2355 Lake Street San Francisco, CA 94121 Tel: (415) 750-8390 Fax: (415) 751-2011 www.kittredge.org Established 1944

CURRICULUM SYNOPSIS

GRADES: KINDERGARTEN | FIRST | SECOND | THIRD | FOURTH | FIFTH | SIXTH | SEVENTH | EIGHTH |

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SECOND GRADE

Reading/Literature Word attack skills will be introduced and developed to improve vocabulary and comprehension. Word recognition and meaning will be emphasized, including words with multiple meanings. A continuing emphasis will be placed upon helping each student become an independent reader. Reading aloud by the teacher and other competent readers will be used to introduce and support the excitement which comes from books. Students will read aloud with proper phrasing and expression. The difference between fiction and non-fiction will be illustrated. English/Language Arts Writing will be expected every day. Proper sentence structure, punctuation and capitalization will be emphasized, including both declarative and interrogative forms. Students will begin to write in paragraphs. Vocabulary words used in reading, spelling lessons, and special words from content areas will be used for individual sentence construction. Students will write stories, poems, keep journals, and write letters and reports. Various types of writing (expository, narrative, descriptive) will be explored. Students will begin to edit their writing. Dictionary skills will be introduced. Mathematics Students will continue to develop basic understanding of numerals and numbers, including place values. Emphasis will be placed on the operations of addition and subtraction along with whole number multiplication. The concepts of time and money will be explored. Students will estimate using standard units of measure. Word problems will be used to insure understanding and develop critical thinking. Students will interpret simple graphs. Social Science Students will explore the natural landscape and the human history of the United States. They will begin to understand the interdependence of people, animals and land. The desert, prairie and woodlands will be studied in depth, as well as the native Americans who lived in these environments. Students will study the European settlement of the US, the nation today and our current use of the land to meet our needs. Preservation of resources and natural beauty will be emphasized. Science The wonder of the natural world will be the stepping stone for learning. Units will include reusing, recycling, the food web, sharks, honeybees and digestion. Science instruction will promote critical and creative thinking. As part of this process students will view videos, write a research report, and go on field trips. Other Formal instruction in SPANISH will be provided several times a week. PHYSICAL EDUCATION instruction will occur every day. MUSIC, DRAMA and ART instruction will be included once each week. Classroom COMPUTERS will be used to introduce elementary word processing in conjunction with written class assignments. Several FIELD TRIPS will be scheduled throughout the year.

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THIRD GRADE

Reading/Literature Students will continue to develop the skills necessary for successful reading. Emphasis will be placed upon comprehension and appreciation. Students will experience a variety of literature including fables, fairy tales, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. A variety of book report forms will be used. Students will study phonics and grammar to strengthen reading and writing skills. Narration and dialogue will be differentiated, as will fact and opinion. English/Language Arts Writing as a process will be studied as students learn the basics of prewriting, drafting, and editing their work. Proper sentence structure, punctuation, spelling, and paragraph development will be integral parts of the program. Basic parts of speech will be explored. Word roots and differences in plural and possessive forms will be introduced. Students will utilize both descriptive and persuasive writing. Speaking clearly, and speaking before an audience will be emphasized. Mathematics Students will continue developing the basic skills involved in the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers. Knowledge of fractions will be extended, along with simple geometric concepts. Decimal concepts concerning money will be explored. Social Science Students will explore the natural landscape and the human history of the United States. They will begin to understand the interdependence of people, animals and land. The desert, prairie and woodlands will be studied in depth, as well as the native Americans who lived in these environments. Students will study the European settlement of the US, the nation today and our current use of the land to meet our needs. Preservation of resources and natural beauty will be emphasized. Science The wonder of the natural world will be the stepping stone for learning. Units will include reusing, recycling, the food web, sharks, honeybees and digestion. Science instruction will promote critical and creative thinking. As part of this process students will view videos, write a research report, and go on field trips. Other Formal instruction in SPANISH will be provided several times a week. PHYSICAL EDUCATION instruction will occur every day. MUSIC, DRAMA and ART instruction will be included once each week. Classroom COMPUTERS will be used to introduce elementary word processing in conjunction with written class assignments. Several FIELD TRIPS will be scheduled throughout the year.

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FIFTH GRADE

Reading/Literature The reading program consists of three main parts: group reading, pleasure reading, and read-aloud. Emphasis is placed on comprehension and appreciation. Through reading, discussions, and activities, the students are introduced to the various literary terms, styles of writing, and basic formats for writing comprehensive book reports. English/Language Arts The students will develop their language skills through writing, reading, spelling, speaking, and grammar activities. Effective expression of language is studied by taking a closer look at sentences, paragraphs, and then longer pieces of writing. One of the main goals of the language program is to help the students become more comfortable expressing their own ideas. Mathematics The students will continue to develop the basic skills involved in the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The concepts of fractions, decimals, percents, integers, measurement, and geometry are extended. Developing good problem solving skills is a major emphasis throughout the year. Social Science Through reading, writing, video, class presentations, and other activities, the students will study United States history and its relationship to the world. Topics will include the Native Americans, explorers, the colonies, independence, the western movement, the Civil War, the industrial revolution, immigration, the world wars, civil rights, and the environment. Science Through reading, experiments, note-taking, demonstrations, and individual and small group activities, students will focus their attention on general science topics, including plants, animals, matter, oceans, energy and motion. A short human sexuality unit will also be included. Computer Throughout the year, the students will use the computer for a variety of assignments. Computer skills related to the keyboard, the mouse, touch typing, pull-down menus, windows, graphic design, fonts, cutting and pasting, saving files, printing, as well as others, are introduced. Other Formal instruction in SPANISH will be provided several times a week, and PHYSICAL EDUCATION will be taught every day. MUSIC, DRAMA and ART instruction will be provided once a week. Appropriate planned educational and cultural FIELD TRIPS will be scheduled throughout the year.

