Curriculum at a Glance
Our curriculum matrix details our integrated curriculum built on a framework of established themes. Select a below to read more about specific subject matter. Click on a grade to see all subject curricula or click on a subject to learn how it is delivered across the grades.
Kindergarten
Reading and writing are taught explicitly during dedicated times each week. We use Collaborative Classroom Being a Reader and Being a Writer throughout each grade level K-2.
READING | Being a reader
- Reading with print strategies and sight word power
- Phonological and phonemic awareness
- Print concepts
WRITING | Units of Study
- Launching independent and guided writing
- Writing for readers/writing conventions
- Writing personal narrative
- Writing fiction and non-fiction
- Writing Class Books
Approaches to Learning
- Small groups
- Games
- Read aloud
- Shared reading
- Independent Reading
- Zoophonics
Approaches to Learning
- Being a Reader
- Being a Reader handwriting
- Gathering Ideas
- Drafting
- Revising
- Editing
- Zoophonics
First Grade
Reading and writing are taught explicitly during dedicated times each week. We use Collaborative Classroom Being a Reader and Being a Writer throughout each grade level K-2.
READING | Key Practices
- Building good reading habits
- Reading comprehension
- Fluency
- Phonics
- Decoding
- High frequency words
WRITING | Units of Study
- Pattern books
- Non-fiction books
- Reviews and opinions
- Letter writing
- Poetry
- Word patterns in spelling
- High frequency spelling words
Approaches to Learning
- Collaborative Classroom Being a Reader
- Small reading groups
- Read alouds
- Shared reading
- Independent reading
- Partner reading
- Phonics instruction
Approaches to Learning
- Collaborative Classroom Being a Reader
- Gathering Ideas
- Drafting
- Revising
- Editing
- Publishing
Second Grade
Reading and writing are taught explicitly during dedicated times each week. We use Collaborative Classroom Being a Reader and Being a Writer in 2nd grade.
READING | Units of Study
- Reading life
- Making connections
- Visualizing
- Making inferences
- Wondering
- Text features
- Determining important ideas
WRITING | Units of Study
- Writing life
- Telling more
- Fiction
- Nonfiction
- Poetry
- Opinion writing
- Biography
Approaches to Learning
- Reading Workshop
- Small group reading
- Read alouds
- Independent reading
Approaches to Learning
- Writing Workshop
- Gathering ideas
- Drafting
- Revising
- Editing
- Publishing
Third Grade
Reading and writing are taught explicitly during dedicated times each week. We use Collaborative Classroom Being a Reader and Being a Writer in 3rd grade.
READING | Making Meaning
- The Reading Community
- Visualizing – Poetry and Fiction
- Making Inferences – Fiction
- Wondering/Questioning – Narrative Non-Fiction and Expository Non-Fiction
- Using Text Features – Expository Non-Fiction
- Determining Important Ideas – Expository Non-Fiction, Fiction, and Drama
WRITING | Units of Study
- Crafting true stories
- Information writing
- Arctic animal report
- Fairy tales
Approaches to Learning
- Collaborative Classroom Making Meaning
- Guided reading
- Read alouds
- Shared reading
- Independent daily reading
Approaches to Learning
- Handwriting Without Tears
- Generate ideas
- Write drafts
- Select draft to develop
- Analyze and revise
- Proofread
- Write final version and publish
Being a Writer
- The writing community
- The writing process
- Personal narrative
- Fiction
- Expository nonfiction / functional writing
- Opinion writing
- Poetry
Fourth Grade
In fourth grade, a more integrated approach to reading and writing instruction is introduced to prepare students for the transition to the upper grades. We use Being a Reader and Being a Writer.
READING | Units of Study
- Building a reading community
- Recognizing text features and questioning in expository fiction
- Analyzing text structure in fiction, narrative nonfiction, expository nonfiction, and drama
- Making inferences in fiction, poetry, and narrative nonfiction
- Determining important ideas and summarizing
WRITING | Units of Study
- Building the writing community
- Understanding the writing process
- Personal narrative
- Fiction
- Expository nonfiction
- Functional writing
- Opinion writing
- Poetry
Approaches to Learning
- Making Meaning
- Read alouds
- Independent and shared reading
- Vocabulary instruction
- Book clubs
Approaches to Learning
- Being a Writer
- Being a Writer skills practice
- Classical Roots
- Spelling instruction and practice
- Explicit instruction in memorization strategies
Fifth Grade
Reading, writing, and social studies are taught in an integrated course called humanities. The content is guided by essential questions that inform reading material selections, study trips, research projects, and presentations. Teachers collaborate with other departments to further extend the cross-curricular nature of the humanities program, fully integrating the themes of the course into the arts, sciences, and mathematics.
READING | Genre Focus
- Historical Fiction
- Poetry
- Realistic Fiction
- Nonfiction
- Vignettes
WRITING | Writing Conventions
- Ideas
- Organization
- Word choice
- Conventions (spelling, punctuation, etc.)
Units of Study
- Fiction and nonfiction comprehension strategies
- Symbolism in literature
- Vocabulary from Classical Roots
Units of Study
- Personal narrative
- Biographical report
- Poetry
- Personal essay
- Research-based essay
Approaches to Learning
- Independent reading
- Guided read aloud
- Small group discussion
- Shared inquiry
- Shared inquiry
Approaches to Learning
- Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop
- Peer Review
- Keyboarding
- 6+1 Traits
Sixth Grade
Reading, writing, and social studies are taught in an integrated course called humanities. The content is guided by essential questions that inform reading material selections, study trips, research projects, and presentations. Teachers collaborate with other departments to further extend the cross-curricular nature of the humanities program, fully integrating the themes of the course into the arts, sciences, and mathematics.
READING | Genre Focus
- Fiction
- Expository texts
- Independent reading
WRITING | Writing Conventions
- 6+1 Traits: Ideas, organization, voice, sentence fluency, word choice, conventions (spelling, punctuation, etc.)
- Daily grammar practice
- Vocabulary development
Reading Analysis Strategies
- In text written analysis
- I think, I feel, I wonder, I predict,
- This reminds me of…because
Units of Study
- Personal narrative
- Elements of fiction
- Literature response and analysis
- Thesis driven academic paragraphs
- Thesis based personal essay
Citations
- MLA citations for books, websites, encyclopedias
Approaches to Learning
- Lucy Calkins Writing Workshop
- 6+1 Traits
- Keyboarding
- Membean Vocabulary
Approaches to Learning
- Analytical discussions of literature
- Note taking
- Analytical charts
- Lucy Calkins Reading Workshop
Seventh Grade
Reading, writing, and social studies are taught in an integrated course called humanities. The content is guided by essential questions that inform reading material selections, study trips, research projects, and presentations. Teachers collaborate with other departments to further extend the cross-curricular nature of the humanities program, fully integrating the themes of the course into the arts, sciences, and mathematics.
READING | Genre Focus
- Short stories
- Realistic fiction
- Nonfiction
- Historical fiction
- Religious texts
- Graphic novels
- Personal vignettes
- Independent reading
WRITING | Writing Conventions
- Ideas
- Organization
- Voice
- Sentence fluency
- Word choice
- Conventions (spelling, punctuation, etc.)
- Daily grammar integration
- Vocabulary development
Listening and Speaking Strategies
- Socratic discussions
- Oral presentations
- Online discussions
Writing Craft Focus
- Thesis based writing
- Poetic prose and vignettes
- Multimedia presentations
Citations
- MLA citations for books, websites, encyclopedias, films
Approaches to Learning
- Brainstorming
- Research
- KeyboardingPlanning
- Writing
- Proofreading
- Revising
- Publishing
- 6+1 Traits
Eighth Grade
Reading, writing, and social studies are taught in an integrated course called humanities. The content is guided by essential questions that inform reading material selections, study trips, research projects, and presentations. Teachers collaborate with other departments to further extend the cross-curricular nature of the humanities program, fully integrating the themes of the course into the arts, sciences, and mathematics.
READING | Genre Focus
- The power of story
- Biography
- Graphic novels
- Short stories
- Poetry
- Nonfiction
- Historical fiction
- Personal narrative
- Independent reading
WRITING | Writing Conventions
- 6+1 Traits: Ideas, organization, voice, sentence fluency, word choice, conventions (spelling, punctuation, etc.)
Listening and Speaking Strategies
- Socratic discussions
- Debate
- Blogging about literature based discussion topics
Daily grammar integration
- Editing practice
- Vocabulary development
Annotation Strategies
- Note taking, summarizing
Writing Craft Focus
- Issue oriented academic paragraphs
- 5 Paragraph thesis based essay
- Research based paper
- Persuasive essay
- Multimedia presentations
Citations
- MLA citations for books, websites, encyclopedias, videos, first person interviews, images
Approaches to Learning
- Brainstorming
- Research
- Planning
- Writing
- Proofreading
- Revising
- Publishing
- Problem solving
Kindergarten
Unit Themes
- Ourselves and others/ similarities and differences
- Homes and habitats
- Peaceful changemakers
Approaches to Learning
- Read alouds
- Writing
- Research
- Hands-on projects
- Family presentations
- Study trips/presentations
First Grade
Unit Themes
- Friendship
- Classroom community
- Changemakers and the Tapscott community
- Neighborhood communities
- Post office
- Food communities
Approaches to Learning
- Read alouds
- Interviews
- Relationship with local farms
- Letter writing
- Managing school-wide postal system
- Maker activities
- Study trips
Second Grade
Reading, spelling, writing, and social studies are each taught explicitly with their own dedicated time each week.
Unit Themes
- Map skills/geography
- Personal histories through the use of timelines
- Changemakers
- Biography of a special person
Approaches to Learning
- Map reading/making
- Interviews
- Presentations
- Biography writing
Third Grade
Reading, spelling, writing, and social studies are each taught explicitly with their own dedicated time each week.
Unit Themes
- Geography
- Bay Area Native Americans
- SEE (Signing Exact English) sign language
- The Arctic
- Celebrating difference and taking action
Approaches to Learning
- Researching from primary and secondary sources
- Expository writing
- Reading and reflecting
- Dramatic performances
- Study trips
- CEID buddies (Center for the Early Intervention on Deafness)
Fourth Grade
Unit Themes
- Geography
- Indigenous history and culture
- Resistance to CA missions
- State government
- Japanese internment
- The California Gold Rush
Approaches to Learning
- Mapping activities
- Researching and presenting
- Narrative and expository reading and writing
- Integrated technology
- Art history and analysis
- Group discussion
- Study trips
Fifth Grade
Reading, writing, and social studies are taught in an integrated course called humanities. The content is guided by essential questions that inform reading material selections, study trips, research projects, and presentations. Teachers collaborate with other departments to further extend the cross-curricular nature of the humanities program, fully integrating the themes of the course into the arts, sciences, and mathematics.
