Lower School

The Carden Method teaches students to read and write through the use of proven teaching techniques that provide a natural development of each child’s mind.  Smoothly graduating steps take students from basic consonant sounds to an analysis of all the sounds each vowel makes in different words, ultimately leading to the development of the Carden Vowel Chart and reading with fluency, rhythm, and complete comprehension.

English Grammar:

• Identify recent and past verb tenses
• Learn and use proper sentence structure 

Spelling:

• Executes dictations of sounds and words
• Learns two-vowel rule and vowel-alone rules
• Develops proficiency with Carden controls and vowel pitches
• Applies Carden vowel chart to express controls

Oral Language:

• Identify who, doing, what, Carden terms for parts of speech
• Demonstrate comprehension skills (main idea, details, sequence, cause/effect, draw conclusions, predict outcome
• Increase vocabulary

Reading:

• Identify consonants, blends, and vowels to decode words by applying Carden vowel chart rules
• Participate in guided exercises to develop a mental image
• Utilize comprehension questions to analyze sentence structure

Literature:

• Enhance listening skills by increasing vocabulary
• Compare story elements (setting, characters, events, plot, and theme)
• Make inferences and draw conclusions
• Hear stories which emphasize valuable character traits and moral behavior influencing the heart of the student

Poetry:

• Use poetry for sequencing, mental image, vocabulary development, and rhythmic reading
• Engage in group oral recitation

Speaking:

• Develop group communication skills
• Express thoughts in complete sentences
• Articulate and enunciate when speaking

Writing and Penmanship:

• Print upper and lower case alphabet
• Use proper punctuation and capitalization
• Print numerals and mathematical equations

Our goal is to instill a solid foundation with a functional concept of numbers which will enable the student to express numerical relationships in words.  The use of manipulative and exploration are stressed so that the child experiences understanding before proceeding to the numerical symbols and more abstract thinking.  Vocabulary is developed through the “Language of the Blocks” as students discuss and record their experiences.  Pupils then begin to acquire an understanding of the properties of addition, subtraction, measurement, time, and the use of a calendar.

Logic and Reasoning: 

• Classify objects by size, shape and texture
• Identify spatial positions using appropriate vocabulary: inside, outside, middle, top, bottom, left and right
• Solve word problems using appropriate skills and strategies
• Give reasonable or logical conjectures and conclusions 
• Make and read graphs and charts
• Identify, reproduce, and extend simple patterns

Geometry:

• Identify and draw basic geometric shapes

Measurement:

• Understand comparison terms: more than, less than, greater than, fewer, etc.
• Recognize and identify fraction parts: whole, half, quarter, and third
• Demonstrate an understanding of time (morning, noon, evening, yesterday, etc)
• Understand the use of measuring tools, (clocks, scale, calendar, mean, ruler, etc)
• Recite days of the week, months, seasons
• Measure items using standard and non-standard units
• Recognize coins
• Compare length, width and height of various objects

Number Functions:

• Count, and recognize numerals 0 - 100
• Use ordinal number identification
• Recognize mathematical symbols
• Add and subtract whole numbers
• Experience place value on the 1’s and 10’s place

Kindergarten lessons focus on scientific processes to explore the premise that there are observable changes in the world around us.  Through hands-on activities, the students investigate physical earth and life science by observing, comparing, classifying, order, and recording data.

• Identify stages of plant life
• Identify vegetables, fruit and ornamental plants
• Use the Five Senses to examine and observe things in the world around them
• Identify living and non-living things
• Investigate habitats and life cycles of familiar insects and animals
• Experiment with matter and be able to identify solids, liquids, and gases
• Observe changing seasons and daily weather conditions
• Discuss and practice good nutrition

Kindergarten students develop social skills by working in groups, sharing objects and space, taking turns, and following directions.  Using concrete experiences such as dramatic play, art projects, and field trips, students develop an understanding of and appreciation for self, family, the community, and the world.

• Develop a sense of history while studying traditions and the origins of holidays
• Develop an appreciation for other cultures
• Understand and identify land and water areas on a globe and on a map
• Participate in classroom management and conflict resolution by developing problem solving skills
• Develop respect for rules and the rights and property of others
• Learn patriotic songs
• Learn the Pledge of Allegiance
• Identify the qualities and virtues of fictitious characters and how those qualities are emulated in real life situations
• Begin to develop a sense of time: present, past and future
• Share important events and people in their own lives
• Learn about other cultures through music, food, holiday traditions, dress, etc.

