Curriculum

1st Grade Curriculum

(overview)

Language Arts

The language arts program incorporates a balance of rich literature, grammar, and spelling. Instruction reflects integration of writing, speaking, listening, penmanship, and vocabulary development. The students communicate their growth in skills through a variety of methods, including projects, plays, games, reports, and lively discussions.

The first grade reading program is taught through a literature based anthology. An emphasis on phonics and a strong sight word vocabulary helps develop decoding and comprehension skills. Lessons focus on clear written and oral expression of thought. Small and whole group instruction and creative literacy centers enhance and compliment various learning centers.

Process writing in writer's workshop is introduced. Students brainstorm, write a rough draft, conference with a teacher, revise, share with peer writers, and publish a finished piece of writing. Writing is strengthened through the use of a journal, and the many opportunities students have for sharing creative writing. Grammar and spelling are taught in conjunction with the reading anthology. Students learn to apply grammar and spelling skills in written work, and they practice handwriting skills through the Handwriting Without Tears method.

Math

The mathematics program, based on Everyday Mathematics, builds on the students' capabilities by expanding their ideas and life experiences. Supported by a rich, hands-on curriculum, students strengthen mathematical thinking skills. The program covers a broad range of mathematical concepts with an emphasis on application of skills in daily life. Mathematics instruction includes ongoing review, daily routines, the use of games and projects, cooperative learning, and problem solving for everyday situations. Students gain number sense, an understanding of operations, knowledge of measurement, an appreciation of relationships in data, and experience with geometric principles.

First grade mathematics instruction focuses on:

• Establishing routines
• Using numbers in everyday life
• Recognizing visual patterns and number patterns
• Naming and constructing geometric shapes
• Working toward mastery of addition and subtractions to 20
• Developing skills in 2 digit addition and subtraction
• Introducing fraction and parts of a whole
• Learning to tell time to the hour, half hour, and 5 minute intervals
• Knowing the value of and counting sums of money
• Measuring in both the standard and metric systems
• Understanding place value to the hundred's place
• Recognizing visual and number patterns
• Developing mental math strategies
• Comprehending story problems

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum allows for an understanding of cultural diversity and human civil rights. Through various units of study, the students gain a knowledge of economic and social interdependence. Geographical concepts such as map and globe skills are incorporated into each unit. Students share their knowledge through activities, projects, and discussions.

The first grade social studies program focuses on the differences in cultures in our world. Each area of study integrates history, geography and traditions. With parent participation and support, various cultural backgrounds are explored. The children read, discuss, and problem solve relevant issues.

Science

Walker students use a hands-on, inquiry based science curriculum. Experiences appropriate to the students' developmental level are used as a way of asking and answering questions. The children often work in collaborative groups as they use the scientific processes to explore a variety of content areas. Each grade has opportunities to investigate the areas of life, earth and physical science, as well as environmental concerns.

The first grade explores the content areas of insects, pebbles, sand and silt, and balance and motion. The units are used as a basis for gaining awareness of the scientific methods of observing, comparing, organizing, and applying learned principles. Science classes are held in our elementary science room.

Art

Creativity and appreciation of children's art work are given great emphasis at The Walker School. Children work in an environment that fosters respect for their unique and original art and encourages respect for the work of others. The art curriculum offers well-rounded and varied art experiences for children in first through fifth grade in the school's well-equipped Art Lab. The students look at their projects and assignments as opportunities for problem solving as they work with a wide range of media, projects, and themes within each grade level. Students enjoy creating a variety of ceramic projects making use of the Art Lab's large kiln, slab roller, and professional pottery tools. Through art projects and class discussions, students are introduced to art vocabulary, elements of design, and principles of design as they progress through Lower School. In Pursuit of the Arts, a month long celebration of the arts, includes art exhibits, music presentations, dramatic performances, visiting authors and artists, workshops, and discovery courses.

Character Education

Character Education in the Lower School is a highly visible and cooperative program which is integrated across the curriculum at each grade level and throughout the special areas. Classroom activities and group meetings, bulletin board displays, assembly performances and closed-circuit video productions are all designed to highlight a special virtue each month. Additionally, student participation in various service projects throughout the school year is a vital component.