Essential Questions Explored
- What obstacles prevent mutual respect between people with differences?
- What role do knowledge and empathy play in overcoming these obstacles?
Unit Themes
- Meeting of European, African, and American “worlds”
- Euro-American and Native American interaction in early USA
- Waves of migration and cultural assimilation of immigrants to the USA
- Racial segregation in 20th century USA
- Race and class in contemporary USA
Approaches to Learning
- Multimodal text analysis, small group discussions, personal interviews, simulations, games, and role playing activities
Sixth Grade
Reading, writing, and social studies are taught in an integrated course called humanities. The content is guided by essential questions that inform reading material selections, study trips, research projects, and presentations. Teachers collaborate with other departments to further extend the cross-curricular nature of the humanities program, fully integrating the themes of the course into the arts, sciences, and mathematics.
Essential Questions Explored
- What is culture?
Unit Themes
- Culture of farming
- Cultures of the ancient world
- Cultures of the modern world
Approaches to Learning
- Inquiry based research, print and web-based research, first person interviews, design challenges on community-based issues, mapping, digital presentations
Seventh Grade
Reading, writing, and social studies are taught in an integrated course called humanities. The content is guided by essential questions that inform reading material selections, study trips, research projects, and presentations. Teachers collaborate with other departments to further extend the cross-curricular nature of the humanities program, fully integrating the themes of the course into the arts, sciences, and mathematics.
Essential Questions Explored
- How and why do cultures come in contact and what are the results?
- How and why do people act as changemakers?
Unit Themes
- Cultures in contact and Changemakers
- Judaism
- Christianity
- Islam
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Research based passion project
Approaches to Learning
- Inquiry based research, primary and secondary source analysis, debate, research and analysis, design challenges on world issues, oral presentations, multimedia presentations, mapping, test preparation and test taking
Eighth Grade
Reading, writing, and social studies are taught in an integrated course called humanities. The content is guided by essential questions that inform reading material selections, study trips, research projects, and presentations. Teachers collaborate with other departments to further extend the cross-curricular nature of the humanities program, fully integrating the themes of the course into the arts, sciences, and mathematics.
Essential Questions Explored
- What should the USA do?
- How and why did we get here?
Unit Themes
- Standing up for others: topics in U.S. history
- The Constitution of the United States
- WWII
- The Cold War
- The Great Migrations
- Harlem Renaissance
- Dustbowl
- Mexican repatriation
- The Great Depression
- Vietnam and the anti-war movement
- Civil rights movement
- Social justice movements/identity
- Social changes of the 1980s
- Crisis in the Middle East/ISIS
Approaches to Learning
- Lecture and note taking, debate, Socratic discussion, primary source analysis, oral history project, test preparation and test taking
Kindergarten
Units Themes
- Weather and Climate
- Tree Homes: Habitats and Needs of an Animal
- Simple Machines
Approaches to Learning
- Graphing, read-alouds, classroom discussions, role-playing, sketching in a nature journal, study trips
First Grade
Units Themes
- Crime scene investigations: forensic science
- Matter (solids and liquids)
- Ecology and biodiversity of the garden: honey bees, plant anatomy, plants as food
Approaches to Learning
- Read alouds, observing experiments, using senses, classroom discussions, using evidence, constructing models, educational games
Second Grade
Units Themes
- Food chains and webs
- Matter (gases and weather)
- Skeletal systems and vertebrates
- Owl pellets
- Water cycle and raising trout
- Forces and variables
Approaches to Learning
- Constructing models, study trips, read alouds, group work, classroom discussions, experiments
Third Grade
Units Themes
- Popcorn: science inquiry
- Matter and heat energy
- Physical and chemical reactions
- Atoms and elements
- Invertebrates: environments, life cycles, mealworms
Approaches to Learning
- Designing and carrying out experiments, read alouds, graphing, design thinking, using tools of science, sketching, observing animals, using the scientific method
Fourth Grade
Units Themes
- Foundation of the scientific method
- The child, the brain, and the screen
- Exploration of magnetism
- Inventions and innovations
- Electricity and electrical circuits
- Puberty and changes in adolescence
Approaches to Learning
- Read alouds, using scientific method, designing and carrying out investigations, graphing, partner and group work, design thinking
Fifth Grade
Units Themes
- Metric measurement
- Introduction to chemistry
- Circuits and electricity
- Engineering and design projects
- Programming and the Hour of Code
- Introduction to human body systems
- Health: human development
- Environmental detectives
- Watersheds and systems thinking
- Ecosystem (interdisciplinary)
Project Highlights
- Element and molecule design
- Electrolysis of water
- Edible batteries
- Scribble machines
- Creating body system models
- Design an ecosystem
Approaches to Learning
- Cause and effect, self discovery, project-based labs, critical thinking and problem solving, investigations, collaboration, evidence-based argumentation.
Sixth Grade
Units Themes
- Experimental design
- Space science
- Geology
- Water, oceans, and climate
- Food systems and gardening
- Puberty and reproductive health
Project Highlights
- Genius Hour Podcasts (independent student choice science projects)
- Windmill project
- Solar system amusement park
- Student-designed garden experiments
Approaches to Learning
- Project-based learning, hands-on investigations, labs, outdoor experiential learning, collaboration, direct instruction, evidence-based argumentation
Seventh Grade
Units Themes
- Velocity and acceleration
- Newton’s laws
- Experiential design
- Statistics and data analysis
- Heat and energy
- Simple machines and mechanical advantage
- Chemistry and the periodic table
- Electricity and magnetism
- Sound and waves
Project Highlights
- Consumer testing project
- Mousetrap cars
- Paper circuits
- Pinball machines
- Record players
- Speaker
Approaches to Learning
- Project-based learning, hands-on experimental design, data collection, tinkering and engineering, direct instruction, collaboration, students presentations, integrated math
Eighth Grade
Units Themes
- Plants and gardening
- Evolution
- Human body systems
- Cells
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Ecology
Project Highlights
- Natural selection comic strip
- Body systems inquiry
- Earth Day festival
- Growing carrots in the vertical garden
Approaches to Learning
- Modeling, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, evidence-based argumentation, engineering, experimental design, direct instruction
Kindergarten
Students work individually and together to discover, explore, and learn mathematical concepts. Throughout the grades our curriculum is designed to promote understanding and thoughtfulness as students are asked to think deeply about facts, ideas, connections, and experiences.
Math Concepts
- Numbers to five and ten
- Numbers to ten
- Double, add, and subtract
- Paths to adding, subtracting, and measuring
- Two-dimensional geometry
- Three-dimensional shapes and numbers beyond ten
- Weight and place value
- Computing and measuring
Approaches to Learning
- Bridges
- Number Corner: daily math routines
- Problems and investigations
- Work places
- Home connections
- Math Discourse
- Use of Manipulatives
First Grade
Students work individually and together to discover, explore, and learn mathematical concepts. Throughout the grades our curriculum is designed to promote understanding and thoughtfulness as students are asked to think deeply about facts, ideas, connections, and experiences.
Math Concepts
- Numbers all around us
- Developing strategies with dice and dominoes
- Adding, subtracting, counting, and comparing
- Leapfrogs on the number line
- Two and three-dimensional shapes
- Story problems for basic addition and subtraction
- Number fluency through the hundreds
- Time, patterns, and measurement
Approaches to Learning
- Bridges
- Number Corner: daily math routines
- Problems and investigations
- Work places
- Home connections
- Math discourse
- Use of manipulatives
Second Grade
Students work individually and together to discover, explore, and learn mathematical concepts. Throughout the grades our project-based curriculum is designed to promote understanding and thoughtfulness as students are asked to think deeply about facts, ideas, connections, and experiences.
Math Concepts
- Fluency of number facts
- Number lines for addition and subtraction
- Addition and subtraction within one hundred
- Standard and metric measurement in inches, feet, yards, and centimeters
- Place value to one thousand
- Attributes of two- and three-dimensional shapes
- Fractions
- Multi-digit computation
- Collect, analyze, and graph data
Approaches to Learning | Bridges curriculum includes
- Problems and investigations
- Number Corner: daily math routines
- Work places
- Home connections
- Math discourse
- Use of manipulatives
Third Grade
Students work individually and together to discover, explore, and learn mathematical concepts. Throughout the grades our project-based curriculum is designed to promote understanding and thoughtfulness as students are asked to think deeply about facts, ideas, connections, and experiences.
Math Concepts
- Addition and subtraction patterns
- Introduction to multiplication
- Multi-digit addition and subtraction
- Measuring and fractions
- Multiplication, division, and area
- Investigating polygons, quadrilaterals, shapes, and fractions
- Extending multiplication and fractions
Approaches to Learning | Bridges curriculum includes:
- Number corner: daily math routines
- Problems and investigations
- Work places/forums
- Sunshine math
- Math discourse
- Use of manipulatives
Fourth Grade
Students work individually and together to discover, explore, and learn mathematical concepts. Throughout the grades our project-based curriculum is designed to promote understanding and thoughtfulness as students are asked to think deeply about facts, ideas, connections, and experiences.
Math Concepts
- Multiplicative Thinking
- Multi-digit multiplication and early division strategies
- Equivalent fractions, mixed numbers, and decimals
- Addition and subtraction algorithms, measurement, and data displays
- Polygons, symmetry, and measuring angles
- Area and perimeter
- Patterns, expressions, and equations
Approaches to Learning | Bridges curriculum includes:
- Number Corner: daily math routines
- Problems and investigations
- Work stations/games
- Math discourse
- Use of manipulatives
Fifth Grade
At Prospect Sierra, we understand that math is a critical tool for understanding the world and making predictions. The heart of mathematics is problem-solving, and problem-solving requires precision and accuracy in calculation and documentation. Our Common Core-aligned, problem-based math curriculum balances deep conceptual understanding with procedural fluency and computational accuracy and efficiency. We cultivate students’ growth mindset and believe that healthy struggle promotes learning. Our goal is to support and challenge all students at an appropriate level and rate, and we give students the opportunity to explore their learning edge.
