Heyworth Elementary Curriculum Overview
Kindergarten
Mathematics
English Language Arts
1st Grade
2nd Grade
Mathematics
English Language Arts
3rd Grade
Mathematics
Third-grade math is a pivotal year focused on building a strong foundation in multiplication, division, and fractions. Students start by solidifying place value and learning to add and subtract within 1000 through rounding. The core of the curriculum is dedicated to mastering multiplication and division facts by learning and applying their properties. Finally, students transition to geometry and measurement, where they will learn how to find perimeter and area of shapes, tell time, and interpret data, all while applying their core skills to solve real-world problems.
English Language Arts
Third-grade ELA is a big shift for students as they transition from learning to read to reading to learn across various subjects. In reading class, students will move beyond simple recall to focus on deeper comprehension and analysis. They will learn to use explicit evidence from the text to support their answers, analyze literary elements like character motivation and point of view, and understand the structures of poetry and nonliteral language. In informational texts, they'll practice determining the main idea, using text features, and comparing/contrasting key ideas across different sources. Furthermore, a strong emphasis is placed on building advanced vocabulary using context clues and mastering prefixes and suffixes to ensure they have the foundational skills needed for these new challenges. They'll apply these skills while reading both classic stories and complex informational units on topics like Animal Classification, Ancient Rome, The Solar System, and during two different novel studies.
4th Grade
Mathematics
Fourth-grade math, using the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, focuses on three major areas: multi-digit multiplication and division fluency, a deep understanding of fraction equivalence and operations, and a significant extension of the place value system to one million and decimals. Students begin by exploring factors and multiples and then spend extensive time mastering equivalent fractions and performing all four operations with fractions, including adding tenths and hundredths. The curriculum also covers multiplicative comparison in word problems, measurement conversions, and dedicated units on geometry, where students learn about angles, measure them with a protractor, and classify two-dimensional shapes based on their properties. This problem-based approach emphasizes conceptual understanding and fleixble problem-solving strategies over rote memorization.
English Language Arts
Fourth-grade ELA builds significantly on skills fromt he previous year, with a key shift toward inferential reading and synthesizing informaiton from multiple sources. Students will move past merely finding explicit evidence to using that evidence to draw conclusions and explain the author's choices in the text. They will focus on deeper tetual analysis, learning to determine the theme of literary works, analyze how the author uses reasons and evidence in informaitonal texts, and combine information across two different texts on the same topic. Throughout the year, they will also advance their language skills by mastering figurative language and analyzing nuances in word meanings to support their reading comprehension.
Science
Fourth graders in science will explore three main concepts throughout the year. Unit 1 focuses on life science, where students will compare different plants and animals to understand how their body parts and behaviors help them survive, grow, and reproduce in various environments, even those with extreme climates. They'll also compare human body structures, like eyes. Moving into unit 2, the focus shifts to Earth science where students will investigate the history of Earth and its landforms, learning about concepts like tectonic plates, the rock cycle, and how erosion and other Earth changes can impact human activity. Finally, unit 3 delves into physical science, where students will learn about different kinds of energy and study the transfers and transformations that happen between these energies as they are used in the world around them.
Social Studies
Fourth graders in social studies will focus on the geography, history, economics, and civics of the United States, which is divided inot five distinct regions based on shared characteristics: the Northeast, Sourtheast, West, Sourthwest, and Midwest. Students will learn about each of these regions by using the four core social sciences to explore what it's like to live there, including how the region's features, economy, history, and government systems function. A key goal of the program is to compare and contrast the way of life in these different regions with the students' own region and state, developing inquiry skills to research and understand their local area in depth.
5th Grade
Mathematics
Fifth-grade math is a crucial year focused on mastering operations with decimals and fractions while moving into the introductory concepts of higher math. Students begin the year by solidifying place value and fluently multiplying and dividing whole numbers, then quickly transition to performing all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) with decimals. The curriculum then shifts to fractions, where students learn to add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators, and then master multiplying and dividing fractions by whole numbers and other fractions. The year concludes with an introduction to Geometry and Measurement, including calculating volume and analyzing two and three dimensional shapes.
English Language Arts
Fifth Grade ELA focuses on moving students to independent analysis of grade level texts and creating sophisticated and appropriate writing. In reading, student's shift from merely citing explicit details to using that evidence to make inferences and demonstrate a true understanding of what the text says and what it implies. Students will analyze the author's craft and structural elements, such as how chapters fit into a novel's overall structure and how point of view influences the story. Writing styles such as narrative, informational and poetry are taught with a focus on ensuring the work is clear, coherent, and well-organized through frequent revision and editing. Language instruction includes applying grammar and focusing on figuring out word meanings and figurative language to greatly expand academic vocabulary.
