Home_Schooling_Guidebook

Home Schooling Guidebook

A Sample Program For Use By Home Schooled Students

Kindergarten To Year 10

With recommended resources to year 12

We give our appreciation to Mrs Michele Vieira, Mrs Georgina Brazier, Mrs Helen Brearley, Mrs Pat Mills and many others who have contributed to the creation and compilation of this guide so homeschooling families can learn from their experiences. We also acknowledge Mr David Bruggeman for his desktop publishing expertise. We suggest that you use the disk copy of this document to amend the sample program to suit your own requirements. This program is continually updated and your suggestions are welcome. This program meets the requirements for the NSW Board of Studies.

Issue date : 1996

We recommend you buy one of the following and use it to help select reading books for your family:

"Books Children Love"

"Honey For a Child’s Heart"

"Books That Build Character"

or "For the Children’s Sake"

KINDERGARTEN

ENGLISH

Overview

The main focus in the study of English in Kindergarten is the development of confidence and ability in speaking, listening, preliminary writing and reading. This will be achieved through many experiences in everyday life as well as actual learning times.

Objectives

The Kindergarten child should learn to:

· recognise and write all letters of the alphabet, upper and lower case;

· learn the sounds for each letter of the alphabet;

· identify beginning and ending sounds of words;

· read from left to right;

· form or analyse words phonetically;

· listen to and enjoy stories with increasing understanding;

· show enthusiasm for and make efforts towards learning to read themselves;

· recognise and be able to write a few basic words.

Range of Resources:

Basic Texts (Choose the one(s) you prefer):

· SRA Language and Counting Book (SRA, $5.60, Jun 95)

· Alphaphonics by Samuel Blumenfeld

· Spalding Phonics

· The Writing Road to Reading - Romalda Spalding

· Spalding workbooks - single phonograms

· multiple phonograms

· phonogram workbook

· reading workbook

· Why Johnny Can’t Read

· extensive private library of suitable children’s books * poetry books

· library

· Reading Between the Lines -Readiness Level

· SRA Basic Reading Series Level A to F readers

· SRA Basic Reading Series Level A to F workbooks

· alphabet charts

· word charts

· Basic Skills Kindergarten by Peter Howard

· Golden Step Ahead Books - ABC Beginning Sounds

· Letters and Sounds

· More Letters and Sounds

Kindergarten

MATHEMATICS

Overview

The study of Mathematics in Kindergarten aims to do the groundwork in introducing Maths in informal as well as concrete situations and in introducing initial mathematical concepts.

Objectives

The Kindergarten child should learn:

· numbers 0 - 10, names and symbols, ordinal names, comparing, sequencing and ordering;

· number patterns and informal patterns;

· to discriminate between shapes, informal description and classification of shapes;

· to recognise and describe a square, triangle and circle;

· to understand the concepts of and to perform simple addition and subtraction;

· measuring lengths with informal units and comparing;

· to solve problems by pairing;

· concept of area and covering surfaces;

· concept of temperature;

· to identify whole objects and parts of objects;

· to identify halves of given objects.

Range of Resources

· number charts

· toy clock with counters

· your choice of a Maths book examples include:

SRA Mathematics Learning System Language and Counting Book

Golden Step Ahead Books - Numbers 1-10

· counting to 10

· Math readiness

Breakthrough Maths - K

HBJ Maths - K

Basic Skills Kindergarten by Peter Howard

· Lego blocks

· everyday articles

· calendars

· road signs wall chart

· dominoes

· cards

· cuisenaire rods

· progression to SRA Mathematics Learning System Level 1, or the next in whichever series of Maths book chosen when the child is ready

Kindergarten

HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

Overview

In Kindergarten the aim will be to develop an appreciation of the individual and other people, to develop awareness of the surroundings, to learn independence, good manners and to gain practical experience in living.

Topics

1. Personal and public

· Personal identity - child should learn to say own name, age and address

· Independent care and respect for property - child should learn about what belongs to them and what belongs to others and the appropriate care of these things

· The child should learn to care for and be responsible for his/her personal property e.g.eg pencils, books, hat, toys..

· RecognisingRecognizing and using appropriately public property e.g. eg parks, fences, telephones, street lights, train and bus stops, etc..

· RecognisingRecognizing and using appropriately various forms of private property e.g.eg letter boxes, gardens, doorbells, taps, garbage bins, posters

· Learning appropriate daily greetings and farewells

· Extending courtesy to each other and to visitors

· Learning and practisingpracticing correct social conduct e.g.eg when entering a room, interrupting conversations, delivering a message, answering questions, answering telephone

2. Introduction to civics

· observance of special days such as Australia Day, Anzac Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas, Easter etc.etc * Practical Social Service

provide opportunities for social service e.g.eg with a charitable organisation or hospital visits, helping the elderly and handicapped etc.

3. Why are animals important to us?

· how are animals different?

· where do we find animals?

· how do we depend on animals?

· how do animals depend on us?