Primary Curriculum: Bridges | Math Concepts
- Multiplication expressions, equations, and volume
- Adding and subtracting fractions and decimals
- Whole number and decimal place value
- Multiplying and dividing whole numbers
- Multiplying and dividing fractions
- Graphing, classifying polygons, and volume
- Multiplying and dividing decimals
- Solar design
Primary Curriculum: Bridges | Approaches to Learning
- Collaborative partner work
- Direct instruction to demonstrate patterns
- Group shares
- Math games
Sixth Grade
At Prospect Sierra, we understand that math is a critical tool for understanding the world and making predictions. The heart of mathematics is problem-solving, and problem-solving requires precision and accuracy in calculation and documentation. Our Common Core-aligned, problem-based math curriculum balances deep conceptual understanding with procedural fluency and computational accuracy and efficiency. We cultivate students’ growth mindset and believe that healthy struggle promotes learning. Our goal is to support and challenge all students at an appropriate level and rate, and we give students the opportunity to explore their learning edge.
Primary Curriculum: Illustrative Mathematics | Math Concepts
- Geometry: area and surface area
- Rates and ratios
- Unit rates and percents
- Fraction concepts including division
- Algebra concepts including expressions and equations
- Rational numbers and inequalities
Primary Curriculum: Illustrative Mathematics | Approaches to Learning
- Constructivist discourse with teacher-led synthesis
- Small group collaboration
- Low-floor high-ceiling tasks
- Use of visual models and manipulatives
Seventh Grade
At Prospect Sierra, we understand that math is a critical tool for understanding the world and making predictions. The heart of mathematics is problem-solving, and problem-solving requires precision and accuracy in calculation and documentation. Our Common Core-aligned, problem-based math curriculum balances deep conceptual understanding with procedural fluency and computational accuracy and efficiency. We cultivate students’ growth mindset and believe that healthy struggle promotes learning. Our goal is to support and challenge all students at an appropriate level and rate, and we give students the opportunity to explore their learning edge.
Primary Curriculum: Illustrative Mathematics | Math Concepts
- Introducing proportional relationships
- Measuring circles
- Proportional relationships and percentage
- Rational number arithmetic
- Expressions, equations, and inequalities
- Angles, triangles, and prisms
- Probability and sampling
Primary Curriculum: Illustrative Mathematics | Approaches to Learning
- Constructivist discourse with teacher-led synthesis
- Small group collaboration
- Low-floor high-ceiling tasks
- Use of Visual models and manipulatives
Eighth Grade
At Prospect Sierra, we understand that math is a critical tool for understanding the world and making predictions. The heart of mathematics is problem-solving, and problem-solving requires precision and accuracy in calculation and documentation. Our Common Core-aligned, problem-based math curriculum balances deep conceptual understanding with procedural fluency and computational accuracy and efficiency. We cultivate students’ growth mindset and believe that healthy struggle promotes learning. Our goal is to support and challenge all students at an appropriate level and rate, and we give students the opportunity to explore their learning edge.
Primary Curriculum: Illustrative Mathematics | Math Concepts
- Linear relationships
- Linear equations, inequalities, and systems
- Exponents and exponential functions
- Polynomials and factoring
- Quadratic equations and functions
- Rational equations and functions
Primary Curriculum: Illustrative Mathematics | Approaches to Learning
- Constructivist discourse with teacher-led synthesis
- Small group collaboration
- Low-floor high-ceiling tasks
- Use of visual models and manipulatives
Kindergarten
Prospect Sierra colab is a FabLab, a Makerspace, and a Technology Lab all in one – a fluid space, where students can tinker and create. While the tools may vary from the technological (3D printers, laser cutters) to the basic (hammers, duct tape), the goal is to give students a place to develop Design Thinking, 21st century skills, and a passion for exploration, tinkering, hacking, and creating.
Engineering, Robotics, & Computer Science
- What is a robot?
- Building simple machines by following step-by-step instructions
- Engineering Design Process (plan, test, improve)
- Physical computing (LEGO WeDos with LEGO WeDo software)
- Block-based computer programming (Scratch Jr.)
Technology and Digital Literacy
- Computer hardware
Approaches to Learning
- Hands-on activities
- Problem solving, collaboration, resilience, perseverance, tinkering
- Designing and testing prototypes
- Responsible and competent use of technology
- Curiosity, flexible thinking, empathy, cooperative learning
First Grade
Prospect Sierra colab is a FabLab, a Makerspace, and a Technology Lab all in one – a fluid space, where students can tinker and create. While the tools may vary from the technological (3D printers, laser cutters) to the basic (hammers, duct tape), the goal is to give students a place to develop Design Thinking, 21st century skills, and a passion for exploration, tinkering, hacking, and creating.
Engineering, Robotics, & Computer Science
- Building simple machines by studying real world examples and learning about motion and force
- Engineering Design Process (plan, test, improve)
- Physical computing (LEGO WeDos with LEGO WeDo software)
- Block-based computer programming (Scratch Jr.)
Technology and Digital Literacy
- Computer hardware
Approaches to Learning
- Hands-on activities
- Problem solving, collaboration, resilience, perseverance, tinkering
- Designing and testing prototypes
- Responsible and competent use of technology
- Curiosity, flexible thinking, empathy, cooperative learning
Second Grade
Prospect Sierra colab is a FabLab, a Makerspace, and a Technology Lab all in one – a fluid space, where students can tinker and create. While the tools may vary from the technological (3D printers, laser cutters) to the basic (hammers, duct tape), the goal is to give students a place to develop Design Thinking, 21st century skills, and a passion for exploration, tinkering, hacking, and creating.
Engineering, Robotics, & Computer Science
- Building simple and compound machines by studying real world examples and learning about motion and force
- Engineering Design Process (plan, test, improve)
- Physical computing (Dash and Dot robots, building LEGO compound machines)
- Block-based computer programming (Blockly, Scratch)
Technology and Digital Literacy
- Computer hardware; visiting websites
- Computer shortcuts; citation of sources
- Research strategies using the internet, online databases, reference books, magazine articles, and non-fiction sources
- Digital citizenship (information literacy, internet safety, privacy and security)
Approaches to Learning
- Hands-on activities
- Problem solving, collaboration, resilience, perseverance, tinkering
- Designing and testing prototypes
- Responsible and competent use of technology
- Curiosity, flexible thinking, empathy, cooperative learning
Third Grade
Prospect Sierra colab is a FabLab, a Makerspace, and a Technology Lab all in one – a fluid space, where students can tinker and create. While the tools may vary from the technological (3D printers, laser cutters) to the basic (hammers, duct tape), the goal is to give students a place to develop Design Thinking, 21st century skills, and a passion for exploration, tinkering, hacking, and creating.
Engineering, Robotics, & Computer Science
- Building a robot by following step-by-step instructions
- Engineering Design Process (plan, test, improve)
- Physical computing (MaKey MaKeys, LEGO Mindstorm EV3s with LEGO Mindstorm software)
- Circuitry with soft circuits
- Block-based computer programming (LOGO with TurtleArt, Scratch)
Technology and Digital Literacy
- Computer shortcuts
- Citation of sources
- Research strategies using the internet, online databases, reference books, magazine articles, and non-fiction sources
- Keyboarding
- Digital citizenship (information literacy, internet safety, privacy and security, creative credit and copyright)
Approaches to Learning
- Hands-on activities
- Problem solving, collaboration, resilience, perseverance, tinkering
- Designing and testing prototypes
- Responsible and competent use of technology
- Curiosity, flexible thinking, empathy, cooperative learning
Fourth Grade
Prospect Sierra colab is a FabLab, a Makerspace, and a Technology Lab all in one – a fluid space, where students can tinker and create. While the tools may vary from the technological (3D printers, laser cutters) to the basic (hammers, duct tape), the goal is to give students a place to develop Design Thinking, 21st century skills, and a passion for exploration, tinkering, hacking, and creating.
Engineering, Robotics, & Computer Science
- Building and programming a robot to complete a given obstacle
- Engineering Design Process (plan; test; improve)
- Physical computing (Hummingbird robotics, LEGO Mindstorm EV3s with LEGO Mindstorm software)
- Computer programming (Scratch, Snap!, CREATE Lab Visual Programmer)
Technology and Digital Literacy
- Computer shortcuts
- Citation of sources
- Research strategies using the internet, online databases, reference books, magazine articles, and non-fiction sources
- Keyboarding
- Digital citizenship (information literacy, internet safety, privacy and security, creative credit and copyright)
Approaches to Learning
- Hands-on activities
- Problem solving, collaboration, resilience, perseverance, tinkering
- Designing and testing prototypes
- Responsible and competent use of technology
- Curiosity, flexible thinking, empathy, cooperative learning
Fifth Grade
Prospect Sierra colab is a FabLab, a Makerspace, and a Technology Lab all in one – a fluid space, where students can tinker and create. While the tools may vary from the technological (3D printers, laser cutters) to the basic (hammers, duct tape), the goal is to give students a place to develop Design Thinking, 21st century skills, and a passion for exploration, tinkering, hacking, and creating.
Engineering, Robotics, & Computer Science
- Introduction to woodworking, hand tools and power tools
- Designing and collaboratively constructing a small-scale physical project
- Eligible for First Lego League (FLL) Robotics team, building and programming Lego Mindstorms EV3s
Technology and Digital Literacy
- 3D Printers, laser cutter and other fabrication machines
- LittleBits and beginning circuits
Approaches to Learning
- Hands-on activities
- Problem solving, collaboration, resilience, perseverance, tinkering
- Designing and testing prototypes
- Responsible and competent use of technology
- Curiosity, flexible thinking, empathy, cooperative learning
Sixth Grade
Prospect Sierra colab is a FabLab, a Makerspace, and a Technology Lab all in one – a fluid space, where students can tinker and create. While the tools may vary from the technological (3D printers, laser cutters) to the basic (hammers, duct tape), the goal is to give students a place to develop Design Thinking, 21st century skills, and a passion for exploration, tinkering, hacking, and creating.
Engineering, Robotics, & Computer Science
- Woodworking, hand tools and power tools
- Laser-cut bridge design (or similar)
- Eligible for First Lego League (FLL) Robotics team, building and programming Lego Mindstorms EV3s
Technology and Digital Literacy
- 3D Printers, laser cutter and other fabrication machines
- LittleBits and circuits
Approaches to Learning
- Hands-on activities
- Problem solving, collaboration, resilience, perseverance, tinkering
- Designing and testing prototypes
- Responsible and competent use of technology
- Curiosity, flexible thinking, empathy, cooperative learning
Seventh Grade
Prospect Sierra colab is a FabLab, a Makerspace, and a Technology Lab all in one – a fluid space, where students can tinker and create. While the tools may vary from the technological (3D printers, laser cutters) to the basic (hammers, duct tape), the goal is to give students a place to develop Design Thinking, 21st century skills, and a passion for exploration, tinkering, hacking, and creating.
