Curriculum

We host various programs for our youngest Raiders. A detailed description of our Early Childhood Curriculum is coming soon.

Language Arts/English: Second graders continue to develop their reading, writing, and communication skills. They learn to read more complex texts, improve reading comprehension, and expand their vocabulary. They also work on writing complete sentences, paragraphs, and simple stories. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are introduced and practiced. The Literacy curriculum is divided into five general areas: Foundational Skills, Speaking and Listening, Reading Informational Text, Reading Literature, and Writing. Second-grade students will learn to identify the main idea in a multi-paragraph text, as well as use questions like “who, what, when, why, where, and how” to identify the main idea. They will also learn to identify key information within a text and then use that information to determine the author’s purpose and answer questions regarding the text. Second-grade students will also learn to identify the central message, lesson, or moral in a fictional text and answer questions regarding characters, the point of view, or how the characters overcame challenges and big events in a story. Second-grade students will write informative, explanatory, and opinion texts and convey ideas or information clearly. Second-grade students will learn to introduce and develop a topic in writing, give facts and definitions, and use a structure that is organized and provides a concluding statement or section. Second-grade students will also be able to communicate in a collaborative group, respond to questions and provide information orally, and present their ideas, information, or answers with clarity and in a coherent manner.

Mathematics: Second graders build upon the foundational math skills they learned in first grade. They work on addition and subtraction of two-digit numbers, introduction to multiplication and division, place value, measurement (length, weight, time, and money), geometry (shapes and patterns), and basic fractions. Problem-solving skills are emphasized. The Mathematics curriculum is divided into these general areas: Numbers and Operations; Algebraic Concepts; Measurement, Data, and Probability; Geometry; and Problem-Solving. Second-grade students learn to use place value concepts to use tens and ones to compare three-digit numbers. The students will learn to read, write, and skip count to 1000, and will understand the properties of operations to add and subtract within 1000. Second-grade students learn to represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction within 100 and use mental strategies to add and subtract within 20. The students will also learn to use equal groups to build the foundations of multiplication.  Second-grade students learn to analyze and draw two and three-dimensional shapes with specified attributes and to use fractions to partition shapes into halves, quarters, and thirds. The students learn to use appropriate tools to measure and estimate lengths; to apply addition and subtraction properties to problems involving length; to tell and write time to the nearest five minutes using analog and digital clocks; to solve problems and make change using coins and bills with the appropriate symbols; and, to represent and interpret data using line plots, bar graphs, and picture graphs.

Science: Second-grade science introduces students to various scientific concepts. They explore topics such as plants and animals, weather and seasons, the human body, properties of matter, basic forces and motion, and the environment. They engage in hands-on activities, experiments, and observations.

Social Studies: In social studies, second graders learn about their community, their country, and the world around them. They study basic geography, map reading skills, community roles, historical figures, holidays and traditions, basic economics, and the importance of citizenship.

Health and Physical Education: Students learn about healthy habits, nutrition, personal hygiene, and safety. They also participate in physical activities to develop their motor skills, coordination, and teamwork.

Arts: Second graders engage in various forms of artistic expression, including visual arts (drawing, painting, sculpting), music (singing, playing simple instruments), and sometimes drama or dance. They learn about different artists, styles, and cultural influences.

The STEM curriculum for second grade is divided into the following areas: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems, Structure and Properties of Matter, Processes that shape the Earth, Engineering Design, and Coding. Students learn how organisms interact with their environment and the effects of these interactions, how and why the earth is constantly changing, what the universe is and the earth’s place in it, and how one can explain the structure, properties, and interactions of matter. Students will also learn how to find a simple problem and a solution, and how to improve upon that solution.  Students will be introduced to coding and how computer science is a foundational skill for all students. 

Technology: Basic computer skills and digital literacy may be introduced, including typing, using educational software or websites, and practicing safe and responsible online behavior.

The Developmental Kindergarten (DK) curriculum focuses on providing a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for children to enhance their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive skills. 