Computer

In computer class students use educational software to enhance language arts, math, social studies, and science skills. Classroom and computer teachers work together closely to make sure that the selected software is relevant to topics being taught in the classroom. In addition, students learn computer literacy through a progression of basic skills including key board functions, network logging in, internet research, e-mail access, and word processing.

Counseling and Guidance

The Lower School counseling program consists of monthly classroom guidance lessons on character education, peer relations, conflict resolution and other subjects of interest for elementary age students. Self-esteem, divorce/loss, and friendship groups are also available for children as are individual sessions for concerns in these and other relevant developmental areas.

Library

The Lower School media center supports the curriculum by helping students develop skills to locate, understand, interpret, and communicate information and ideas from books, periodicals, and computer sources. Through the library program, students develop an appreciation of literature, a love of reading, and independent research skills. The collection consists of over 13,000 books. A computerized card catalog provides access to a variety of print, non-print, and electronic sources. The students come to the library once a week to learn library skills, listen to stories, and interact with peers through different types of literature. In addition, story tellers and authors visit throughout the school year.

Music

Music offers an outlet for self-expression and group participation. Through singing, instruments, movement and listening, students experience the many facets of this art. The culmination of music study for grades 1-5 is the annual Spring Play, which incorporates drama, singing and dancing.

Physical Education

The goal of the Physical Education program is to promote the appreciation of a healthy lifestyle through the development of basic physical skills. A variety of developmentally appropriate activities emphasizes coordination, physical fitness, sportsmanship, team work, sport specific skills, and fun. The activities work toward individual improvement and self confidence.

Spanish

The study of a foreign language prepares students to compete and cooperate in the international arena and helps to promote multi-cultural understanding. Instruction in grades 1-5 introduces students to pronunciation and intonation patterns as well as Spanish vocabulary. This is done primarily through listening and speaking skills. The program of study is flexible to allow for different levels of competency among the students.

2nd Grade Curriculum
(overview)

Language Arts

The language arts program incorporates a balance of rich literature, grammar, and spelling. Instruction reflects integration of writing, speaking, listening, penmanship, and vocabulary development. The students communicate their growth in skills through a variety of method, including projects, plays, games, reports, and lively discussions.

The second grade reading program is taught through a literature based anthology. Additional fiction and nonfiction integrates with the social studies units. Development of research skill begins with the use of nonfiction books. Lessons focus on phonemic awareness, comprehension skills, and vocabulary building. The children share their knowledge through class discussions, written and oral reports, workbooks, and critical and creative thinking activities.

The writing process is taught throughout the content areas. Creative prose and poetry are written in response to a variety of stimuli, including music, pictures, and literature. Grammar and spelling are taught through textbooks and in conjunction with the literature program. In addition to the phonics based spelling program, the children are held accountable for a core of high frequency words used in the text and in daily written work. Manuscript and cursive handwriting are taught through the D'Nealian method.

Math

The mathematics program, based on Everyday Mathematics, builds on the students' capabilities by expanding their ideas and life experiences. Supported by a rich, hands-on curriculum, students strengthen mathematical thinking skills. The program covers a broad range of mathematical concepts with an emphasis on application of skills in daily life. Mathematics instruction includes ongoing review, daily routines, the use of games and projects, cooperative learning, and problem solving for everyday situations. Students gain number sense, an understanding of operations, knowledge of measurement, an appreciation of relationships in data, and experience with geometric principles.

Second grade mathematics instruction focuses on:

• Developing mastery of addition and subtraction problems and using these in problem solving settings
• Developing mental arithmetic skills using addition and subtraction
• Writing and solving number stories
• Developing classification skills using two and three dimensional shapes
• Exploring patterns in numbers
• Exploring fractions of regions and collections of objects, and relations among fractions (equal to, less than, and greater than)
• Measuring in both the standard and metric systems, using appropriate measuring tools
• Extending work with money and fractions into decimal notation for dollar and cents amounts
• Developing place value concepts into the ten thousands
• Learning to tell time to the one minute interval on both digital and analog clock, and exploring the concept of elapsed time
• Using calculators as tools for counting, displaying numbers, and problem solving particularly with relatively large numbers

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum allows for an understanding of cultural diversity and human civil rights. Through various units of study, the students gain a knowledge of economic and social interdependence. Geographical concepts such as map and globe skills are incorporated into each unit. Students share their knowledge through activities, projects, and discussions.

