Curriculum

---

2025/2026 Curriculum will be posted in July. 

2024/ 2025 High School

LITERATURE ARTS: 

Reading 

-Required monthly classics reading 

- One hour of reading 7 days per week which includes time spent on research 

Writing 

-Daily journal writings. 

-Writing analysis of world literature, non-fiction, poetry, and other genres that integrate into other subjects being studied. 

-Writing a personal memoir 

-Analysis writing of works of fiction 

-Composing nonfiction articles with subjects of interest. 

-Writing and compiling a poetry collection 

-Planning, researching, and writing a research paper on one world issue 

-Writing biographies & autobiographies 

-Foundational writing skills including college writing 

-Open and closed form writing (the 5 paragraph essay) 

-Oral presentations 

-Rubrics and the editing process 

-Formulating strong thesis statements 

-Note taking 

-Proper citation

-Morning Journals/listening journals 

-Short lessons on cursive writing 

-Practice critical reading skills 

-Vocabulary skills

Vocabulary: 

-Weekly vocabulary words from Worldly Wise 8 & 12. 

- Utilizing vocabulary words in the writing assignments detailed above. 

-Vocabulary games 

-Compilation of personal, categorized dictionary of new vocabulary words for quick reference. 

Grammar 

-Finding grammatical mistakes in formal passages in order to enhance their understanding of important grammar rules. 

-Editing of personal essays and creative works 

-Identifying all parts of speech 

-Examine music for parts of speech and errors in speaking correctly

GEOMETRY 

– Students will learn a variety of concepts that can be applied to real life situations such as banking accounts, incomes, credit cards, budgets, loans, and more. 

-Whole numbers review 

-Integers 

-Rational numbers 

-Order of operations 

-Fractions, all operations 

-Decimals, all operations 

-Percents 

-Measurement 

-Ratio and proportions 

-Geometry, including line/angle/triangle relationships 

-Graphs 

-Understanding variables and solving equations 

-Exponents

SCIENCES 

-Oceanology 

Levels of the Ocean 

Currents, waves, and tides 

Salinity 

Marine life 

Coral reefs 

Garbage Island 

Shipwrecks 

-Meteorology 

Understanding of weather patterns 

Reading and translation of radar/weather maps 

Use of a green screen to give a weather report 

-Astronomy 

-Environmental Science/Reuse, Reduce, Recycle 

-The effects of trash and plastics on the environment 

-Basic concepts of Biochemistry 

-Health of the soil

-Geology

- Carbon Dating 

- Age and makeup of Earth layers 

-“Rock" types, Igneous, Sedimentary, Metamorphic, Minerals, Fossils 

- Identification of rock types .

- Construction of jewelry out of multiple “rocks"

GEOGRAPHY 

-Review of globe terms and location of all 7 continents 

- Review of countries/states and capitals in North, Central, and South America 

- Review of mountains and waterways in the America's 

HISTORY & ECONOMICS & GOVERNMENT 

-Currency & Marketing 

-Learning about rise and fall of the markets 

-1Study supply-demand-and pricing 

-Highlight the first economic book 

– In Holland 

-Assimilation of a bust and boom in which students participate 

-The 2001 Technology Boom 

-The 2008 Real Estate Bust 

-US Government 

–The Constitution, The general construction of the American government, 

-Stock Market and stock market game 

-Participate in a stock market simulation 

-Participate in an “artificial market’ 

– students are given certain units. They trade and SELL “ROCKS” AND RELATE TO SHORTAGES AND SURPLUS.

MUSIC 

-Examining lyrics of music from various geographic places in the Americas. 

-Examining lyrics of music from various historical periods of history 

-Creating music videos at the beginning of the year 

-Create songs, do lip sync, create their own songs, and compose parodies.

Textbooks & Other Resources 

Literature for High School Classes/All books integrate into other material being studied. 

