Wardlaw+Hartridge Lower School Curriculum Guide Grades PreK-5 2019-2020 The Wardlaw+Hartridge School Emblem

During the year of the merger, 1976, students were asked to design a new school emblem. The emblem, as shown on the front cover, is a compilation of those ideas. The oak tree symbolizes strength and endurance; the book is the sign of learning and knowledge; the torch is the sign of wisdom; and the scales represent equality. To the Greeks the number twenty-eight was a perfect number - a number that is equal to the sum of its factors. The twenty-eight olive leaves are used to show that we are always striving for that perfection. The motto on the emblem is from Latin and represents a joining of the two mottoes from Hartridge and Wardlaw. Cognoscere et Conficere means to learn and to achieve. The Wardlaw+Hartridge School Second Grade 10 2019 – 2020 Curriculum Guide Third Grade Overview 11 Third Grade 11 Grades PreK – 5 Fourth Grade Overview 12 Contents Fourth Grade 12 Fifth Grade Overview 14 Fifth Grade 14 Wardlaw+Hartridge School 4 Special Programs 15 Mission Statement & Core Values 4 Visual Arts 15 Technology 16 Lower School Curriculum 5 Spanish 17 Academic Overview 5 Health Education 17 Prekindergarten through Kindergarten Library 18 Overview 6 Music Education 18 Prekindergarten 6 Physical Education 19 Junior Kindergarten 7 Athletics 19 Kindergarten 8 Other Lower School Programs 20 First Grade Overview 8 Extended Care Program 20 First Grade 9 Second Grade Overview 10 The Wardlaw+Hartridge School

Mission Statement

The Wardlaw-Hartridge School prepares students to lead and succeed in a world of global interconnection. We provide an educational atmosphere characterized by academic challenge, rigorous inquiry, support for individual excellence, diversity, and a familial sense of community.

Core Values

The core values of the Wardlaw-Hartridge school community are:

▪ Integrity – our bedrock value, sine qua non.

▪ Opportunity – Wardlaw-Hartridge develops academic and intellectual excellence in its students through programs that stretch their creative imaginations, develop their athletic and artistic skills, engage their sense of discovery, and develop a social conscience. In the process, students take on leadership roles and learn how to work effectively in teams.

▪ Support – Every member of the Wardlaw-Hartridge faculty believes in a personal approach to educating and developing the whole child. Wardlaw-Hartridge educators take the time, care, and interest in each student to call forth his or her best work.

▪ Diversity – The diversity of thought, background, and culture at Wardlaw-Hartridge distinguishes us among independent schools, strengthens the global orientation of our curriculum, and enriches the daily experience of every member of the school community, inside and outside the classroom.

▪ Community – When faculty members, students, parents, or graduates walk through the doors of Wardlaw- Hartridge, they have entered a home. Our community is distinguished by an ethos of care and mutual respect, and a strong partnership with families.

▪ Sustainability – Wardlaw-Hartridge prepares students to become citizens whose beliefs and actions willcreate a more humane and sustainable global society. The Wardlaw+Hartridge Lower School Curriculum

Academic Overview Children attend special subject area classes

taught by faculty who are professionally trained for that specific discipline. These In the Wardlaw-Hartridge Lower School the special subject areas include music, art, primary aim is to provide a nurturing physical education, library, and Spanish. environment in which children develop an Instrumental music begins in fourth grade. awareness of themselves as responsible, Children in all grades are given the capable learners; a respect for others and opportunity to participate in a wide variety of themselves; and an appreciation for their own sports and activities throughout the year. and their classmates’ talents. As they Each special subject teacher has designed a progress through our Lower School, the curriculum developmentally appropriate to children retain their natural excitement about each grade level. This curriculum often learning and are stimulated to discover and complements the classroom curriculum. develop their strengths. Throughout the Lower School, the students Learning in Prekindergarten through fifth will participate in hands-on, inquiry-based grade takes place in small, self-contained science lessons and activities. For 2014-15, classes. The classroom teachers provide a each grade will be involved in a Lower challenging academic program that includes School project, which will focus on an aspect language arts, math, social studies, science, of Environmental Science. and skill development. Textbooks, trade books, cooperative hands on activities, and All children, Prekindergarten through fifth manipulatives help children investigate grade, perform in the two yearly music various types of learning. The faculty, at concerts and several less formal music each grade level, work with each other to presentations, as well as participating in develop units of instruction, special projects, assemblies, Field Day, and presenting a activities, and trips to stimulate intellectual spring art show. Beginning in third grade, curiosity and critical thinking. iPads and students take part in our speech curriculum to Smart Boards are used in the classroom to encourage verbal skills and instill self- support the curriculum. confidence and poise while providing a focus for a research project. Students move up to Middle School with a solid knowledge and skill base, are confident in their abilities, value learning, and respect one another. Prekindergarten, Junior Teachers assist the very young children in discovering their inner landscape of feelings. Kindergarten and Children are encouraged to identify feelings Kindergarten Overview and are taught how to appropriately express them. In support of their emotional

development, children learn how to separate The Prekindergarten, Junior Kindergarten from parents, follow routines and procedures, and Kindergarten curricula provide a variety to take turns, and listen to others to gain and of multi-sensory experiences and activities to share information. As this development enhance each child’s ability to learn. The evolves, children are better able to cope with curricula contain a wide range of experiences disappointments and mistakes in an that enable children to develop gross and fine appropriate manner, as well as demonstrate motor skills and expand verbal skills in order pride, self-confidence, and independence. to communicate thoughts and feelings effectively and appropriately to both adults Prekindergarten and peers. The programs follow thematic, interactive approaches to learning through hands-on activities. Physical Development

