Curriculum for Intermediate School (3-6) The Bayside Academy believes in active and creative learning in a caring, and accepting environment. In addition to a developmentally appropriate curriculum, emphasis is given to developing positive attitudes and a foundation of good school habits that will serve students throughout their educational career. The values of respect, responsibility and honesty are woven into the curriculum. The faculty provides classroom environments that not only encourage a desire to learn, but also provides opportunities for independence and self-sufficiency. The foundations of leadership are instilled through this process. Growth and maturation are nurtured along with developing the knowledge and skills needed for success in a college preparatory school. Grade 3 Language Arts 3 Third grade course of study for language is composed mainly of grammar, parts of speech, word usage, mechanics of writing, literature and creative writing. Through these component parts creative writing is incorporated throughout the third grade curriculum. The third grade reading program integrates trade books, leveled books, and Accelerated Reader books to increase reading enjoyment and strengthen reading skills. Students read, discuss and analyze stories, conduct character studies, and apply story structure components to strengthen comprehension skills and vocabulary development. Manuscript D Nealian handwriting is taught in grade levels below third grade and developmentally appropriate cursive is integrated into second semester of second grade. Third grade focuses on practice and remediation. The program stresses legibility and consistency. The reading program also focuses on building phonics skills, study skills, and testtaking skills. Third grade spelling reviews phonetic skills also integrates grammar and writing skills. Assessments include written word lists and dictation. Library skills are a regular part of the program. Mathematics 3 Third grade students review and expand their knowledge of concepts and processes in areas of numeration, place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, measurement, graphing, estimation, fractions, and geometry. Students develop skills in vocabulary, listening, following directions, problem solving, and everyday life skills. Social Studies 3 Third grade students begin the year learning about what makes a community and move into a study of the government of communities, states and our nation. American culture both past and present is an integral part of the course. Students explore our nation s history from the early communities to modern times. Finally, they learn about businesses and how they operate. Map
and globe skills are an important component of this program along with current events, which are covered through individual Scholastic Newspapers. Science 3 The 3rd Grade Science curriculum is designed to teach skills in Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science using three approaches; reading clear, concise science content in their textbook, visualizing concepts through charts, diagrams and technology and using hands-on activities that establish concepts and provoke thought and discussion. Science themes covered in the 3rd grade include: living things, forces, machines, energy, the sun and its planets, rocks and the human body. As our campus is located on Mobile Bay, students do many hands-on activities at the beach and bay. 3rd Grade comes to Science for 45 minutes five times a week. Spanish 3 Spanish in the third grade is an introduction to the basic vocabulary and conversational conventions of the Spanish language. Music 3 Students are introduced to the basic musical elements and the joys of singing as a group. Art 3 Third Grade Visual Art is a building block is the process of teaching the whole child. Each student has an opportunity to explore his/her creative abilities through a developmental approach. The study of the basic elements and principles of art continues and the students use a wider variety of methods and materials. Art History, art criticism and art appreciation are intertwined in the curriculum. Physical Education 3 Students in third grade continue to exercise developing basic motor skills and fine tuning balance, body control, and gross motor skills. Students learn to work cooperatively through group activities. Character Education 3 Character education is integrated throughout the curriculum in third grade. Grade 4 Language Arts 4 The fourth grade language arts program integrates several strands to enable students to understand the need for proper writing, grammar, and spelling. Emphasis is on proper grammar, mechanics and usage. Students are encouraged to read independently at their individual reading
level. Students give oral presentations about the books they are reading to practice public speaking skills. The writing program is designed to help students develop strategies and skills for such expression through a process approach. The stages of a process approach to writing are prewriting activities, a draft form, revisions, and proofing for a final, published form. Fourth-grade students are encouraged to express independent ideas through a variety of forms. They work on developing and refining paragraphs, which are sometimes developed into essays or short stories. Vocabulary enrichment is also emphasized. Students are encouraged to use the vocabulary words they study in the context of their writing. Students practice the handwriting skills developed in the primary levels. Neatness, legibility and speed become more important. During guided reading instruction, the teacher models strategic thinking, questioning, clarifying and problemsolving strategies. Students read in small groups and in a whole group setting to strengthen oral reading skills and expression. Reading and language skills are applied to a variety of genres, balancing fiction and nonfiction. Fourth graders utilize the Accelerated Reader program and participate in library skills programs. Mathematics 4 In the 4th grade students will sharpen their computational and problem-solving skills while applying mathematical concepts to real-world problems. The students are engaged in higherlevel mathematical thought that includes both conceptual and content understanding. Students will continue to develop computational skills using larger numbers up to millions. Students will estimate sums and differences, products and quotients before finding exact solutions. They will achieve rapid fluency with basic number facts, use geometry to determine perimeter, volume, and area in both standard and metric units. The students will develop an understanding of fractions and expand understanding of probability and its link to fractions. The students will also learn and view mathematics as a way of thinking about and interpreting the world around them. They will represent and record problem solving techniques using pictures, numbers, words, and voice. They will also recognize that some problems have more than one way of solving. History / Social Studies 4 Fourth Grade History is a study of Alabama history from 10,000 B.C. to the present. Alabama geography is studied in the context of United States and world geography. Film, field trips, class discussions, story telling, guest speakers and hands on projects are utilized to spark the interest of every student. The year ends with a trip to Montgomery and a famous Alabama people day. Students research, write and make a visual aid for their famous Alabamian. The Primary and Intermediate Schools are part of the Alabama Day presentations. Science 4 The 4th Grade Science curriculum is designed to teach skills in Life Science, Earth Science and Physical Science using three approaches; reading clear, concise science content in their textbook, visualizing concepts through charts, diagrams and technology and using hands-on activities that establish concepts and provoke thought and discussion. Science themes covered in 4th Grade include: living things, matter and energy, rocks, earth, animals, electricity and magnetism, water and the human body. 4th Grade comes to Science for 45 minutes five times a week.
