Reading/Language Arts
The reading/language arts curriculum includes objectives that support the development of reading, writing, and oral language. These skills are developed through direct instruction, modeling by teachers, guided practice, and the use of textbooks. A balance of learning experiences is used which includes phonemic awareness, phonics, the structure of language, and comprehenesion.
Both fiction and nonfiction materials are read. The language arts curriculum includes instruction in grammar, writing, spelling and handwriting.
General goals of the reading/language arts curriculum are to help students:
* Use multiple strategies/skills to read and to
determine meaning,
* Use the organization and form of language to determine
meaning,
* Develop proficiency with language through reading
and writing, and
* Appreciate the value of reading and writing.
Mathematics
The mathematics curriculum is based on the same five goals of the Virginia Standards of Learning for mathematics.
These are to help students
1. become mathematical problem solvers,
2. communicate mathematically,
3. reason mathematically,
4. make mathematical connections, and
5. make mathematical representations.
Mathematics content is developed through the use of textbooks, models, and hands-on materials. Students apply concepts and skills through a variety of problem solving experiences.
The objectives for each grade level are arranged under the following
headings:
* Number and number sense;
* Computation and estimation;
* Measurement;
* Geometry;
* Probability and statistics; and
* Patterns, functions, and algebra.
Social Studies
The elementary social studies curriculum is based on the Virginia Standards of Learning and incorporates the four strand of history, geography, civics and economics.
It is designed to help students
1. develop knowledge and skills in each of
these four areas,
2. understand the basic values, principles,
and operation of the American democracy,
3. develop a thoughtful pride in the history
of America through understanding of our country's constitutional self-government
4. prepare to be informed and responsible
citizens, and
5. acquire a framework for continuing education
in history and the social sciences.
The social studies objectives are arranged according to the following order:
* Introduction to history and the social sciences
(Kindergarten to grade 3),
* Virginia studies: 1607 to present (Grade
4), and
* United States history to 1877 (Grade 5).
Science
The elementary science curriculum is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of physical, life, and Earth and space science concepts. In addition, students develop a base of science knowledge and learn to apply knowledge to solve problems, communicate information, use experimental design, and make connectins to science in our everyday world. These are the same goals for science instruction as found in the Virginia Standards of Learning.
The objectives for each grade level are arranged under the following heading:
* Process skills (Scientific investigation, reasoning,
and logic);
* Physical science (Force, motion, and energy and
Matter);
* Life science (Life processes and Life systems);
and
* Earth science (Interrelations in Earth/space systems
and Earth patterns, cycles, and change).
Health
The health curriculum is based on the Virginia Standards of Learning for health education. The curriculum helps students to acquire and understanding of health concepts and skills an apply them in making healthy decisions to improve, sustain, and promote personal, family and community health.
The content of the health curriculum at each grade level is arranged according to the strands in the Virginia Standards of Learning for health. These strands are as follows:
* Knowledge and skills,
* Information access and use, and
* Community health and wellness
In addition Lee County Schools has a Life Skills Program related to objectives on growth and development, changes in puberty and drug abuse.
Art
Students in elementary grades receive art instruction from an art resource teacher once a week.
The goals of the art education program are to
1. promote art literacy for students,
2. provide active involvement in the learning
of art techniques,
3. foster appreciation of the various art
areas,
4. provide connections to other discipline
areas, and
5. allow students to commuicate through art.
The objectives of the art program are based on the Virginia Standards of Learning for art education. The objectives provide for students to acquire skills and knowledge in the following areas as they relate to art:
* Visual communication and production,
* Cultural context and art history
* Judgement and critcism, and
* Aesthetics
Students in elementary grades receive music instruction from a resource music teacher once a week.
The goal of the music education program is to empower students to experience music as a source of personal enrichment, as a vehicle for the constructive expression of human emotions, and as a unique intellectual discipline. This goal will be attained through a structured, sequential program of study.
The objectives of the music program are based on the Virginia Standards of Learning for music education. Through active involvement in music, students will build a foundation for a lifetime of participation in an enjoyment of music.
The Standards are organized by four related strands:
* perform
* create
* investigate, and
* connect
Physical Educaiton
Students in elementary grades receive physical education instruction from a resource physical education teacher each day.
The goals of the physical education program are to help students
1. demonstrate proficiency in movement skills
and patterns;
2. apply movement principles and concepts
to learning and developing motor skills;
3. achieve and maintain a health-enhancing
level of personal fitness;
4. demonstrate responsible personal and social
behavior in physical activity settings, and
5 demonstrate a physically active lifestyle,
including activity within and outside the physical education setting.
The objectives of the physical education program are based on the Virginia Standards of Learning for physical education. The overall goal of the objectives is to lead student toward being able to engage skillfully, knowledgeably, responsibly, and vigorously in active, healthy lifestyle.
The objectives at each grade level are divided into the following sections:
* Skilled movement
* Movement principles and concepts
* Personal fitness
* Responsible behaviors
* Physically active lifesyle
Computer/Technology
Computer/Technology skills are also a component of the elementary curriculum. These skills are integrated into all core areas, and specific objectives are designated for students to have accomplished by the end of grade five. These objectives are based on the Virginia Standards of Learning and related to the following areas:
* Basic understanding of computer theory;
* Basic technology skills;
* Processing, storing and retrieving electronic
information, and
* Communicating through application software.
Parents who are interested in more detail regarding the elementary curriculum may contact the principal of their child's school for additional information regarding specific content objectives and Virginia Standards of Learning.