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The English Language Arts program for 4th and 5th grade students at C.V. Starr Intermediate School continues the balanced literacy approach from the primary schools. Students read full-length novels from a variety of genres, focusing on both reading comprehension and the study of literary elements. Reading for information and understanding is also taught and reinforced through Science and Social Studies content area reading. The process approach to writing is taught to help students break down and apply the steps of the writing process. Students write for authentic purposes and as much as possible final writing pieces are published and recognized. The Sitton Spelling Program emphasizes spelling in context across all curriculum areas and the recognition of standard spelling patterns. Writing conventions and mechanics are systematically reviewed through daily oral language exercises. The Accelerated Reader Program is a reading motivation and recognition program in which students accumulate points via online quizzes based on books they have read.
The Mathematics curriculum is consistent with the New York State Standards, utilizing a variety of manipulatives and hands on instructional approaches. Here again, a balanced approach emphasizes both computational skills and problem solving. Students are introduced to the concepts and strategies of the Everyday Mathematics Program. Honors Math classes are offered to 5th grade students who demonstrate a high level of aptitude and achievement.
The Social Studies curriculum comes alive for students through project based learning, field trips, and interactive classroom experiences. Fourth grade students participate in experiential learning about Native Americans, colonial life, the study of explorers, local history study, and the American Revolution. Students participate in a two-day Colonial Fair during which they immerse themselves in colonial life experiences. A spring field trip to Sturbridge Village caps the exciting study of colonial life. Fifth grade students start with a study of local and national government. History, geography, economics and citizenship are the themes for their later study of the Western Hemisphere.
The scientific process is the focal point for inquiry based science lessons. Fourth grade units of study include weather, light, rocks and minerals, botany and buoyancy. Fourth graders participate in a maple-sugaring unit that they then introduce to students from the primary school. A local pond study and participation in the Jason Project complement fifth grade students' explorations of plant and animal life, oceanography, chemistry, sound and electricity. All students have the opportunity to participate in an annual Science Exposition in which students develop their interests and talents in Science through research and experiments.
The affective curriculum, with emphasis on respect, responsibility, and effort, pervades everyday life for students at C.V. Starr. Honesty, perseverance, caring, acceptance and citizenship are taught and reinforced through monthly themes, town meetings and student recognitions.
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