The classrooms are built around learning Fine motor coordination is encouraged centers to enhance academic and social through a variety of activities including growth, exploration, and creativity. The scribbling, drawing, coloring, cutting and centers are changed and supplemented gluing, lacing, building with blocks, and throughout the year to reflect current units of puzzles. To support gross motor study. The centers include sand and water coordination children are encouraged to tables, library, listening centers, blocks, participate in running, jumping, climbing, science, Lego table, writing center, math, balancing, throwing and catching, and dramatic play, and art. Worktables provide a dancing experiences. Children attend place for each child to do individual/group physical education sessions daily with activities and to eat lunch and a daily snack. specialist teachers. Class trips also make learning more meaningful. Language Arts

Social/Emotional Experience Children are encouraged to develop a secure foundation in letter and sound recognition A warm, nurturing, and supportive through multisensory activities and environment provides the security each child experiences including books, rhymes, and needs to help form a positive attitude toward songs. Daily “read alouds” help to foster an school and learning. Self-esteem and self- early appreciation for literature and a love of worth are viewed as being as essential as reading. Ipads and Smart Board tools are academic growth. Everyday opportunities are used to enhance our integrated curriculum. available for each child to make responsible Props are sometimes used to support story choices, work and play independently and telling, and the children learn to recall the cooperatively, develop social problem basic sequence of stories. Different ability solving skills, and build positive relationships levels are nurtured through small group, and with both peers and adults. Respect for the individual instruction always aiming to meet classroom and one another are emphasized. the needs of each child. Children are encouraged to be creative through a variety of media including drawing, painting, dramatic play, building blocks, and exploration of other materials. Class books are often created and shared both in the classroom and at home. painting, pasting, lacing, building with Mathematics blocks, working puzzles, folding paper, and making vertical, horizontal and circular lines. Children encounter and participate in Large motor coordination is developed mathematics every day in prekindergarten as through running, jumping, climbing, it is incorporated into Circle Time, as well balancing, throwing and catching, and as many other daily activities. The children dancing experiences. are taught about counting, including one-to- one correspondence and number Language Arts recognition. They also learn about shapes, sets, more/less, sequence sizing, patterning, Reading and writing are presented in simple charts and early addition and integrated and meaningful activities that subtraction. A variety of different hands on center on themes, and the skills are materials are used including small reinforced in play areas. Children develop a manipulatives such as blocks and counters. rich background in letter and sound Many games are played that involve recognition through multisensory mathematics and these provide excellent experiences, literary centers and daily “read learning opportunities that are fun and alouds.” Different levels of ability are developmentally appropriate. nurtured through small group or individual instruction. Children are often involved in Science retelling stories with the Smart Board, puppetry, or dramatics. Children are Children learn responsibility for nature encouraged to express themselves creatively while studying their environment, learning through drawings and/or invented spelling. to classify similarities and identify They are involved in creating many original differences through developmentally class books that are circulated at home. Use appropriate experiences. Children are of “Big Books” as well as authentic literature encouraged to observe, ask questions and helps ensure a love of reading. learn to make connections. They also learn some basic scientific principles such as Mathematics prediction. The children participate in a variety of “hands on” experiments and Children are exposed to mathematics every projects throughout the year including day in the classroom. During circle time growing plants and raising ladybugs. STEM activities, they learn the days of the week and activities are integrated into the curriculum. months of the year. Counting, identifying numbers, patterning, graphing, ten frames, Social Studies Beginning addition and subtraction

Children learn about their school, families, homes and community helpers, and the and recognizing sets of more/less are also importance of supporting and encouraging incorporated into circle time. Math concepts one another. are also taught through small and large group instruction. Centers are used to help reinforce one-to-one correspondence and Junior Kindergarten shapes. Manipulative materials are used to help students internalize concepts of sorting,

counting, patterning, addition, and Physical Development subtraction.

Our early childhood program encourages age- Science appropriate motor development. Fine motor coordination occurs when coloring, cutting, In Junior Kindergarten, children are exposed scribbling, drawing pictures, to science through related themes with age appropriate experiences. Scientific themes concepts that have already been introduced in such as plants, insects, and the five senses are Prekindergarten and Junior Kindergarten. integrated with the Language Art and Math Students are exposed to mathematics every curricula. Children learn responsibility for day as a building block for those more nature while studying their environment and advanced concepts taught in first grade. learning to classify similarities and Students count and write numbers to 100, as differences. Children are encouraged to make well as counting to 100 by 5’s and 10’s. observations and learn various scientific Sorting/Classifying, patterning, estimation, methods. STEM activities are integrated into simple addition and subtraction, geometry, the curriculum. fractions, measurement, addition and subtraction stories, and money are introduced Social Studies and developed. Each new concept is taught with an active hands-on approach, using a Throughout the year students are taught to variety of manipulatives. Students work as a respect their peers and to appreciate the whole class, as well as individually, in pairs, world around them. Children learn about and in small inventive groups. their school, families, homes, and community helpers. They are encouraged to share ideas Social Studies and to listen to others. This investigation fosters self-awareness, positive self-image, Throughout the year, children are taught to and socialization skills. iPads are also used in appreciate their peers and the world around the classroom to support the curriculum. them. They begin to develop an awareness and appreciation of the many similarities and differences in and among people, cultures, Kindergarten nature, and animals. They learn to listen to the ideas and thoughts of others and are