Science
Fifth-grade science focuses on three major domains: Space Systems, Matter and Energy in Organisms, and Earth's Systems, integrating hands-on learning and engineering design throughout the year. Students will investigate Space Systems by examining the Sun, Earth, and other stars, focusing on patterns like gravity, apparent brightness, shadows, and seasons. In the Matter and Energy in organisms unit, they explore the concepts of food webs, how matter is cycled, and the energy needs of plants and animals. Finally, the Earth's Systems unit covers the interactions between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere, teaching students to analyze data and build models to understand these complex relationships. Throughout all units, students will utilize the Science & Engineering Practices to ask questions, create models, plan investigations, and construct explanations.
Social Studies
Fifth-grade Social Studies provides students with an in-depth exploration of Early United States History and the foundations of American government. The curriculum delves into the lives and cultural regions of American Indians, examines the significant impact of early European settlers on the continent, and traces the pivotal events that led to the formation of the nation. This comprehensive study culminates in a focused unit on the United States Constitution, ensuring students understand the core principles and structure of the document that establishes our government.
Band (Optional)
The beginning band class is a year-ong class designed to give students an introductory experience on an instrument (woodwind, brass, or percussion). Instruments are selected at the beginning of the school year with the assistance of the director. The curriculum for this class focuses on developing skills elarned in the General Music classroom and applying to the skills needed for instrumental music. Students learn fundamental skills including tone production, reading music notation, performing basic rhythms and instrument care.
Performances: Students perform in two concerts (December and April).
6th Grade
Mathematics
Sixth-grade math marks a crucial transition from arithmetic to pre-algebraic concepts, with a core focus on ratios, rates, and algebraic expressions. Students begin the year by studying Numerical Expressions and Factors, including exponents and the greatest common factor. The curriculum then heavily emphasizes Ratios and Rates, where students use tables and graphing to understand proportional relationships, followed by a major unit on the Division of Fractions, including problem-solving with complex fractions. Finally, the year concludes with units on Expressions and Equations (writing, evaluating, and solving one-variable equations) and Area, Surface Area, and Volume, where students apply their knowledge of geometric formulas to find the volume and surface area of prisms and draw polygons in the coordinate plane.
English Language Arts
Science
Sixth-grade science provides students with an in-depth study of many different systems, focusing on four main areas: Weather & Climate, the Earth and Moon system, Body Systems, and Energy Efficiency. Students will investigate weather patterns by developing models to explain how the Earth's rotation and unequal heating cause global atmospheric and oceanic circulation, and will analyze factors contributing to climate change. Students create models to understand why cyclic patterns like moon phases occur in the Earth and Moon system. The curriculum then shifts to Body Systems where students will investigate the intricate inner workings of the body systems to make a healthy, functioning human. Finally, students examine Energy Efficiency, tracing where energy enters and leaves a home in an effort to make it as efficient as possible.
Social Studies
In 6th Grade Social Studies, students embark on an exciting journey back in time to explore Ancient Civilizations. This comprehensive course focuses on the history, cultural achievements, and lasting contributions of four foundational societies: Early Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. By studying these major civilizations, students gain a crucial understanding of how early human societies developed government, religion, innovation, and culture that continues to influence the modern world.
Band (Optional)
The Intermediate Band Class is a year-long class designed to further a student's experience on an instrument (woodwind, brass, or percussion). The curriculum for this class is an extension of the skills and fundamentals learned in Beginning Band. Students continue to develop fundamental skills including tone production, reading music notation, performing rhythms and instrument care.
Performances: Students perform in two concerts (December and April)
Elementary Music
Each class at Heyworth Elementary receives weekly music instruction for 40 minutes, providing consistent exposure to musical concepts and performance skills. Students have the opportunity to showcase their learning through grade-level concerts:
Kindergarten through 2nd Grade perform at the annual Christmas Concert
Grades 3 and 4 perform at the annual Spring Concert
Grades 5 and 6 perform at a dedicated Fall Concert
Kindergarten
Kindergarten music introduces foundational concepts through movement and singing, focusing heavily on establishing a steady beat and recognizing differences in sound. Students will learn about pitch (high vs. low), timbre (identifying classroom instruments and the four singing voices: speaking, whispering, calling, and singing) , and basic form (same vs. different phrases). The year concludes with a focus on expression by identifying and performing loud/quiet (dynamics) and fast/slow (tempo).
1st Grade
First grade expands on the kindergarten foundation, specifically focusing on reading and writing music notes sol, la, and mi. In rhythm, students learn to identify and perform patterns representing one sound on a beat (ta) and two sounds on a beat (titi). They continue to study timbre by identifying instrument sounds of the orchestra and more complex form (AB form). Expression is advanced by learning and labeling dynamics and tempos using Italian terms like forte (loud), piano (soft), allegro (fast), and largo (slow).