Pre-reading and literacy skills: Developmental Kindergarten often engages in activities to develop pre-reading skills such as letter recognition, phonics, and basic sight word recognition. They may participate in storytelling, rhyming games, and letter-tracing exercises.

Early math concepts: Basic math skills are introduced, including counting, number recognition, simple addition and subtraction, sorting, and patterns. Hands-on activities and manipulatives are commonly used to help children understand these concepts.

Fine and gross motor skills development: DK engages in activities to improve their fine motor skills, such as drawing, coloring, cutting, and writing their names. Gross motor skills are enhanced through activities like running, jumping, climbing, and playing with balls.

Social and emotional development: DK learns important social and emotional skills, such as taking turns, sharing, cooperating, and resolving conflicts. They engage in group activities to promote teamwork, communication, and empathy.

Science and nature exploration: Children may be introduced to basic science concepts through hands-on experiments and observations. They might explore topics like plants, animals, weather, and the environment.

Art and creativity: Students are encouraged to express their creativity through various art activities such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and crafts. These activities help develop their imagination, fine motor skills, and self-expression.

Play and socialization: Play-based learning is an essential component of Young Fives programs. Children engage in free play and structured playtime, allowing them to develop their social skills, imagination, problem-solving abilities, and self-regulation.

The STEM curriculum: Divided into the following areas: Forces and Interactions; Animals, Plants, and Their Environment; Weather and Climate. These STEM projects facilitate children’s language development. These increase vocabulary and conversations, which can help children develop language and general knowledge of a subject at the same time. Classic STEM activities, as well as various collaborative tech tools, encourage students to work together as they innovate and think critically when working on projects. 

Technology: Basic computer skills and digital literacy may be introduced, including typing, using educational software or websites, and practicing safe and responsible online behavior.

The Kindergarten curriculum covers a wide range of subjects and developmental areas to promote the holistic growth of young children. 

Language and Literacy: Developing language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This involves vocabulary building, phonics, basic reading comprehension, and storytelling. Oakwood’s curriculum is divided into five general areas: Foundational Skills, Speaking and Listening, Reading Informational Text, Reading Literature, and Writing. Kindergarten students focus on building the foundational skills of recognizing the basic features of print; developing an understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds; and learning to decode words. Kindergarten students learn to identify the key details and main ideas of a piece of writing or a story. They will also be able to retell parts of a story or express their understanding of something that they have read or had read to them. A kindergarten student will learn the skills needed to begin to communicate and express their ideas through writing, drawing pictures, and using symbols, as well as expressing themselves and listening critically to others to share and gather information.

Mathematics: Introducing foundational math concepts such as numbers, counting, basic operations (addition and subtraction), patterns, shapes, measurements, and simple problem-solving. Our Kindergarten Mathematics curriculum is divided into five general areas: Counting and Cardinality; Numbers and Operations; Algebraic Concepts; Measurement, Data, and Probability; and Geometry. Kindergarten students learn the number names, to write and recite the numbers in sequence, and to apply a one-to-one correspondence to objects. The students learn to use numbers to compare quantities. They will also learn to add and subtract within 10. Kindergarten students learn to identify, describe, analyze, compare, and create two and three-dimensional shapes. The students will describe and compare the attributes of area, length, weight, and capacity of everyday objects. The students classify objects and count the number of objects in each category.

Science: Exploring the natural world through hands-on activities, experiments, and observations. Topics may include plants, animals, weather, seasons, and basic scientific principles.

Social Studies: Learning about the community, family, basic geography, cultural diversity, and important historical figures or events in an age-appropriate manner.

Art and Creativity: Encouraging self-expression through various art forms such as drawing, painting, sculpting, and crafts. This fosters creativity, fine motor skills, and visual perception.

Music and Movement: Engaging in singing, dancing, playing simple musical instruments, and rhythmic activities to develop coordination, rhythm, and music appreciation.

Physical Education: Participating in games, exercises, and activities that promote physical development, coordination, gross motor skills, and an understanding of basic health and fitness concepts.