encouraged to verbalize their own feelings, Language Arts thoughts, and emotions. Children are encouraged to ask questions and make Language arts are integrated into all themes comparisons between what they know and and disciplines within the Kindergarten feel comfortable with, and what is new and curriculum. The program builds upon may be foreign to them. Social studies is phonics and language skills introduced in often integrated with the language arts, math, Prekindergarten and Junior Kindergarten. and science curricula. Children are exposed to daily stories based on classroom themes. Poetry and rhymes are Science used for practice and instruction in decoding skills. Letter sounds are reinforced through Many themes in the Kindergarten curriculum journal writing, reading books, our phonics are scientific in nature. Themes such as program, as well as writing centers, which harvesting and weather are seasonal and draw give students the opportunity to write upon the child’s natural environment. Other independently. In their writing, students use themes include bats/nocturnal animals, the illustrations, inventive spelling, sight words, rainforest, planting , flowers, bugs, dinosaurs, and high frequency words from their reading Artic animals, pumpkins, space and Earth program. The Kindergarten language arts Day. Building upon the skills introduced in curriculum lays the foundation necessary to Prekindergarten and Junior Kindergarten, develop confident readers and writers. science centers, experiments, field trips, and nature walks provide students with hands-on Mathematics opportunities for discovery, curiosity, hypothesizing, and making educated The mathematics curriculum for conclusions based upon personal experiences. Kindergarten this school year includes STEM activities are integrated into the Singapore Math and is an extension of those curriculum. developmental level of the child. The acquisition of reading skills is focused on leading the child to be a lifelong reader. First Grade Overview Reading, writing, and the tools necessary for the interpretation and analysis of literature are developed in a manner that is affirming as The first grade program continues the varied well as ambitious. interactive experiences offered in Kindergarten. At the same time, it serves as A combination of trade books, “Big Books,” a transitional time as children become more and authentic literature at the child’s reading responsible and independent. level are at the core of reading instruction. Children develop a love of literature and The literature-based curriculum extends to reading while learning, using, and mastering include an array of specific reading the basic skills for reading. In addition, strategies. Children are involved in flexible spelling, phonics, vocabulary growth, and grouping during formal reading instruction handwriting are woven into the general and literacy centers. Students have daily context of the language arts curriculum. opportunities to interact with authentic Writing activities are an integral part of literature as well. The day offers many classroom activities. Students keep journals opportunities to write in a variety of ways, to record important happenings, to retell whether through journals or assigned topics. classic stories, and to create stories of their Inventive spelling continues to be valued as a own while embracing all the tools of the natural process toward standard spelling. language arts areas presented to them. Each Phonics is taught through both direct child chooses at least two pieces of his/her instruction and reading experiences. Both writing to develop, edit, and publish. formal and informal assessments are used Children learn to proofread alone and with throughout the year to assess students in partners. language arts. Mathematics Students are able to explore math and science concepts through partner and small group The mathematics curriculum for first grade activities where they further develop their emphasizes understanding concepts and capacity to work cooperatively in a building basic computational skills. classroom setting. Discussion and feedback Singapore Math is used in First Grade. about topics being taught occur on a daily Extensive use of manipulatives and modeling basis. Children are also able to interact eases the transition from the concrete to the socially through daily recess. abstract. The students write and solve problems throughout the year, focusing on A variety of curriculum-related trips are the gradual process of concept development. taken. In addition, children are encouraged Children work individually, in groups, or as to devote part of the year towards a an entire class depending on the scope of the community project to benefit the less materials and the depth of difficulty. fortunate. Basic math facts of addition and subtraction with and without regrouping are taught and First Grade reinforced. Time and money, measurement, patterning, symmetry, word problems, place

value, mental math strategies, part whole relationships/number and ordering numbers, Language Arts and bonds, geometry, comparing probability are introduced and developed. The first grade language arts curriculum is diverse and challenging, centering on the Social Studies Students deliver “Monthly News Reports,” which help foster self-confidence in speaking Social Studies is integrated into blocks of before an audience and an awareness of day- language arts time. The year begins by to-day local and global events. Cursive building upon social study skills learned in writing is introduced and is incorporated in Kindergarten as well as exploring the topics all aspects of written language. of family and community. Throughout the year, literature is chosen to represent cultural Students respond best by being engaged in diversity. Families are often invited to share their learning. Therefore, field trips and their special traditions or heritage in some other types of hands-on activities are way. Opportunities exist to learn about encouraged. These trips vary from year to geography and the world through the use of year as they are chosen to relate directly to literature, maps, iPads and Smart Boards. the curriculum. Holidays, famous people, and events are studied as they naturally occur within the Second Grade context of the school year. Gaining a basic knowledge of the United States is also integrated throughout the program. An Language Arts overall emphasis on kindness, not only in the classroom but also in the world around us, is The language arts curriculum further stressed through daily discussions and develops skills in reading, comprehension, community service. vocabulary, writing, phonics, spelling, and listening. Public speaking is also introduced. Science Chapter books and series books ground children in phonics and the foundations of The science curriculum explores topics such reading. Literary genres including folk tales, as weather, animals and the habitats in which fables, biographies, mysteries, fiction, non- they live, magnets, healthy living, gardening fiction and poetry are explored. Once a and environmental sustainability as well as month, children are expected to read, write, differences between living things and the and orally present a literary activity based on non-living. Students study animals by a literary genre. looking at their body coverings, the way they move, their means of protection, the food The phonics program includes sound-symbol they eat, and their young. Plants are association, decoding, sound blending, and introduced by looking at their parts, what dictation. Syllabication rules are introduced. they need from the environment, and how Spelling is developed through individual animals rely on them. Students keep an writing, free writing, dictation, and selected ongoing journal throughout the year where word lists. Various types of writing are they make observations, record data, and explored, emphasizing creative writing in draw conclusions. STEM activities are stories, poetry, and reports. Formal integrated into the curriculum. instruction in the use of the dictionary and thesaurus as tools for writing is presented.

