Curriculum

MATH

WRSD uses Eureka Math2 (also called Engage NY).  This is a very hands-on curriculum and each module builds upon the next.

Counting and Cardinality

• Know number names and the count sequence.

• Count to tell the number of objects.

• Compare numbers.

Operations and Algebraic Thinking

• Understand addition as putting together and adding to, and understand subtraction as taking apart and taking from.

Number and Operations in Base Ten

• Work with numbers 11-19 to gain foundations for place value.

Measurement and Data

• Describe and compare measurable attributes.

• Classify objects and count the number of objects in each category

Geometry

• Identify and describe shapes.

• Analyze, compare, create, and compose shapes.

See link below for more detail.

greatminds.org/math/curriculum

LITERACY INSTRUCTION

This is the second year WRSD is using the Fountas & Pinnell Classroom curriculum.  It is a wholistic approach to literacy, that includes: a phonics/word work piece, writing, interactive read-a-louds, guided reading, independent reading and shared reading.  The system is designed to support whole group, small group and independent learning opportunities.  It includes many wonderful texts and has an assessment component as well.

WRITERS' WORKSHOP

Although a writing piece is a part of Fountas & Pinnell Classroom, Houghton also incorporates the Empowering Writers' approach. 

empoweringwriters.com/

SCIENCE / SOCIAL STUDIES

WRSD follows the State of Massachusetts Learning Standards for Science.  Holidays around the world, living vs. non-living, animal habitats, community helpers, conserving resources, simple machines - push/pull, and more will be discussed this year.  We also use Scholastic News to assist our teaching for science and social studies.  The PTO is generously providing each child with a subscription to this magazine.

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.   Houghton has been using the Responsive Classroom approach for many years which places an equal emphasis on social/emotional learning to academic learning.  Th SEL initiative is a new one for WRSD and is in conjunction with state standards.  A link to  Responsive Classroom is listed below.

https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/