patterns and problems, make predictions, and propose solutions
  • SHARE IT:  Use interactive technologies in a collaborative group to produce digital presentations or products in a curricular area
  • FIND IT:  Utilize digital tools and resources to investigate real-world issues, answer questions, or solve problems
  • SOLVE IT:  Use technological resources to develop and refine questions for investigation
  • PROTECT IT:  Understand and practice appropriate, legal, and safe uses of technology for lifelong learning
  • USE IT:  Understand technology hardware and software system operations and their application
Sixth Grade

Science

  • space systems
  • weather and climate
  • microbiology
  • matter and energy in organisms and ecosystems
  • forces and interactions
  • engineering

Math

  • Can review multiplication and division facts from 0-12
  • Can solve unit rate problems. (Ex: If it took 7 hours to mow 4 lawns, then at that rate, how many lawns could be mowed in 35 hours? At what rate were the lawns being mowed?)
  • Can find a percent of a quantity as a rate per 100. (Ex: 30% of a quantity means 30/100 times the quantity)
  • Can understand that positive and negative numbers are used to describe amounts having opposite values
  • Can extend number line diagrams to show positive and negative numbers on the line and in the plane
  • Can recognize opposite signs of numbers as indicating places on opposite sides of 0 on the number line.)
  • Can place integers and other numbers on a number line diagram
  • Can place ordered pairs on a coordinate plane
  • Can order positive and negative numbers
  • Can understand the distance between two numbers (positive or negative) on a number line
  • Can write, read and figure out expressions in which letters stand for numbers
  • Can write expressions using numbers and letters (with the letters standing for numbers.)
  • Can determine the answer to expressions when given the specific value of a variable
  • Can use my knowledge of the order of operations to evaluate expressions
  • Can apply what I know about taking apart and putting together shapes to find the area in real world situations
  • Can use the mathematical formulas V=l w h or V= b h to determine the volume of real world objects
  • Can draw polygons in the coordinate plane when I am given the coordinates for the vertices
  • Understand that a set of numerical data has a measure of center (median and/or mean) that summarizes all of its values with a single number
  • Can show numerical data on a number line

Financial Literacy

  • Understanding needs vs. wants
    • Describe persuasive strategies used by peers, media, and businesses to influence society (in decision making)
    • Explain difference between wants and needs
  • Develop a realistic spending plan for financial independence
    • Explain the advantage of spending less than you have
  • Recognize the local, state, national, and international impact of personal financial habits and actions
    • Realize that financial habits and actions have broad impact beyond the local community

Spelling/Vocabulary

  • Latin roots (95 roots learned- definition and usage)
  • spelling patterns and commonly misspelled words
  • strategies for determining correct spelling in writing

Grammar

  • 6 traits of writing/writing process
  • sentence structure/word choice
  • effective paragraphs
  • all parts of speech (nouns, pronouns, verbs, modifiers)
  • conventions

Handwriting

  • use of complete sentences
  • legible penmanship
  • mastery of typing skills

Writing

  • menus (word choice)
  • personal narratives
  • modern-day myths (movies)
  • speaking and listening-speeches (Interscholastics)
  • elevator essays
  • faith commercials
  • research paper (The Renaissance)
  • newspapers (survival theme)
  • children’s stories (collaborating with first grade)

Social Studies

  • Fertile Crescent/Mesopotamia
  • brief study of Egyptian religion
  • Greece
  • Rome (Ben Hur)
  • France and Germany
  • Feudal Europe (including a medieval project and feast)
  • Islam
  • Crusades
  • early Western European towns and cities
  • Renaissance (writing project)
  • Reformation
  • geography of Western Europe, including a project (scrapbook or slideshow)
  • Russia

Art

  • artists have style                    
  • assignments include focus on art element, artistic style, art form
  • art elements/parts of God’s design
  • line/realism/oil pastel
  • color/ pointillism/marker                        
  • shape/abstract/tempera paint
  • value/landscape/watercolor
  • form/construction/ceramics
  • texture/surrealism/collage
  • space/optical art/drawing
  • form/soft sculpture/weaving

Bible

  • The setting of God’s word
  • Jesus’ resurrection
  • Pentecost
  • Paul’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd missionary journeys
  • Book of Colossians
  • letters to the church
  • Revelation
  • school-wide theme

Bible Memory Verses

  • Romans 12:9-21
  • Philippians 4:4-13
  • Philippians 2:3-11
  • John 14:1-6
  • Psalm 47:1-7
  • Isaiah 55:6-9

Faith Formation Journal Questions/Prompts

  • Who is included in the body of Christ?