Social and Emotional Development: Promoting social skills, cooperation, sharing, empathy, and conflict resolution. This includes fostering emotional regulation, self-awareness, and building positive relationships with peers and teachers.

Personal and Social Responsibility: Encouraging good manners, personal hygiene, independence, and responsibility for personal belongings and classroom materials.

Play and Free Exploration: Allowing ample time for unstructured play, which supports imagination, problem-solving, social interaction, and the development of cognitive and motor skills.

The STEM curriculum for Kindergarten is divided into five general areas: Forces and Interactions; Animals, Plants, and Their Environment; Weather and Climate; Engineering Design; and Coding. Kindergarten students learn how to explain and predict interactions between objects within systems, how energy is transferred and conserved, how organisms live, grow, and respond to their environments, and how the earth’s processes and human activities affect each other.  Kindergarten students also learn how to find a simple problem and a solution, and how to improve upon that solution.  Kindergarten students are introduced to coding and how computer science is a foundational skill for all students. 

Technology: Basic computer skills and digital literacy may be introduced, including typing, using educational software or websites, and practicing safe and responsible online behavior.

In a first-grade classroom, the curriculum covers a variety of subjects to provide a well-rounded education for young learners. The curriculum is divided into five general areas: Foundational Skills, Speaking and Listening, Reading Informational Text, Reading Literature, and Writing. First-grade students learn to read on-level text with purpose and understanding while improving accuracy in word identification, rate, and expression. They learn and apply phonics strategies to include sounds in syllables and words, blends, and digraphs. Students will build on their ability to identify the main idea and key details of a text and be able to identify the author’s purpose for writing the text or the message the author is trying to convey. The students will also be able to refer to the text when answering and asking questions. These students learn to write in a logical order and to use the proper conventions of writing. They use their writing to tell a story, support a topic, or explain their opinion.

Language Arts/Literacy:  The following skills are addressed: Phonics and reading skills: Letter recognition, sound-symbol correspondence, decoding, blending, and reading fluency, Vocabulary development: Building a foundation of words and their meanings through reading and context, Writing: Basic sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and creative writing activities, Spelling: Learning and practicing spelling words, including phonetic patterns and Handwriting: Developing legible handwriting skills.

Mathematics: The Mathematics curriculum is divided into five general areas: Numbers and Operations; Algebraic Concepts; Measurement, Data, and Probability; Geometry; and Problem Solving. First-grade students learn to extend the counting sequence. The students use place value to represent tens and ones, to compare two-digit numbers, and to add and subtract within 100. The students will learn to represent and solve problems using addition and subtraction within 20. They will also learn to apply the properties of the operations and the relationship between addition and subtraction. The students learn to compose and distinguish between two and three-dimensional shapes based on their attributes, and will use fractions to partition shapes into halves and quarters. First-grade students learn to order lengths and measure them indirectly and by repeating length units. The students will tell time to the nearest half hour using both an analog clock and a digital one. The students will also represent and interpret data using charts and tables. The following are specifically taught: Number sense: Counting, writing, and identifying numbers up to 100 or beyond, Addition and subtraction: Understanding basic operations and solving simple equations, Measurement: Learning about units of measurement, such as length, weight, and time, Shapes and patterns: Identifying and classifying shapes and patterns and Data analysis: Collecting, organizing, and interpreting data using graphs and charts.

Science: Introduction to the scientific method: Making observations, asking questions, and conducting simple experiments. Earth and space: Studying the solar system, seasons, weather, and basic concepts about the Earth. Life science: Exploring plants, animals, habitats, and the human body. Physical science: Basic concepts of matter, energy, and forces.

Social Studies: Community and citizenship: Learning about the roles and responsibilities of individuals in a community. Geography: Basic understanding of maps, continents, and simple geographic features. History: Exploring key historical figures, events, and holidays. Culture and diversity: Celebrating and appreciating different cultures and traditions.

Art: Engaging in creative activities such as drawing, painting, and crafts.

Music: Singing, playing simple instruments, and basic music appreciation.

Physical Education: Developing motor skills, coordination, and participating in age-appropriate physical activities and games.