2nd Grade
Second grade begins introducing more complex rhythmic and melodic concepts, including recognizing the pentatonic scale (drm sl) and notes do, re, and mi. Students learn to show beats in different meters (groups of 2, 3, and 4). Timbre and Form instruction expands to include the Orchestra Families (woodwind, brass, percussion, and strings) and more complex forms like ABA and rondo. Expression is deepened by identifying musical mood and performing advanced tempos (andante, moderato).
3rd Grade
Third grade is a major year for advancing rhythmic literacy by introducing and performing sixteenth notes. Melodic concepts expand to include low sol, low la, and high do. Students refine their knowledge of orchestra families , learn complex musical forms (AABA, theme and variations, verse/chorus) , and begin singing in parts by maintaining their role in a canon or round. The focus on expression involves identifying and performing a wide range of dynamic markings, including crescendo and decrescendo.
4th Grade
Fourth grade emphasizes instrumental performance through the Recorder Unit , where students read and label lines and spaces on the treble clef and play the C Major Scale. Rhythmic skills advance with the introduction of syncopation , and melodic skills expand with the notes fa and re. Students learn to define and use musical symbols such as repeat signs, 1st/2nd endings, and the coda. They continue to refine expression by identifying and performing a wide array of Italian tempo and dynamic markings.
5th Grade
Fifth grade introduces a significant new instrument as students begin the Ukulele unit. They continue to advance their music literacy by performing grade-level rhythms and singing the Major Scale. The curriculum also integrates Orff instruments (such as soprano, alto, and bass xylophones) and focuses on complex musical notation, form, and expressive performance, preparing students for middle school music.
6th Grade
Sixth-grade music focuses on instrumental performance and composition using modern technology. Students will master rhythm through a dedicated Bucket Drumming unit and apply their knowledge of musical technology to engage in Foley Art and composition. The Ukulele unit is revisited for continued skill development. The curriculum emphasizes the creation of music, using music technology, and performing complex rhythms, dynamics, and expression to demonstrate musicality.
Elementary Art
Each class at Heyworth Elementary receives weekly art instruction for 40 minutes, providing consistent exposure to concepts and performance skills. Students have the opportunity to showcase their learning through art exhibits throughout the year.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten art focuses on the basic exploration of materials and procedures in a collaborative environment. Students develop fundamental motor skills by practicing drawing lines and basic shapes, learning proper painting techniques with tempera cakes, and experimenting with simple printing (stamping and finger printing). The curriculum also introduces three-dimensional concepts through paper sculpture (basic folds and rolls) and the four elements of art, with a goal of creating an individual self-portrait by the end of the year.
1st Grade
First grade expands on basic skills by introducing students to Primary and Secondary color theory through painting and color mixing exercises. In drawing, students learn to incorporate different types of lines (horizontal, vertical, diagonal) and add detail to their self-portraits. They move from simple collage to making purposeful designs with cut paper and begin working in clay by learning the technique for making a pinch pot. Throughout the year, students also discuss the art and cultures of European artists, often referred to as "The Masters".
2nd Grade
Second grade focuses on advancing technical skills in drawing, including the introduction of value with crayons and understanding the horizon line for space. Students deepen their knowledge of color theory by studying warm, cool, and neutral colors and explore printing concepts like positive and negative space using foam mono prints. They are also introduced to fiber art by practicing simple stitching with a plastic needle and yarn. The curriculum incorporates art appreciation by comparing and contrasting art from African and Australian cultures.
3rd Grade
Third grade art instruction advances in compositional skills, teaching students to create basic space in their drawings by utilizing the horizon line and concepts of foreground, middleground, and background. Color theory mastery continues with instruction on tertiary and complementary colors. Students explore diverse 3D methods, including using staples and scotch tape in paper sculpture, and begin using embroidery in fiber art. Cultural studies focus on the art of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
4th Grade
Fourth grade is a significant year for technical mastery, with a focus on drawing proportions in self-portraits and mastering value using regular pencil and blending chalk pastel. Students are introduced to advanced color schemes like monochromatic and analogous and learn specialized techniques in painting (wet on wet/dry) and clay (additive and reductive methods). Furthermore, they learn foundational basic sewing and plastic canvas embroidery in fiber art. The cultural unit explores the art and culture of Asia
5th Grade
6th Grade
Elementary P.E.
Students at Heyworth Elementary School recieve P.E. three days per week for 40 minutes.
Elementary Library Skills
Coming Soon