Second Grade Overview Mathematics

Addition and subtraction facts to twenty are The second grade curriculum begins by reviewed and mastered. Addition and refining the basic skills taught in first grade. subtraction with regrouping is refined, using A strong emphasis is placed on integrating the number line, fractions, money, telling math, science, social studies, and language time, geometry, graphing, and measurement arts as new skills are introduced. skills are reviewed and expanded. The concept of multiplication is introduced. Critical thinking skills are developed through the year. STEM activities are integrated into the use of mental math and deductive the curriculum. problem solving. Developing and sharing strategies for problem solving is an extremely important component of the curriculum. Third Grade Overview Students use math journals to write out math problems and how they arrive at solutions. Manipulative materials and calculators as The third grade is a transitional year tools for problem solving are used academically, socially, and emotionally. The extensively to help children internalize children start as primary students and finish concepts. the year capable of thinking and functioning independently as they prepare to enter the intermediate level. Emphasis is placed on developing conceptual thinking, Social Studies organizational skills, and personal responsibility. Letter grades are given for the In second grade, students compare and first time to evaluate the progress of each contrast their own communities with other student. communities in the United States, China,

Africa, Mexico and in other parts of the The curriculum integrates language arts, world. Children learn to interpret maps, math, science, and social studies so that globes, and use atlases. Students are taught children learn easily, making connections the relationships between geographical through experiential and exploratory location and the life of the people in that methods. Technology is used in all subject location, and are introduced to the ways areas to extend and illuminate concepts. Trips people meet the basic needs of food, clothing, are planned to enhance classroom learning. and shelter that we all share. Skills that were taught in previous years are expanded upon and new skills are introduced Written and oral News Reports are presented and developed. Throughout the year, by the students once a month in order to children grow in their ability to express develop a sense of self-confidence in themselves in both oral and written form. speaking before a group, as well as an The culminating experience is a researched, understanding of events in the global society written, and memorized speech that is as they relate to and affect our own formally presented to the class and parents. communities.

Science Third Grade

The science curriculum encourages collaborative, student-centered learning. Language Arts Widespread opportunities for student inquiry and scientific investigation occur as students Third grade continues to develop reading are introduced to dinosaurs and other skills through a variety of materials including prehistoric animals. They study why animals anthologies, trade books, and nonfiction became extinct. Presenting “Scientist of the resources. Both assigned texts and student Day” encourages public speaking and is an choice are equally important options. opportunity for students to conduct an Reading is seamlessly integrated into every experiment on their own. The students study area of the curriculum. The reading program germs, both good and bad. Many hands on integrates a variety of experiences including activities are included in this unit. A unit on being read to daily, reading independently, solids, liquids and gases in which students with a partner, and collectively aloud as a learn the changing nature of matter completes community. Being a confident, fluent, and enthusiastic reader of a variety of texts is numbers and fractions. Recognition of paramount. possible outcomes and their expression as fractions is studied in a unit on probability. Emphasis is on reading for main idea and Knowledge of customary and metric details. A number of reading strategies are measurement is expanded. In geometry, practiced throughout the year to increase students identify and analyze properties of comprehension. Students continue to expand two and three-dimensional figures. their vocabulary. Phonic skills further Throughout the year students read, construct, develop through formal spelling and writing and interpret data in a variety of graphic exercises. Cursive writing is reviewed and displays. practiced. Basic rules of grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling are Social Studies systematically taught. Both creative and expository writing is offered as a valuable Throughout the year, the students learn to way to integrate and practice skills taught in interpret and apply knowledge of maps and isolation. Journal writing records important globes. They focus in detail on the events in a student’s home and school life. geography of the United States. Reference skills are developed and used in a In the last trimester, students are introduced comparative study of Native Americans, an to the speech program. This writing process in-depth state report, and an oral presentation further develops research, writing, and oral on a famous American. Children discover presentation skills. It is a true culmination of how the nation has evolved into the United their year’s efforts. Each student’s States of today. Literature, film, and field memorized speech is ultimately presented to trips provide additional enrichment. an audience of classmates and parents. Science Mathematics Third grade science encompasses both earth Critical thinking and problem solving are science and physical science, often with essential components of the third grade math integrated curricular units. Earth science is program. Students are encouraged to find taught with an in-depth study of the earth, its relevant facts and use a variety of strategies resources, forces, and composition. Physical to solve for the unknown. Manipulatives, science is taught through a unit on simple drawings, and bar models are just a few of machines. Students develop the ability to the techniques employed. Students are think critically using science process skills. challenged to solve multiple-step problems They develop science vocabulary and the and effectively explain their solutions both confidence to make astute observations and orally and in writing. record them carefully. They regularly interpret tables and graphs, distinguish Students are expected to have mastered between fact and opinion, and determine addition and subtraction facts upon entering cause and effect. Continuing to develop a third grade, so as to be able to move on to respect and interest for science and its ever more complex problems requiring changing impact on our world continues to be regrouping. Multiplication and division facts cultivated. are memorized and expanded into two and three digit examples. Basic strategies for mental math computation are emphasized and Fourth Grade Overview students develop speed and accuracy with all operations. Fourth grade, the second level of the Third graders add to their precious intermediate grades, is a year of significant knowledge of time, money, and place value. growth for students as they emerge from the They explore the relationship between whole primary grades. During the year, students are encouraged to develop more responsibility finding the main idea, sequencing, for themselves both academically and recognizing fact and opinion, making socially. Developing organizational and inferences, and determining cause and effect. study skills is an integral part of the fourth grade. Trips and guest speakers are an Mathematics essential part of the fourth grade program. Topics related to global environmental issues The accelerated fourth grade mathematics are presented through a variety of current program reinforces and expands upon the sources. Technology is used throughout the four computation processes. The study of curriculum to extend and illuminate concepts. place value, expanded notation, and other number systems enhances students’ Fourth Grade understanding of our number system. Students learn to round numbers and to