Spanish 4 Spanish in the fourth grade is an introduction to the basic vocabulary and conversational conventions of the Spanish language. Music 4 Students are introduced to the basic musical elements and the joys of singing as a group. Art 4 Fourth Grade Visual Art is another step on the rung of the developmental ladder. Students are challenged to express themselves through a wide variety of art media. They have the opportunity to experiment with various methods and materials while using the technical knowledge of the basic element and principles of art. Building on observation from life and history, they have the confidence to create. Physical Education 4 Students in the fourth grade continue to exercise developing basic motor skills and fine tuning balance, body control, and gross motor skills. Students learn to work cooperatively through group activities. Character Education 4 Character education is integrated throughout the curriculum in fourth grade. The Bayside strives to provide a caring and inspiring educational environment that supports the development of increased responsibility for learning. The traditional core subjects of English, math, science, and history are stressed and opportunities for students to explore the arts and foreign language are available. Teachers work together to build the organizational and study skills necessary for continued learning. Varied teaching methods are used to stimulate all learning styles and to build positive self concepts. Enrichment activities that include field trips, working with computers, and science exploration are also part of the program. Teachers strive to create independent and lifelong learners by building positive "habits of mind" and strengthening "habits of character". Study skills and character education are integrated into all subjects and activities. Grade 5 English 5 Significant emphasis is placed on developing reading and communication skills in English 5. This course, which is afforded a double period (90 minutes) and is delivered with a coteacher model, focuses on teaching students the skills necessary for engaged, thoughtful reading and writing. Through whole class and small group instruction, students are
instructed in the rudimentary elements of composition and literature. The elements of grammar and extensive vocabulary study are incorporated into the course. Guided reading of contemporary, adolescent novels and short stories over the course of the year. Additional emphasis is placed on reading independently, as students select books appropriate for his or her individual reading level. Spelling is an individualized and differentiated spelling program, which is derived from the most commonly used words in student writing. Writing instruction emphasizes a process approach, which includes pre-writing, editing, conferencing, and final drafts. Math 5 Fifth graders are learning math by building onto skills learned the 4 th grade, along with mastering and perfecting new skills. Homework and daily practice are cumulative and challenge the student to recall earlier concepts. IXL, math manipulatives, and center activities are used to enhance the student s understanding of mathematical concepts. The Accelerated Math Program is also incorporated and complements learning by allowing students to move ahead at their own individual pace or remediate as necessary. An emphasis is placed on estimation, using multiple strategies to solve problems, and using number sense to help understand computations. Science 5 The fifth grade science course is an active, hands-on discovery of a wide variety of life science topics. Experimental design, safe and proper use of lab equipment, problem-solving skills, and organizational skills are stressed. Students become proficient with basic measurement and data collection. Organizational skills are taught through the daily use of a science journal in which they record all observations and activities. A cooperative learning approach is utilized to maintain active and challenging lessons that involve students directly in the learning process. History / Social Studies Geography 5 Fifth grade students begin with an in-depth study of global geography, population, and culture and how it relates to their world. The focus then shifts to a more direct investigation of the geography and culture of the United States and Canada. Students learn through group and individual projects and presentations. They discover real-world connection by using technology to connect the past, present and future. Art 5 Students continue their explorations of the elements and principles of art using a variety of media. They learn about the care and maintenance of an art studio and are introduced to the fundamentals of good composition, workmanship, art criticism and classroom critique. They are required to assess and analyze their artworks and also to maintain an art binder in the classroom. They explore the creative process using watercolor, clay, pastel, mixed media and acrylic.