Kindergarten students will apply artistic processes and skills using a variety of materials to create original works of art.  Using art media to develop perceptual and fine motor skills students will also increase their awareness and appreciation for the elements of art and art appreciation.  By acquiring the vocabulary, kindergarten students will be able to analyze and make judgements as they communicate and express themselves through art.

• Become acquainted with the use of basic art tools: scissors, brushes, paints, markers, pencils, and crayons
• Make personal choices in artistic expression
• Identify colors, textures, line, shape, and space
• Explore the historical and cultural context of sample works of art

The music program for kindergarten focuses on learning the lyrics, origin and meaning of songs.  Students learn to identify various musical instruments by sight and by sound.  Primarily a vocal program, music is the vehicle for many cultural and thematic units. 

• Learn songs related to our country, seasons, and holidays
• March, clap, and dance while listening to music and use unpatched rhythm instruments to copy simple rhythm patterns emphasizing steady beats and rests
• Participate in classroom music and play presentations and in an all school music presentations
• Develop appreciation for different genres of music

Kindergarten students participate in fitness activities that focus on the development of gross motor skills, manipulative movement, spatial/body awareness, balance, and social group behavior.  Through a variety of cooperative games, rhythms, movement exploration activities, and manipulative activities, the students are able to meet the class objectives and develop the components of health-related fitness that will be the basis for a lifetime of healthy habits.

• Experience rhythm activities that develop coordination and concentration
• Develop agility, balance, and basic gross motor skills
• Develop ability to follow directions
• Experience and learn structured playground games

This class is designed to strengthen the interest and proficiency in a foreign language and culture. The teaching is primarily oral, focusing on listening and speaking skills. Lessons in French, Spanish and American Sign Language build everyday vocabulary, expression, and commands.

• Learn greetings and introductions
• Practice politeness
• Learn numbers 0 to 30
• Learn months of the year
• Discuss the weather
• Learn colors, family members, food, animals
• Learn holidays and geography around the world
• Learn language through songs
• Learn articles, singular and plural

• Teach the child with the tools and skills necessary to enjoy reading

• Develop a habit of reading for both information and pleasure

• Establish rhythmic reading skills for the purpose of comprehension

• Enhance the child’s reading and speaking vocabulary through exposure to fine literature

• Expose the child to the beauty of reading and reciting poetry

• Equip the child to spell words through the development of the Carden vowel chart

• Foster independence and accuracy in spelling through dictation

• Develop a basic understanding of grammar as it applies to composition forms and comprehension

• Encourage the child to write original stories and poems

• Use of sentence analysis and parts of speech

• To print lower and upper case letters with an emphasis on neatness, accuracy, and speed; introduction to cursive

• Develop accuracy and understanding in counting, reading, writing, and ordering numbers 0 to 100

• Calculate sums and differences to 100

• Make and solve word problems using appropriate skills and strategies

• Understanding time

• Learn the use of money

• Introduction to multiplication

• Explore the traditions and customs of various people, past and present

• Physical: explore matter and how it undergoes changes and how it is classified

• Earth: receive an introduction to the changing earth

• Life: study life cycles of plants, animals, insects, and arachnids

• Familiarize the child with a variety of techniques and materials in a supportive environment

• Sharpen perception with an explanation of pictorial organization

• Develop observation skills in and out of classroom

• Introduce elements of line and color

• Learn to appreciate artists and incorporate the use of technique in creating artwork

• Discuss and learn to describe works of art in a social setting

• Value music by actively listening, singing, and playing instruments

• Identify and imitate: various rhythms and tempos; descending, ascending, and repeated melodies

• American Sign Language (ASL), French & Spanish offered

• Discover culture and build basic vocabulary through fun activities, such as songs, dances, games, stories, and films  

• Learn common daily greetings; ask someone’s name, colors, numbers 0 to 50, family members, calendar, and animals

• Experience rhythmic activities that develop coordination and concentration skills

• Continue to develop agility and basic locomotor skills

• Demonstrate full range of motion in arm and leg swings and stretches, basic locomotor skills and good posture

• Practice safe use of playground equipment

• Participate in physical activities and demonstrate good sportsmanship and teamwork

• Travel over, under, in front of, behind, and through objects and over, under, in front of, and behind partners, using locomotor skills

• Balance oneself, demonstrating momentary stillness, using body parts other than both feet as a base of support

• Explain the importance of warming up, stretching, and drinking water before, during, and after physical activity.