facilitate the use of mental math. In geometry, students study plane and solid Language Arts shapes; how to measure angles; and how to

find perimeter, area, and volume. Students Developing both written and oral language also study symmetry and congruence. expression is emphasized. Skills in writing are reinforced through expository and creative assignments. Interesting, complete Some of the other topics covered are using sentences with correct grammar, spelling, and money, fractions, decimal fractions, graphs, punctuation are expected in all subject areas. charts (collecting and using data), probability, and measurement. Learning to

use a calculator in appropriate situations is Students are expected to participate in class encouraged. Math manipulatives, projects, discussions and make oral presentations and group activities are an integral part of the throughout the year. This serves to develop program. Students are expected to be able to both listening and speaking skills and explain how they arrive at their solutions promote confidence in expressing personal both orally and in writing. Essential to the viewpoints. entire math program is the ability to use math

in everyday life and to become a creative The speech program builds upon skills problem solver. introduced in third grade. Teachers guide students through the stages of research of a particular topic related to the study of New Social Studies Jersey: using a variety of sources, organizing the information, creating a works cited The fourth grade social studies curriculum focuses on the study of the state of New listing, and writing a formal report on their Jersey to provide a factual basis for chosen topic. Students then focus on public speaking skills as they memorize this report developing skills in geography and history. and present it as a formal speech to an Students learn to interpret and apply audience of classmates and parents. knowledge of maps, globes, and other graphic materials, as well as create their own

visual aids. They also learn to use reference In the area of reading, skills introduced in materials, Internet sources, and apply study previous grades are reinforced as needed and skills. As a culminating project, students further developed. While students still learn write a research paper on a New Jersey topic, to read, the fourth grade concentrates on which they then present as a formal, reading to learn. Both non-fiction and fiction memorized speech. books serve to develop vocabulary and understanding of new concepts. Using a variety of genres helps to develop an Science appreciation of literature. Reading, especially in the content areas, focuses on One goal of the fourth grade science program comprehension and developing skills in is to stimulate students’ awareness of how science is an integral part of their lives. and self reliance to facilitate the transition to Though the curriculum covers certain set the Middle School. topics, current science happenings are incorporated into the daily program. Another The culmination of the 5th grade experience goal is for students to develop an awareness are the Capstone research presentations. of the importance of preserving the Capstone is a year-long research endeavor environment. STEM activities are integrated that includes exploring, researching, writing a into the curriculum. thesis and creating a presentation to answer a question about a global topic.. Topics regularly presented are intended to emphasize the inter-relationship between plants and animals. One topic of study is seed Fifth Grade plants, concentrating on their structure, their natural environment, and their place in the food chain. Photosynthesis is also discussed. Language Arts Other topics include vertebrates and invertebrates, both cold-blooded and warm- The fifth grade language arts program blooded species. Students discuss their incorporates reading, grammar, vocabulary physical traits, habitats, and life cycles. development, and study skills. These skills are applied across the curriculum on a daily In conjunction with the study of New Jersey, basis. the climatic regions and, in particular, the weather in our state is explored. A variety of Students read a variety of literary selections, reporting sources, such as media weather which may include fantasy, realistic fiction, reporting and the Internet, are used to track Greek, , historical fiction and non-fiction local weather. Weather phenomena selections. Critical thinking skills such as throughout the world are incorporated into finding main ideas, making inferences, our studies. drawing conclusions, and analyzing characters are emphasized.