The second grade social studies program focuses on the study of community from the immediate environment to the world at large. The children explore geography, history, economics, citizenship and current events through field trips, interviewing family and community members, and running a small business. Students read and interpret data using maps, tables and graphs.

Science

Walker students use a hands-on, inquiry based science curriculum. Experiences appropriate to the students' developmental levels are used as a way of asking and answering questions. The children often work in collaborative groups as they use the scientific processes to explore a variety of content areas. Each grade has opportunities to investigate the areas of life, earth and physical science, as well as environmental concerns.

The second grade explores the content areas of new plants, solids and liquids, and air and weather. The units are used as a basis for gaining awareness of the scientific methods of observing, comparing, organizing, relating and classifying, and applying learned principles. Science classes are held in our elementary science room.

Art

Creativity and appreciation of children's art work are given great emphasis at The Walker School. Children work in an environment that fosters respect for their unique and original art and encourages respect for the work of others. The art curriculum offers well-rounded and varied art experiences for children in first through fifth grade in the school's well-equipped Art Lab. The students look at their projects and assignments as opportunities for problem solving as they work with a wide range of media, projects, and themes within each grade level. Students enjoy creating a variety of ceramic projects making use of the Art Lab's large kiln, slab roller, and professional pottery tools. Through art projects and class discussions, students are introduced to art vocabulary, elements of design, and principles of design as they progress through Lower School. In Pursuit of the Arts, a month long celebration of the arts, includes art exhibits, music presentations, dramatic performances, visiting authors and artists, workshops, and discovery courses.

Character Education

Character Education in the Lower School is a highly visible and cooperative program which is integrated across the curriculum at each grade level and throughout the special areas. Classroom activities and group meetings, bulletin board displays, assembly performances and closed-circuit video productions are all designed to highlight a special virtue each month. Additionally, student participation in various service projects throughout the school year is a vital component.

Computer

In computer class students use educational software to enhance language arts, math, social studies, and science skills. Classroom and computer teachers work together closely to make sure that the selected software is relevant to topics being taught in the classroom. In addition, students learn computer literacy through a progression of basic skills including key board functions, network logging in, internet research, e-mail access, and word processing.

Counseling and Guidance

The Lower School counseling program consists of monthly classroom guidance lessons on character education, peer relations, conflict resolution and other subjects of interest for elementary age students. Self-esteem, divorce/loss, and friendship groups are also available for children, as are individual sessions for concerns in these and other relevant developmental areas.

Library

The Lower School media center supports the curriculum by helping students develop skills to locate, understand, interpret, and communicate information and ideas from books, periodicals, and computer sources. Through the library program, students develop an appreciation of literature, a love of reading, and independent research skills. The collection consists of over 13,000 books. A computerized card catalog provides access to a variety of print, non-print, and electronic sources. The students come to the library once a week to learn library skills, listen to stories, and interact with peers through different types of literature. In addition, story tellers and authors visit throughout the school year.

Music

Music offers an outlet for self-expression and group participation. Through singing, instruments, movement and listening, students experience the many facets of this art. The culmination of music study for grades 1-5 is the annual Spring Play, which incorporates drama, singing and dancing.

Physical Education

The goal of the Physical Education program is to promote the appreciation of a healthy lifestyle through the development of basic physical skills. A variety of developmentally appropriate activities emphasizes coordination, physical fitness, sportsmanship, team work, sport specific skills, and fun. The activities work toward individual improvement and self confidence.

Spanish

The study of a foreign language prepares students to compete and cooperate in the international arena and helps to promote multi-cultural understanding. Instruction in grades K-5 introduces students to pronunciation and intonation patterns as well as Spanish vocabulary. This is done primarily through listening and speaking skills. The program of study is flexible to allow for different levels of competency among the students.

