Elementary
Elementary school is an exciting time when children learn many new things and begin to lay the foundation for all future learning. The development and strengthening of reading, writing, and math skills are critical during these 5 years. Students are also exposed to science and history, as well as specials like art, music, gym, and library. As they grow, they are taught how to develop effective work habits and personal responsibility.
First Grade
First grade is an exciting time when children learn many new things and begin to lay the foundation for all future learning. Most critical during first grade is the development of reading, writing, and math skills. Children who enter first grade not knowing how to read, learn to do so over the first few months. Those who enter first grade already reading continue to build on that knowledge and usually become semi-independent readers part way through the year.
Learning to write is given a priority in first grade. Children learn how to put their thoughts down on paper in such a way that others can read them. First graders learn how to write correctly and neatly, and practice their penmanship each day.
Math is also a very important part of first grade. Students begin committing to memory important math facts and counting patterns, enabling them to work with more complicated math procedures in the future without being hindered by a lack of basic knowledge.
Just as important as the academic work accomplished in first grade are other classroom and learning skills. Students learn how to: work independently at a desk, read directions or assignment off the board, complete homework and bring it back the next day, work quietly without disrupting others in the class, work in a group, and take responsibility for their actions and learning in the classroom.
Skills taught in First Grade
Your child should be able to write thoughtful, complete sentences with correct capitalization and punctuation. Unknown spellings should be approximated in a way that others can understand what your child is attempting to communicate.
In mathematics, your student will learn the basic addition and subtraction facts. Other areas that should be mastered before entering second grade include counting by ones, twos, fives and tens to 100, identifying odd and even numbers, telling time to the hour and half-hour, identifying and counting pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters, measuring with centimeters and inches, counting tally marks, reading a graph, and completing two-digit addition and subtraction problems (both without regrouping).
First Grade Assessments
All first graders take the M.A.P. test in the beginning and at the end of the year. This computer adaptive test helps the teacher evaluate the progress a student has made during the year, and provides objective norm referenced data to inform classroom instruction.
Second Grade
After working diligently in first grade to learn how to read, children are ready in second grade to begin exploring more fully the wonderful and exciting world of reading! They are able to read chapter books which open up a whole new world of reading opportunities. Throughout second grade, children continue to increase their reading fluency as well as comprehension skills.
An important part of second grade is the development of an inquiring mind through asking “why” questions. This is especially developed in science, social studies and reading. A child’s natural curiosity is used to develop a life-long love of learning and finding out “why.” Second graders spend a lot of time asking questions and searching out answers.
Skills taught in Second Grade
Your child will master the following math skills in order to be ready for third grade: understanding and solving story problems, adding and subtracting single-digit numbers, writing money amounts using dollars and cents, telling time to the hour, half-hour and nearest five minutes, and knowing and recognizing fractions ranging from 1/2 to 1/8.
Second Grade Assessment
Chandler Woods Charter Academy's teachers understand that assessment is an important part of each day. Teachers spend time one-on-one with students in order to understand their developmental needs. They also evaluate student progress through small groups, formal tests and daily interaction during lessons and work time. Each day, the teacher is looking for signs of understanding as well as confusion, so teaching can be tailored to both the needs of the class and individual students. The teacher will keep a portfolio of your child’s work throughout the year. You will receive regular reports via the progressive report card.
All Chandler Woods second graders take the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) three times a year. This test tracks progress and provides objective norm referenced data to inform classroom instruction.
Third Grade
In third grade, children begin to make the transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Rather than devoting a great deal of energy to decoding words and trying to comprehend what is being read, third graders begin to use reading as a tool for learning new concepts. Students are instructed on how to read for learning and monitor their own comprehension.
Third graders also begin to develop their vocabularies. This is facilitated both through instruction in vocabulary as well as an increased amount of time spent reading, exposing them to a greater variety of words. The importance of writing is emphasized and practiced in third grade. Students write many compositions to further develop their understanding of the different stages of the writing process. Third graders also work on areas of grammar such as subject/verb agreement and correct use of pronouns and parts of speech. This is done through instruction as well as practiced in context.