Engineering, Robotics, & Computer Science
- Woodworking, hand tools and power tools
- Designing and collaboratively building a large-scale physical project
- Eligible for First Lego League (FLL) Robotics team, building and programming Lego Mindstorms EV3s
Technology and Digital Literacy
- 3D Printers, laser cutter and other fabrication machines
- Circuits
- Beginning Arduino programming
Beginning Arduino programming
- Hands-on activities
- Problem solving, collaboration, resilience, perseverance, tinkering
- Designing and testing prototypes
- Responsible and competent use of technology
- Curiosity, flexible thinking, empathy, cooperative learning
Eighth Grade
Prospect Sierra colab is a FabLab, a Makerspace, and a Technology Lab all in one – a fluid space, where students can tinker and create. While the tools may vary from the technological (3D printers, laser cutters) to the basic (hammers, duct tape), the goal is to give students a place to develop Design Thinking, 21st century skills, and a passion for exploration, tinkering, hacking, and creating.
Engineering, Robotics, & Computer Science
- Woodworking, hand tools and power tools
- Designing and working collaboratively
- Eligible for First Lego League (FLL) Robotics team, building and programming Lego Mindstorms EV3s
- Independent exploration
Technology and Digital Literacy
- 3D Printers, laser cutter and other fabrication machines
- Circuits
- Arduino programming
Approaches to Learning
- Hands-on activities
- Problem solving, collaboration, resilience, perseverance, tinkering
- Designing and testing prototypes
- Responsible and competent use of technology
- Curiosity, flexible thinking, empathy, cooperative learning
Kindergarten
The K–8 physical education program at Prospect Sierra is built around the premise that all students benefit from experiences that develop their physical and emotional health. Our guiding philosophy is “Fitness for Life,” and our program is designed to provide students with a strong knowledge base and foster an appreciation of movement and exercise.
Social and Community Practice
- Taking turns
- Moving through space without interfering with others
- Learn and follow class expectations
- Help others
Physical Development
- Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility
- Locomotor, ball, manipulation of objects, and balancing
- Educational gymnastics
First Grade
The K–8 physical education program at Prospect Sierra is built around the premise that all students benefit from experiences that develop their physical and emotional health. Our guiding philosophy is “Fitness for Life,” and our program is designed to provide students with a strong knowledge base and foster an appreciation of movement and exercise.
Social and Community Practice
- Taking turns
- Moving through space without interfering with others
- Learn and follow class expectations
- Help others
- Encourage others
- Take care and use equipment safely
- Understand levels of responsibility
- Resolve conflicts peacefully
Physical Development
- Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility
- Locomotor, ball, manipulation of objects, and balancing
- Playground games
- Educational gymnastics
Second Grade
The K–8 physical education program at Prospect Sierra is built around the premise that all students benefit from experiences that develop their physical and emotional health. Our guiding philosophy is “Fitness for Life,” and our program is designed to provide students with a strong knowledge base and foster an appreciation of movement and exercise.
Social and Community Practice
- Follow class expectations with few reminders
- Help others
- Encourage others
- Take care and use equipment safely
- Give examples of various levels of responsibility
- Work well with various partners
Physical Development
- Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility
- Locomotor, ball, manipulation of objects, and balancing
- Educational gymnastics
Third Grade
The K–8 physical education program at Prospect Sierra is built around the premise that all students benefit from experiences that develop their physical and emotional health. Our guiding philosophy is “Fitness for Life,” and our program is designed to provide students with a strong knowledge base and foster an appreciation of movement and exercise.
Social and Community Practice
- Follow class expectations with few reminders
- Help others
- Encourage others
- Take care and use equipment safely
- Give examples of various levels of responsibility
- Work well in small groups
- Provide feedback and use partner feedback to improve personal performance
- Evaluate personal responsibility
Physical Development
- Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility
- Concepts of health related fitness and positive lifestyle choices
- Locomotor, ball, manipulation of objects, and balancing
- Skill and concept based games
- Educational gymnastics
Fourth Grade
The K–8 physical education program at Prospect Sierra is built around the premise that all students benefit from experiences that develop their physical and emotional health. Our guiding philosophy is “Fitness for Life,” and our program is designed to provide students with a strong knowledge base and foster an appreciation of movement and exercise.
Social and Community Practice
- Follow class expectations with few or no reminders
- Give examples of various levels of responsibility
- Provide feedback and use partner feedback to improve personal performance
- Understand how appropriate practice positively influences performance outcomes
- Evaluate personal responsibility
- Demonstrate good team player skills
- Work independently and on-task for short periods of time
- Demonstrate appropriate conflict resolution with little or no teacher intervention
Physical Development
- Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility
- Concepts of health related fitness and positive lifestyle choices
- Locomotor, throwing, catching, kicking, punting, volleying, dribbling, striking, and balancing
- Skill and concept based games
- Educational gymnastics
Fifth Grade
The K–8 physical education program at Prospect Sierra is built around the premise that all students benefit from experiences that develop their physical and emotional health. Our guiding philosophy is “Fitness for Life,” and our program is designed to provide students with a strong knowledge base and foster an appreciation of movement and exercise.
Social-Emotional Development
- Able to work cooperatively with partner/small group to complete assigned task
- Shows appreciation for benefits of cooperation, caring, and sharing
- Understands personal responsibility on a team
- Demonstrates awareness of class safety protocols
- Able to focus and stay on task
Physical Development
- Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility
- Locomotor, dodging, guarding, shadowing, passing, and receiving
- Track and field
- Balance and coordination
- Multicultural games
- Skill and concept based games
- Rhythm and movement
Cognitive Development
- Rubric based projects
- Exercise science assessment
Sixth Grade
The K–8 physical education program at Prospect Sierra is built around the premise that all students benefit from experiences that develop their physical and emotional health. Our guiding philosophy is “Fitness for Life,” and our program is designed to provide students with a strong knowledge base and foster an appreciation of movement and exercise.
Social-Emotional Development
- Able to work cooperatively with partner/small group to complete assigned task
- Shows appreciation for benefits of cooperation, caring, and sharing
- Understands personal responsibility on a team
- Demonstrates awareness of class safety protocols
- Able to focus and stay on task
Physical Development
- Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility
- Locomotor, dodging, guarding, shadowing, passing, and receiving
- Track and field
- Multicultural games
- Skill and concept based games
- Circus
- Rhythm and movement
Cognitive Development
- Self reflections
- Unit test
- Rubric based test
Seventh Grade
The K–8 physical education program at Prospect Sierra is built around the premise that all students benefit from experiences that develop their physical and emotional health. Our guiding philosophy is “Fitness for Life,” and our program is designed to provide students with a strong knowledge base and foster an appreciation of movement and exercise.
Social-Emotional Development
- Able to work cooperatively with partner/small group to complete assigned task
- Shows appreciation for benefits of cooperation, caring, and sharing
- Understands personal responsibility on a team
- Demonstrates awareness of class safety protocols
- Intrinsic/extrinsic motivation
Physical Development
- Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility
- Defensive positioning and providing support to teammates
- Throwing, catching, kicking, punting, volleying, dribbling, and striking
- Track and field
- Multicultural games
- Skill and concept based games
- Flexibility, agility, rhythm, and movement
- Heart rate activities
- Preparing for/recovering from exercise
Cognitive Development
- Monthly fitness logs
- Self reflections
- Unit tests
- Rubric based projects
Eighth Grade
The K–8 physical education program at Prospect Sierra is built around the premise that all students benefit from experiences that develop their physical and emotional health. Our guiding philosophy is “Fitness for Life,” and our program is designed to provide students with a strong knowledge base and foster an appreciation of movement and exercise.
Social-Emotional Development
- Able to work cooperatively with partner/small group to complete assigned task
- Shows appreciation for benefits of cooperation, caring, and sharing
- Understands personal responsibility on a team
- Demonstrates awareness of class safety protocols
- Able to focus and stay on task
- Development of internal motivations toward physical activities
- Self reflection
Physical Development
- Cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, and flexibility
- Throwing, catching, kicking, punting, volleying, dribbling, and striking
- Endurance, agility, calisthenics, fitness
- Multi-cultural games
- Skill and concept based games
- Circus
- Rhythm and movement
- Outdoor education
Cognitive Development
- Fitness components
- Goal setting
- Game concepts and skills
- Use heart rate monitors
- Fitness logs
- Nutrition education
- Peer evaluations
- Assessments
Kindergarten
The K–4 Spanish classes immerse students, using the TPRS® (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) curriculum that provides an abundance of context-driven language in a chapter-by-chapter story format. The students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their comprehension and retention, enabling them to emerge feeling successful and eager to tackle the next challenge in their language-learning progression.
Themes
- Greetings
- Colors
- Numbers
- States of being
- Main characters of text
Approaches to Learning
- Listening comprehension
- Observing and acting out physical cues
- Oral language
- Puppets
- Games
- Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS)
- Units of study in Dia de Los Muertos, Cesar Chavez, and Cinco de Mayo
First Grade
The K–4 Spanish classes immerse students, using the TPRS® (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) curriculum that provides an abundance of context-driven language in a chapter-by-chapter story format. The students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their comprehension and retention, enabling them to emerge feeling successful and eager to tackle the next challenge in their language-learning progression.
Themes
- Names
- Colors
- Numbers
- Physical descriptions
- Animals
- State of being
- Body parts
- Days of the week
- Food and eating
- Stating thirst/hunger
Approaches to Learning
- Observing and speaking about mini-stories
- Oral language
- Sight word vocabulary
- Acting out mini-stories
- Presentation
- Games
- Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS)
- Units of study in Dia de Los Muertos, Cesar Chavez, and Cinco de Mayo
Second Grade
The K–4 Spanish classes immerse students, using the TPRS® (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) curriculum that provides an abundance of context-driven language in a chapter-by-chapter story format. The students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their comprehension and retention, enabling them to emerge feeling successful and eager to tackle the next challenge in their language-learning progression.