3rd Grade Curriculum
(overview)

Language Arts

The language arts program incorporates a balance of rich literature, grammar, and spelling. Instruction reflects integration of writing, speaking, listening, penmanship, and vocabulary development. The students communicate their growth in skills through a variety of methods, including projects, plays, games, reports, and lively discussions.

The third grade reading program is taught through a literature based anthology. Additional fiction and nonfiction integrate with the social studies units. Development of research skills begins with the use of nonfiction books. Lessons focus on phonemic awareness, comprehension skills, and vocabulary building. The students communicate their growth in skills through a variety of methods, including projects, plays, games, tests, quizzes, oral written reports, and discussions.

The skills of the third grade reading program are integrated into all reading experiences. Much of the literature correlates with the social studies and science units of study. Lessons focus on comprehension skills, vocabulary, critical reading, and clear written and oral expression of thought. The Accelerated Reader Program supports and enriches the program at various reading levels. The children share their knowledge through culmination projects, reports, discussions, and extension activities.

Various forms of writing are introduced in third grade. Good sentence and paragraph structure help prepare students for short essay answers, written reports, and short research papers. Poetry, prose, and creative writing cover a variety of subject areas. Grammar is taught through the reading, and writing is applied in various activities. Spelling is taught through a textbook with emphasis on correct spelling in all areas. Good cursive handwriting is practiced using the D'Nealian method.

Math

The mathematics program, based on Everyday Mathematics, builds on the students' capabilities by expanding their ideas and life experiences. Supported by a rich, hands-on curriculum, students strengthen mathematical thinking skills. The program covers a broad range of mathematical concepts with an emphasis on application of skills in daily life. Mathematics instruction includes ongoing review, daily routines, the use of games and projects, cooperative learning, and problem solving for everyday situations. Students gain number sense, an understanding of operations, knowledge of measurement, an appreciation of relationships in data, and experience with geometric principles.

Third grade mathematics instruction focuses on:

• Understanding number families
• Understanding and using money
• Solving problems (adding and subtracting four-digit numbers, multiplying using basic facts as well as multiplying multi-digits times one digit, and division including problems with remainders) including word problems and problems using money
• Understanding place value (to the billion's place) and organizing data
• Applying number sense to recognize reasonable answers and to detect errors
• Understanding decimals (to the thousandths place) and fractions
• Measuring in both the standard and metric systems
• Naming both flat and 3-dimensional geometric shapes
• Developing place value concepts into the ten thousands
• Using estimates to increase mental math strategies

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum allows for an understanding of cultural diversity and human civil rights. Through various units of study, the students gain a knowledge of economic and social interdependence. Geographical concepts such as map and globe skills are incorporated into each unit. Students share their knowledge through activities, projects, and discussions.

The third grade social studies program focuses on the geographical formations in the world and the settling of this country. The students see the cause and effect of events in history and gain an awareness of how these events relate to them and their lives. They learn researching and collaborative working skills through the study of early America and Ancient Egypt. The children read and discuss information learned through varied factual material, historical fiction, and current events.

Science

Walker students use a hands-on, inquiry based science curriculum. Experiences appropriate to the students' developmental levels are used as a way of asking and answering questions. The children often work in collaborative groups as they use the scientific processes to explore a variety of content areas. Each grade has opportunities to investigate the areas of life, earth and physical science, as well as environmental concerns.

The third grade explores the content areas of ideas and inventions, the human body, water, sound, and environmental concerns focusing on tropical rain forests. The units are used as a basis for gaining awareness of the scientific methods of observing, comparing, organizing, relating and classifying, and applying learned principles. Science classes are held in our elementary science room.

Art

Creativity and appreciation of children's art work are given great emphasis at The Walker School. Children work in an environment that fosters respect for their unique and original art and encourages respect for the work of others. The art curriculum offers well-rounded and varied art experiences for children in first through fifth grade in the school's well-equipped Art Lab. The students look at their projects and assignments as opportunities for problem solving as they work with a wide range of media, projects, and themes within each grade level. Students enjoy creating a variety of ceramic projects making use of the Art Lab's large kiln, slab roller, and professional pottery tools. Through art projects and class discussions, students are introduced to art vocabulary, elements of design, and principles of design as they progress through Lower School. In Pursuit of the Arts, a month long celebration of the arts, includes art exhibits, music presentations, dramatic performances, visiting authors and artists, workshops, and discovery courses.

