The manuscript utilized in this program is designed to aid children in making the transition to cursive writing in third grade. Fifth grade language arts classes include instruction in study skills, grammar, parts of speech, paragraph development, research writing, creative writing, and oral fluency. Our math program emphasizes the need for students to understand concepts, know basic facts, efficiently use computational skills, and apply appropriate problem solving strategies. Addition, subtraction, and multiplication facts are expected to be mastered before the end of fourth grade. When students achieve sixth grade status, they should be able to independently take notes, outline, summarize, do research in our library and on the internet, write and orally present coherent reports.
Computers are another tool available to the students and their teachers.
Weekly, children visit our technology lab for instruction. They also may utilize these computers during open lab time if deemed appropriate by their teachers. New computers are scheduled to be added to each of our classrooms beginning in January, 2001. Having five or six classroom computers should facilitate the integration of technology into our curriculum. Homework is given by teachers to reinforce classroom work.