Elementary Curriculum
Much effort has been put into analyzing our student data, setting goals, and creating action plans to meet them. We consider a wide range of student achievement data to determine changes needed in curriculum and instructional delivery. With this data, we are better able to understand the strengths and weaknesses of our curriculum and make adaptations to meet the various needs of our student population.
Our K-12 math curriculum has been aligned with the Pennsylvania Common Core Academic Standards, assessment anchors and eligible content. Our core program, which was implemented during the 2010-2011 school year, is Everyday Mathematics. This program was developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project and is based on research about how students learn and develop mathematical power. It emphasizes a problem-solving approach based on everyday situations, an instructional approach that revisits concepts regularly and frequently practices these basic skills, and incorporates lessons that are based on activities and games. In addition to Everyday Mathematics, two supplemental resources are used to support math instruction at OJR. Rocket Math is used to assist students in mastering their math facts. IXL Online is used to provide practice and math enrichment to students. The instructional programs at OJR from K through grade 6 should prepare students for learning proportional and algebraic thinking in middle school.
English Language Arts instruction in grades K–12 is grounded in the belief that students become strong readers, writers, speakers, listeners, and thinkers through a workshop model that provides opportunities for whole-group instruction, small-group instruction, independent practice, and responsive support. This approach allows teachers to meet students where they are and provide targeted instruction based on student need.
In grades K–2, literacy instruction is centered on helping students learn to read and write while also developing a lifelong love of reading. Instruction includes foundational skills, phonics, word study, vocabulary, shared reading and writing, independent reading, guided reading, and flexible small-group instruction. Teachers use data from a variety of assessments to determine students’ instructional levels, identify areas of strength and need, and plan instruction accordingly.
In grades 3–6, literacy instruction builds on those foundational skills and supports students as they continue to learn to read while also reading to learn. Students strengthen their ability to write and write to learn, engage with increasingly complex texts, expand vocabulary, and develop clear and effective written expression.
In grades K–5, the district uses HMH Into Reading as a primary instructional resource to support reading comprehension, foundational skills, vocabulary, writing, grammar, and speaking and listening. In grade 6, students transition to HMH Into Literature, which supports the development of analytical reading, literary response, academic vocabulary, and written expression as students prepare for the expectations of middle school English Language Arts.
In addition, handwriting is explicitly taught and practiced in kindergarten through second grade, while cursive instruction begins in third grade.
Our elementary science program follows the Pennsylvania STEELS Standards (Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability), engaging students in hands-on investigations, real-world problem-solving, and collaborative projects that integrate engineering and technology. Through an inquiry-based approach, students explore core concepts in life, earth, and physical sciences while practicing skills such as asking questions, analyzing data, and designing solutions. Crosscutting concepts connect ideas across disciplines, helping students see the relevance of science in everyday life. This curriculum fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong interest in science while preparing students for future learning and informed participation in a scientifically literate society.
The elementary Social Studies curriculum addresses the State Standards through leveled nonfiction texts, textbooks in grades 4-6, Rand McNally Classroom electronic resources, and supporting materials.
Specials are an integral part of our students’ school day, and all students will receive instruction in STEAM, art, music, and physical education weekly. Library instruction is offered in grades K-3 and in conjunction with grade 4-6 teachers, and Guidance instruction is offered in grades K-3. Health is taught in grades 4, 5, and 6 for a semester at each level. Chorus is available in grades 4, 5, and 6. Students in grade 6 will experience an introduction to World Languages in lieu of library instruction.
Our Elementary STEAM program engages students in an interdisciplinary approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. Through hands-on projects, inquiry-based learning, and real-world problem-solving, students develop creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. Lessons are designed to spark curiosity, encourage innovation, and foster resilience as students explore connections between disciplines. By blending artistic expression with scientific and mathematical reasoning, our STEAM program prepares students to be thoughtful, resourceful, and adaptable learners ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
In conjunction with accompanying online resources for some adopted textbooks, technology is also integrated into the curriculum via web-based tools (some subscription-based, some at no cost). These tools provide good support for different learning styles and enrich the current curriculum. Keyboarding skills are introduced in grade 3 and reinforced through grade 6. Students also have access to laptop computers for research activities and creating projects online.