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SIXTH GRADE

Reading/Literature Students will read selected stories and books for the purpose of participating in class and small group discussions and will perform tasks to reinforce accurate use of literary terms and techniques, increased vocabulary development as well as phonics and other reading skills. Students will also be involved in an Independent Reading Workshop throughout the year. They will be guided to choose their literature and therefore exert ownership. Weekly responses will be in journals in the form of letters to the teacher and/or peers. Analysis and critique will be emphasized. English/Language Arts Students will further develop their skills in writing sentences, various types of paragraphs, narratives, book reviews and research reports. Planning, revising and editing is stressed throughout. In the area of grammar, students study parts of speech and punctuation. Spelling, handwriting, and drama are also reinforced. Mathematics Students will work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and integers in all of the operations. Other areas of study include simple geometry, percent, measurement, problem solving and applied math. Students also practice their writing and speaking skills as they demonstrate concepts to the class or work on problem solving in small groups. Social Science Students study ancient civilizations of the world, beginning with the earliest people, Mesopotamia, Egypt, early Asian civilizations as well as ancient Greece. Geography is emphasized. Emphasis is also placed on the relationships found between the past and the present through various simulations and cooperative activities. Science Students will work individually and in small groups to develop scientific concepts in the earth sciences, including the universe, structure of the earth, the changing earth and geologic time. Critical thinking and the scientific method are both encouraged. Computers Throughout the year the students will use the computer for assignments involving writing, problem solving and touch typing. The use of the Internet and the World Wide Web is introduced. Other Formal instruction in SPANISH will be provided several times a week, and PHYSICAL EDUCATION will be taught every day. MUSIC, DRAMA and ART instruction will be provided once a week. Appropriate planned educational and cultural FIELD TRIPS will be scheduled throughout the year.

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SEVENTH GRADE

Literature Students will become familiar with well known authors and their work through reading selections from the text as well as supplemental readings. Plot, point of view and setting are among the key elements of fiction to be examined through assigned readings and independently completed book reviews. English/Language Arts In a variety of creative, expository and persuasive writings students will focus on writing as a process that involves planning and revision. There will be an emphasis on fluency, coherence and voice as well as the mechanics of writing. The study of grammar and vocabulary building will be integrated into small group and class discussions of writing assignments. Students will also explore the areas of public speaking and drama. Mathematics (Pre-Algebra) Students will work with equations, proportions, integers, and formulas in preparation for a full year high school algebra course. Social Science Students will explore the development of ancient cultures and civilizations, with particular emphasis on their contributions to Western Civilization. Note taking skills will be taught. A formal term paper will be required. Science Students will explore using the scientific method to become familiar with the characteristics and classification of living things, including simple organisms, plants, and animals. Human biology and heredity will be explored and related to the seventh grade studies in human sexuality. Computers Students will have continued instruction in the use of more advanced word processing techniques. Work with the Internet and World Wide Web will be continued. Other Formal instruction in SPANISH will be provided several times a week, and PHYSICAL EDUCATION will be taught every day. MUSIC, DRAMA and ART instruction will each be provided weekly. Appropriate planned educational and cultural FIELD TRIPS will be scheduled throughout the year. All students will participate in a HUMAN SEXUALITY and DRUG EDUCATION class once a week throughout the school year, and will be encouraged to participate in a week-long OUTDOOR EDUCATION program provided by Yosemite Institutes.

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EIGHTH GRADE

Literature Students will become more familiar with well known authors and their work through reading selections from the text as well as supplemental readings. Key elements of fiction such as characterization, symbolism, tone and irony will be explored through readings assigned in class and book reviews completed independently. English/Language Arts In a variety of creative, expository and persuasive writings students will focus on writing as a process that involves planning and revision. There will be an emphasis on fluency, coherence and voice as well as the mechanics of writing. The study of grammar and vocabulary building will be integrated into small group and class discussions of writing assignments. Students will also explore the areas of public speaking and drama. Mathematics (Pre-Algebra) Students will work with equations, proportions, integers, and formulas in preparation for a full year high school algebra course. (Algebra) Students will complete a first year high school algebra course, including factoring polynomials, applying fractions, linear equations and systems, and rational and irrational numbers. Social Science Students will become more familiar with the people and events which formed contemporary American society. Cause and effect relationships will be explored. The roles of women as well as racial/ethnic minorities will be emphasized. A formal term paper will be required. Science Through the study of introductory chemistry, students will relate properties and structure of matter to periodic law and the periodic table of elements. Students will work with elementary physics to identify and use formulas dealing with motion, fluid forces, work, power and energy. Computers Graphics, spreadsheet, data base and web publishing applications will be explored. Students will continue developing advanced word processing skills and will write, edit, compile and distribute the Kittredge Kronicle, a fully illustrated student newspaper. Other Formal instruction in SPANISH will be provided several times a week, and PHYSICAL EDUCATION will be taught every day. MUSIC, DRAMA and ART instruction will be provided weekly. Appropriate planned educational and cultural FIELD TRIPS will be scheduled throughout the year. All students will participate in a HUMAN SEXUALITY and DRUG EDUCATION class once a week throughout the school year, and will be encouraged to participate in a week-long OUTDOOR EDUCATION program provided by Yosemite Institutes.

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