Themes
- School
- Family
- Clothing
- Shopping
- Seasons
- Weather
- Travel
- Modes of transportation
- Weather and seasons with an emphasis on geography and multicultural differences
Approaches to Learning
- Listening to complex stories
- Writing projects
- Games
- Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS)
- Units of study in Dia de Los Muertos, Cesar Chavez, and Cinco de Mayo
Third Grade
The K–4 Spanish classes immerse students, using the TPRS® (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) curriculum that provides an abundance of context-driven language in a chapter-by-chapter story format. The students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their comprehension and retention, enabling them to emerge feeling successful and eager to tackle the next challenge in their language-learning progression.
Themes
- Days of the week
- Emotions
- Professions
- Household chores
- Foods
- Classroom
- Body parts
- Clothing
- Travel
- Seasons
- Cities and neighborhoods
- Spanish names of countries
- Adjectives
- Descriptions
Approaches to Learning
- Understanding and interpreting written language
- Conversation
- Presentations
- Creating oral and written stories
- Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS)
- Units of study in Dia de Los Muertos, Cesar Chavez, and Cinco de Mayo
Fourth Grade
The K–4 Spanish classes immerse students, using the TPRS® (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) curriculum that provides an abundance of context-driven language in a chapter-by-chapter story format. The students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their comprehension and retention, enabling them to emerge feeling successful and eager to tackle the next challenge in their language-learning progression.
Themes
- Discussing family
- Describing where one lives
- Describing emotions and feelings
- Discussing work and careers
- Chronological order of events
- Responding to comical situations
Grammar
- Transition words
- 1st and 3rd person present singular, present tense
- 3rd person plural, present tense
- Definite articles
- Indefinite articles
- Use of estar
- Idiomatic expressions
Approaches to Learning
- Deepening language acquisition
- Deepening reading comprehension
- Deepening writing comprehension
- Conversation
- Presentation
- Interpretation of stories
- Creating oral and written stories
- Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS)
- Units of study in Dia de Los Muertos, Cesar Chavez, and Cinco de Mayo
Fifth Grade
In 5th grade, language acquisition continues with an additional layer of awareness. Students continue to listen, speak, read, and write while increasing their exposure to grammar structures and vocabulary. Through projects, assignments, and class participation, students demonstrate their understanding, and become more confident and excited to build on their linguistic progress.
Themes
- Being able to introduce each other
- Animals (with a cultural component: Los Alebrijes)
- Classroom routines and objects
- Families and descriptions
- Clothes
- Likes and dislikes
Grammar
- Definite/indefinite articles
- Gender/number agreement
- Conjugation irregular common verbs: SER, ESTAR, TENER, IR
- Conjugation of -AR verbs
Approaches to Learning/ Assessments
- Oral conversation/discussions
- Personal interviews
- Written assignments
- Oral presentations
- Projects (multimedia)
- Music
- Read short articles, stories, translations
- Test preparation and test taking
- Interactions with native speakers in the larger community
Sixth Grade
6th grade students have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their comprehension and creativity, enabling them to emerge feeling successful and eager to tackle the next challenge in their language learning progression. Students continue to listen, speak, read, and write while adding an analytical understanding of the language structure, including a greater awareness of the grammar embedded in the topics and themes they learn.
Themes
- What people like/what they like to do
- My friends and I
- Describing classes and school schedules
- Telling time
- Eating with family
- Favorite foods and drinks
Grammar
- Noun/adjective agreement
- Regular and some common irregular verbs in the present tense
- The verb “gustar”
- Expressions of frequency
- Comparisons
- Possessive adjectives
Approaches to Learning / Assessments
- Oral conversation/discussions
- Personal interviews
- Written Assignments
- Oral Presentations
- Projects (multimedia)
- Music
- Reading more complicated newspaper articles, short story books, translation
- Test preparation and test taking
- Interactions with native speakers in the larger community
Seventh Grade
In 7th grade, World Language students expand their communication skills both orally and in written form. Through speaking, reading, and writing, students have opportunities to demonstrate their comprehension and develop their expression. The 7th Grade curriculum incorporates grammar and vocabulary from the previous two years and gives students the chance to apply new skills to make connections between their interests and the target cultures.
Themes
- Clothing and shopping
- Social events
- The house and chores
- Planning a party
- Sports and health
Grammar
- Regular verbs and stem-changing verbs
- Direct object pronouns
- Imperative
- Infinitive structures
- Present progressive
- Irregular verbs in the present tense
- The regular past tense
Approaches to Learning / Assessment
- Oral conversation and discussions
- Personal interviews
- Written assignments
- Oral presentations
- Projects (multimedia)
- Music
- Reading more complicated newspaper articles, short story books, translations
- Test preparation and test taking
- Interactions with native speakers in the larger community
Eighth Grade
In 8th grade teachers and students speak the target language in class and students integrate all that they have learned. They delve into more complex grammar topics and explore numerous samples of the language from various media in countries where Spanish is spoken. Students demonstrate their command of the language with even more creativity and mastery.
Our 8th grade students leave Prospect Sierra ready for high school, and with a valuable and practical life tool that empowers them to connect with others and communicate in a second language.
Themes
- Telling my own story
- My daily routine
- My city and my town
- History of the Spanish speaking world
- Prehispanic cultures and legends
Grammar
- Past tenses
- Direct/indirect objects
- Reflexive verbs
- Commands
Approaches to Learning / Assessments
- Oral conversation and discussions
- Personal interviews
- Written assignments
- Oral presentations
- Projects (multimedia)
- Music
- Read newspaper articles, short story books, translations
- Test preparation and test taking
- Interactions with native speakers in the larger community
Kindergarten
The elementary school library provides a rich environment for fostering a love of books and reading. Weekly classes include book talks, read-aloud stories, learning activities, and introductions to authors and various genres. Students learn how to navigate the library’s electronic catalog, access online resources, and find books that suit both their interests and research needs.
The library’s mission is to enrich the school’s educational programs, to provide for the interests and needs of students, and to develop and nurture a love of reading.
Literature Appreciation
- Care of books, book orientation, listening skills, parts of the book, read alouds, book talks, empathic understanding
- Exposure to classic tales and stories from around the world
- Mythology, folktales, fables, nursery rhymes, tall tales
Research
- Trees, alphabet books, shape books
Media Literacy
- Animated picture books and DVDs
Approaches to Learning
- Listening skills, hands on browsing, free exploration, exposure to global literature, culture and ideas, respecting diversity in all its forms
First Grade
The elementary school library provides a rich environment for fostering a love of books and reading. Weekly classes include book talks, read-aloud stories, learning activities, and introductions to authors and various genres. Students learn how to navigate the library’s electronic catalog, access online resources, and find books that suit both their interests and research needs.
The library’s mission is to enrich the school’s educational programs, to provide for the interests and needs of students, and to develop and nurture a love of reading.
Literature Appreciation
- Care of books, parts of a book, keeping books in their proper place, listening for understanding, empathizing
- Author visits, read alouds, book talks, finding Just Right for Me books
- Exposure to classic tales and stories from around the world
- Mythology, folktales, fables, nursery rhymes, tall tales
Second Grade
The elementary school library provides a rich environment for fostering a love of books and reading. Weekly classes include book talks, read-aloud stories, learning activities, and introductions to authors and various genres. Students learn how to navigate the library’s electronic catalog, access online resources, and find books that suit both their interests and research needs.
The library’s mission is to enrich the school’s educational programs, to provide for the interests and needs of students, and to develop and nurture a love of reading.
Literature Appreciation
- Listening and reading for understanding, making predictions, parts of a book, exposure to various genres, promoting passionate life-long readers
Research
- Learning to use our electronic card catalog and databases (World Book, Power Knowledge, etc.)
- Maps and mapping, direction orientation
Media Literacy
- Media evaluation, use of databases, introduction to periodicals, short films, DVDs, CDs, websites, and printed material
- Introduction to electronic online catalog for finding books and doing research
Digital Citizenship
- Acceptable use policy compliance, works cited
Approaches to Learning
- World celebrations, history of holidays, material covering diverse cultures
Third Grade
The elementary school library provides a rich environment for fostering a love of books and reading. Weekly classes include book talks, read-aloud stories, learning activities, and introductions to authors and various genres. Students learn how to navigate the library’s electronic catalog, access online resources, and find books that suit both their interests and research needs.
The library’s mission is to enrich the school’s educational programs, to provide for the interests and needs of students, and to develop and nurture a love of reading.
Literature Appreciation
- Continued exposure to a variety of genres
- Book talks and discussions of characters, storyline and outcomes, building interest in information about authors and illustrators
- Student book reviews
Research
- Non-fiction reports (expository and narrative), Miwok research, arctic animal research
- Learning to use our electronic card catalog and databases (World Book, Power Knowledge, etc.)
- Introduction to the Dewey Decimal system, bibliographies, and anthologies
Media Literacy
- Exposure to various media forms including periodicals, books, animated books, DVDs, websites, and databases
Digital Citizenship
- Acceptable use policy compliance, works cited
Fourth Grade
The elementary school library provides a rich environment for fostering a love of books and reading. Weekly classes include book talks, read-aloud stories, learning activities, and introductions to authors and various genres. Students learn how to navigate the library’s electronic catalog, access online resources, and find books that suit both their interests and research needs.
The library’s mission is to enrich the school’s educational programs, to provide for the interests and needs of students, and to develop and nurture a love of reading.
Literature Appreciation
- Continued exposure to a variety of genres
- Book talks and discussions of characters, storyline and outcomes, building interest in information about authors and illustrators
Research
- Fort Ross reports, biography reports
- Learning to use our electronic card catalog and databases (World Book, Power Knowledge, etc.)
- Dewey Decimal system, locating books, and library organization
Media Literacy
- Exposure to various media forms including periodicals, books, animated books, DVDs, websites, and databases
Digital Citizenship
- Acceptable use policy compliance, works cited
Approach to Learning
- Hands-on reenactments (such as visiting Fort Ross and Tent Town), game shows, catalog searching, Dewey scavenger hunt
Fifth Grade
The elementary school library provides a rich environment for fostering a love of books and reading. Weekly classes include book talks, read-aloud stories, learning activities, and introductions to authors and various genres. Students learn how to navigate the library’s electronic catalog, access online resources, and find books that suit both their interests and research needs.
The middle school’s 3,850-square-foot library facilities include a library classroom with computers, a quiet reading room, and a large central library space. The library’s mission is to enrich the school’s educational programs, to provide for the interests and needs of students, and to develop and nurture a love of reading.