Fifth Grade Overview As students develop an understanding and appreciation of grammatical structure, they

become competent, fluent users of language. As fifth graders assume their roles as leaders Rules for correct grammar usage are of the Lower School, they are expected to set incorporated into writing activities. The a good example for the younger students. steps of the writing process are applied to Whether organizing community service pieces such as narratives, descriptions, activities, or working as buddies with stories, and a wide variety of expository and younger students, they learn the importance persuasive compositions. of service to the school, the community, and the world. Study and research skills are taught throughout the year. Note taking, outlining, Organization, time management, and study and essay writing are incorporated skills are emphasized in preparing the throughout the program. Research, writing, students to become more independent and presentation skills are honed as the students work collaboratively and learners. There is increased accountability th for demonstrating knowledge through a wide independently on their 5 Grade Capstone variety of authentic and traditional presentations.. assessments. Technology is incorporated into activities as fifth graders are each Mathematics provided with an iPad and a school secure Google account for daily use. Fifth graders The fifth grade mathematics curriculum are expected to further develop self-discipline builds on the foundation learned in earlier grades. It is designed to develop critical thinking skills, computational competence, A textbook is used to introduce basic and cooperative learning. Estimation concepts. Projects, digital materials, techniques and real life applications are technology, and field trips enhance the emphasized. By linking reading and writing program. Daily discussions and cooperative to math, students become more adept at hands-on activities reinforce concepts and understanding word problems. Through skills. exposure to a variety of problem-solving techniques, students learn what will work in Science everyday life. The fifth grade science program is designed Both fundamentals and operations of to foster curiosity, wonder, and excitement fractions will be reinforced in greater depth, about our world, while at the same time which will allow students to transition to uses building on previously learned concepts and of percents and probability. Basics of linking new knowledge to students’ geometry and pre-algebra will also be experiences. Units of study are based on introduced. topics selected from earth science and environmental issues. Skills such as Social Studies observing, gathering data, classifying, predicting outcomes, interpreting data, and The fifth grade social studies program offers drawing conclusions are developed through students an abundance of information in inquiry-based hands-on cooperative learning geography, history, culture, government, and activities. economics to stimulate young minds. It encompasses map skills and an in-depth Field trips, magazines, and technology are study of three ancient civilizations; Egypt, used to supplement and emphasize the Greece, and Rome. relationships between science content and real life. Students are encouraged to apply Whenever possible, social studies is concepts to current events and relevant world integrated into other academic disciplines, issues. Science is integrated with other such as creative and expository writing, subject areas through the use of literature, art literature, art, and math. Technology is activities, and expository and creative incorporated into activities, when writing. Fifth grade topics include appropriate, on a regular basis. ecosystems, biomes, plate tectonics, rocks and minerals, Earth’s surfaces and resources. The geography unit is an interactive approach STEM activities are integrated into the to teaching map skills. Students read and curriculum. interpret many different kinds of maps and reinforce skills such as using scale and distance.

The fundamental components of a civilization are presented, followed by an Special Programs introduction to the regions of the world where the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Visual Arts Greece, and Rome were first developed. The environmental influence on the growth of these civilizations is examined, and the need Creating art is a natural occurrence in for a system of government is emphasized. childhood, an activity that children discover Students are encouraged to compare and and pursue quite independently. At Wardlaw- contrast the traditions and customs of these Hartridge, this creative impulse is ancient communities with their modern way encouraged and guided by providing an of life. inviting, challenging, and stimulating school, and each child is represented in the environment. annual Art Show.

From Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade, Technology the art curriculum builds continuously upon previously learned skills. As children grow, they become more adept at handling a variety Wardlaw-Hartridge graduates students who of media, such as tempera paints, watercolor, are proficient in using technology in all its pastels, oil pastels, printmaking supplies, forms as a tool for life-long learning. In the textiles, colored pencils, collage materials, Lower School, technology is integrated ceramics, and other three-dimensional across the curriculum in all grades. materials. The art program encourages individuality and expression of ideas at each grade level while exploring the art materials.

Given the opportunity to express their ideas and explore the work of famous artists, students learn to understand and appreciate the artwork created by themselves, their peers, and a global array of artists throughout the centuries, including current working artists. During class, a wide variety of music is played ranging from classical music, lyrics about artists, and music from a particular period of time as well as music from around the world. The connection between music and art is fostered in the art room.

The iPad has become an integral teaching tool in the art room along with an extensive collection of books. The iPad is not only used to show the works of famous artists, but also to photograph the work of the student in order to make revisions to their artwork by adding to the original piece of art.

