Grades 4-8

English
Students use writing to express ideas while applying classroom instruction in grammar, spelling, mechanics and process.

Students will:

• Use the writing process – prewrite, draft, revise, proofread & publish
• Identify and write the parts of a paragraph
• Write various creative essays – descriptive, narrative, persuasive, expository, opinion
• Write formal letters including “complaint”, “friendly” & “request”
• Prepare various styles of poetry – haiku, limericks, free-verse, lyric
• Use technology when researching for a given assignment (online sources)
• Use “SMARTBoard” technology to proofread and present written assignments
• Present oral speeches from a prepared outline – informative, persuasive
• Compose a Power Point presentation based on a written assignment

Reading
A novel based reading program offers a variety of literature to enhance the learning experience. The Accelerated Reader Program is a software generated learning system that is incorporated into the Reading curriculum and helps students progress at their independent reading level. Novels include both short stories and non-fiction. Students will:

• Read/understand a variety of literary sources
• Identify/interpret literary elements of plot
• Identify/interpret the theme/character/setting and types of literary genre
• Identify author’s point of view

Technology

Students are taught:

• The Microsoft Office Suite of products
• Use of both digital and document cameras in creating and producing clay animations
• Internet research techniques
• Beginning programming (‘Scratch’)
• Internet safety

Mathematics
Students acquire knowledge of mathematics and the ability to apply math skills to solve problems. Students will:

• Learn to write a number sentence
• Compare and order whole numbers
• Make change & order money
• Understand temperature, measurement & time zones
• Develop graphing sense
• Know and apply fraction and decimal operations
• Use formulas, expressions, and equations
• Solve equations that contain a variable
• Find area, perimeter and volume
• Identify types of polygons
• Problem solving
• Identify ratio and proportion
• Identify parallel and perpendicular lines, line segments, points, rays, angles and planes
• Design spreadsheets
• Solve equations using a TI83 calculator

Science
Students have the privilege of working in a full functioning scientific lab environment which provides all students with an interactive approach to learning that brings the classroom to life in a whole new dimension. Students gain greater clarity and understanding by working with multimedia technology as teachers incorporate the innovations of the computer generated “SMARTBoard” into the lessons. Students will work to obtain the necessary scientific processing skills vital to inquiry and investigation into the world of science by engaging in various hands-on learning experiences. Activities include:

• Learning to apply scientific steps and inquiry skills by conducting a wide variety of lab investigations
• Participating in cooperative learning activities that aim to develop observation skills, data recording, reasoning and logic, as well as critical thinking skills.
• Use of a multimedia technologically based approach to completing scientific research and long-term assignments that aide in building a more comprehensive knowledge base in the major areas of science (Life, Earth, Physical)

Social Studies
Through the use of multimedia technologies such as, “SmartBoards”, virtual tours etc. students will learn about the History & Regions of the United States, Early World History & World Geography. Through their exploration & research, students will:

• Discuss current events
• Understand world cultures
• Learn how to read maps & graphs
• The US and Illinois Constitution is also presented to our 7th & 8th grade class.
• All students must pass the Constitution tests prior to graduation.

World Language
Our world language program is presented to our students through the online Rosetta Stone Software Program. Students have the ability to learn at their own pace & practice the language both at school and at home. This software is capable of presenting 26 different languages.

Physical Education
Students learn and explore factors that affect a healthy lifestyle. Students will:

• Maintain personal fitness
• Acquire an awareness of personal health needs
• Participate in cooperative team games

Art
Students will have the opportunity to express themselves in various art forms. Students will:

• Communicate through art
• Appreciate various art works
• Design art projects using a variety of different medias

Music
Students will have the opportunity to participate in music activities and to develop an appreciation for music through:

• Our cantoring program
• Playing musical instruments
• Participating in our band program
• Singing in choral presentations