- Anthem 

- The Scar Boys 

- Lord of the Flies 

- After Tupac and D Foster 

- Of Mice and Men 

- In Darkness 

- Long Way Down

- The Chocolate War

- Invisible Man

Technology Skills 

-Make public service announcements about mental health 

Vocabulary

-Wordly Wise Books 9-12 

Algebra I – Teaching Textbooks 

Geometry – All About Geometry

Pre- Algebra - Understanding Pre-Algebra 

Field Trips – Sharon Wood (geological dig), Newport Aquarium (Behind-the-tour scene of marine life), Observatory (night time viewing of stars and planets), Playhouse in the Park (musicals “Johnny Cash”) State Capital Building while it is in session/Batavia Courthouse while in session

 Middle School 

History & Geography: Reading, writing, geography, and related activities on the study of the America’s, with a focus on Canada, the United States and Mexico. 

 Focus this year is on American history: first semester early American history, second semester modern American history. 

Literature: Reading from various children’s classics relating to history studies. See below. 

Science: Daily readings, hands-on experiments, and accompanying work in Biology and  Physics. Research and presentation skills through participation in a Science Fair.  

Language arts: Vocabulary, grammar and writing skills befitting Middle School levels; note taking, outlines, summarizing references and essay writing.  Focus on learning presentation skills. 

Math: Focus on Pre-Algebra course level. Understanding basic economics and personal finance. 

Art education: projects relating to the curriculum topics in history, literature, as well as, field trips to Art museum virtual and physical. 

Music and Dance: projects and activities related to history and literature. 

Health and Wellness: Basic safety course on drug awareness. First aid basics and physical fitness basics. 

Textbooks and Curriculum, but not limited to… 

UNDERSTANDING PRE-ALGEBRA by The Critical Thinking Co. 

TEACHING PHYSICS WITH TOYS  by Terrific Science Press

BIOLOGY BY Glencoe

FREE MARKET RULES/CORE CURRICULUM 

TRICK GEOGRAPHY

TRAIL GUIDE TO WORLD GEOGRAPHY

GEOGRAPHY THROUGH ART BY Sharon Jeffus and Jamie Aramini

FIX IT GRAMMAR by Pamela White

STRUCTURE AND STYLE  by Institute for Excellence in Writing

EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION SKILLS by Steve Mandel

Various literature classics, home and community library books and resources, history and science reference books, World Atlas and maps, globe, consumable and non-consumable science kits, and various websites such as Seterra, Ducksters, and National Geographic. 

Literature Reading List

HATCHET by  Gary Paulsen     (Aug/Sept)

THE LABORS OF HERCULES BEAL  by Gary D. Schmidt (Sept/Oct)

BETRAYAL AT CROSS CREEK by Kathleen Ernst  (Oct/Nov)

MY INDIAN BOYHOOD by Luther Standing Bear  (Nov/Dec)

THE HORSE AND HIS BOY  by C. S. Lewis   (Jan)

LOUISIANA'S WAY HOME by Kate DiCamillo  (Feb)

ESPERANZA RISING by Pam Munoz Ryan   (March)

THE CAY by Theodore Taylor    (April)

MAKE YOUR BED by Admiral William H. McRaven

TREE WAGON by Evelyn Sibley Lampman

THE HOUSE OF THE SEVEN GABLES  by Nathanial Hawthorne

THE SECRET OF THE OLD CLOCK  by Carolyn Keene

1776 by David McCullough

THE PIONEERS by David McCullough

TOM SAWYER by Mark Twain

THUNDER ROLLING IN THE MOUNTAINS by Scott O’Dell 

UNDAUNTED COURAGE by Stephen E. Ambrose

FRECKLES BY GENE STRATTON-Porter

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES by L. M. Montgomery

LADDIE; A TRUE BLUE STORY  by Gene Stratton-Porter

THE STORY OF PHYLLIS WHEATLEY by Shirley Graham

                                                       Fifth Grade 

Intended Curriculum Outline

5th Grade

1. Language, Reading, Spelling, Writing
2. Determine a theme of a story.
3. Compare and contrast two or more characters.
4. Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text. 
5. Explain how a series of chapters, scenes, or stanzas fits together to provide the overall structure of a particular story, drama, or a poem.
6. Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.
7. Compare and contrast the overall structure of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or more texts.
8. Analyze multiple accounts of the same event or topic.
9. Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a text, identifying which reasons and evidence support which points.
10. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of you with reasons and information.
11. Write informative/explanatory text to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
12. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
13. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development in organization is appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
14. Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
15. Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources.