We offer various co-curricular activities for students. These include but are not limited to Odyssey of the Mind, Reading Olympics, K-Kids, science fair, and spelling bee.
As a parent/guardian, the most important activity you can do with your child is to read! Your schools are wonderful resources for suggestions on books and other activities.
Student Supply Lists
Student supply lists are available on your school’s website. If you have any questions regarding parental/guardian supply responsibilities, please contact your building office.
Health & Physical Education
Students in kindergarten through grade 6 have physical education weekly. Emphasis at the elementary level is placed on a variety of motor activities. Special emphasis is placed on visual perception, spatial awareness, and gross motor activities. Students learn leadership through games with low and high levels of organization. Participation, rather than high achievement, is stressed at all levels. Students in grades four through six participate in weekly health lessons in addition to physical education class. A portion of the health classes will focus on fitness.
Parental Notification of Third Grade Health Lesson on AIDS
Schools are required under Pennsylvania Public Law to provide AIDS education. An introductory lesson on AIDS is presented to third-grade students in the latter part of the school year. Basic, age-appropriate information about AIDS is provided through an educational video/program. It is designed to alleviate children's fears of the AIDS epidemic and of becoming infected. There is no mention of sexual contact.
Parents/guardians who would like to preview the video and materials may do so by contacting their school's principal. Parents/guardians who would prefer that their child not participate in the AIDS lesson should notify the building principal, in writing, by May 1 of each school year.
Music
Music classes are held once per 5-day cycle for kindergarten through sixth-grade students. In the music classroom, students develop listening, rhythmic, notation, instrumental, and vocal skills. Beginning in third grade, students are given the opportunity to learn a string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or bass). Beginning in fourth grade, students also have the opportunity to learn a band instrument (oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, and percussion). String and band lessons are scheduled with groups of five or fewer students at a time and will meet for 30 minutes once every 5-day cycle. Opportunities to rent string and band instruments are provided to all parents.
Please discuss with your child the responsibility connected with electing instrumental music lessons. When students are assigned to a lesson time, they are responsible for quietly making their way to the lesson. They are also responsible for bringing their instruments to school and taking them home at night. Classrooms do not afford space to store instruments left behind. Students are discouraged from using the office phones to call home about forgotten instruments, so please help them learn self-reliance by being responsible for their own instrument transportation. Each student taking instrument lessons and their parents will receive and sign an Instrument Lesson Agreement acknowledging the attendance expectations.
Students can participate in band and orchestra. Rehearsals are held either before or after school, with parents/guardians providing transportation. If students have more than four unexcused absences from lessons, they will not be prepared for the concert and therefore will not be able to participate in their school’s orchestra or band.
Chorus is open to all students in the fourth grade through sixth grade and meets once weekly. There is also a district-wide chorus that rehearses after school, with parents/guardians providing transportation. This group is by audition only. Finally, some of our elementary schools also have a handbell choir.
Art
The program is designed to aid students in achieving command of basic communication and perception skills, disciplined use of their intellectual and motor abilities, an increased understanding of themselves and their value in society, and an understanding of man's accomplishments in the arts.
The Art Curriculum enhances child development in three areas: sensory motor skills, visual perception skills, and cognitive skills. Planned experiences in textiles, carving, modeling and construction, printmaking, paper techniques, drawing, and painting are part of the curriculum.
Library
The library provides an environment for each student's growth. It is not only a provider of materials but also an instructional extension of the classroom and the elementary curriculum. All students are encouraged to visit the library daily to browse, select books, and explore. Elementary books may be borrowed for a period of one week, with the option to renew. Students will be charged for lost books or those damaged beyond use or repair.
Materials available in the library are selected to support and enrich the curriculum, as well as to provide knowledge, growth, aesthetic values, ethical standards, and recreational outlets. Your help in establishing good student borrowing habits will be greatly appreciated. Children will enjoy sharing their books with you. Reading and books will become much more significant to them if you are part of the experience. It is the hope of the library staff that students find the library an informative, interesting place to visit, and that they enthusiastically request to visit there often.
Additional information about your school library is available on the Library Link on your school’s website.
Technology in the Elementary Classroom
The Owen J. Roberts School District encourages the integration of technology into the instruction of all children. This enables teachers and students to use technology to enhance the learning experience.