  • What have you learned about the body of Christ and your role in it so far this year?
  • What gifts has God given to you?
  • In what ways have you used your gifts for God and others this year?
  • Why is it important to use your gifts for God and others?
                     
Reading
  • Topics:
    • genre study/book challenge
    • summary, analysis, compare/contrast, predictions, connections, inferences, evidence, etc.
    • vocabulary (context clues, figurative language, etc.)
    • literary elements (setting, plot, themes, climax, conflict, character)
    • character/identity focus throughout the year (beyond reading)
    • poetry
  • Greek Mythology Unit (using Favorite Greek Myths by M. Pope Osborne)
  • Literature Circle Books/Multiple Copy Sets:
    • Call it Courage by A. Sperry
    • Hatchet by G. Paulsen
    • Red Midnight by B. Mikaelsen
    • Island of the Blue Dolphins by S. O’Dell
    • Julie of the Wolves by J. Craighead George
    • Snow Treasure by M. McSwigan
    • Anna’s Blizzard by A. Hart
    • The 14th Goldfish by J.L. Holm
    • The Boys in the Boat by D.J. Brown (JF version)
    • The 13th Story Treehouse by A. Griffiths
    • Wings of Fire by T. Sutherland
    • Slacker by G. Korman
    • Football Genius by T. Green
  • Read Aloud:
    • Chosen for Life by J. Schaap
    • The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by B. Robinson
    • City of Ember by J. Du Prau
    • When You Reach Me by R. Stead
  • Independent Reading:
    • 32 Book Challenge (self selection, reading response, discussion, genre, comprehension)

Music

  • meters (2/8, 4/8, 6/8, 9/8, 12/8)
  • rhythm
  • sight singing
  • minor scale
  • phrasing
  • binary and tenary
  • symmetrical and asymmetrical rondo
  • guitars
  • listening skills (Messiah by Handel, study music to be played at the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra concert)
  • OPUS honor choir
  • band
  • orchestra

PE

  • developing positive relationships through interacting with others while participating in physical education
  • life-long fitness skills
  • team sports
  • skills
    • dribbling
    • rolling a ball
    • catching
    • throwing
    • kicking
    • passing
    • trapping
    • fielding
    • striking
    • batting

Health Literacy

  • Health
    • How do we live a healthy lifestyle? (nutrients, caffeine, stress, sleep)
    • What factors influence our body image?
    • What are the unique chracteristics of males and females?

Techonology Standards

  • DISCERN IT:  Apply discernment in technology use
  • MAKE IT:  Demonstrate creative thinking in the design and development of innovative technology products and problem solving
  • SHARE IT:  Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using interactive technology
  • FIND IT:  Plan strategies utilizing digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information
  • SOLVE IT:  Use critical thinking skills to conduct research, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate technological tools and resources
  • PROTECT IT:  Understand the legal and ethical issues of technology as related to individuals, cultures, and societies
  • USE IT:  Understand the underlying structure and application of technology systems
Seventh Grade

Science

  • the changing earth
  • structure and properties of matter
  • waves and electromagnetic radiation
  • energy
  • flight
  • engineering