The STEM curriculum is divided into five general areas: Air and Weather; Plants and Animals; Waves, Light, and Sound; Engineering Design; and Coding. Students will learn what the universe is and what the Earth’s place in it is, patterns within the moon-earth-sun system, how organisms' external structures help them survive, grow, and meet their needs, and how individuals of the same species have different characteristics. Students will learn how to explain the structures, properties, and interactions of matter, how waves transfer energy, and how to predict the interactions between objects. Students will also learn how to find a simple problem and a solution, and how to improve upon that solution. Students will be introduced to coding and how computer science is a foundational skill for all students. 

Technology: Basic computer skills and digital literacy may be introduced, including typing, using educational software/websites, and practicing safe and responsible online behavior.

English Language Arts (ELA)/Literacy: Third graders continue to enhance their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. They work on improving reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. They also learn to write simple paragraphs, stories, and descriptive essays. The English/Language Arts curriculum is divided into five general areas: Foundational Skills, Speaking and Listening, Reading Informational Text, Reading Literature, and Writing. Third-grade students will learn how to determine the main idea of a text, answer questions regarding the text, make inferences about the text, explain the author’s point of view, and use text features to locate and interpret information. The students will also learn how to compare and contrast two different texts on the same topic. Third-grade students will continue to develop their understanding of how to identify the main idea of a text and how it is conveyed in the text. They will learn to describe characters in a story and how their actions influence the sequence of events. The students will learn to refer to chapters, stanzas, verses, and scenes, and how each successive part builds on the next. Third-grade students will write informative, explanatory, and opinion texts and convey ideas or information clearly. They will develop the topic with details, facts, definitions, and illustrations, and use an organizational structure that is connected logically and has a concluding statement or section. Third-grade students will learn to write a narrative that develops real or imagined events. The students will use description in their writing to develop experiences and events, and they will organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally. 

Mathematics: Third-grade math usually covers concepts such as multiplication, division, fractions, geometry, measurement, time, money, and basic problem-solving strategies. Students build upon their understanding of addition and subtraction from previous grades. Our Mathematics curriculum is divided into five general areas: Numbers and Operations; Numbers and Operations – Fractions; Algebraic Concepts; Measurement, Data and Probability; and Geometry. Third-grade students will apply place value and the use of operations to perform multi-digit arithmetic. The students will also develop an understanding of fractions as numbers. Third-grade students will represent and solve problems involving multiplication and division; understand the properties of multiplication and the relationship.

Science: Common science topics include the study of plants, animals, ecosystems, matter, energy, forces, and motion, and the scientific method. Students conduct simple experiments, make observations, and learn to ask questions and form hypotheses.

Social Studies: Third graders explore various aspects of social studies, including communities, geography, history, government, and cultures. They learn about different types of communities, map reading, the founding of the United States, famous historical figures, and basic civic responsibilities.

Health and Physical Education: This subject focuses on promoting healthy habits, physical fitness, nutrition, personal hygiene, and safety. Students engage in physical activities, games, and exercises to develop motor skills and learn about the importance of staying active.

Arts: Art classes may cover a range of creative activities, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and crafts. 

Music: Explore music, learn to sing songs, play musical instruments, and understand basic musical concepts.

The STEM curriculum for third grade focuses on these areas: Forces, Interactions, and Motion; Inheritance and Variations of Traits; Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems; Weather and Climate; Engineering Design; and Coding. Students will learn how to explain and predict interactions between objects within systems, how the characteristics of one generation are passed to the next, and how individuals of the same species and even siblings have different characteristics. Students will learn how and why organisms interact with their environment, what the effects of these interactions are, how the characteristics of one generation are passed to the next, and how individuals of the same species and even siblings can have different characteristics.  Students will also learn how and why the Earth is constantly changing and how the Earth’s processes and human activities affect each other. Students will be introduced to coding and how computer science is a foundational skill for all students. 

Technology: Basic computer skills and digital literacy may be introduced, including typing, using educational software or websites, and practicing safe and responsible online behavior.