II. Speaking & Listening

1. Engage effectively and a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners.
2. Summarize information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
3. Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence.
4. Report on a topic or text or present in opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas for themes.

III. Mathematics

1. Strengthen fluency with addition and subtraction facts.
2. Strengthen or develop fluency with multiplication and division facts.
3. Whole numbers
4. Fractions
5. Decimals
6. Ratios
7. Proportions
8. Percent
9. Geometry
10. Number theory & Algebra
11. Integers
12. Charts & Graphs
13. Probability & Statistics
14. Word Problems

IV.  Social Studies

1. Historical thinking and skills
2. Spatial thinking and skills 
3. Places and regions
4. Geography
5. Rose and systems of government
6. Economic decision making
7. Financial literacy
8. Study of the decisions & events that have played an important part in shaping the history of America
9. Graphic organizers
10. Map analysis
11. Research 

V. Science

1. Identify questions can be answered through scientific investigations
2. Design and conduct a scientific investigation
3. Use appropriate mathematics, tools and techniques to gather data and information
4. Analyze and interpret data
5. Develop descriptions, models, explanations and predictions
6. Think critically and logically to conduct evidence and explanations
7. Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and predictions
8. Communicate scientific procedures and explanations
9. The atom
10. Elements & compounds
11. The chemistry of living things
12. The cell
13. Plants
14. Tissues
15. Skin & bones
16. Muscles & blood
17. The systems of the body
18. Organism
19. Population & community
20. Ecosystem
21. Biome
22. Biosphere

VI. Health, First Aid, Fire Prevention, & Safety

1. Comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health
2. Analyze the influence of family, peers, culture, media, technology, and other factors on health behaviors
3. Access valid information and products and services to enhance health
4. Use interpersonal communication skills to enhance Health and avoid or reduce health risks
5. Use decision making skills to enhance health
6. Use goal setting skills to enhance health
7. Practice health enhancing at behaviors and avoid or reduce health risks
8. Advocate for personal, family, and community health
9. Describe the three components of the fire triangle and list ways to detect a fire. Explain the importance of smoke alarms and fire escape plans. 
10. Understand the relationship between safety and the physical environment, and list and describe responsible behavior is to reduce risk and help avoid injury
11. Identify the four Safety Smart Points
12. Understand bacteria and viruses and how they are spread

VII.  Art & Music

1. Watercolor
2. Pen & ink
3. Collage
4. Photography
5. Pencil
6. P

List of Textbooks & Other Resources

A. English Language Arts:
*Worldly Wise 3000

*Fix It! Grammar: The Nose Tree Institute for Excellence in Writing

*Structure and Style for Students Institute for Excellence in Writing by Andrew Pudewa

*Linguistic Development through Poetry Memorization by Andrew Pudewa

* Community based/ site visit instruction

* Online resources

B. Math:  

*Mastering Essential Math Skills by Richard W. Fisher 

*Math Mammoth by Maria Miller

*Learn Math Fast System by J.K. Mergens

* Community based/ site visit instruction

* Online resources

C. Social Studies:
*Mark Twain American History 1865-Present Mark Twain Media/Carson-Dellosa Publishing LLC

*United States History 101 1865 - Present   Sterling Test Prep 

*Community based/ site visit instruction

*Online resources

D. Science
*Science in the Atomic Age Dr. Jay L. Wile

*Community based/ site visit instruction

*Online resources

E. Art and Music

*American History Through Art by Rich and Sharon Spanish 1Jeffus

F. Health, Safety, and First Aid

*Total Health, Choices for a Winning Lifestyle by Susan Boe

*We will also be listening to various podcasts, TED Talks and watching documentaries on Health, Safety, and First Aid