Through a variety of activities, the children are encouraged to make decisions about their work and set high standards for themselves. They are taught the principles of design, perspective, proportion, and the aesthetics of art. By the time a child reaches the fifth grade, he or she has the tools necessary to set goals, select a strategy, determine how to apply it, and continually make assessments and revisions in order to create a personal statement in art. In the early grades the learning experience or process is often more important than the visual product. Hopefully, each child will feel a sense of accomplishment and enthusiasm when they are creating art. Student artwork is continuously displayed throughout the is used by the students to create an African All classrooms, Pre-K through Grade Five, folktale. The second graders also use iPads are equipped with SmartBoards. All Lower to support many areas of the curriculum such School teachers receive extensive training on as science, geography and math skills, the use of the SmartBoard as well as in class including, money, time, addition, subtraction, support from the Technology Integrator. In and fractions. addition, Lower School has two mobile iPad carts, which each house a class set of iPads, Formal Keyboarding instruction begins in and also two mobile lap top carts, which also Grade Three with the use of Type to Learn 4 each house a class set of lap top computers. and various internet keyboarding sites. Lower School also has a computer lab, home While learning keyboarding, the third graders to eighteen desktop computers. simultaneously learn how to open and format a Word document. Spacing, margins, font Students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through type and size, centering, numbering, and Grade One participate primarily in the iPad saving documents are just a few of the skills program. Apps have been researched and third graders master. The students continue matched to particular units of study. In Pre- with presentation tools such as Glogter and Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten the Powerpoint, which were introduced in second students use apps to support developing grade. They expand their knowledge of these letter, number, color, and shape recognition programs by adding more content. Internet skills as well as beginning letter/number safety and learning about how to find reliable formation skills. Puzzle apps are used to Internet research sources is also introduced in facilitate emerging problem-solving skills. In third grade. addition, these students use apps to support Grade Four students continue with formal units of study, including, but not limited to, keyboarding instruction with emphasis the study of plants, insects, transportation, placed on increasing speed and accuracy. food, and the five senses. Fourth graders produce sophisticated PowerPoint presentations using sound, voice Kindergarten and first grade students also use recording, color and text variety, as well as the iPads to support handwriting, the import and manipulation of both images math/problem solving skills, phonics, and our and video. Students are introduced to Excel thematic units of study. The Kindergarteners in fourth grade as an organization tool. enjoy apps that support the study of space, Students organize a list of famous New the rainforest, dinosaurs, and insects. The Jerseyans and also sort and organize a group first grade classes incorporate the iPads into of objects. Formulas and graphs are the creative writing curriculum; creating introduced. To continue the study of reliable digital stories to share with home as well as online sources, fourth graders create a digital post cards. First graders use apps to “pseudo” webpage about an animal. Students support math skills such as time, fractions, will then investigate ways to determine the money, addition, and subtraction. The reliability of a source and how to trace Google Earth app is an important part of the sources. map skills unit. Grade Five students integrate technology into Beginning in Grade Two, Wardlaw-Hartridge all areas of study. Fifth graders produce students begin using technology as a multi-media presentations about ancient presentation tool. Using a multi-media civilizations, use Excel to graph lab results in organizer such as Glogster, the second science, create web pages as a final activity graders learn to import graphics, on the study of Ancient Greece, and use backgrounds, video, images, and text. Moodle to support and enrich classroom Second graders are also introduced to activities. Students in fifth grade advance PowerPoint and, using a template, create a their understanding of Excel through the use postcard about a virtual visit to China. of the Microsoft Lemonade Stand project. Zooburst, a 3-D digital storytelling program, Fifth graders are also introduced to programming using the MIT program, discover the weather, typical foods and sights of Scratch. Creating and changing characters Spanish speaking counties. As students enter the that move, speak (in speech bubbles), sixth grade, they are well prepared for the formal changing backgrounds, and making academic study of foreign languages to begin. characters appear/disappear in the desired order are some of the programming skills learned through Scratch. Students also work with photo editing and green screen Health Education

photography/video.

The Lower School health education curriculum Spanish provides all students with the skills and knowledge to promote responsible lifetime decision-making and contribute to a healthy, safe society with a variety of health related issues The Lower School Spanish program is geared explored and discussed. toward children in Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade. Students receive 30-80 minutes a The overall objective is to encourage each week of exposure to the Spanish language and student’s active participation in personal and culture. Students are immersed in the language community health, promote each individual’s as they hear and speak Spanish for the majority self-esteem, learn about and discuss responsible of the class. By listening to the teacher speak the decision making as it pertains to the individual language and watching the teacher’s expressive student, and provide current information on movements, the students are able to understand health issues. Students are encouraged to assess conversations, directions and introductions to their attitudes and behavior patterns and to new concepts in Spanish. They are then understand the impact their life choices have on encouraged and guided to respond in Spanish, their communities and on their own well being. which allows for an immersion experience.