At the beginning of third grade, children continue to use manuscript writing. During the course of the year, they begin the transition to cursive writing. Students receive regular instruction in this area and practice on a daily basis. While learning and using cursive, they also work to maintain a high level of quality in manuscript writing. Lastly, students begin to take on more responsibility for their learning, including the need to diligently submit assignments on time.
Skills taught in Third Grade
As a third grader your child will develop a strong understanding of the following: estimating numbers, adding and subtracting single-digit and multi-digit numbers as well as multi-digit numbers with regrouping, multiplying single-digit numbers, multi-digit numbers by single-digit numbers, and multi-digit numbers by single-digit numbers with regrouping, dividing numbers both with and without remainders, telling time to the hour, half-hour, quarter-hour, five minutes and one minute, measuring lengths, calculating area and perimeter, measuring temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius, counting combinations of money, making change for $1.00, knowing and using complex fractions such as 1/12, understanding place value, and identifying and making acute, right and obtuse angles.
Third Grade Assessments
All NHA third graders take the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) three times a year. This test provides objective, norm-referenced data to inform classroom instruction. Third graders also participate in state mandated testing called the MEAP test.
Your child’s teacher will spend a great deal of time assessing student progress throughout the year through assignments, daily participation in class, one-on-one assessments, small groups and formal testing. The teacher views assessment as a daily activity, looking for ways to adapt planning and teaching to the needs of the class based on progress and understanding in each subject area. You will receive quarterly reports from your child’s teacher via progressive report cards.
Fourth Grade
Fourth grade is a year of transition as students begin to take more responsibility for their own learning. Students were taught in third grade how to read for learning. Now they continue to build on that knowledge by taking personal responsibility for a greater portion of their learning. This self-directed learning includes taking notes both during teacher presentations and while reading content material. Students have the opportunity to begin to work independently on research projects. An additional important part of learning in fourth grade is participating in discussions regarding subject matter. This includes discussing literature and participating in the analysis of literature and its elements. Fourth graders also prepare and give oral presentations in order to learn effective speaking and communication skills.
Skills Taught in Fourth Grade
Fourth graders learn how to take basic notes, write well-structured and organized paragraphs, and write neatly. By the end of Fourth Grade, your child should have a strong knowledge of all addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts. Students will need to draw upon his previous knowledge of fractions, decimals, percents and money.
Fourth Grade Assessments
Chandler Woods Charter Academy believes that the ongoing assessment of student learning is an essential part of the learning process. Our teachers carefully monitor student progress on a daily basis. This is accomplished through one-on-one evaluations, formal tests, quizzes, written assignments, homework, special projects, and class participation. Your child’s teacher will keep a portfolio of his work throughout the year in order to assess your child’s progress. You will receive a progressive report card each academic quarter.
Student progress is also monitored through the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) which is given three times during the year. This norm-referenced test provides objective data that informs classroom instruction. All fourth graders participate in any state-mandated testing that is required.
Fifth Grade
Fifth grade is an important year as it marks the last year of elementary school. It is the time when students begin to prepare for middle school and become increasingly responsible for their own learning.
Developing and strengthening academic skills is an integral part of fifth grade. Students are taught how to develop effective work habits, including how to be efficient in the use of time. Fifth graders develop their skills in studying and preparing for tests and assessments. They take more responsibility for their learning and are held accountable for their preparations. Quizzes and unit tests become the major instruments of measurement and assessment. Fifth graders do research projects and learn the different skills necessary to successfully complete these projects. Students also give formal oral presentations in fifth grade.
Fifth Grade Assessments
Your fifth grader will be regularly assessed during the year through a number of different means. The teacher will use assignments, class participation, tests, quizzes, projects and discussions. You will receive a progressive report card each academic quarter.
Student progress is also monitored through the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) which is given three times during the year. This norm-referenced test provides objective data that informs classroom instruction. All fifth graders participate in any state-mandated testing that is required.
To see how your child can grow and learn in a premier Belmont elementary school, visit Chandler Woods Charter Academy elementary school today.
