WHO OWNS THE LEARNING?...OUR STUDENTS DO!
Cycle 1: Universal Theme- Change
Cycle 2: Universal Theme - Relationships
We will continue to use yearly themes to guide our learning. Our cycle 1 theme is change. Some common themes for CHANGE are that CHANGE can be positive or negative, it is inevitable, it is necessary for growth, and it creates additional change. RELATIONSHIPS was the best fit for our cycle 2 curriculum. Some common themes for RELATIONSHIPS are: everything is related in some way, relationships are powerful and purposeful, relationships change over time, and relationships follow rules.
We have worked very hard to create an integrated and exciting new curriculum for the children. We are always thinking about the question...Who Owns the Learning? We provide many opportunities for our children to drive their learning. We are trying to take the focus away from the end product and instead focus on the process of learning. You will be able to track much of the learning happening in our classrooms by frequently visiting this website. Our students will be updating and sharing their learning with you throughout the year. We encourage you to check this website every Friday as this replaces our paper newsletters. The children write a weekly blog titled Breaking News.
As you can imagine, each year is a transition as the children learn so many brand new skills. We are eager to begin this year's learning adventure with you!
We have worked very hard to create an integrated and exciting new curriculum for the children. We are always thinking about the question...Who Owns the Learning? We provide many opportunities for our children to drive their learning. We are trying to take the focus away from the end product and instead focus on the process of learning. You will be able to track much of the learning happening in our classrooms by frequently visiting this website. Our students will be updating and sharing their learning with you throughout the year. We encourage you to check this website every Friday as this replaces our paper newsletters. The children write a weekly blog titled Breaking News.
As you can imagine, each year is a transition as the children learn so many brand new skills. We are eager to begin this year's learning adventure with you!
Integrated Curriculum
21ST CENTURY LITERACY
Our 21st Century Literacy is designed to give the children both structure and choice. It includes: Solo Reading, Buddy Reading, L.U.C. (Listen Understand Comprehend), Writing, Word Work, Other, Teacher Time, Technology and Connect with Tech. We meet together as a large group to work on reading skills and strategies as well as in reading groups while the students are working independently or in small groups.
WRITING
Throughout both years we cover expository, persuasive, descriptive, mysteries, poetry, narrative, and autobiography.
MATH
We switch classrooms for math. Mrs. Carney teaches first grade math and Mrs. Wasik teaches second grade math.
SCIENCE/SOCIAL STUDIES-
Cycle 1, Change
We cover life cycles, rocks, motion, maps, landforms, cultural study (Egypt), service learning projects- One World, Make a Difference.
Cycle 2, Relationships
We cover living things, weather, magnets, government/elections, communities, cultural study (China) and the rainforest. As part of our efforts to become global citizens and to work collaboratively with others from around the world.
RESEARCH
We provide opportunities for the children to research independently and in small groups. Some topics are chosen for them and others are their choice. It depends upon the purpose! Some projects are short and others are longer and more involved. We are always so busy!!
Our 21st Century Literacy is designed to give the children both structure and choice. It includes: Solo Reading, Buddy Reading, L.U.C. (Listen Understand Comprehend), Writing, Word Work, Other, Teacher Time, Technology and Connect with Tech. We meet together as a large group to work on reading skills and strategies as well as in reading groups while the students are working independently or in small groups.
WRITING
Throughout both years we cover expository, persuasive, descriptive, mysteries, poetry, narrative, and autobiography.
MATH
We switch classrooms for math. Mrs. Carney teaches first grade math and Mrs. Wasik teaches second grade math.
SCIENCE/SOCIAL STUDIES-
Cycle 1, Change
We cover life cycles, rocks, motion, maps, landforms, cultural study (Egypt), service learning projects- One World, Make a Difference.
Cycle 2, Relationships
We cover living things, weather, magnets, government/elections, communities, cultural study (China) and the rainforest. As part of our efforts to become global citizens and to work collaboratively with others from around the world.
RESEARCH
We provide opportunities for the children to research independently and in small groups. Some topics are chosen for them and others are their choice. It depends upon the purpose! Some projects are short and others are longer and more involved. We are always so busy!!
WIRED for Success and Understanding
What is WIRED?
World Focus
Integrate
Reflect
Engage
Discover
These five elements help us to design our curriculum. For more information on WIRED, please see the district website.
World Focus
Integrate
Reflect
Engage
Discover
These five elements help us to design our curriculum. For more information on WIRED, please see the district website.