Character Education

Character Education in the Lower School is a highly visible and cooperative program which is integrated across the curriculum at each grade level and throughout the special areas. Classroom activities and group meetings, bulletin board displays, assembly performances and closed-circuit video productions are all designed to highlight a special virtue each month. Additionally, student participation in various service projects throughout the school year is a vital component.

Computer

In computer class students use educational software to enhance language arts, math, social studies, and science skills. Classroom and computer teachers work together closely to make sure that the selected software is relevant to topics being taught in the classroom. In addition, students learn computer literacy through a progression of basic skills including key board functions, network logging in, internet research, e-mail access, and word processing.

Counseling and Guidance

The Lower School counseling program consists of monthly classroom guidance lessons on character education, peer relations, conflict resolution and other subjects of interest for elementary age students. Self-esteem, divorce/loss, and friendship groups are also available for children, as are individual sessions for concerns in these and other relevant developmental areas.

Library

The Lower School media center supports the curriculum by helping students develop skills to locate, understand, interpret, and communicate information and ideas from books, periodicals, and computer sources. Through the library program, students develop an appreciation of literature, a love of reading, and independent research skills. The collection consists of over 13,000 books. A computerized card catalog provides access to a variety of print, non-print, and electronic sources. The students come to the library once a week to learn library skills, listen to stories, and interact with peers through different types of literature. In addition, story tellers and authors visit throughout the school year.

Music

Music offers an outlet for self-expression and group participation. Through singing, instruments, movement and listening, students experience the many facets of this art. The culmination of music study for grades 1-5 is the annual Spring Play, which incorporates drama, singing and dancing.

Physical Education

The goal of the Physical Education program is to promote the appreciation of a healthy lifestyle through the development of basic physical skills. A variety of developmentally appropriate activities emphasizes coordination, physical fitness, sportsmanship, team work, sport specific skills, and fun. The activities work toward individual improvement and self confidence.

Spanish

The study of a foreign language prepares students to compete and cooperate in the international arena and helps to promote multi-cultural understanding. Instruction in grades 1-5 introduces students to pronunciation and intonation patterns as well as Spanish vocabulary. This is done primarily through listening and speaking skills. The program of study is flexible to allow for different levels of competency among the students.

4th Grade Curriculum

Language Arts
(overview)

The language arts program incorporates a balance of rich literature, grammar, and spelling. Instruction reflects integration of writing, reading, speaking, listening, penmanship, and vocabulary development. The students communicate their growth in skills through a variety of methods, including projects, plays, games, reports, and lively discussions.

The fourth grade reading program is literature based, with an emphasis on integrating skills through quality fiction and nonfiction. Some of the literature correlates with the social studies units of study. Lessons focus on various comprehension skills, vocabulary, critical reading, and clear written and oral expression of thought. The children share their knowledge through culmination projects, reports, in class writing responses, discussions, impromptu play acting, individual conferencing, and extension activities.

Process writing in writers' workshop allows students to brainstorm, write a rough draft, conference with a teacher, revise, share with peer writers, and publish a finished piece of writing. The children write in conjunction with all their subjects, expressing opinions and direct answers in paragraph and short essay form. They respond to literature through journals, reports, creative prose and poetry, and research. Grammar is taught through a textbook in connection with literature and is applied in various writing and speaking activities. Students continue to focus on application of spelling skills in written work and practice good cursive handwriting skills through the D'Nealian method.

Math
(overview)

The mathematics program, based on Everyday Mathematics, builds on the students' capabilities by expanding their ideas and life experiences. Supported by a rich, hands-on curriculum, students strengthen mathematical thinking skills. The program covers a broad range of mathematical concepts with an emphasis on application of skills in daily life. Mathematics instruction includes ongoing review, daily routines, the use of games and projects, cooperative learning, and problem solving for everyday situations. Students gain number sense, an understanding of operations, knowledge of measurement, an appreciation of relationships in data, and experience with geometric principles.