• Kick a ball with confidence and without losing balance

• Throw, catch, and aim accurately using both overhand and underhand movements

• Jump a rope turned by other students.

• Develop the ability to listen to one's own body and respond to what it "says" appropriately

• Become familiar with the basic skills needed to navigate the computer

• Typing name, changing fonts, learning paint, math, and reading programs

• Begin to create basic slide show presentations

• Develop a love of reading and the habit of reading for information and pleasure

• Develop comprehension skills through sentence analysis

• Enhance reading and speaking vocabulary through exposure to fine literature

• Enjoy poetry and read it with rhythm and expression

• Equip the child to spell words through the use of patterns presented in the Carden vowel chart

• Facilitate the application of the Carden phonics controls and word structure in spelling

• Develop sequential thought in writing through use of Carden composition forms

• Use correct grammar as it applies to composition and comprehension

• Use organizational skills (classifying through keyword and title, categorizing, summarizing, and outlining)

• Apply organizational skills to creative writing

• Refine printing skills emphasizing speed and accuracy

• Introduce cursive writing, emphasizing correct form

• Develop familiarity with math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division)

• Perform two and three place addition and subtraction

• Express number concepts and number relationships with ease and accuracy

• Identify fractional parts, place value, identify and use items of measurement, money, and time

• Read bars and graphs

• Develop a historical understanding through drama and literature

• Study famous Americans and their contributions to our culture, science, history, and literature

• Appreciate American symbols and holidays

• Physical: understand the interaction of matter and energy

• Earth: study the changing earth and its relationship to the universe

• Life: learn about animals, their stages of growth and habitats

• Become familiar with the principles of pictorial organization and practice their use

• Introduce additional elements of art in beginning drawing—proportion, relationships

• Discuss and learn to describe works of art in a social setting

• Recognize musical notation as written symbols of pitch and duration

• Sing and move in varied and repeated rhythmic patterns

• Enjoy and participate in class and school performances

• French and Spanish offered

• Discover language and culture, work on basic grammar, and explore new vocabulary through interactive and stimulating stories, songs, projects and educational games

• Emphasis on oral communication and most activities aim at developing listening skills through recorded dialogues that will serve as opportunities to discover new grammar, new words and new sounds

• Create and demonstrate rhythmic patterns

• Continue to develop lower body large motor skills

• Continue to develop awareness of the body in space

• Transfer weight from feet to hands and from hands to feet, landing with control

• Kick a rolled ball from a stationary position

• Both turn and jump rope repeatedly.

• Perform sit-ups, planks, knee push-ups, squats, and lunges

• Identify the following muscles and how to properly stretch them: biceps, triceps, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves

• Explain why the heart, lungs, and muscles are so important to physical activity

• Continue to develop the ability to listen to one's own body

• Chase, flee, and move away from others in a constantly changing environment

• Roll a ball for accuracy toward a target

• Throw and catch a ball with a partner, increasing the distance from the partner and maintaining an accurate throw that can be easily caught

• Participate in class activities and demonstrate knowledge of rules

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship

• Demonstrate full range of abilities expected for age level

• Learn the keyboard and begin typing skills by utilizing EDUtyping.com

• Reinforce math concepts using SplashLearn.com

• Use 3-D globe programs to study geography using Stack the States program

• Increase and develop vocabulary

• Identify sequence of facts within a text

• Locate sentence key-words and titles using Carden techniques for developing comprehension

• Compare and contrast various elements of texts through development of skills in interpretation of contents, distinguishing fact from fiction, and anticipating (predicting) endings

• Use Carden vowel controls to spell dictated words accurately

• Apply spelling controls and memory development through recall lessons

• Outline, proof-read, create and work with rough drafts, write sentences and paragraphs through the use of composition forms, spelling dictation, creative writing exercises, book reports, and research papers

• Identify parts of speech and sentence structure

• Continue the transition from printing to cursive with an emphasis on accuracy and neatness

• Develop appreciation of the beauty and power of poetry through listening and memorizing