*Communuty based/ site visit instruction

G. Physical Education
Flag Football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, Gaga ball, softball
Daily outdoor time: walking, running, biking or hiking

                                              Third and Fourth Grade 

LANGUAGE ARTS:

I. Reading Instruction

A. Decode grade level words with multiple syllables

B. Review of vowels, consonants, blends.

C. Sight words

D. Vocabulary words

E. Spelling words

F. Text comprehension to determine main idea and key details.

G. Focus on reading fluency and comprehension.

H. Read and understand age-appropriate literature with support.

I. Read-aloud, small group instruction, independent reading via choice as well guided reading.

J. Exploring how books are written.

K. Poetry, drama, and prose when writing or speaking.

L. Critical thinking skills

M. Non-fiction, biography, classics, and developmentally appropriate chapter books.

N. Use resources such as dictionaries, thesaurus, and encyclopedias.

Writing

​A. ​ Sentence writing using proper capitalization and punctuation.

B. Journal Writing

​C.​ Write short research projects.

D. Write vocabulary words with definitions.

​ E. Writing notes from research.

​ F. Guided writing activities that are clear, concise and organized.

​ G. Writing complete sentences with proper punctuation, capitalization and grammar.

​ H. Understanding the structure of a paragraph

​ I. Practice handwriting and penmanship weekly, to include cursive.

J. Write opinion, narrative, and informational pieces on a topic with supporting information.

II. Grammar

​A. Complete sentences: recognizing fragment and run-on sentences.

​ B. Punctuation (period, comma, question mark, apostrophe, quotation marks.)

​ C. Listening for correct speech habits and word usage

​ D. Recognition of nouns, verbs, adjectives, pronouns, and adjectives

E. Synonyms, antonyms, similes, metaphors, common idioms, adages and proverbs

F. Understanding prefixes and suffixes, compound words, rhyming words, singular and

plural nouns, and contractions.

MATHEMATICS:

A. Number recognition, counting, and writing up to 10,000

B. Place value through 100,000

C. Addition facts through 18, column addition, up to 4 digits with and without regroupings​

D. Subtraction facts through 18, four-digit subtraction with and without regrouping

E. Multiplication facts through 11’s

F. Division facts through 11’s

G. Word problem strategies with all 4 operations

H. Rounding and estimation

I. Counting and problem solving with money

J. Understanding fractions

K. Using a ruler

L. Telling time

M. Finding perimeter

N. Finding area with squares drawn

O. Geometric patterns and figures

P. The calendar

SCIENCE:

I. Earth & Space Sciences

A. Natural resources

B. Landforms, erosion, weathering, and deposition.

C. Environmental studies on earth and in Ohio.

D. Solar system

E. Constellations

F. Earth’s poles, rotation, hemispheres, longitudes and latitudes.

II. Physical Science

A. Changes in states of matter

B. Heat

C. Magnetism

D. Motion

III. Life & Human Science

A. Plants & Their Parts

B. Gardening and environmental stewardship

C. Animal species and classification

D. Needs of Living Things

E. Observe living organisms and discuss them in detail.

F. Human body anatomy, circulation, respiration, muscular systems.

Social Studies, Civics & History

I. Responsible Citizenship

A. Rules/Laws

B. Respect & Responsibility

C. Friendship, Honesty, Working Together, & Sportsmanship

II. World History

A. Ancient times to current

B. Understanding timelines to track global historical events

C. Important and influential people in world history, American and Ohio history

III. American History

A. United States Constitution, Bill of Rights and branches of government

B. Discovering North America, settlers, and pilgrimage.

C. Research wars and battles in U.S history and discuss the issues of both sides

IV. Ohio History

A. Ohio economics

B. Ohio historic timeline

C. Underground railroad

D. Advancements in Ohio technology and the US

E. Biographies of famous Ohioans.

V. Community Economics

A. Working in a Community

B. Earning Money

C. Wants & Needs, Goods & Services

D. Natural Resources, Recycle, Reuse and Renew

E. Producers & Consumers, Supply & Demand

F. Ohio economics as it relates with the US economy.

VI. Geography

A. Tools for Geography

B. Map scales and cardinal directions

C. Man Made Structures

D. Landforms and natural wonders.

E. Oceans & Bodies of Water

F. Continents

G. Where We Live

VII. Special Interest studies of Australia (2022/23)

A. A brief overview of the regions of Australia including the country’s flag, capital city, language

spoken, population, land area, currency, religion, art & interesting facts.

Health & Safety

A. Personal hygiene & handwashing

B. Healthy eating/nutrition, and the benefits of having a healthy diet

C. Stretching and an elevated heart rate activity daily

D. Basic first aid

E. Encouraging “I can” statements

F. Fire & tornado safety

ART

A. Drawing and sketching

B. Lessons on historic artists

C. Directional guided and freestyle art projects.

D. Use of a variety of media: paint, colored pencils, markers, chalk, pastels, sculpting, natural materials,

watercolor and canvas.

MUSIC

A. Listening, learning, and singing songs related to subjects of study.

B. Experience classical, instrumental and historical music.

C. Learn rhythms, percussions, and beginning knowledge of written music/notes.

D. Lesson on historic musicians

Textbooks & Other Educational Resources

 Orton-Gillingham Curriculum

 Barton Curriculum

 Abeka History Curriculum

 Cursive handwriting diagrams

 Penmanship practice materials

 World map and map of USA

 GeoMatters workbooks

 Various trade books labeled by Guided Reading levels​

 Use of public library for additional books relevant to studies

 Various materials purchased from Teachers Pay Teachers.

 Math workbooks

 Science workbooks

Websites, Apps & YouTube Channels:

Blooket.com

BoddleLearning.com

AR Bookfinder

Mystery Science

KidsPop Jr.

Math Tango

PragerU

ABCYa

Starfall.com

Storylineonline.com

Readworks.org

Newsela.com

GeoMatters.com

Homeschool Pop

SciShow Kids

Crash Course Kids

Teaching Without Frills

                                                      First and Second Grade 

Language Arts

1.  Reading Instruction

a.  Phonemic awareness, the importance of syllables, and blends

b.  Sight Words

c.  Nouns, Pronouns, Collective Nouns, Plural Nouns, Verbs, Irregular Verbs, Adjectives, Adverbs

d.  Vowels and Consonants and their role in reading and writing

2.  Reading Comprehension

a.  Understand characters, plot, settings, and major events

b.  Understand the difference between beginning, middle, and end

c.  Short stories, tall tales, poems, informative text, personal narratives

d.  Comparing and Contrasting text to text and text to other sources

e.  Students will be exposed to various read aloud books in both picture book and chapter book format

f.  Working on fluency and independence while reading

g.  Growing from picture books to chapter books

h.  Identifying parts of a book such as title, author, table of contents, etc.

i.  Identify synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms

3.  Writing

a.  Decoding a word

b.  Writing a complete sentence

c.  Writing a paragraph

d.  Write opinion pieces, informative texts, narratives, fiction and non-fiction, journal writing