While major topics are emphasized in the Health Children in Pre-Kindergarten through second program, certain aspects of the curriculum are grade start their language acquisition in much the addressed in science class. Information on each same way that they acquire their native tongue. topic is age appropriate, with each year building Students learn Spanish through song, games, art, on the previous one. and movement in a way that is stimulating and enjoyable. In addition, students perform tasks From Pre-Kindergarten through first grade, the and use their bodies to express what they hear. individual classroom teacher teaches health and The use of Total Physical Response (TPR) nutrition information. The formal health strategies allow for a more natural acquisition of education program begins in the second grade the Spanish language and helps young students and is delivered by the Health and Physical to build and reinforce skills they are learning in Education department through fifth grade. English. Classes focus on four specific curriculum units including wellness, alcohol, tobacco and other Third through fifth grade students have a greater drugs, family life and community health skills. degree of exposure to the Spanish language. During these years they learn commands, Specifically, fifth grade health education in the language structure, and they develop oral Lower School culminates with the pre-transitions competencies through interactive and program taught by the school counselor. It is a cooperative activities. Students are introduced to program designed to emphasize healthy Spanish cultures through the study of thematic behaviors in the physical, emotional and social units where they compare and contrast their lives realms. with those from different cultures. Meaningful communication is emphasized through the vocabulary, grammar and conversations learned Library in class. Students may take a virtual trip to approach. With singing, playing musical The Lee Hill Snowdon Information Center is instruments, listening, and movement, musical physically and academically at the center of the concepts are introduced sequentially, in very Wardlaw-Hartridge School. The library operates simple terms. to inspire all students to explore new ideas, utilizing a vast array of print, audio-visual, and In Grades Kindergarten through Five, the computer materials. The library houses over emphasis is placed on rhythm (feeling and 23,000 print volumes, more than 250 audio- responding to the beat and tempo, reading visual materials, and more than 35 periodical notation), melody (reading, identification, titles. Additionally, the library page of the direction, phrasing), and harmony (partner songs, Wardlaw-Hartridge website provides access to rounds, cannons, part singing). Activities numerous online subscription databases and the include movement activities, composition and school’s Style Manual. improvisation. Later concepts include forms in music (repetition and contrast), tone colors on Staffed by full-time librarians, the library serves instruments, and the texture of harmony. Grade students every day of the school year. Students Three has a unit of study on the recorder to help in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Five visit the develop music reading skills. Grade Five has a library once a week for scheduled library classes unit on the ukulele, which focuses on proper and/or book exchanges. Students develop an technique, and applies previous melodic and appreciation of and love for reading through rhythmic learning to the instrument. In the exposure to a variety of literature during shared Spring, students attend a trip to New York to see story-time readings, book talks, and book-related a Broadway show. activities. Pre-Kindergarten through second grade students learn about the parts of a book, Music participation in its variety of forms the proper care of books, and basic library (performer, listener, consumer) is important to organization. Third and in a limited extent in each student’s development and provides a fourth and fifth grades students receive unique way of knowing oneself and appreciating additional instruction in utilizing our on-line the world. The music curriculum is designed to public access catalog and reference sources, Give the student knowledge and skills as a including encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, basis for life-long enjoyment. atlases, and indexes in both print and computer format. In addition to vocal and general music instruction, students in grade Four begin to take Research and investigative skills are lessons on band instruments. In Grade Four, strengthened as the students progress through the students are taught in like instrument groupings Middle and Upper Schools. Assignments that and perform unison and two-part melodies in the incorporate library resources are assigned by Spring Concert. In Grade Five, students meet in teachers in both the middle and upper divisions mixed instrument classes once a week to learn to coincide with specific curricular needs. playing technique and strengthen music reading Access to online periodical indexes and skills. They also rehearse as a band once a week specialized Internet resources are stressed as to build ensemble skills through learning students prepare required research papers. beginner-level band literature.

Music Education Performance is an important part of the Lower School music experience. All students in Lower

School participate in Chorus as well as in the Holiday and Spring Concerts. Additionally, the The nurturing of the child’s enjoyment, fourth grade band performs in the Spring responsiveness, and sensitivity to music is Concert and the fifth grade band performs in always at the core of the music curriculum. both the Holiday and Spring Concerts. Other

opportunities for performance include the Lower The Pre-Kindergarten and Junior Kindergarten School Cabarets and other special themed music children discover a wide variety of musical styles programs. and media through an activity-centered sports and is encouraged to develop a healthful Children in the Lower School experience music and active lifestyle. as vocalists, instrumentalists and listeners. The rich and diverse music curriculum provides the It is the goal of the program to provide students children with many opportunities to gain with the tools necessary to make healthy exposure to a unique and essential way of decisions about exercise and future athletic and knowing themselves and appreciating and recreational activities. understanding different cultures from around the world. Athletics

Physical Education

At Wardlaw-Hartridge, we consider athletics an extension of the classroom and believe it is The Lower School Physical Education program integral to the educational experience of our provides an extensive curriculum in which students. We strive to provide an environment sports, games, dance, and creative movement that promotes achievement, fair play, integrity, are explored in developmentally appropriate sportsmanship, and overall health and fitness. activities. The program is designed to fulfill the social, emotional, mental, and physical In Lower School, students in the fifth grade needs of students. At the youngest ages, gross are allowed to choose from a few select team motor and socialization skills are stressed. By sports in addition to the Physical Education the end of fifth grade, teamwork and game requirement. The primary goal of the fifth rules have been introduced. Exposure to a wide grade athletics experience is development. It variety of global sports such as Tae Kwon Do, ensures ample opportunity for each individual specialized dance, cricket, water polo/aquatics to develop his or her skills. Each child may (2nd through 5th grade) and global pastimes, choose from the following sports: in the fall, complement our more traditional sports of coed cross country, track, girls cheerleading basketball, soccer, baseball/softball, and or coed swimming; in the spring, coed track volleyball. Specialist units for 4th and 5th grade and field.. include archery and 21st century approaches to fitness training and conditioning.

The students gain a well-rounded physical education experience, and through everyday participation understand the importance of exercise as a daily routine. Students in fifth grade participate in the Physical Education program and are also eligible to participate in specific seasonal sports (see Athletics). The fifth grade curriculum focuses on preparing Other Lower School students for the next level of sports and activity participation. Programs

Furthermore, students are given the Extended Care Program opportunity to acquire appropriate social behaviors as they work individually and in small and large co-educational groups. They Wardlaw-Hartridge offers two extended care learn to encourage one another, allowing them programs: to become more comfortable with their abilities and to appreciate the abilities of others through The before school program begins at 7:30 a.m. sportsmanship. Each student has the and is available to any child who needs to be opportunity to experience success in games and dropped off at school early. Encore, the after school program for Grades 1 - 8, provides indoor and outdoor play, time to work on homework assignments, along with additional exciting club offerings. Encore operates from 3:00pm - 6:30pm.

Explorers, the after school program for Pre- Kindergarten through Kindergarten is a program designed especially for the younger children which includes crafts, story time, as well as indoor and outdoor play. Explorers operates from 2:45pm – 5:00pm.

Both Encore and Explorers offers children a safe, comfortable, and engaging experience following school dismissal.