Math

  • Can review multiplication and division facts from 0-12
  • Can calculate the unit rate for real life situations by breaking down the ratio (fractions) by dividing to solve the problem to find the relationship between two units
  • Can recognize and represent a proportion as a statement of equality between two ratios
  • Can analyze two ratios to determine if they are proportional to one another with a variety of strategies (ex: using tables, graphs or pictures)
  • Can analyze tables, graphs, equations, diagrams and verbal descriptions to identify unit rate
  • Can apply what I have learned about addition and subtraction to add and subtract rational numbers
  • Can show addition and subtraction on a horizontal or vertical number line diagram
  • Can demonstrate and explain how when adding two numbers p + q: if q is positive, the sum of p and q will be |q| spaces to the right of p on a number line; and if q is negative, the sum of p and q will be |q| spaces to the right of p on a number line
  • Can explain and justify why the sum of p + q is located a distance of |q| in the positive or negative direction from p on a number line
  • Can represent how the distance between two rational numbers on a number line is the absolute value of their difference and apply this to real-world situations
  • Can identify subtraction of rational numbers as adding the additive inverse property to subtract rational numbers, p-q=p+(-q)
  • Can change a rational number to a decimal using long division and explain how the decimal form of a rational number stops in zeroes or repeats
  • Can add, subtract, multiply and divide rational numbers
  • Can apply properties of operations to add, subtract, factor and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients
  • Can combine like terms to factor and expand linear expressions with rational coefficients using the distributive property
  • Can use properties of operations to write equivalent expressions
  • Can rewrite an expression in a different form if needed
  • Can determine if an answer makes sense using mental computation and estimation strategies
  • Can use variables to represent numbers in real-world or mathematical problems and make reasonable simple equations and inequalities to solve problems
  • Can identify and fluently solve equations in the form px+q=r and p(x+q)=r (ex: The perimeter of a rectangle is 54 cm. Its length is 6 cm. What is its width?)
  • Can recognize and draw a triangle when given three measurements: three side lengths, three angle measurements, or a combination of side lengths and angle measurements
  • Can state the formulas for the area and circumference of a circle and use them to solve problems
  • Can recognize and explain that the probability of a chance event is a number between 0 and 1 that expresses how likely an event is to occur (ex: When rolling a number cube 600 times, predict that a 3 or 6 would be rolled roughly 200 times, but probably not exactly 200 times.)
  • Can use probability to predict the number of times an event will occur

Financial Literacy

  • Understanding needs vs. wants
    • Identify expenditures as needs or wants
    • Explain difference between wants and needs
  • Develop a realistic spending plan for financial independence
    • Explain the advantage of spending less than you have
  • Understand various sources of compensation
    • Identify factors to consider when analyzing different methods of compensation
  • Understand financial instruments
    • Identify possible financial accounts
    • Recognize the importance of keeping accurate records
  • Demonstrate responsible financial behaviors, at the personal, local, state, national, and international levels
    • Explain the importance of ethical behavior in building trust

Spelling/Vocabulary

  • abbreviations
  • prefixes and suffixes
  • irregular verbs
  • homophones
  • singular and plural
  • contractions
  • Greek and Latin roots
  • grammar
  • effective sentences and word choice
  • sentence variety and structure
  • effective paragraphs
  • writing an essay
  • parts of a sentence
  • nouns and pronouns
  • verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and other parts of speech
  • subject-verb agreement
  • punctuation
  • capitalization
  • spelling

Writing

  • the writing process
  • the writing traits
  • about my paper
  • autobiographical writing
  • speech
  • performing narrative speeches
  • story
  • descriptive paragraph
  • compare-contrast essay
  • summary
  • persuasive essay
  • book review
  • research report

Social Studies

  • geography (Africa, the Middle East, Canada, parts of Asia)
  • American history (thirteen colonies to the presidency of Thomas Jefferson)
  • a unit on the Consitution

Art

  • artist at work                        
  • assignments feature the work of an artist or artistic style, art form
  • creation lies before like a beautiful book
  • artists use art elements to communicate/non-representational art/Wassily Kandinsky
  • all artists draw/pencil/sketchbook
  • artists chooses a variety of subjects/printmaking
  • artists have an artistic style all their own/pop artists
  • career choice (artists/industrial engineer)
  • artist and crafts/weaving                 

Bible

  • Old Testament
  • Bible as one story (creation, fall, redemption) and our role in that story
  • feasts of the Lord
  • Job
  • Ecclesiastes
  • Proverbs
  • prophets
  • prayer
  • between the testaments
  • school-wide theme

Bible Memory Verses

  • Jeremiah 31:33-34
  • Psalm 33:12-22
  • Deuteronomy 26:17-18
  • Jeremiah 29:11-13
  • Ecclesiastes 3:1-14
  • Lord's Day One from the Heidelberg Catechism

Faith Formation Journal Questions/Prompts

  • Why can you not understand the New Testament without the Old Testament?
  • How does God remind you of His faithfulness, even in your dark times?

