ELA | Mathematics | Science | Social Studies | Specials | Social Emotional Learning Curriculum
The elementary level curriculum is designed using New York State Learning Standards.
ELA
Lake George Elementary School follows the New York State Standards for English Language Arts. ELA instruction at LGES incorporates research-based practices that include both direct and explicit instruction and opportunities for students to practice skills and strategies in authentic reading experiences. Teachers plan lessons and units to include whole group, small group, and, in some cases, one-to-one instruction using materials from Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP) and Words Their Way. For our youngest learners (K-2) we provide a systematic approach to critical foundational skills emphasizing phonemic and phonological awareness, phonics/word study, high frequency words, reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension strategies, handwriting and spelling. The Fundations program is utilized for phonics instruction along with Heggerty for phonemic awareness instruction. The Learning Without Tears programs are utilized for handwriting and keyboarding instruction. Teachers have access to a variety of instructional tools, materials, and resources to design lessons that best meet the needs of the readers in their classrooms. Academic Intervention Services (AIS) are provided for students who need additional support, to meet the state standards in ELA. Instructional goals and teaching are based on the NYS ELA standards.
Mathematics
Students at Lake George Elementary School follow the New York State Standards for Mathematics and will experience mathematical concepts and skills through the Standards for Mathematical Practice:
- make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
- reason abstractly and quantitatively
- construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
- model with mathematics
- use appropriate tools strategically
- attend to precision.
Using Eureka Math²™ Lake George Elementary School aims to build a foundational understanding of math for students to strengthen reasoning and critical-thinking skills. Sound instructional practices allow for a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, moving students from a concrete understanding to an abstract or procedural level of thinking. All stages of math instruction utilize manipulatives, representations or models, and real world applications and connections. Additionally, math facts and procedural fluencies will be prioritized to create automaticity for students.
For students struggling with on-grade level standards and in need of additional academic support, Academic Intervention Services (AIS) are provided to help students meet the state standards in math.
Science
Science instruction follows the New York State Science Learning Standards. A brief outline of the topics explored at each grade level is listed below.
Kindergarten
- What Do Scientists Do?
- Weather and Climate
- Forces and Interactions: Pushes and Pulls
Grade 1
- Structure, Function, and Information Processing
- Waves
Grade 2
Structure and Properties of Matter
Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
Grade 3
- Weather and Climate
- Forces and Interactions
- Circle of Life (NYS Science Investigation)
- Cloud in a Bottle (NYS Science Investigation)
Grade 4
- Structure and Function
- Waves: Waves and Information
- Light it Up (NYS Science Investigation)
Grade 5
- Space Systems: Stars and the Solar System
- Ecosystems: Web of Life/Deer
- What’s in the Bag? (NYS Science Investigation)
Grade 6
- Space Systems
- History of Earth
- Earth’s Systems
- Weather and Climate
- Human Impacts
- How’s the Weather Up There? (NYS Science Investigation)
K-6 STEM UNITS
In addition to the Science topics, all K-6 students are taught lessons in three STEM units including Computer Science (coding), Robotics, and Engineering.
Social Studies
In addition to teaching Social Studies content based on the New York State Standards for Social Studies, our units of study incorporate the Social Studies practices that are included in the Social Studies Framework. These practices include:
- Gathering interpreting and using evidence
- Chronological reasoning and causation
- Comparison and Contextualization
- Geographic reasoning
- Economics and economic systems
- Civic participation
Below you will find a current list of units of study by grade level.
Kindergarten
- Civic Ideals and Practices
- Individual Development and Cultural Identity
- Geography, Humans and the Environment
- Time, Continuity and Change
- Economic Systems
- American Symbols
1st grade
- My Family and Other Families- Now and Long Ago
- Historical Events/Holidays
- Responsible Citizens
- Economics – wants/needs, goods/services, earning and spending money
2nd grade
- Rules and Laws
- Maps, Money, and Me
- Our Community
- Inquiry of Lake George
3rd grade
- Digital Citizenship
- World Cultures: Geography
- World Cultures: World Communities:
- Globalization and Economy
- Leadership and Government
4th grade
- Study of New York State:
- Geography of New York State
- Native American Groups and the Environment
- Colonial and Revolutionary Period in New York State
- Transportation and Westward Movement
- In Search for Freedom and Call for Change
- Westward Movement and Industrialization
- Industrialization, Immigration, and Growth- 1800’s to Present
5th grade
- Political Systems and Government
- Explorers
- Ancient Civilizations: Maya, Aztec, Incas
- Comparative Cultures: Mexico, Caribbean, Central America/South America
- Civil Rights, Sovereignty and Slavery
6th grade
- Present Day Eastern Hemisphere Geography
- The First Humans Through the Neolithic Revolution in the Eastern Hemisphere
- Early River Valley Civilizations in the Eastern Hemisphere
- Comparative World Religions
- Comparative Classical Civilizations in the Eastern Hemisphere
- Mediterranean World: Feudal Western Europe, The Byzantine Empire and the Islamic Caliphates
- Interactions Across the Eastern Hemisphere
Specials
All K-6 students attend Physical Education, Art, and Music in a 6-day schedule. NYS standards are followed (NYS Physical Education Learning Standards, NYS Learning Standards in the Visual Arts, NYS Learning Standards for Art in Music). Library Media skills are taught within the Social Studies curriculum and to Kindergarten students during their Library “Special.” Students in grades 1 & 2 attend High Potential, or HP, for enrichment lessons including STEM. World Languages is a Special in grades 3-6 with exposure to both French and Spanish.
Social Emotional Learning Curriculum
All students are taught weekly lessons in the 7 Habits and Leadership as part of our Leader in Me approach. Counseling lessons cover a range of topics and are also provided to all K-6 students.