Fourth grade mathematics instruction focuses on:

• Naming and constructing geometric figures
• Using large numbers and organizing data
• Solving problems using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; (gaining mastery of addition and subtraction while developing skills in 2 digit multiplication and division)
• Applying number sense to recognize reasonable answers and to detect errors
• Understanding and using decimals, fractions, and percents, including converting from one to the other, ordering, comparing, adding, and subtracting
• Measuring, in both the standard and metric systems, and using appropriate measurement tools, including a protractor
• Understanding probability
• Naming both flat and 3-dimensional geometric shapes
• Using estimates to increase mental math strategies
  

Social Studies
(overview)

The social studies curriculum allows for an understanding of cultural diversity and human civil rights. Through various units of study, the students gain a knowledge of economic and social interdependence. Geographical concepts such as map and globe skills are incorporated into each unit. Students share their knowledge through activities, projects, and discussions.

The fourth grade social studies program focuses on American History through the Civil War. Each area of study integrates history, economics, citizenship, and geography. The students see the cause and effect of events in history and gain an awareness of how these events relate to them and their lives. They learn researching skills through studying about the American Revolution. The children read, discuss, and debate relevant issues, and enhance their learning through reading additional factual material and historical fiction.

Science
(overview)

Walker students use a hands-on, inquiry based science curriculum. Experiences appropriate to the students' developmental levels are used as a way of asking and answering questions. The children often work in collaborative groups as they use the scientific processes to explore a variety of content areas. Each grade has opportunities to investigate the areas of life, earth and physical science, as well as environmental concerns.

The fourth grade explores the content areas of metric measurement, bones and the body, magnetism and electricity, and nutrition. The units are used as a basis for gaining awareness of the scientific methods of observing, comparing, organizing, relating and classifying, and applying learned principles. Science classes are held in our elementary science room.

Art

Creativity and appreciation of children's art work are given great emphasis at The Walker School. Children work in an environment that fosters respect for their unique and original art and encourages respect for the work of others. The art curriculum offers well-rounded and varied art experiences for children in first through fifth grade in the school's well-equipped Art Lab. The students look at their projects and assignments as opportunities for problem solving as they work with a wide range of media, projects, and themes within each grade level. Students enjoy creating a variety of ceramic projects making use of the Art Lab's large kiln, slab roller, and professional pottery tools. Through art projects and class discussions, students are introduced to art vocabulary, elements of design, and principles of design as they progress through Lower School. In Pursuit of the Arts, a month long celebration of the arts, includes art exhibits, music presentations, dramatic performances, visiting authors and artists, workshops, and discovery courses.

Character Education

Character Education in the Lower School is a highly visible and cooperative program which is integrated across the curriculum at each grade level and throughout the special areas. Classroom activities and group meetings, bulletin board displays, assembly performances and closed-circuit video productions are all designed to highlight a special virtue each month. Additionally, student participation in various service projects throughout the school year is a vital component.

Computer

In computer class students use educational software to enhance language arts, math, social studies, and science skills. Classroom and computer teachers work together closely to make sure that the selected software is relevant to topics being taught in the classroom. In addition, students learn computer literacy through a progression of basic skills including key board functions, network logging in, Internet research, e-mail access, and word processing.

Counseling and Guidance

The Lower School counseling program consists of monthly classroom guidance lessons on character education, peer relations, conflict resolution and other subjects of interest for elementary age students. Self-esteem, divorce/loss, and friendship groups are also available for children, as are individual sessions for concerns in these and other relevant developmental areas.

Library

The Lower School media center supports the curriculum by helping students develop skills to locate, understand, interpret, and communicate information and ideas from books, periodicals, and computer sources. Through the library program, students develop an appreciation of literature, a love of reading, and independent research skills. The collection consists of over 13,000 books. A computerized card catalog provides access to a variety of print, non-print, and electronic sources. The students come to the library once a week to learn library skills, listen to stories, and interact with peers through different types of literature. In addition, story tellers and authors visit throughout the school year.