Spanish 5 In the fifth grade the students continue their exposure to the Spanish language. They study, in Spanish, the alphabet, the numbers, and some math. They will also learn basic words of vocabulary such as the colors, the days of the week, the months of the year, the animals, the body parts, and some food. Finally, they will learn to sing some Spanish songs. Band 5 Fifth grade students may choose band or chorus as they continue to build their skills as musicians. If they choose band, they begin learning the particulars of their chosen instrument. They read music and learn to perform within a group. No prior musical experience is necessary. tudents explore basic instrumental technique on any woodwind, brass or percussion instrument of their choice. Emphasis includes instrument care, correct playing posture, sound production, note reading, playing in tune, playing together, and performance. Students learn to play independent parts, follow a conductor and develop teamwork as an ensemble group. Band is two days a week during the PE period. Music 5 Fifth grade students may choose band or chorus as they continue to build their skills as musicians. If they choose chorus, they begin learning to read music from a choral score. They learn to sing in two parts while achieving balance and blend, the hallmarks of any good choral group. They continue to learn more sophisticated melody, harmony and rhythm patterns. Phys. Ed. 5 The physical education program develops basic motor skills with emphasis on health enhancing activities. Students learn to work cooperatively as they participate in a variety of activities. Focus is on developing positive attitudes concerning health and physical activity. Grade 6 Character Education 5 Character Education is integrated throughout the curriculum in grade 5. English 6 The English 6 curriculum is a comprehensive study of literature, grammar, writing, and vocabulary. Students engage in an in-depth study of the genres of fiction designed to develop their reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. The course integrates a significant focus on writing mechanics, grammar, and vocabulary through novel studies. Students progress through the steps of the writing process until a final draft is complete. Several steps of writing, including pre-writing through editing, are studied. Regular
conferencing and small group instruction ensures that each student grows and develops accordingly. Math 6 The sixth grade math program builds onto previously learned concepts, while mastering and perfecting new skills. Daily practice as well as homework are cumulative and challenge the student to recall earlier concepts. IXL, math manipulatives, and center activities are used to enhance the student s understanding of concepts. The Accelerated Math Program is also incorporated and complements learning. An emphasis is placed on comparing estimations to actual answers and using multiple strategies to solve problems. Science 6 The sixth grade science course is an active, hands-on discovery of a wide variety of physical science and earth science topics. Experimental design, safe and proper use of lab equipment, problem-solving skills, note-taking skills, and organizational skills are stressed. Note-taking and organizational skills are reinforced daily through the use of a science journal to record all observations and activities. A cooperative learning approach is utilized to maintain active and challenging lessons that involve students directly in the learning process. Social Studies World Geography 6 Sixth grade students learn about the geography and history of Europe, Australia, and Asia. The students begin with a brief review of map skills and the five themes of geography. Throughout this study the students are exposed to many key figures and concepts from these different regions of the world. Students will also learn through participation in group projects and presentations and will be exposed to what is happening in the world around them through current events assignments. Art 6 - one quarter Students continue to build on the art techniques and skills learned in Art 5. Exploration of the elements and principles of art continues. Grading standards increase in accordance with the student s experience. Students learn the basics of self- portraiture, incorporating abstract ideas and feelings into art as well as developing their individual abilities to see. Drawing media, mixed media, painting media and clay are incorporated into the classroom experience. Spanish 6 In the sixth grade the students will build on what they learned in the fifth grade. They will go further, adding verb conjugation and some adjectives. They will then start to put phrases together using the vocabulary and grammar. Band 6
Sixth grade students may choose band or chorus as they continue to build their skills as musicians. If they choose band, they begin or continue learning the particulars of their chosen instrument. They read music and learn to perform within a group. No prior musical experience is necessary. Students explore basic instrumental technique on any woodwind, brass or percussion instrument of their choice. Emphasis includes instrument care, correct playing posture, sound production, note reading, playing in tune, playing together, and performance. Students learn to play independent parts, follow a conductor and develop teamwork as an ensemble group. Band is two days a week during the PE period. Music 6 Sixth grade students may choose band or chorus as they continue to build their skills as musicians. If they choose music, students will develop a good understanding of music score. They learn how to apply music to enhance the text of a song. They sing with confidence as they share their skills and enjoyment of music from many cultures. They respect each student s ability and appreciate the opportunity to perform. Phys. Ed. 6 The physical education program in the sixth grade continues to emphasize health and physical activity as a part of everyday life. Coordination and balance along with skills testing and rules knowledge are a part of the program. Group activities are also included.