Literature Appreciation
- Genre reading support and evaluation, OverDrive (ebooks)
- Edible Books Festival
- Censorship
Research
- Online Catalog and call numbers, parts of a book, book, library categories, citations, index and table of contents usage, website parts identification, navigation, and evaluation
Media Literacy
- Overdrive (ebooks), digital dictionaries, thesaurai, Google Presentation support, infographic, website parts identification
Digital Citizenship
- Email etiquette
Approach to Learning
- Book talks/tasting, Banned Books Week Display, new book displays and book talks, almanac worksheet and game show, book scavenger hunt, Edible Books Festival
- Lecture and slideshow on website parts, navigate museum websites, compare dog websites for reliability, slideshow and talk in support of 5th Grade Native American slideshow, infographic slideshow and talk in support of science infographic
Sixth Grade
The elementary school library provides a rich environment for fostering a love of books and reading. Weekly classes include book talks, read-aloud stories, learning activities, and introductions to authors and various genres. Students learn how to navigate the library’s electronic catalog, access online resources, and find books that suit both their interests and research needs.
The middle school’s 3,850-square-foot library facilities include a library classroom with computers, a quiet reading room, and a large central library space. The library’s mission is to enrich the school’s educational programs, to provide for the interests and needs of students, and to develop and nurture a love of reading.
Literature Appreciation
- Reading Buddies: Readers Advisory & consultations
- Edible Books Festival
- Censorship
Research
- Online Catalog and call numbers, parts of a book, book, library categories, citations, index and table of contents usage, website parts identification, navigation, and evaluation
- Research process (building background, developing a research question, identifying keywords for database searches, source identification)
- Online Searching (developing skills for keyword identification, predictive search strategies, Boolean operators usage), reading search results/reading scholarly articles
- Resource, evaluation & detecting bias, citations (plagiarism, copyright infringement, ethical use of information)
Media Literacy
- Google account setup & password development, Overdrive (ebooks), How the Internet Works, Website design (multimedial online tool), Website parts & identification
- Reading a scholarly article (finding author’s bio, abstract, subject terms), Browser vs. Search Engine, iPad Personal Learning Environment (app organization, basic tools/how to share/save/print, organize, etc.), Coding (basic: Hour of Code participation), various online tools to support research & 21st century literacies
Digital Citizenship
- Online communication (email etiquette), AUP and Responsible Use
- Policies, digital footprint, online safety, online health/mental health, online security/safety, digital citizenship responsibilities (to self, family/friends, online community), Cyberbullying (explicit and subtle), using social media, online identity (which me should I be lesson)
Approach to Learning
- Literature appreciation, Reading Buddy support and tracking, eBook lesson, censorship discussion during Banned Books Week, new book displays & book talks, Edible Books Festival
- In-class mini-research quests (history of halloween, country research), Science Stretch research questions (collaboration with 6th grade science), countries research (supports World Language and Humanities projects), glog-related online searching (images, video, text) and citations, Google-a-Day challenges; website detectives game
- Designing mood meter glogs (Aspirational: collaboration with colab simulating how information storage/access works on the web, how a search engine works, how directories work, boolean logic venn diagrams)
- Digital footprint art, lessons on email etiquette and safety, responsibilities, online relationships and online Identity (generally Common Sense Media lessons)
- Life Skills covers the RULER curriculum, which has some overlap with digital citizenship.
Seventh Grade
The elementary school library provides a rich environment for fostering a love of books and reading. Weekly classes include book talks, read-aloud stories, learning activities, and introductions to authors and various genres. Students learn how to navigate the library’s electronic catalog, access online resources, and find books that suit both their interests and research needs.
The middle school’s 3,850-square-foot library facilities include a library classroom with computers, a quiet reading room, and a large central library space. The library’s mission is to enrich the school’s educational programs, to provide for the interests and needs of students, and to develop and nurture a love of reading.
Literature Appreciation
- Overdrive (ebooks)
- Edible Books Festival
- Censorship
Research
- Database review
Media Literacy
- Overdrive (ebooks)
Digital Citizenship
- Online social behaviors (etiquette and safety), discuss safe social practices, read articles on current issues and cases related to smart online practices, discuss how the online environment changes, how we act, and how we respond to each other
Approach to Learning
- eBook lesson and projected use in research projects, Banned Books Week display, new book displays and book talks, EBSCO review with changemaker project, Edible Books Festival
Eighth Grade
The elementary school library provides a rich environment for fostering a love of books and reading. Weekly classes include book talks, read-aloud stories, learning activities, and introductions to authors and various genres. Students learn how to navigate the library’s electronic catalog, access online resources, and find books that suit both their interests and research needs.
The middle school’s 3,850-square-foot library facilities include a library classroom with computers, a quiet reading room, and a large central library space. The library’s mission is to enrich the school’s educational programs, to provide for the interests and needs of students, and to develop and nurture a love of reading.
Literature Appreciation
- Favorite books talk, War books book talk
- Overdrive (ebooks)
- Edible Books Festival
- Censorship
Media Literacy
- Overdrive (ebooks)
Overdrive (ebooks)
- Examine how our digital footprint can influence certain aspects of our lives (admissions, etc.), discuss real life online situations
Approach to Learning
- eBook lesson and projected use in research projects, Banned Books Week Display, new book displays & book talks, Edible Books Festival, book talks with Humanities teachers
Kindergarten
Students have the opportunity to expand and enrich their creative expression through a wide range of tools, materials, textures, and artistic styles. Art projects connect to classroom curriculum, school performances, and art and cultural history lessons. The art program supports students in becoming articulate observers of their world while they joyfully build confidence in their problem solving and art making skills.
Artistic Exploration
- Exploring simple shapes in the world around them: faces, trees, animals, insects
- Learning how repetitive patterns are used in world cultures
- Building confidence in artistic tools: paint brushes, scissors, marking tools
- Principles of color, color mixing, and texture
Approaches to Artistic Medium and Concepts
- Abstract painting, tree collage, self-portrait, changemaker art, pattern-based printmaking, dragonfly mixed media, sewn wall hanging or wallet
First Grade
Students have the opportunity to expand and enrich their creative expression through a wide range of tools, materials, textures, and artistic styles. Art projects connect to classroom curriculum, school performances, and art and cultural history lessons. The art program supports students in becoming articulate observers of their world while they joyfully build confidence in their problem solving and art making skills.
Artistic Exploration
- Exploring shapes in neighborhoods/communities, depicting emotional expression, discovering shapes in birds, basics in composition
- Experiencing various mediums for self-expression: metal, clay, fabric
- Building confidence in artistic tools: metal, clay, sewing
- Principles of complementary colors, and the power of texture in art
- Practicing fine motor activities in art making
Approaches to Artistic Medium and Concepts
- Architectural collage, self-portrait study of emotions sculpture, metal postage stamp, botanical watercolor, ceramic trivet, soft-sculpture bird
Second Grade
Students have the opportunity to expand and enrich their creative expression through a wide range of tools, materials, textures, and artistic styles. Art projects connect to classroom curriculum, school performances, and art and cultural history lessons. The art program supports students in becoming articulate observers of their world while they joyfully build confidence in their problem solving and art making skills.
Artistic Exploration
- Expanding understanding of shapes in plants and animals
- Exploring various mediums for self-expression: vinyl, wood, fabric
- Gaining confidence in artistic tools: cutting, gluing, painting, sewing
- Enhancing observation skills depicting animals
- Principles of gray scale, color, and 3-D composition
Approaches to Artistic Medium and Concepts
- Flower puzzles, vinyl record mobiles, Mexican folk art paintings, mammal study, mixed media bird collage, trout study, gray scale wooden sculpture, special person pastel, stuffed animal design and construction
Third Grade
Students have the opportunity to expand and enrich their creative expression through a wide range of tools, materials, textures, and artistic styles. Art projects connect to classroom curriculum, school performances, and art and cultural history lessons. The art program supports students in becoming articulate observers of their world while they joyfully build confidence in their problem solving and art making skills.
Artistic Exploration
- Understanding gray scale through patterns
- Exploring contrast through gray-scale and color
- Gaining confidence in artistic tools: drafting pens, refined pencil work, wire
- Enhancing observation skills depicting insects, animals, 3-D forms
- Emphasis on composition: shape, color, contrast
Approaches to Artistic Medium and Concepts
- Insect study, woven basket, ceramic animals, native people’s art forms; sculpture/painting, sign language hands, arctic animal collage
Fourth Grade
Students have the opportunity to expand and enrich their creative expression through a wide range of tools, materials, textures, and artistic styles. Art projects connect to classroom curriculum, school performances, and art and cultural history lessons. The art program supports students in becoming articulate observers of their world while they joyfully build confidence in their problem solving and art making skills.
Artistic Exploration
- Enhancing observation skills in self portraits and landscapes
- Continuing to build confidence depicting plants and animals
- Exploring mediums for self-expression: charcoal, sugar, assemblage
- Gaining confidence in artistic tools: charcoal, acrylic, frosting, wearables
- Realistic portraiture, upcycling into art, fashion design, 3-D portraiture
Approaches to Artistic Medium and Concepts
- Landscape painting, mexican sugar skull, charcoal self-portrait, clay self-portrait, upcycling materials into wearable art and design, self-portrait assemblage
Fifth Grade
Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of visual arts media to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to the art classroom encourage creative expression and problem solving, and reinforce the importance of community. Lessons encourage students to think like an artist and apply methods and techniques which build skills and allow young artists to create with confidence.
Techniques and media include painting, drawing, illustration, sculpting with clay, and mixed media. Specific media may include painting with watercolors, tempera, or acrylics; drawing with ink, colored pencil, and oil pastels; slab building, modeling, and glazing clay; mixed media using ink, watercolor, and colored pencil.
Concepts include interactions of mixed materials, planning an illustration, telling a visual story, building contrast, using color to balance a composition, highlights and shading, using color to create balance, depicting texture, and page layout.
Projects are designed to build skills and confidence while making space for individual expression and fostering imagination. Projects can vary from year to year and may include fall leaves in watercolor with wax resist, Days of the Dead clay skulls, word illustrations, mixed media dragons, chimera drawings in ink and colored pencil, oil pastel or acrylic paintings on canvas of local wildlife, or clay lizard sculptures.
Sixth Grade
Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of visual arts media to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to the art classroom encourage creative expression and problem solving, and reinforce the importance of community. Lessons encourage students to think like an artist and apply methods and techniques which build skills and allow young artists to create with confidence.
Techniques and media include painting, drawing, illustration, sculpting with clay, and mixed media. Specific media may include: painting with watercolors and acrylics; drawing with ink, colored pencil, and oil pastels; slab building, modeling, and painting clay; mixed media projects combine ink, watercolor, colored pencil or oil pastels; and sculpting with wire.
