Elementary Curriculum Updates
October
ELA
In Q2, what are our students doing vertically in writing informative/explanatory texts?
Kindergarten students are writing informative/explanatory texts in which they
name what they are writing about
supply some information about the topic
use a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing
First Grade students are writing informative/explanatory texts in which they
name a topic
supply some facts about the topic and
provide some sense of closure
Second Grade students are writing informative/explanatory texts by
introducing a topic
using facts and definitions to develop points
providing a concluding statement or section
Third Grade students are writing informative/explanatory texts by
introducing a topic and grouping related information together
including illustrations to aid in comprehension.
developing the topic with facts, definitions, and details.
using linking words and phrases to connect ideas within categories of information.
providing a concluding statement or section.
Fourth Grade students are writing informative/explanatory texts by
introducing a topic clearly and grouping related information in paragraphs and sections
including formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia to aid comprehension
developing the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other related information/examples
linking ideas using words and phrases within categories
using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform/explain topic
providing a concluding statement or section
Fifth Grade students are writing informative/explanatory texts by
introducing a topic clearly, providing a general observation/focus, and grouping related information logically
including formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia to aid comprehension
developing the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other related information/examples
linking ideas using words, phrases, and clauses within and across categories
using precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform/explain topic
providing a concluding statement or section
While the Q2 writing focus is on the informational/explanatory text type, writing for a variety of purposes should continue. Note grade level curriculum guides.
IDI Data Recording Sheet Template
Math
What Are We Learning in Math?
First Grade - Developing Base Ten Number Sense
Second Grade - Becoming Fluent in Adding and Subtracting
Third Grade - The Relationship Between Multiplication and Division
Fourth Grade - Multiplication and Division of Whole Numbers
Fifth Grade - Adding and Subtracting with Decimals
GRASP Data is Available!
Example: District 2nd Grade Item Analysis
Science
What are students doing in Q2?
Kindergarten students are studying gravity and motion.
They will investigate different types of motion and observe and communicate effects of gravity on objects.
First grade students are studying magnets.
They will demonstrate how magnets attract and repel, identify common objects that are attracted to a magnet, and identify objects and materials that do not block magnetic force.
Second grade students are studying seasonal changes and the sky.
They will describe physical attributes of stars and investigate the position of sun and moon to show patterns throughout the year.
Third grade students are studying the habitats of Georgia.
They will differentiate between habitats of Georgia and the organisms that live there. They will also identify features of green plants and animals that allow them to live and thrive in different regions of Georgia.
Fourth grade students are studying weather and water.
They will differentiate between the states of water and how they relate to the water cycle and weather. They will also analyze weather charts/maps and collect weather data to predict weather events and infer patterns and seasonal changes.
Fifth grade students are studying classification.
They will classify organisms into groups and relate how they determined the groups with how and why scientists use classification.
Are your teachers planning and implementing 5E science lessons?
Who is the Young Scientist Fair contact at your school?
Picture Perfect Science Kits Are Available for Checkout
Are your teachers interested in using a Picture Perfect Science Lesson? Do they have the books they need? Do they have the materials they need? Picture Perfect Science kits for the following lessons are available for check out. Contact Amy Peacock @ peacocka@clarke.k12.ga.us.
· Over in the Ocean
· Sunshine on My Shoulders
· Be a Friend to Trees
· Roller Coasters
· If You Find a Rock
· That Magnetic Dog
· Oil Spill
· Mirror, Mirror
· Day and Night
· Changing Moon
· Sheep in a Jeep
· Bugs
· Grand Canyon
· Name that Shell
· Batteries Included
· Chemical Change Cafe
Social Studies
Georgia Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference
The annual state conference for the Georgia Council for the Social Studies presents Social Studies: A Map for Life, October 22-23, 2015 at the Classic Center here in Athens.
Join colleagues from across the state in this two-day conference offering a large variety of presentations and topics that incorporate social studies across content areas.
Download the 2015 GCSS CONFERENCE PROGRAM.