Resources

· the home

· the library

· charitable organisations

· family and friends

· the local environment

· the local town

Kindergarten

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Overview

This key learning area aims to look at, encourage and foster children’s natural curiosity and willingness to investigate the natural and man-made world around them. The aim is also to develop knowledge and understanding that is consistent with accepted scientific and technological understanding and is appropriate to each child’s stage of development.

Topics

· About ourselves - the five senses

· About the weather - rain, temperature etc

· About the seasons

· About seeds - how they grow

· About animals,- large and small, feathered and furry;

· About insects

· About the seashore - what do we find there?

· How are animals different?

· Where do we find animals?

· What do animals eat?

· What are animals covered in?

· How do animals protect themselves?

· What are the native Australian animals?

Resources

· ABeka Science Series - Kindergarten

· "Exploring Together"

· backyard

· bush

· clock, rain gauge, thermometer

· library

· nature

Kindergarten

CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL ARTS

Overview

The study of creative and practical arts in Kindergarten, aims to give the child a range of experience, appreciation of and exposure to visual arts and music and drama. We will provide opportunities for the child to participate in these as well as times to appreciate other people’s works and to grow in understanding of how and why people use creative and practical arts.

Objectives

This subject will be approached from three main areas:

Music

· study of musical instruments including an introduction to the orchestra and making and playing percussion instruments

· singing - both individual and in a group

· dancing and rhythmic movement

· an introduction to the history of music and composers

Art

· painting, drawing, collages etc

· study of works by famous artists

· work with other media like clay, fabric, wool...

· cut and paste work

· craft work

Drama * composing and performing plays and dramas

· introduction to the works of famous playwrights

Resources

· records, cassettes, videos

· library

· various art books on how to draw people, animals etc.

· "Mommy, it’s a Renoir"

· ARTPAC Rod and Staff Curriculum

· Sydney Symphony Orchestra education program

· concerts

· exhibitions

· art galleries

· nature

· paints, crayons, pencils etc

· local craftsmen

· craft books

· woodwork books

Kindergarten

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Overview

The study of this subject area aims to increase the child’s knowledge and depth of understanding of the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle and to learn about the personal responsibility involved in this. It also provides opportunities for learning the rules of and participating in an increased range of sports. In addition, the child will gain knowledge and understanding about health risks, disease prevention, personal safety and hygiene. The aim will also be for the student to develop a positive set of values to guide behaviour and to develop a strong sense of their personal worth. Further, the child will develop skills in problem solving, analysis, synthesis, communication, information gathering, research and the use of technology, including computers.

Objectives And Activities

· Health and Safety - daily practice in the observance of simple rules of health, maintaining personal cleanliness,

health and safety talks, correlated with games, plays, songs and handwork

· observation of Safety First rules around the home, playground, streets and in cars

· Gymnastics and fitness exercises

· Manners and respect

· Swimming

· Ball games

· Team games

· Religious Education and elementary philosophy

· Bushwalking

· Bike riding

· Gardening

· Jobs and normal life

Resources

· sports clubs

· sports fields

· My Jesus and I Religion Flipchart

· saints’books

· Early Reader’s Bible

· Bible stories

· bush

· swimming pool

· bikes

· parks etc

· Sportstart - Australian Sports Commission

YEAR ONE

ENGLISH

Overview

The main focus in the course is the development of confidence and ability in talking, listening, reading and writing. Although it is approached from a variety of subjects, it is constantly referred to everyday life, thus reinforcing the place of language in life. The subject areas studied in English are: phonics, grammar, spelling, creative writing, reading/comprehension, poetry, literature and speech.

Objectives

In Year one the student should learn:

· to apply phonic skills in reading

· an increased vocabulary based on phonics learnt, books read and everyday life;

· to read sentences with understanding;

· to answer questions about what is read;

· to write sentences, simple stories and letters and journal writing;

· correct grammar for everyday language use, verbal and written;

· spelling

· the enjoyment of poetry and stories

Range of Resources

· Faith and Freedom Readers

· SRA Basic Reading Series Level A to F readers

· SRA Basic Reading Series Level A to F workbooks

· Phonics Programme Spalding or Blumenfeld

· Why Johnny Can’t Read

· Progressive Phonic Activities(PPA)

· Spelling book

· extensive private library of suitable children’s books * poetry books

· library

· everyday articles

· word charts

· ABeka first grade readers

Year One

MATHEMATICS

Overview

The main focus in Maths for Year One will be on establishing a firm basis on which to build continuing mathematical learning. Skills previously developed will be used as well as new ones learnt. We will endeavour to foster enthusiasm, confidence and interest in Mathematics. Recognition will be made of the place and importance of Mathematics in everyday life and its importance for society.

Objectives

The Year One student should learn:

· the basics of space, measurement and number;

· by hands-on experience with everyday articles;

· to develop mathematical language through proper understanding and frequent usage;

· to relate number facts to everyday life and experience; * to rise to the challenge of achieving, problem solving and developing accuracy and excellence in their work.