Concepts include interactions of mixed materials, planning an illustration and page layout, balancing a 3D composition, building contrast using color, highlights and shading, mixing colors, and product development and design.
Projects build skills and confidence while making space for individual expression of ideas and fostering imagination. Sixth grade projects may include a mixed media painting of a tropical fish; making a wire fish and/or jellyfish sculpture; a mixed-media portrait; a clay turtle sculpture or a tic tac toe game design; and a “mash-up” illustration inspired by the work of contemporary artist Redmer Hoekstra, a still life drawing of a shoe featuring pattern and color design created by the artist, or a mixed media carousel animal.
Seventh Grade
Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of visual arts media to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to the art classroom encourage creative expression and problem solving, and reinforce the importance of community. Lessons encourage students to think like an artist and apply methods and techniques which build skills and allow young artists to create with confidence.
Techniques and media include painting landscapes, shading with pencil and colored pencil; creating color and texture by layering colored pencil; repoussé and chasing with tooling foil; sculpting with clay; creating 3D patterns, textures, and designs; and drawing human features in a realistic style. Specific media may include painting with acrylics; drawing with colored pencil and pencil; slab building, modeling, and glazing clay; and permanent inks over tooled metal.
Concepts include using highlights and shading to depict the effect of light on form, experimenting to depict texture, mixing and layering colored pencil, tooling techniques to build height, depth, and texture in a bas-relief, and capturing a realistic likeness working from a photo, planning a painting with consideration of paint opacity and transparency.
Projects are designed to build skills and confidence while making space for individual expression and fostering imagination. Projects can vary from year to year and may include tooled metal fall leaves, sunset paintings on canvas, colored pencil drawings of rainforest animals, clay birds, and black and white pencil portraits of famous people rendered in a realistic style.
Eighth Grade
Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of visual arts media to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to the art classroom encourage creative expression and problem solving, and reinforce the importance of community. Lessons encourage students to think like an artist and apply methods and techniques which build skills and allow young artists to create with confidence.
Techniques and media include painting, drawing, illustration, sculpting with clay, and mixed media. Specific media may include painting with tempera; drawing with ink, pencil, and colored pencil; slab building, modeling, and glazing clay; mixed media projects combining ink, watercolor, colored pencil or oil pastels; and sculpting with wire.
Concepts include planning an illustration and page layout, balancing a 3D composition, building contrast, using color to balance a composition, depicting highlights, shading, and cast shadows, experimenting to create color and texture with an emphasis on edges and outlines, capturing emotion and expression, and developing an individual style.
Projects build skills and confidence while making space for individual expression of ideas and fostering imagination. Eighth grade projects may include a primate portrait focusing on capturing expression; painting an abstract composition inspired by music; a clay monster sculpture; a morph illustration inspired by the work of M.C. Escher; painting with acrylic on canvas; a still life drawing of a vintage tool; and a self-portrait in a style and media of the artist’s choice.
Kindergarten
Students learn to use their voices and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to convey emotions and ideas. They participate in skill-building, group theatrical games and activities, and develop beginning theatrical vocabulary. Students visit specialists’ classrooms in two-week rotations throughout the school year.
Performance Project
- Grade level play for school and parents
First Grade
Students learn to use their voices and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to convey emotions and ideas. They participate in skill-building, group theatrical games and activities, and develop beginning theatrical vocabulary. Students visit specialists’ classrooms in two-week rotations throughout the school year.
Performance Project
- Grade level play for school and parents
Second Grade
Students learn to use their artistic vision, voices, and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to specialists’ classrooms over the course of 10-12 weeks encourage creative problem-solving and reinforce the importance of community.
Ritual
- Verbal communication
- Ensemble technique
Structure
- Group warm-ups
- Movement and sound exercises
- Focus on awareness of body
Performance Project
- 2nd grade play (topics correlate to grade-level curriculum)
Third Grade
Students learn to use their artistic vision, voices, and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to specialists’ classrooms over the course of 10-12 weeks encourage creative problem-solving and reinforce the importance of community.
Ritual
- Ensemble technique
Structure
- Group warm-ups
- Group movement exercises
Performance Project
- 3rd grade play (topics correlate to grade-level curriculum)
Fourth Grade
Students learn to use their artistic vision, voices, and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to specialists’ classrooms over the course of 10-12 weeks encourage creative problem-solving and reinforce the importance of community.
Ritual
- Ensemble technique
Structure
- Collaborative rehearsal process
Performance Project
- 4th grade play (topics correlate to grade-level curriculum)
Fifth Grade
Students learn to use their artistic vision, voices, and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to specialists’ classrooms encourage creative problem-solving and reinforce the importance of community.
Ritual
- Nonverbal communication
Structure
- Ensemble movement and sound
- Synchronized warm-ups
- Rhythm and movement games
Performance Project
- Cross-Curricular Fairy Tales
Sixth Grade
Students learn to use their artistic vision, voices, and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to specialists’ classrooms encourage creative problem-solving and reinforce the importance of community.
Ritual
- Nonverbal communication
- Ensemble technique
Structure
- Ensemble movement and sound
- Synchronized warm-ups
- Rhythm and movement games
- Exploration of emotions, frozen pictures, and spatial relationships
Performance Project
- Mythology
Seventh Grade
Students learn to use their artistic vision, voices, and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to specialists’ classrooms encourage creative problem-solving and reinforce the importance of community.
Ritual
- Nonverbal communication
- Ensemble technique
- Efficiency and transitions
Structure
- Collaboration, storytelling, and rehearsal
- Group decision making
- Developing vocal texture and physical variety
- Giving and taking focus
Performance Project
- Scene creation and theatrical storytelling around a shared theme
Eighth Grade
Students learn to use their artistic vision, voices, and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to specialists’ classrooms encourage creative problem-solving and reinforce the importance of community.
Ritual
- Nonverbal communication
- Ensemble technique
- Efficiency and transitions
- Degrees of risk
Structure
- Collaboration, storytelling, and rehearsal
- Group decision making
- Developing vocal texture and physical variety
- Giving and taking focus
Kindergarten
The K-4 Music Program focuses on the following three strands: building musical technique and readiness through discovering contrasts (silence and sound, loud and soft, singing and speaking, fast and slow, etc), learning and practicing the conventions of group participation (making and starting class in a circle, sitting and standing on risers, understanding personal space and moving safely with their classmates, taking turns, playing instruments and singing, etc), as well as using music as a tool to understand themselves and the world around them (studying both music and culture from around the world, plus weaving SEL values such as resiliency, patience, and empathy in both our classroom culture and curriculum).
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students are introduced to music and movement with the same playful sense they already bring to their learning. Songs, speech, rhythms and rhymes, games, and stories are an integral part of their activities. They explore the family of percussion instruments and are introduced to the xylophones as well as songs and dances from around the world.
Understanding Goals
How many ways can I use my voice to communicate? What is a steady beat? What is bubble space? What is the walking beat, jogging beat, or giant steps beat? What is percussion? What songs come from Africa, from India, or from the Americas?
Sample Projects
Kindergarten students identify and play percussion instruments (wood, skin, metal, and rattles) and create percussion pieces based on using call and response in everyday speech. Students also learn the history of the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and sing it as a whole school during our morning meeting. We compare various video performances of the song and look at the song in a generational context through the book, Sing a Song.
First Grade
The K-4 Music Program focuses on the following three strands: building musical technique and readiness through discovering contrasts (silence and sound, loud and soft, singing and speaking, fast and slow, etc), learning and practicing the conventions of group participation (making and starting class in a circle, sitting and standing on risers, understanding personal space and moving safely with their classmates, taking turns, playing instruments and singing, etc), as well as using music as a tool to understand themselves and the world around them (studying both music and culture from around the world, plus weaving SEL values such as resiliency, patience, and empathy in both our classroom culture and curriculum).
First Grade
First grade musicians continue to recognize patterns in music, from melodies that differ from around the world, to the similarities of rhythms around the world. Students also begin to name rhythm notation (instead of calling it a walking beat, we say quarter notes, etc) and they also “write” rhythm notation using 3D props (such as seeds, ping pong balls, and more). They also begin to perform for the community at our weekly assemblies and meetings.
Understanding Goals
What is a quarter note? What is a quarter rest? What is solfege? What songs are in major key vs. minor key? How can I share music with the community? How does it feel to perform on a stage in front of my peers?
Sample Project
First grade celebrates music that bridged the farm workers’ unit in their classroom. First graders act out the role of chanting, marching, and using music as a form of protesting the way farm workers were treated. They also discuss how music, movement, and song can call forth our desire for justice and equity. First graders chant in Spanish and in English and also practice marching in space, and moving in various formations. They also perform for the entire school and reflect on their feelings about performing, as well as notice how we felt after we share and celebrate being brave.
Second Grade
The K-4 Music Program focuses on the following three strands: building musical technique and readiness through discovering contrasts (silence and sound, loud and soft, singing and speaking, fast and slow, etc), learning and practicing the conventions of group participation (making and starting class in a circle, sitting and standing on risers, understanding personal space and moving safely with their classmates, taking turns, playing instruments and singing, etc), as well as using music as a tool to understand themselves and the world around them (studying both music and culture from around the world, plus weaving SEL values such as resiliency, patience, and empathy in both our classroom culture and curriculum).
Second Grade
Second grade dives deeper into music from around the world. They play games, rhythms, melodies, and dances from places around the world such as India, Iran, Japan, Puerto Rico, Zimbabwe, and Ghana as well as learn music, language, and culture from the Ohlone (Rumsen), who are indigenous to the Bay Area. They begin to play mbira (a plucked instrument with 16 keys) from Zimbabwe and spend time focusing on the culture and people of Zimbabwe, as well as the music.
Understanding Goals
How do we acknowledge and celebrate cultures in our classroom? What cultures are not represented? Who are the Ohlone people, and what languages do they speak? What is an mbira? Why is it not called a thumb piano? Who are the Shona people? What is Nowruz? Who celebrates this Persian New Year?
Sample Project
Second grade studies the Zimbabwean indigenous instrument called mbira. We have used a slide deck for this unit to amplify not only the music but elements of Shona culture, so the music is always connected to the people of Zimbabwe. The students also interact with a Zimbabwean guest artist, who helps further deepen the students’ understanding of mbira music and Shona culture.