Reading

  • Topics: 
    • reading for the book challenge
    • being an active reader
    • genre overview
    • elements of literature
    • realistic fiction genre study
    • multi-cultural and non-fiction genre study
    • short stories
    • favorite author study
    • narrative non-fiction genre study
  • Read Aloud Books:
    • The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
    • Wonder by R.J. Palacio
  • Realistic Fiction Literature Circle Books:
    • The Batboy by M. Lupica
    • Touch Blue by C. Lord
    • Counting by 7s by H.G. Sloan
    • Crazy by L.V. Phillips
    • Stargirl by J. Spinelli
    • The Skin I’m In by S. Flake
    • The Wanderer by S. Creech
    • Almost Home by J. Bauer
    • Trouble by G. Schmidt
    • Touching Spirit Bear by B. Mikaelsen
    • Wild Life by C. DeFelice
    • Out of My Mind by S. Draper
    • Code Orange by C.B. Cooney
    • QB1 by M. Lupica
    • Payback Time by P. Town
    • Girl, Stolen by A. Henry
    • Ungifted by G. Korman
    • One for the Murphys by L.M. Hunt
    • The Raft by S.A. Bodeen
    • Code of Honor by A. Gratz
    • Running Dream by W. Van Draanen
  • Historical Fiction Literature Circle Books:
    • Chains by L. Halse Anderson
    • My Brother Sam is Dead by J. Lincoln Collier
    • The Wednesday Wars by G. Schmidt
    • Esperanza Rising by P. Munoz Ryan
    • Bud, Not Buddy by C. Paul Curtis
    • One Crazy Summer by R. Williams-Garcia
    • Red Moon at Sharpsburg by R. Wells
    • The Red Umbrella by C. Gonzalez
    • Elijah of Buxton by C.P. Curtis
    • Between Shades of Gray by R. Sepetys
    • The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi
    • Copper Sun by S.M. Draper
    • Ghost Hawk by S. Cooper
    • A Night Divided by J. Nielsen
    • The War That Saved My Life by K.B. Bradley
    • Salt to the Sea by R. Septys
  • Narrative Nonfiction Individual Choice Unit:
    • Various Biographies and Autobiographies

Music

  • choir
  • band
  • orchestra
  • musical (every other year)
  • interscholastic competition
  • chapel praise team
  • OPUS honor choir
  • honor band
  • honor orchestra
  • jazz band

PE

  • developing positive relationships through interacting with others while participating in physical education
  • life-long fitness skills
  • team sports
  • skills
    • dribbling
    • rolling a ball
    • catching
    • throwing
    • kicking
    • passing
    • trapping
    • fielding
    • striking
    • batting

Health Literacy

  • Health concepts and skills are not formally taught in 7th grade.

Techonology Standards

  • DISCERN IT:  Apply discernment in technology use
  • MAKE IT:  Demonstrate creative thinking in the design and development of innovative technology products and problem solving
  • SHARE IT:  Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using interactive technology
  • FIND IT:  Plan strategies utilizing digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information
  • SOLVE IT:  Use critical thinking skills to conduct research, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate technological tools and resources
  • PROTECT IT:  Understand the legal and ethical issues of technology as related to individuals, cultures, and societies
  • USE IT:  Understand the underlying structure and application of technology systems
Eighth Grade

Science

  • genetics and species
  • growth, development, and reproduction
  • earth's systems
  • chemical reactions
  • animal classification
  • structure, function, and information processing
  • engineering