Language Arts: Fourth graders continue to develop their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. They explore different genres of literature, analyze texts, expand their vocabulary, and work on writing cohesive paragraphs and essays. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are also emphasized. Reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling are important components of language arts instruction at this grade level. Students develop their reading comprehension skills, learn to write paragraphs and essays, explore different genres of literature, and expand their vocabulary. The English/Language Arts curriculum is divided into five general areas: Foundational Skills, Speaking and Listening, Reading Informational Text, Reading Literature, and Writing. Students will learn to identify the main idea of a text, summarize the text, refer to details in the text to make inferences, and explain events, procedures, ideas, or concepts and why they happened based on specific information from the text. The students will be able to compare and contrast two different texts on the same topic. The students will also learn to integrate information from two different texts to demonstrate understanding of the topic. Students will learn to describe the theme of a text, provide relevant details to support what the text says explicitly, and describe in depth a character, setting, or event using specific details from the text. The students will learn to compare and contrast different themes, topics, and patterns of events in literature, including texts from different cultures. Students will write informative, explanatory, opinion, and narrative pieces conveying ideas or topics clearly. The students will group related information in paragraphs and sections, linking ideas within categories of information using words and phrases. When writing opinion pieces, the students will learn to use an organizational structure that groups related ideas and supports the writer’s purpose. The students will learn to write a narrative that uses dialogue and descriptions to develop experiences and events or show the characters’ responses to situations.

Mathematics: Fourth-grade math builds upon previous concepts and introduces new ones. Students typically learn about multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, data analysis, and basic algebraic thinking. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are developed through various math exercises. Fourth-grade math often covers a range of topics, including place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, measurement, geometry, and basic algebraic concepts. Students work on problem-solving skills and gain a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. The Fourth Grade Mathematics curriculum is divided into five general areas: Numbers and Operations; Numbers and Operations – Fractions; Algebraic Concepts; Measurement, Data, and Probability; and Geometry. Fourth-grade students will be able to use place value to show an understanding of multi-digit whole numbers and do multi-digit arithmetic. The students will demonstrate an understanding of using fractions to show equivalence. The students will learn to build fractions using unit fractions by applying operations (addition, subtraction, etc.). The students will also learn to connect decimals to fractions. The students will solve problems using the four operations and will learn to generate and analyze patterns using one rule. Fourth-grade students will learn to draw lines and angles and identify these two-dimensional figures; to classify two-dimensional figures by their lines and angles; and to recognize symmetric shapes and draw lines of symmetry. The students will learn to solve problems using measurement and to convert a larger unit to a smaller unit. The students will interpret data involving fractions using a line plot.

Science: Fourth-grade science often covers topics such as life science, physical science, and earth science. Students may learn about ecosystems, the human body, matter and energy, forces and motion, rocks and minerals, weather, and the solar system. Hands-on experiments and observations are commonly used to reinforce scientific concepts.

Social Studies: Fourth graders explore various aspects of social studies, including history, geography, civics, and economics. They may learn about their local community, state history, early American history, and important historical events. They also study maps, continents, countries, cultures, and basic economic concepts.

Health and Physical Education: Students learn about the importance of physical fitness, nutrition, personal hygiene, and making healthy choices. They participate in physical activities, games, and sports to develop their motor skills and teamwork abilities.

Arts: Fourth graders often have opportunities to engage in visual arts, music, and possibly drama. They explore different art techniques, learn about famous artists and musicians, and have opportunities for creative expression.

Music: Explore music, learn to sing songs, play musical instruments, and understand basic musical concepts.

The STEM curriculum for second grade is divided into general areas: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems; Structure and Properties of Matter; Processes that shape the earth; Engineering Design; and Coding. Students will learn how organisms interact with their environment and the effects of these interactions, how and why the earth is constantly changing, what the universe is and the earth’s place in it, and how one can explain the structure, properties, and interactions of matter. Students will also learn how to find a simple problem and a solution, and how to improve upon that solution.  Students will be introduced to coding and how computer science is a foundational skill for all students. 

