Humanities

Language Arts

The language arts curriculum is carefully articulated and weaves together developmentally appropriate experiences in written language, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar, proofreading, spelling, handwriting, dictionary skills, speaking and listening skills, organizational skills, and literacy appreciation. The written component of the language arts curriculum begins in kindergarten with students writing words or brief sentences using invented spelling. It progresses to students writing clear and well developed multiple paragraph compositions in 6th grade. The goals of the language arts curricula emanate from the belief that a strong foundation in the skills and appreciation of language and literature provide children with the powerful means of understanding themselves and others and of communicating, in oral and written format, who they are and what they think and feel. The language arts curriculum complements all other curriculum areas.

Reading

The reading curriculum begins in kindergarten with the fundamentals of alphabet recognition and culminates in the 6th grade with the ability to comprehend and interpret the printed word at the literal, figurative, and critical level. To develop a solid foundation and appreciation for literature in the early grades, kindergarten through 2nd grades use The Wright Group Leveled Reading Series, and 3rd and 4th grades use the Houghton Mifflin Leveled Reading Series. Whole group literature is an important component of the reading curriculum K-6. The study and practice of reading are vital dimensions of the elementary curriculum which emphasizes decoding skills at every grade, comprehension skills, reference and study skills, literary skills, and vocabulary development. The reading curriculum is closely integrated with other areas of study and is supported by biweekly visits to the school’s library, as well as by the availability of classroom libraries. Two important goals of the reading program, in addition to encouraging skilled readers, are to instill a life-long reading habit and to foster an appreciation of the written word.

Social Studies

The primary social studies curriculum centers on our relationships with each other and with the world: nature, family and friends, school, neighborhood, city, state, our nation, and other nations and communities. Holidays and celebrations are enthusiastically observed, including both traditional American ones and those reflecting cultures represented in our diverse community. Connections are made between past and present, and an understanding of “history” as “story” is encouraged. Students study “people who have made a difference” and are encouraged to appreciate their own history -- personal, genealogical, and national -- and the histories of others. Beginning in 2nd grade, the study of geography is a focus. The 3rd grade curriculum focuses on communities from Native American cultures and Los Angeles. The social studies/science interface involves discussions of “adaptation” in human and animal communities and how those human adaptations produce diverse “cultures.” The political, economic, and social characteristics of cities are explored in depth.

In the 4th grade, formal history is introduced with the study of California, from its geographic setting through the events of exploration, colonization, statehood, and modern growth and development. Students begin to understand both chronological and causal connections. The 5th grade curriculum provides the first encounter with the sweep of American history from exploration to contemporary issues, with special focus on the colonial period. “Colonial Immersion Week” in the spring integrates music, art, science, history, and language arts in a rich curriculum experience. The 6th grade curriculum introduces Ancient Civilizations, including an emphasis on Greek and Roman word roots and political thought. Tie-ins with art, drama, music, and literature are made throughout the curriculum.

The world geography curriculum spans grades 2-6. Students are encouraged to seek to discover and understand the connections between U.S. history and events in other parts of the world.