Math

  • Can review multiplication and division facts from 0-12
  • Can show that every number has a decimal
  • Can use rational approximations of irrational numbers to compare the size of irrational numbers, locate and plot them approximately on a number line diagram, and then estimate the value of the expressions
  • Can use estimate values to compare two or more irrational numbers
  • Can use the properties of integer exponents to simplify expressions
  • Can use square and cube root symbols to represent solutions to equations of the form x^2=p and x^3=p, where p is a positive rational number
  • Can evaluate the square root of a perfect square and the cube root of a perfect cube
  • Can understand that the square root of 2 is irrational
  • Can use scientific notation and choose units of appropriate size for very large or very small measurements
  • Can explain that an equation in the form of y=mx + b represents the graph of a linear relationship with a slope of m and a y-intercept of b
  • Can solve linear equations in one variable
  • Can simplify a linear equation by using the distributive property and combining like terms
  • Can explain solutions to a system of two linear equations in two variables as the point of intersection of their graph
  • Can describe the point of intersection between two lines as the point that satisfies both equations at the same time
  • Can define a function as a rule, where for each input there is exactly one output
  • Can show the relationship between inputs and outputs of a function by graphing them as ordered pairs on a coordinate grid
  • Can explain why the equation y=mx+b represents a linear function and then find the slope and y-intercept in relation to the function
  • Can verify by measuring and comparing the properties of rotated, reflected or translated geometric figures
  • Can verify that corresponding lines and line segments remain the same length
  • Can verify that corresponding angles have the same measure
  • Can verify that corresponding parallel lines remain parallel
  • Can explain that a two-dimensional figure is congruent to another if the second figure can be made from the first by rotations, reflections and translations
  • Can estimate the relationships and measurements of the angles created when two parallel lines are cut by a transversal
  • Can use the Pythagorean Theorem to determine if a given triangle is a right triangle
  • Can apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find an unknown side length of a right triangle
  • Can apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find the distance between two points in a coordinate system
  • Can plot ordered pairs on a coordinate grid representing the relationship between two data sets
  • Can recognize if the data plotted on a scatter plot has a linear association
  • Can draw a straight line to approximate the linear relationship between the plotted points of two data sets

Financial Literacy

  • Develop short-term and long-term financial goals
    • Create goals according to a prioritization of wants and needs that are specific, realistic, and measurable
  • Develop a realistic spending plan for financial independence
    • Explain the advantage of spending less than you have
    • Explain the short- and long-term consequences of over spending
  • Understand various sources of compensation
    • Explain how income can affect goals
  • Understand the distribution of resources
    • Explain factors that impact savings and spending plans
  • Understand financial instruments
    • Identify possible financial accounts
    • Recognize that fees or charges may be attached to accounts
  • Identify responsible credit management
    • Identify the various types of credit card companies available and the features of each (interest rates, annual fees, limits, reward system)
    • Explain appropriate and inappropriate use of credit cards
    • Explain how use of credit cards can help or hurt a budget
  • Understand different types of debt
    • Identify the types of purchases that generally require a loan
    • Demonstrate the ability to calculate the cost of borrowing money
  • Understand rights and responsibilities as borrowers
    • Explain that a borrower needs to have assets to use as security for a loan
    • Explain the concept of a credit rating
  • Establish strategies for protection of identity
    • Recognize that a personal identity needs to be protected
  • Recognize investment options
    • Explain how saving is needed for investing
    • Explain the difference between saving and investing
  • Distinguish investment options
    • Explain various options for investing money
    • Understand the effect of interest and percentage rates on investments
  • Understand the relationship between investment risk and return
    • Explain how an investment differs from a savings account in potential risks and return
    • Explain the importance of a personal budget and goals in the investing process
  • Demonstrate responsible financial behaviors, at the personal, local, state, national, and international levels
    • Explain how unethical behavior negatively impacts the broader community
    • Explain the importance of ethical behavior in building trust
  • Understanding needs vs. wants
    • Explain difference between wants and needs
    • Explain prioritization factors to consider when determining expense-related decisions

Grammar

  • effective sentences and word choice
  • sentence variety and structure
  • effective paragraphs
  • writing an essay
  • parts of a sentence
  • nouns and pronouns
  • verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and other parts of speech
  • subject-verb agreement
  • punctuation
  • capitalization
  • spelling

Writing

  • the writing process
  • the writing traits
  • informative paper
  • personal narratives
  • character sketches
  • performing narrative speeches
  • compare-contrast essay
  • story
  • summary
  • persuasive essay
  • literary analysis
  • poem
  • cause-effect essay
  • review
  • research report

Social Studies

  • American history (John Adams to the 1960s and 1970's)