Music

Music offers an outlet for self-expression and group participation. Through singing, instruments, movement and listening, students experience the many facets of this art. The culmination of music study for grades 1-5 is the annual Spring Play, which incorporates drama, singing and dancing.

Physical Education

The goal of the Physical Education program is to promote the appreciation of a healthy lifestyle through the development of basic physical skills. A variety of developmentally appropriate activities emphasizes coordination, physical fitness, sportsmanship, team work, sport specific skills, and fun. The activities work toward individual improvement and self confidence.

Spanish

The study of a foreign language prepares students to compete and cooperate in the international arena and helps to promote multi-cultural understanding. Instruction in grades 1-5 introduces students to pronunciation and intonation patterns as well as Spanish vocabulary. This is done primarily through listening and speaking skills. The program of study is flexible to allow for different levels of competency among the students.

5th Grade Curriculum

Language Arts
(reading overview) | (spelling overview) | (writing overview) | (english overview)

The language arts program incorporates a balance of rich literature, grammar, and spelling. Instruction reflects integration of writing, speaking, listening, penmanship, and vocabulary development. The students communicate their growth in skills through a variety of methods, including projects, plays, games, reports, and lively discussions.

The fifth grade reading program is integrated with science and social studies. Skills are taught through reading quality fiction, non-fiction, and newspapers. Lessons focus on the strategies readers use to understand text and become life-long critical readers. The emphasis is upon comprehension skills, vocabulary development, literary devices and clear written and oral expression of thought. Students share their knowledge through written and oral responses, projects, reports, class and small group work, drama, art, and extension activities.

A variety of genres of written work is produced across all subject areas. Students express opinions and thinking processes with direct answers in paragraph and short essay form. Students brainstorm, write rough drafts, conference with teachers, revise, share with peer writers, and publish finished pieces of writing. They write for specific purposes and audiences through creative prose and poetry, reports, and research. Mini-lessons which involve spelling rules and skills are taught, and students continue to focus on application of spelling skills in written work. Grammar is taught through a textbook and is applied through various writing and speaking activities across the curriculum. Handwriting and word-processing applications are used to produce work.

Math
(overview)

The mathematics program, based on Everyday Mathematics, builds on the students' capabilities by expanding their ideas and life experiences. Supported by a rich, hands-on curriculum, students strengthen mathematical thinking skills. The program covers a broad range of mathematical concepts with an emphasis on application of skills in daily life. Mathematics instruction includes ongoing review, daily routines, the use of games and projects, cooperative learning, and problem solving for everyday situations. Students gain number sense, an understanding of operations, knowledge of measurement, an appreciation of relationships in data, and experience with geometric principles.

Fifth grade mathematics instruction focuses on:

• Having a successful strategy for solving multi-digit addition and subtraction problems containing whole numbers, mixed numbers, and decimals
• Explaining the relationship between multiplication and division, solving multi-digit multiplication problems and division problems with two digit divisors
• Finding the square root of a number and the prime factorization of a number
• Identifying place value to the trillions and thousandths places
• Using a compass, protractor, and template to draw and measure polygons
• Expressing the probability of an event as a fraction, percent, and decimal
• Understanding area, perimeter, radius, diameter, circumference, parallel lines, acute, obtuse, straight, reflex and right angles, and classifying polygons and polyhedrons by their properties
• Having a successful strategy for comparing, adding, subtracting, and multiplying mixed numbers and fractions with like and unlike denominators
• Using order of operation, parentheses, exponential notation and scientific notation in number models
• Performing operations with positive and negative numbers
• Writing algebraic expressions to represent situations and solving linear equations
• Choosing samples, developing questions and procedures, collecting, organizing and displaying data, finding statistical landmarks, and using graphs and tables to record and interpret data
• Using formulas to solve problems such as capacity and volume

Social Studies
(overview)

The social studies curriculum allows for an understanding of cultural diversity and human civil rights. Through various units of study, the students gain a knowledge of economic and social interdependence. Geographical concepts such as map and globe skills are incorporated into each unit. Students share their knowledge through activities, projects, and discussions.