• Strengthen abilities and attain confidence in more advanced forms of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

• Concentrate on fractions, weights, measures, Roman numerals, sequencing, multiplication tables 0 to 12, charting, graphing, money, and basic forms of geometry

• Make and solve word problems using appropriate skills and strategies

• Present a general overview of world geography including focus on continents, major rivers, and mountain systems

• Study American Indians as the first inhabitants of America

• Learn that energy and matter have multiple forms and can be changed from one form to another

• Know that light has a source and travels in a direction

• Look closely at adaptations in physical structure or behavior which may improve an organism's chance for survival

• Study the solar system and create a solar system model

• Experiment with a variety of media and techniques

• Explore various artists and their styles

• Appreciate the beauty of art

• Discuss and learn to describe works of art in a social setting

• Read notes and musical symbols

• Identify musical instruments

• Participate in class and school wide-performances

• Enjoy and develop appreciation for a variety of music styles

• French & Spanish offered

• Discover language and culture, work on basic grammar, and explore new vocabulary through interactive and stimulating stories, songs, projects and educational games

• Emphasis on oral communication and most activities aim at developing listening skills through recorded dialogues that will serve as opportunities to discover new grammar, new words, and new sounds

• Continue to develop and demonstrate rhythmic patterns

• Participate in class activities designed to build and strengthen body control and stamina

• Explain the need for oxygen and fuel, and how the heart, lungs, and muscles work together during physical activity

• Explain why it is safer to stretch warm muscles rather than cold muscles

• Demonstrate good teamwork and sportsmanship

• Acknowledge and encourage both opponents and partners

• Respond to both winning and losing with dignity and respect

• Emphasize computer literacy through mastering the various components of the computer, computer terminology, computer graphics, and keyboarding

• Complete individually paced math and reading programs

• Create an interactive project in KidPix about Native American Indians

• Begin classes in Microsoft Word learning the tool bar and its functions, format and align text, and learn how to open a document and save a document

• read and respond to a variety of classical literature selections

• apply awareness of the sequence of facts and recognize the relationship between facts

• compare and contrast various elements of a text, acquire skill in interpretation of content, distinguish fact from fiction, and anticipate endings

• use outlining to further identify and understand the framework of a story, identifying introductions, episodes, and conclusions

• Foster independence and accuracy in spelling through dictation and recall lessons

• Experience, identify, and apply the advanced Carden vowel chart

• use the writing processes of prewriting, writing a draft, revising, editing, and publishing

• write for a variety of audiences and purposes

• use applied grammar, formal grammar terminology, diagramming, verb conjugation, and parts of speech as tools for comprehension and building sentence structure

• refine cursive writing skills emphasizing speed and accuracy

• Introduce famous poets, identify, memorize, and recite some of their works

• Become familiar with oral interpretation

• Create different types of poems

• Identify place value of digits to the hundred thousand column and demonstrate knowledge of decimals to the hundredths column

• Estimate and perform four (or more) place addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems using whole numbers and decimals

• Organize and create lists, tables, plots, and graphs

• Define and apply rounding and estimation

• Identify and demonstrate knowledge of lines, rays, angles, points, and parts of a circle

• Find perimeter, area, and volume

• Introduction to fractions

• Understand planet earth by identifying all the continents and distinctive landforms on each

• Become familiar with all major bodies of water

• Focus on migration of people across continents to understand better the beginnings of influential civilizations

• Learn about different countries and their respective cultures through reading, music, and visual elements

• Identify and study the regions of California

• Review different types of maps

• Study the nature of science and the design process

• Study ecosystems and Earth's resources

• Study rocks, minerals, crystals, and the Periodic Table

• Study electricity, magnetism, friction (Marble Maze), and the laws of motion

• Study simple and compound machines

• Study sight and sound

• Study the human body and the nervous, skeletal, and muscular systems

• Study plants and animals (Owl Pellet Dissection)

• Understand history through a literature-enriched curriculum

• Compare and contrast daily lives of the people in during the Mission and Rancho periods

• Discuss home life of the first Americans and Native Americans

• Identify the contributions of key figures throughout history

• Mission Project and Presentation

• Links to California Missions and also Maps of California Missions

• Recognize and appreciate the multicultural and multiethnic dimensions of our society and the contributions made by various groups