Art                        

  • 8th art - express yourself
  • assignments feature the work of an artist and personal choices they make
  • personal symbols/scratch art
  • take a close look/self-portrait
  • my creative response/acrylic painting
  • God’s animal creation/relief printmaking
  • the beauty of God’s creation/watercolor
  • using materials from God’s creation to create art/ceramics
  • reuse and upcycle/sculpture

Bible

  • the early church in the New Testament
  • themes of the New Testament
  • spiritual disciplines
  • church history
  • school-wide theme

Bible Memory Verses

  • John 1:1-5, 10-14
  • Psalm 46:8-11
  • Galatians 5:13-18
  • Hebrews 10:24-25
  • The Apostles' Creed
  • Mark 10:43-45

Faith Formation Journal Questions/Prompts

  • “I read the four books of the Gospels. They don’t all say the same things about Christ. Why should I believe that the Bible is true?”
  • “I became a Christian last year, but I still have struggles and problems. Why?”
Reading
  • Topics:
    • reading for the book challenge
    • being an active reader
    • genre overview
    • elements of literature
    • science fiction and fantasy genre study
    • historical fiction and non-fiction genre study
    • the Great Depression literature circles
    • holocaust literature circles
    • award-winning book study
    • read a recommended book
  • Read Aloud Books:
    • The Giver by L. Lowry
    • Ghost by J. Reynolds
    • The Diary of Anne Frank Play
    • Refugee by A. Gratz
  • Science Fiction Literature Circle Books:
    • The Eleventh Plague by J. Hirsch
    • A Wrinkle in Time by M. L’Engle
    • Uglies by S. Westerfeld
    • Michael Vey by R.P. Evans
    • The Roar by E. Clayton
    • Legend by M. Lu
    • Cinder by M. Meyer
    • When the Tripods Came by J. Christopher
    • Ender’s Game by O.S. Card
    • Variant by R. Wells
    • Darkest Path by J. Hirsch
    • The Eighth Day by D.K. Salerni and D. McClellan
  • Narrative Poetry Literature Circle Books:
    • Brown Girl Dreaming by J. Woodson
    • The Crossover by K. Alexander
    • Diamond Willow by H. Frost
    • Home of the Brave by K. Applegate
    • All the Broken Pieces by A.E. Burg
    • Inside Out and Back Again by T. Lai
    • Out of the Dust by K. Hesse
    • Shark Girl by K. Bingham
    • Booked by K. Alexander
    • Enchanted Air by M. Engle
    • Full Cicada Moon by M. Hilton
    • Moo by S. Creech
    • House Arrest by K.A. Holt
    • Sold by P. McCormick
    • The Red Pencil by A.D. Pinkney
  • Nonfiction Literature Circle Books
    • Outcasts United by W. St. John
    • A World without Fish by M. Kurlanskey
    • Amost Astronauts by T. Lee Stone
    • Get Real: What Kind of World Are you Buying? by M. Rockliff
    • I Will Always Write Back by C. Alifirenka and M. Ganda
    • I Am Malala (Young Readers) by M. Yousafzai

Music

  • choir
  • band
  • orchestra
  • musical (every other year)
  • interscholastic competition
  • chapel praise team
  • OPUS honor choir
  • honor band
  • honor orchestra
  • jazz band

PE

  • developing positive relationships through interacting with others while participating in physical education
  • life-long fitness skills
  • team sports
  • skills
    • dribbling
    • rolling a ball
    • catching
    • throwing
    • kicking
    • passing
    • trapping
    • fielding
    • striking
    • batting

Health Literacy

  • Human Anatomy
    • How is the body organized?
    • What are the structures and functions of major organ systems?
    • How are the body systems interrelated?
    • What does it mean that human beings are created in God's image?

Techonology Standards

  • DISCERN IT:  Apply discernment in technology use
  • MAKE IT:  Demonstrate creative thinking in the design and development of innovative technology products and problem solving
  • SHARE IT:  Collaborate with peers, experts, and others using interactive technology
  • FIND IT:  Plan strategies utilizing digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information
  • SOLVE IT:  Use critical thinking skills to conduct research, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate technological tools and resources
  • PROTECT IT:  Understand the legal and ethical issues of technology as related to individuals, cultures, and societies
  • USE IT:  Understand the underlying structure and application of technology systems