The fifth grade social studies program centers on understanding the impact the ancient culture of Greece has had on that of the U.S., and the relevance of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution for today's America. Each area of study integrates history, economics and citizenship. Students learn researching and collaborative working skills through the study of Ancient Greece, the American Revolution, and the Civil Rights Movement. The children read, discuss, and debate relevant issues, and enhance their learning through the additional study of varied factual material and historical fiction.

Science
(overview)

Walker students use a hands-on, inquiry based science curriculum. Experiences appropriate to the students' developmental levels are used as a way of asking and answering questions. The children often work in collaborative groups as they use the scientific processes to explore a variety of content areas. Each grade has opportunities to investigate the areas of life, earth and physical science, as well as environmental concerns.

The fifth grade explores the content areas of chemistry, zoology (vertebrate and invertebrate), botany and ecology. The units are used as a basis for gaining awareness of the scientific methods of observing, comparing, organizing, relating and classifying, hypothesizing, drawing conclusions, and applying learned principles. Students integrate the scientific process with research and writing skills in preparation for Middle School science fairs.

Art

Creativity and appreciation of children's art work are given great emphasis at The Walker School. Children work in an environment that fosters respect for their unique and original art and encourages respect for the work of others. The art curriculum offers well-rounded and varied art experiences for children in first through fifth grade in the school's well-equipped Art Lab. The students look at their projects and assignments as opportunities for problem solving as they work with a wide range of media, projects, and themes within each grade level. Students enjoy creating a variety of ceramic projects making use of the Art Lab's large kiln, slab roller, and professional pottery tools. Through art projects and class discussions, students are introduced to art vocabulary, elements of design, and principles of design as they progress through Lower School. In Pursuit of the Arts, a month long celebration of the arts, includes art exhibits, music presentations, dramatic performances, visiting authors and artists, workshops, and discovery courses.

Character Education

Character Education in the Lower School is a highly visible and cooperative program which is integrated across the curriculum at each grade level and throughout the special areas. Classroom activities and group meetings, bulletin board displays, assembly performances and closed-circuit video productions are all designed to highlight a special virtue each month. Additionally, student participation in various service projects throughout the school year is a vital component.

Computer

In computer class students use educational software to enhance language arts, math, social studies, and science skills. Classroom and computer teachers work together closely to make sure that the selected software is relevant to topics being taught in the classroom. In addition, students learn computer literacy through a progression of basic skills including key board functions, network logging in, internet research, e-mail access, and word processing.

Counseling and Guidance

The Lower School counseling program consists of monthly classroom guidance lessons on character education, peer relations, conflict resolution and other subjects of interest for elementary age students. Self-esteem, divorce/loss, and friendship groups are also available for children, as are individual sessions for concerns in these and other relevant developmental areas.

Library

The Lower School media center supports the curriculum by helping students develop skills to locate, understand, interpret, and communicate information and ideas from books, periodicals, and computer sources. Through the library program, students develop an appreciation of literature, a love of reading, and independent research skills. The collection consists of over 13,000 books. A computerized card catalog provides access to a variety of print, non-print, and electronic sources. The students come to the library once a week to learn library skills, listen to stories, and interact with peers through different types of literature. In addition, story tellers and authors visit throughout the school year.

Music

Music offers an outlet for self-expression and group participation. Through singing, instruments, movement and listening, students experience the many facets of this art. The culmination of music study for grades 1-5 is the annual Spring Play, which incorporates drama, singing and dancing.

Physical Education

The goal of the Physical Education program is to promote the appreciation of a healthy lifestyle through the development of basic physical skills. A variety of developmentally appropriate activities emphasizes coordination, physical fitness, sportsmanship, team work, sport specific skills, and fun. The activities work toward individual improvement and self confidence.

Spanish

The study of a foreign language prepares students to compete and cooperate in the international arena and helps to promote multi-cultural understanding. Instruction in grades 1-5 introduces students to pronunciation and intonation patterns as well as Spanish vocabulary. This is done primarily through listening and speaking skills. The program of study is flexible to allow for different levels of competency among the students.