Newell Elementary School

Grade Level Curriculum Overview

Math: 

Innovamat Math Overview

Innovamat is a competency-based educational program for teaching and learning mathematics. Learning based on practices generates knowledge that is more solid, connected, critical, and long lasting; developing a comprehensive mathematical experience. Innovamat focuses on the processes of Problem Solving, Reasoning and Proof, Connections, and Communication and Representation. 

Students will build knowledge while exploring manipulative and digital materials, collaborate and discuss multiple ways to answer challenging questions, and strengthen strategies by working in meaningful contexts. 

Language Arts:

Core Knowledge Language Arts, or CKLA, is a comprehensive, language-based literacy program that builds deep content knowledge with research-based foundational skills. Through the use of intentionally sequenced units of study which spiral across the grades, students build vocabulary and knowledge in science, social studies, literature and the arts. Aligned with NJ Learning Standards, CKLA promotes equitable access to complex texts through differentiated accessibility for diverse learners while engaging student interests via culturally responsive and relevant learning experiences. 

In kindergarten through second grade, CKLA is divided into a 60-minute skills instructional period and a 60-minute knowledge instructional period. This two strand approach ensures student access to rich texts and discussion while teaching developmentally appropriate and sequenced reading foundation and comprehension skills.

Science: 

We follow Mystery Science that meets the Next Generation Science Standards. 

Units of Study Include:

Animal Biodiversity

In this unit, students begin to develop an understanding of the world's animal biodiversity. They explore animal classification and the traits that define each group. Students then turn their focus to habitats and how the surrounding environment affects what organisms live in a particular environment.

Plant Adaptations

In this unit, students explore the needs of plants through hands-on investigations. They explore how and why plants disperse their seeds, what those seeds need in order to grow, and what the adult plants need in order to survive and thrive.

Erosion & Earth’s Surface

In this unit, students explore how water shapes the Earth's surface. Students construct and use models of mountains to demonstrate that water flows downhill, and in the process, transforms huge rocks into the tiny grains of sand we find at the beach. Students also construct and use model hills to determine the causes of erosion, and to design solutions to problems caused by erosion.

Material Properties

In this unit, students explore the properties of materials and matter! They describe and classify different types of materials by properties like hardness, flexibility, and absorbency, and they investigate how those properties are useful in meeting basic human needs (such as clothing and cooking). They also investigate how heating and cooling affect the properties of materials.

Social Studies: 

We follow TCI Social Studies Alive! 

What is a Community?

During this unit, students will gain an understanding of what makes a "community."

How are Communities Different?

During this unit, students learn about the three different types of communities; urban, rural, and suburban.

How do we Use Maps?

During this unit, students learn about maps and map tools.

Geography

During this unit, students learn that communities have different geographic features and that physical maps show these features.

How Do People Use Our Environment?

Throughout this unit, students will explore how people use (and misuse) our environment.

How are Good Made and Brought to Us?
In this unit, students will learn how goods are produced and distributed

Who Provides Services in a Community?

Throughout this unit, students learn about people who provide services in a community.

Characteristics of a Successful Learner: In this area NES staff focuses on teaching students to be–

Effective Communicators by listening attentively and speaking clearly with appropriate volume.

Self-Directed Learners by taking initiative and works independently, uses time effectively, and preservers in task completion.

Collaborative Team Member by working cooperatively with peers,is respectful of  the ideas, rights and feelings of others.

Creative and Practical Problem Solver by taking learning risks and Considers multiple solutions to problems.

Mindfulness: Focuses on empowering students to:

develop self-awareness tools

develop self-management tools

to be calm

to be focused

to be connected

to be energetically balanced

These skills are taught through breath, movement and mindfulness practices in order for students to be ready to learn.