Technology: Students may have access to computers, tablets, or other digital devices to develop their digital literacy skills. They learn how to use various software applications.

English/Language Arts: The curriculum is divided into five general areas: Foundational Skills, Speaking and Listening, Reading Informational Text, Reading Literature, and Writing. Fifth-grade students will learn to identify two or more main ideas of a text, summarize the text, cite textual evidence to explain the text explicitly, and explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts. Students will use multiple print and digital sources to locate information quickly or to solve a problem. The student will learn to determine the theme of a text from details in the text. The students will compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story. Fifth-grade students will learn to analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences. The students will learn to compare and contrast texts in the same genre on their approaches to similar themes and topics. Fifth-grade students will write informational/explanatory pieces using facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, and other information, and will link information within and across categories of information. The students will learn to write an opinion piece that is supported by facts, details, and draws from credible sources. Fifth-grade students will learn to write with an awareness of style, using sentences of varying lengths. The students will learn to expand, combine, or reduce sentences for meaning, reader/listener interest, and style. The students will learn to use narrative techniques such as dialogue, description, and pacing to develop experiences or events in their writing or to show the responses of characters to situations. Fifth-grade students continue to enhance their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. They read a variety of texts, including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. They learn to analyze and interpret texts, identify main ideas, make inferences, and develop critical thinking skills. Grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation are also important components of the English curriculum.

Mathematics: Fifth graders build upon their foundational math skills and delve into more advanced concepts. They typically cover topics such as operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages. They explore algebraic thinking, including variables and equations, as well as geometry and measurement. Additionally, they learn about data analysis and probability. The Fifth Grade Mathematics curriculum is divided into five general areas: Numbers and Operations – Fractions and Algebraic Concepts, Measurement, Data, Probability, and Geometry. Fifth-grade students will extend their understanding of place value and the use of the operations to whole numbers and decimals. The students will use the four operations to solve problems with decimals. Fifth-grade students will use equivalence to add and subtract fractions and learn to multiply and divide fractions. The students will learn to analyze patterns and relationships using two rules. Fifth-grade students will learn to graph points in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane and interpret these points when solving problems. The students will solve problems using conversion within a measurement system; they will interpret data using an appropriate scale; they will solve problems involving the computation of fractions using information from a line plot; and they will solve problems within the concept of volume and relate volume to multiplication and addition.

Science: Fifth-grade science introduces students to various scientific disciplines. They may study topics such as life science (including ecosystems, plants, and animals), physical science (including matter, energy, and forces), and earth science (including weather, climate, and geological processes). They engage in hands-on experiments and develop scientific inquiry skills.

Social Studies: Fifth-grade social studies often includes a study of American history, with a focus on topics such as early colonization, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the growth of the United States. Students also explore geography, including map reading and the study of different regions. They may learn about government and civics, including the Constitution and the branches of government.

Health and Physical Education: In fifth grade, students learn about health and wellness, including nutrition, exercise, personal hygiene, and emotional well-being. They also participate in physical education classes, which focus on developing physical fitness, coordination, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Arts: Fifth graders often have opportunities to explore various forms of visual arts, such as drawing, painting, and sculpture. 

Music: Students engage in various activities, including singing, playing instruments, and learning about musical theory. Drama and theater may be included as well.

The STEM curriculum for fifth grade is divided into four general areas: Structure and Properties of Matter; Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems; Earth and Space Systems; Engineering Design; and Coding. Students will learn how one can explain the structure, properties, and interactions of matter, how energy is transferred and conserved, how organisms live, grow, respond to their environment, and reproduce, and how and why organisms interact with their environment, and what the effects of these interactions are. Students will learn what the universe is, and what is Earth’s place in it, how and why Earth is constantly changing, and how Earth’s processes and human activities affect each other. Students will also be introduced to coding and how computer science is a foundational skill for all students. 

Technology: Students may have access to computers, tablets, or other digital devices to develop their digital literacy skills. They learn how to use various software applications.