Academic Excellence

Reading
Designed to develop a well-rounded reader, the curriculum emphasizes applying phonics skills, word recognition, and identification of story elements. Using a combination of a reading series, short books, and modeling activities, children are taught to be competent, expressive, and fluent readers.

Handwriting
Children begin formal instruction of the Calvert Script. While focusing on proper pencil grip and writing position, children learn the formation of letters. Upon mastering the script, children begin writing short compositions.

Composition
Composition is a step-by-step process in which the children learn to construct sentences and then paragraphs in logical order, while being creative and descriptive. The children brainstorm topics and learn about main ideas, paragraph structure, and the basic mechanics of writing.

Spelling
Each lesson is organized around a common spelling theme, such as short vowels or words with similar sounds. High frequency words and phonics skills are emphasized. Phonics concepts become more complex through the year, and visual awareness of spelling patterns is developed. Dictation is also introduced to reinforce handwriting, spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, and auditory skills using high frequency words from the spelling program.

Mathematics
Using the Math Connects series and accompanying enrichment materials, math instruction continues to focus on fundamentals. Children master addition and subtraction facts, build number sense, and are taught using practical applications of time, money, and measurement concepts. Addition and subtraction with regrouping is introduced as well as geometry and basic word problems. Children are grouped in small, developmentally-based sections, and a variety of hands-on activities are used to further enhance the curriculum.

Geography
Geography is introduced beginning with instruction of basic map skills including learning how to read a map, use a key or legend, understand directional words, and apply a compass rose. Children then move to geographical vocabulary to learn about neighborhoods, cities, countries, capitals, continents, and oceans.