Math

1.  Place value up to 100,000

2.  Recognize and write numbers up to 1000

3.  Using tallies and other manipulatives to count

4.  Introduce graphs

5.  Number bonds

6.  Telling Time

7.  Measurement

8.  Perimeter and Area

9.  Understanding key words to help solve word problems

10. Addition skills

11. Subtraction skills

12. Introduction to Multiplication and Division

13. Identifying currency

14.  Counting with money and making change

15.  Ordinal Numbers

16.  Shapes, vertices, and sides

17.  Introduction to Fractions

18. Greater than, Less than, and equal to

Science

1.  Animal classification

2.  Water study

3.  Weather

4.  Living vs. Non-Living

5.  Habitats and the Food Chain

6.  Microbiology

7.  Solid/Liquid/Gas

8.  Electricity and Magnets

9.  Atomic theory and Newtonian physics

10. Cell theory

Social Studies

1.  Timelines

2.  An introduction to key events in World History

3.  An introduction to key events in American History

4.  People now and then

5.  The importance of historical documents and the role they play in our history

6.  An introduction to communities and how cultures guide the dynamics within the community

7.  Studying influential people past and present

8.  Basic map skills

Health and Safety

1.  Basic first aid

2.  Basic hygiene

3.  An introduction to germs/bacteria

4.  School Safety

5.  Home Safety

6.  Social Emotional Learning and Development

Arts

1.  Artist Studies

2.  Music/Composer Studies

3.  Various Art projects to support learning throughout the year

4.  Know primary colors and how to mix them into secondary colors

5.  Be familiar with the elements of line, shape, texture, space, light and shadow

Textbooks and Other Educational Resources

1.  Resources from the environment and library that promote hands-on, child-led learning

2.  Living Books

3.  Resources from Teachers Pay Teachers

4.  World Map

5.  Orton-Gillingham

6.  Heggerty 

7.  IXL

8.  Biographies

                                                        Kindergarten 

I. English Language Art

A. Phonemic Awareness

B. Phonics

C. Sight Words

D. Vocabulary

E. Reading Comprehension

F. Writing

II. Fine Arts

A. Dance

B. Drama

C. Music

D. Visual Art

III. Mathematics

A. Numbers and Counting

B. Sorting and Classifying

C. Shapes and Graphs

D. Measuring and Comparing

E. Time and Money

F. Adding and Subtracting

IV. Physical Education

V. Science

A. Earth Science

1. Weather

2. The moon

3. The sun

4. The stars

B. Physical Science

1. Introduction of the scientific method

2. Vibration

3. Sound

C. Life Science

1. Characteristics of living things

2. Environment needed for survival

VI. Social Studies

A. Heritage

B. Symbols

C. Geography

1. Maps

2. Landmarks

G. Civics

VII. World Languages and Cultures

A. Exposure to a variety of world languages and cultures through books, internet resources, food, and

guest speakers.

Any other previously assured subjects not specified above, except any concept, topic, or practice that is in conflict

with my sincerely held religious beliefs, will be covered utilizing topically appropriate field trips (including

museums, parks, and Ohio history centers), Internet, library resources, and other real-world learning

opportunities.

(7) List of textbooks, correspondence courses, commercial curricula, OR other basic teaching materials that the

parent intends to use for home education. Such list is for informational purposes only:

1. Kindergarten Math with Confidence;

2. First Grade Math with Confidence;

3. Mindset Mathematics: Visualizing and Investigating Big Ideas, Grade K;

4. Gentle Grammar: Level 1;

5. All About Reading Level 1;

6. All About Reading Pre-Reading;

7. Alpha-Phonics, A Primer for Beginning Readers;

8. Teach Reading with Orton-Gillingham;

9. Classic children’s books;

10. Classic Literature;

11. Art Workshop for Children: How to Foster Original Thinking;

12. Modern Art Adventures;

13. Fine Art Adventures;

14. Mudpies to Magnets: A Preschool Science Curriculum;

15. 180 Days of Science: Grade K;

16. Science, Kindergarten: Learn and Explore;

17. Farm Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country Life The Curious Parts and Pieces of Country

Life Anatomy;

18. Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the World Under the Sea;

19. Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World;

20. History and Science reference books;

21. World Atlas, maps, and globe;

22. Consumable and non-consumable science kits; and

23. Consumable and non-consumable school supplies.

Please schedule a meeting with us for information regarding Preschool and Kindergarten