K-5 Curriculum

List of 6 items.

• Kindergarten

  Language Arts

  Students experience differentiated instruction that focuses on early literacy and phonemic awareness. 

  Math

  Kindergarteners build a foundation of solid mathematical concepts through game-based learning centers that focus on developing number sense.

  Science

  Kindergarteners explore the overarching ideas of weather, sunlight, and the needs of living things. At the end of the year, we begin to investigate how objects move and predict how a force will propel an object forward.

  Social Studies

  Kindergarteners experience social studies topics through a cross-curricular lens. Content focuses on forming a conceptual foundation of cultural identity, neighborhoods, rules and laws, and needs and wants.

  Spanish

  The Spanish language is introduced in preschool and kindergarten through authentic stories, traditional songs, movement, and gestures to facilitate comprehension. The overall objective of the early language curriculum is for students to become familiar with the sound systems and patterns of the Spanish language, and instill a positive attitude toward language learning by creating a fun, engaging, and welcoming classroom environment.

• 1st Grade

  Language Arts

  Our goal is to develop independent, strategic, and lifelong readers and writers through a balanced literacy approach that focuses on word study, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.

  Math

  Students begin to apply flexible mathematical thinking to solve real-world problems, further developing their critical-thinking skills. Through practice, 1st graders establish a strong understanding of the mathematical process and can articulate their reasoning.

  Science

  In 1st-grade science, we introduce organism structure and function, light, and sound. To anchor students’ learning, we show real-world examples of concepts.

  Social Studies

  Through several cross-curricular units, 1st graders explore identity. They begin by understanding themselves and the different roles in their family as well as the surrounding community and its place in the world.

  Spanish

  In 1st grade, the students are placed in levels following ACTFL’s Proficiency Guidelines (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) based on how well the language learners are able to express themselves and understand others. 
  
  

  The overall objective of the early language curriculum is for students to become familiar with the sound systems and patterns of the Spanish language, and instill a positive attitude toward language learning by creating a fun, engaging, and welcoming classroom environment. Language and culture are introduced through stories, traditional songs, games, and interactive activities.
  
  Heritage Spanish Learners: The early Heritage Spanish curriculum provides learners with language experiences and activities which develop and maintain literacy skills and oral fluency through age-appropriate thematic units.

• 2nd Grade

  Language Arts

  Students explore cursive handwriting one letter at a time until they have mastered the cursive alphabet. Students complete all assignments in cursive for the remainder of the year.

  Math

  Our 2nd-grade students learn to regroup two- and three-digit numbers in addition and subtraction. Once students have mastered this concept, we introduce multiplication and division.

  Science

  The 2nd-grade curriculum builds in intensity in terms of content, cross-curricular concepts, and the application of engineering practices. Students will learn about plants and animals and dive into the properties of matter and how change affects these properties.

  Social Studies

  In 2nd grade, students discover principles of society and the economy. We incorporate a unit on producers and consumers with a math unit on money in a hands-on product sale.

  Spanish

  In 2nd grade, the overall objectives are to provide a foundation for the development of communicative skills and create a positive attitude toward language learning. The students who meet expectations can communicate on very familiar topics using simple words and phrases that they have practiced and memorized. Students identify differences and similarities between their own and others’ languages and cultures.
  
  

  Heritage Spanish Learners: The early Heritage Spanish curriculum provides learners with language experiences and activities which develop and maintain literacy skills and oral fluency through age-appropriate thematic units. Language and Hispanic culture is presented through direct instruction, authentic literature, traditional songs, and interactive games.

• 3rd Grade

  Language Arts

  In 3rd grade, students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. As they articulate their ideas in writing, they learn to support their argument with cited text evidence and begin incorporating language conventions.

  Math

  Students in 3rd grade solve problems using all four operations and explore the concept of fractions using a hands-on approach. Collecting, organizing, and interpreting data becomes an integral part of the curriculum for 3rd graders.

  Science

  The topics covered in 3rd-grade science build on one another and increase in intellectual demand with the exploration of cause-and-effect relationships.

  Social Studies

  The goal in 3rd-grade social studies is to establish global awareness and wider worldviews in each child. In case studies, we examine the similarities and differences of communities around the world.

  Spanish

  In 3rd grade, students acquire Spanish language and Hispanic culture through direct instruction, authentic stories, traditional songs, and interactive activities. The students who meet expectations can communicate on very familiar topics using a variety of words and phrases to create simple sentences. Students identify differences and similarities between their own and others’ languages and cultures.
  
  

  Heritage Spanish Learners: The early Heritage Spanish curriculum provides learners with language experiences and activities which develop, reinforce and maintain literacy skills and oral fluency through age-appropriate thematic units. The language instruction builds upon and reinforces vocabulary by developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

• 4th Grade

  Language Arts

  Students explore the writing process, producing narrative, expository, and persuasive texts.
  
  Students read historical fiction, biographies, expository text, and additional chapter books of their choice. All books include an interdisciplinary activity that widens students’ experiences. 

  Math

  We know that mathematical principles play an integral role in our students’ daily lives, and our goal is to show 4th graders how they can apply these concepts to real-life situations. They appreciate the relevance of their learning and develop a deeper understanding of concepts through engaging hands-on experiences. 

  Science

  Our 4th-grade students evaluate different organisms’ structures, functions, and information-processing abilities as they relate to survival, growth, and behavior. 

  Social Studies

  Florida is the focus of 4th-grade social studies classes. Students better understand the origins of Florida, its people, and its environment. As they examine Florida’s history, they make connections between the past and the present. 

  Spanish

  In 4th grade, students acquire Spanish language and Hispanic culture through direct instruction, authentic stories, songs, interactive games, and activities. The students who meet expectations can communicate on very familiar topics using various words and are becoming more confident combining words and taking risks using the second language.
  
  

  Heritage Spanish Learners: The Heritage Spanish curriculum provides learners with language experiences and activities that develop literacy skills and oral fluency through age-appropriate thematic units. Students identify differences and similarities between their own and others’ languages and cultures.

• 5th Grade

  Language Arts

  When our 5th graders leave St. Thomas, they are strong and confident readers and writers. Students work in small groups and pursue topics that interest them in independent leisure reading.
  
  Our novel-based curriculum includes vocabulary and writing lessons built around the texts 5th graders are exploring.

  Math

  In 5th grade, we stress procedural skill and conceptual understanding, ensuring students absorb the critical concepts they will need to succeed in middle school. Students learn the real-world applications of fundamental geometric and algebraic concepts.

  Science

  Our 5th graders explore natural science systems in both classroom and laboratory settings. We introduce concepts in life and physical sciences in ways that prepare students for the range of courses they will experience in their middle school years.

  Social Studies

  Students dive into United States history beginning with causes of the American Revolution and ending with the effects of the American Civil War. Students gain knowledge of specific battles, understand the impact of war on our nation, and review current events that will determine the course of history.

  Spanish

  In 5th grade, students acquire Spanish language and Hispanic culture through authentic stories, songs, and interactive activities. They develop a global awareness of how culture shapes and extends their understanding of their heritage, values, beliefs, culture, and identity. The students who meet expectations can communicate and exchange information using phrases and simple sentences related to everyday life and familiar topics explored in class.
  
  

  Heritage Spanish Learners: This curriculum provides learners with language experiences and activities that develop literacy skills and oral fluency through age-appropriate thematic units. They develop global awareness of how culture shapes and extends their understanding of their own heritage, values, beliefs, culture, and identity.