• Understand the concepts of culture and how it is transmitted

• Identify and apply basic concepts of economics

• Develop an awareness of past and present exchange systems

• Understand the meaning of time and chronology

• Introduce famous artists, review a variety of art styles, and create related art pieces

• Explore a variety of media and techniques

• Work in all art elements (line, form, color, texture, value, and space)

• Review the works and lives of famous artists

• Discuss and learn to describe works of art in a social setting

• Value music by actively listening, singing, and playing an instrument

• Identify repetition and contrast in musical forms

• Explore the music that reflects various cultures in California

• Participate in class and school-wide performances

• French and Spanish offered

• Discover language and culture, work on basic grammar, and explore new vocabulary through interactive and stimulating stories, songs, projects and educational games

• Emphasis on oral communication and most activities aim at developing listening skills through recorded dialogues that will serve as opportunities to discover new grammar, new words and new sounds

• Continue to develop and demonstrate rhythmic patterns

• Continue to improve basic motor skills during games and sports

• Participate in class activities designed to build skill and stamina in body control

• Develop awareness of the habits and attitudes that support a healthy mind and body

• Understand the difference between defensive and offensive players, and determine appropriate spacing on the field/court for each

• Explain how the heart, lungs, and muscles work together during physical activity

• Describe the difference between strength, speed, and endurance

• Respond to both winning and losing with dignity and respect

• Accept responsibility for one’s own performance without blaming others

• Continue to perform physical fitness activities

• Demonstrate knowledge of sports rules through game participation

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship and encouragement of others in all activities

• Participate in team activities

• Keyboarding—achieve accuracy at 20-30 words per minute

• Apply individual computer skills and knowledge to create and present a class project on the study of California

• Math skills

• Develop a multimedia project in iMovie

• Beginning lessons in PowerPoint using sounds and animation

• Read rapidly, rhythmically, and expressively

• Evaluate, analyze, and paraphrase material

• Recognize the relationship of facts

• Articulate and write comprehension questions

• Familiarize students with characters in Greek mythology

• Develop documentation and skimming skills

• Increase vocabulary and spelling abilities

• Apply Carden controls with ease and confidence

• Further develop skill in sentence analysis and outlining

• Use writing processes of prewriting, writing a draft, revising, editing, and publishing

• Apply mechanics of language

• Demonstrate awareness of the structure of composition, outlining, plot analysis, episodes, and summaries

• Display pride in all written work through neat and accurate penmanship

• Use and write poetry to discover the beauty of rhythmic reading, tone inflection, mental image, memorization, and as a tool of creative self expression

• Master basic operations with seven to eight place numerals, operations with fractions, decimal fractions, percentages, ratios, properties, exponents, Roman numerals, units of measure (English and metric), and basic geometry

• Emphasize and develop ability to perform mental math

• Understand the causes and development of the colonization of the Western Hemisphere

• Study Colonial America, the First and Second Continental Congress, and the Revolutionary War up to the Civil War

• Participate in lab experiences which require the student to be familiar with scientific procedure, recording of data, and conclusions reached

• Partake in the school science fair by independently completing an experiment

• Study basic astronomy, oceanography, and insects

• Develop facility with different art media

• Attain familiarity with significant historical artworks

• Achieve confidence in personal artistic endeavors

• Discuss and learn to describe works of art in a social setting

• Value music by actively listening, singing, and playing an instrument

• Develop appreciation for the various styles of music

• Participate in class and school wide performances

• French and Spanish offered

• Discover language and culture, basic grammar, and vocabulary through interactive and stimulating stories, songs, projects and educational games

• Emphasis on oral communication, with an introduction to reading and writing simple vocabulary

• Perform the California Physical Fitness Test

• Participate in class activities designed to develop skill and coordination

• Demonstrate good sportsmanship and positive leadership skills while encouraging class and teammates

• Participate in team sports

• Demonstrate a knowledge of rules for various sports

• Develop goals focusing on self improvement

• Create a lifelong joy for physical activity

• Become proficient with keyboarding (30-40 wpm)

• Learn word processing programs (Word, Pages)

• Use presentation software (PowerPoint, KeyNote)

• Learn spreadsheets in Excel & Numbers

• Create an interactive book using iBook author

• Complete a multimedia project in iMovie

• Learn block coding

• Use math programs that support the classroom program