Third Grade
The K-4 Music Program focuses on the following three strands: building musical technique and readiness through discovering contrasts (silence and sound, loud and soft, singing and speaking, fast and slow, etc), learning and practicing the conventions of group participation (making and starting class in a circle, sitting and standing on risers, understanding personal space and moving safely with their classmates, taking turns, playing instruments and singing, etc), as well as using music as a tool to understand themselves and the world around them (studying both music and culture from around the world, plus weaving SEL values such as resiliency, patience, and empathy in both our classroom culture and curriculum).
Third Grade
Third graders explore the joy of improvisation and focus on more complex ensemble work. They begin to distinguish between duple and triple meter, and how in some music, you can hear both meters at the same time. Students also have an opportunity to play in an ensemble and work on the technique of a wide variety of instruments, such as the ukulele, mbira, recorder, drum set, and more.
Understanding Goals
What is body percussion and how does it help me become a better musician? What is improvisation? What are duple and triple meter? What does it mean to play in an ensemble? How do I blend in and stand out as a musician? How do I learn the technique of playing ukulele? Recorder? Drumset?
Sample Projects
The third graders start nearly every class by “going down the 9’s,” which is a powerful way to start class in silence and pat, clap, stomp and tap your body from head to toe in unison with their classmates. Students learn new and familiar meters and time signatures and begin to identify and name such meters in their understanding. From body percussion to playing instruments, third graders learn the technique of playing a variety of instruments such as kiti plas (bamboo stamping instruments from Venezuela), melodica, violins and güiro (scraped instruments played in various countries in South America).
Fourth Grade
The K-4 Music Program focuses on the following three strands: building musical technique and readiness through discovering contrasts (silence and sound, loud and soft, singing and speaking, fast and slow, etc), learning and practicing the conventions of group participation (making and starting class in a circle, sitting and standing on risers, understanding personal space and moving safely with their classmates, taking turns, playing instruments and singing, etc), as well as using music as a tool to understand themselves and the world around them (studying both music and culture from around the world, plus weaving SEL values such as resiliency, patience, and empathy in both our classroom culture and curriculum).
Fourth Grade
Fourth graders are building upon their musical foundation as they review music and movement concepts, refine their experiences and continue to explore the world of music. They deepen their singing and rhythmic skills and go further in their understanding of music theory and concepts. They perform in the 4th grade play and weave their musicianship in the play, which marks a culmination of their music education and experience as elementary students.
Understanding Goals
What is harmony and how do I harmonize in singing? What is clave? How do I play the ukulele? What do major and minor chords sound like? Can I identify rhythm notation and notes using solfege? What does it mean to share my voice in song? What is the similarity between music class and drama class? What is the difference between being a serious musician and having fun in music class? How can performing music uplift our community?
Sample Projects
The fourth graders play the ukulele and learn the anatomy of the instrument, plus memorize chords, so we could play a contrasting song/story called the “Happy/Sad Story.” The students vote on which song might be appropriate as a finale in the 4th grade play and we also incorporate keyboard, drums, bass, and ukulele and perform as an ensemble. Fourth graders also focus on the joy of singing and using our voices as a way to uplift the community. In preparation for the play, students discuss how music has been a tool for healing in Indigenous cultures, that music, dance, art, and drama are not “optional” forms of expression, but rather see the arts as necessary to live and thrive in every society around the world.
Fifth Grade
Students learn to use their artistic vision, voices, and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to specialists’ classrooms encourage creative problem solving and reinforce the importance of community. Middle school students have a before school orchestra and electives in composition and instrumental music.
Vocal
- Singing in a variety of styles, harmonization, use of solfeggio as a tool for recognition of pitch function
Instrumental
- Ensemble skills, subdivision of complex rhythms, execution of rhythms as acquired both visually and aurally, improvisation, orchestration
Performance
- In school performances, 5/6 Jazz Band, Rock Band, Orchestra, and student-led groups
Sixth Grade
Students learn to use their artistic vision, voices, and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to specialists’ classrooms encourage creative problem solving and reinforce the importance of community. Middle school students have a before school orchestra and electives in composition and instrumental music.
Vocal
- Singing in a variety of styles, harmonization, use of solfeggio as a tool for recognition of pitch function
Instrumental
- Ensemble skills, subdivision of complex rhythms, execution of rhythms as acquired both visually and aurally, improvisation, orchestration
Performance
- In school performances, 5/6 Jazz Band, Rock Band, Orchestra, and student-led groups
Seventh Grade
Students learn to use their artistic vision, voices, and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to specialists’ classrooms encourage creative problem solving and reinforce the importance of community. Middle school students have a before school orchestra and electives in composition and instrumental music.
Vocal
- Singing in a variety of styles, harmonization, use of solfeggio as a tool for recognition of pitch function
Instrumental
- Ensemble skills, subdivision of complex rhythms, execution of rhythms as acquired both visually and aurally, improvisation, orchestration
Performance
- In school performances, Rock Band, Orchestra, and student-led groups
Eighth Grade
Students learn to use their artistic vision, voices, and bodies with honest expression to tell stories and to
convey emotions and ideas. Weekly visits to specialists’ classrooms encourage creative problem solving and reinforce the importance of community. Middle school students have a before school orchestra and electives in composition and instrumental music.
Vocal
- Singing in a variety of styles, harmonization, use of solfeggio as a tool for recognition of pitch function
Instrumental
- Ensemble skills, subdivision of complex rhythms, execution of rhythms as acquired both visually and aurally, improvisation, orchestration
Performance
- In school performances, Rock Band, Orchestra, and student-led groups
Kindergarten
Service Learning/Partnerships
- Local habitat care
Gender Spectrum/Social Justice/Global Awareness
- Peaceful changemakers
21st Century Skills Project Example
- Habitat culminating project: disciplinary knowledge, innovation, collaboration
Study Trips
- Nunes Creek
- Blake Garden
- Tilden Park
- Richmond Art Museum
Community Events
- 8th grade buddies
- Habitat showcase
- Cross-grade school families
- Grade performance
First Grade
Service Learning/Partnerships
- Community Support Agriculture with Full Belly Farm
- The Black Neighborhood
Ecoliteracy
- Local and organic food communities
Gender Spectrum/Social Justice/Global Awareness
- Migrant farm workers’ history and rights
- Rachel Carson and the birth of the modern environmental movement
Study Trips
- Full Belly Farm
- Avis Campus
Community Events
- Community museum
- Creating and managing school post office
- Publishing parties
- Fourth grade buddies
- Sixth grade buddies
- Cross-grade school families
- Farmer’s market
Second Grade
Service Learning/Partnerships
- Trout in the classroom
- East Bay Humane Society
Service Learning/Partnerships
- Raising trout
Gender Spectrum/Social Justice/Global Awareness
Study Trips and In-Class Workshops
- The Oakland Zoo
- East Bay Humane Society
- Trout Release at Lake Refugio
Community Events
- Publishing celebrations
- Fifth grade buddies
- Special Person Celebration
- Cross-grade school families
- 2nd grade play
Third Grade
Service Learning/Partnerships
- Environmental impact on Arctic and Coast Miwok Communities
Gender Spectrum/Social Justice/Global Awareness
- Discussion around gender identity, expression, and biology
- Celebrating differences and taking action
21st Century Skills Project Example
- Toxic Popcorn (science): innovation, collaboration, creation
Study Trips
- Marin Museum of the American Indian
- Coyote Hills
- Guide Dogs for the Blind
- Regular trips to work with CEID buddies
Community Events
- Kindergarten buddies
- 3rd grade play
Fourth Grade
Service Learning/Partnerships
- Environmental stewardship
Ecoliteracy
- Fashion Trashion Show
- Lead elementary school-wide recycling program
- Maintenance of school gardens
Gender Spectrum/Social Justice/Global Awareness
- Social justice movements throughout history
- Identity study
- Illuminating underrepresented voices in California history
- Japanese internment
Study Trips
- Coloma overnight
- Sacramento State Capital and California Museum
Community Events
- First grade buddies
- Seventh grade buddies
- Cross-grade school families
- 4th grade play
Fifth Grade
Values
- Surviving the Transition to Middle School
Social Emotional Learning
- RULER
- Advisory
Eco-Literacy
- The Green Council
Gender Spectrum/Social Justice/Global Awareness
- GSA
21st Century Skills Project Example
- Design an Ecosystem: Collaboration, Communication
Community Events
- Second Grade Buddies
- Cross-Grade Families
Sixth Grade
Values
- Sustainability and Cultural Awareness
Social Emotional Learning
- RULER
- Advisory
Service Learning/Partnerships
- Live Power Farm
- Local Farmer Interviews
Eco-Literacy
- The Green Council
- Live Power Farm
Gender Spectrum/Social Justice/Global Awareness
- GSA
21st Century Skills Project Example
- Compelling Current Issues: Responsibility, Innovation, Creation
Study Trips
- Live Power Farm
- Local Farms in the Bay Area
Community Events
- First Grade Buddies
- Cross-Grade Families
Seventh Grade
Values
- Cultural Competence
- The Impact of Changemakers
- Sustainability of Local Ecosystems
Social Emotional Learning
- RULER
- Advisory
Service Learning/Partnerships
- Beach Clean Up
- Yosemite
Eco-Literacy
- The Green Council
- Water Sustainability and Drought
- Impact of Fire on Forestry and Wildlife Sustainability
Gender Spectrum/Social Justice/Global Awareness
- Change Makers Humanities Curriculum
- Women in Science
- Famous Faces Art Project
- GSA
21st Century Skills Project Example
- Passion Project on Changemakers; Disciplinary Knowledge, Communication
- Consumer Testing Project: Innovation, Creation, Self-Knowledge
- Forbidden Rice Project: Collaboration, Responsibility
Study Trips
- Bridges Rock Gym
- Exploratorium
- Yosemite
Community Events
- Fourth Grade Buddies
- Cross-Grade Families
Eighth Grade
Values
- Being a Changemaker
- Service to the Larger Community
Social Emotional Learning
- RULER
- Advisory
Service Learning/Partnerships
- LA Volunteering
- BOSS Shelter
- Richmond College Prep Partnership
Eco-Literacy
- The Green Council
Gender Spectrum/Social Justice/Global Awareness
- The Movements that Changed America
- GSA
21st Century Skills Project Example
- WW2 First Person Narrative-Based Research Project: Communication, Responsibility
- LA Trip: Self Knowledge, Responsibility, Collaboration, Communication
Study Trips
- Rosie the Riveter Museum
- Holocaust Museum
- Service Learning in Los Angeles
Community Events
- First Grade Buddies
- Cross-Grade Families
- WW2 First Person Narrative Presentations