Range of Resources

· SRA Mathematics Learning System Level 1 or

HBJ Mathematics or Breakthrough Maths or Rigby Maths

or Rod and Staff Maths

· money

· dominoes

· cards

· calendar

· buttons

· Lego

· ruler, tape measure

· dice

· cuisenaire rods

· everyday articles

Year One

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Overview

The emphasis in the study of science and technology in Year One is on investigating the world around them through first hand experience as well as structured lessons.

Objectives

· Discovering myself - hands, hair, eyes, ears, tongue, nose, skin

· Discovering my toys - air and wind, wheels, water

· Discovering animals - instincts; babies - pouches, eggs; defences

· Discovering insects - helpful and harmful; ant colony

· Discovering plants - importance; parts of flower etc.

Resources

· ABeka Science Series - Year One

· "Exploring Together Book 1"

· "An Early Start to Science "

· everyday articles

· garden

· library

· Science Reference Books

Year One

HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

Overview

The study of this subject in Year One begins with a focus on the child’s environment, then moves on to extend the child’s awareness of others and their ways. We then notice the changes in regard to the seasons. And lastly we begin to understand the wider world by studying introductory geography.

Topics:

The Local Environment

· boundaries of our property

· our neighbours

· names of streets, where they lead

· public buildings; location, use

· parks, recreation grounds

· notable landmarks

Who Helps Me?

· at home: parents, siblings, relatives, friends, mailman

· to learn: parents, siblings, friends, librarian, etc..

_to pray: parents, siblings, priests, saints, religious

_when I’m out: policemen, baker, grocer, council workers

_when I’m sick: doctor, dentist, nurse, priest, physio

I Love My Country

· how Australia was discovered

· Australia and the British Commonwealth

· how to show respect for your country

Seasonal Changes

· summer, autumn, winter, spring

· how this affects hours of play, sleep, work, clothing, food, recreation, lighting, heating

· effect on plants, animals, insects and birds

The World

· different kinds of lands

· introducing maps

· a day in the continents

· reading maps

Resources

· library

· Australian Lifepac from KEPL

· "Our Father’s World" a Rod and Staff Publication

· Social Studies Mini Units K_1, Frank Schaffer Publication * family,friends

· films, maps etc

Year One

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Overview

The study of this subject area aims to increase the student’s knowledge and depth of understanding of the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle and to learn about the personal responsibility involved in this. It also provides opportunities for learning the rules of and participating in an increased range of sports. In addition, the student will gain knowledge and understanding about health risks, disease prevention, personal safety and hygiene. The aim will also be for the student to develop a positive set of values to guide behaviour and to develop a strong sense of their personal worth. Further, the student will develop skills in problem solving, analysis, synthesis, communication, information gathering, research and the use of technology, including computers.

Objectives And Activities

· gymnastics

· ball games

· team games

· swimming

· bushwalking

· tennis

· fitness exercises

· Religious education and elementary philosophy

· healthy habits training

· Elementary First Aid Course

· Gardening

· My Growth

· My Habits

· My Health

· My Safety

· My Manners

Resources

· Sports clubs

· sports fields

· Gymnastics Club

· Faith and Life Religion Series

· bush

· swimming pool

· bikes

· parks etc.etc

· each child has a garden plot in the backyard

· ABeka health book year one

Year One

CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL ARTS

Overview

The study of creative and practical arts in Year One continues to give the child a range of experience, appreciation of and exposure to visual arts and music and drama. We will provide opportunities for the child to participate in these as well as opportunities to appreciate other people’s works and to grow in understanding of how and why people use creative and practical arts.

Objectives

This subject will be approached from three main areas:

Music * beginning a study of an instrument

· singing both individually and group

· dancing and rhythmic movement

· history of music and composers

Art * painting, drawing, collages etc

· study of works by famous artists

· craftwork

Drama

· composing and performing plays and dramas

· study of works by famous playwrights.

Resources

· Artpac -Rod & Staff

· "Mommy, it’s a Renoir"

· grade book for instrument of choice

· library

· various art books on how to draw people, animals etc.

· concerts

· Sydney Symphony Orchestra Education Programme

· exhibitions

· art galleries and displays

· nature

· paints, crayons, pencils etc

· sewing books

· craft books

· woodwork books

YEAR TWO

ENGLISH

Overview

The child will be building on skills learnt in Kindergarten and Year One. The child will be developing his /her reading and writing skills and also having plenty of experience in talking and listening. Wide use will be made of language as it occurs in everyday life and across other curriculum areas.

The study of phonics, spelling, grammar, poetry and literature appreciation, composition, and comprehension will continue.

Objectives

In Year Two the child will learn to :

· increase their ability to read and ease with which they can read;

· increase their vocabulary;

· use this vocabulary widely;

· learn basic introductory grammar such as nouns and verbs

· learn to write with increasing fluency and legibility; * experience a wide range of good literature;

· understand more of what they read and its implications

Range of Resources

· Rod and Staff English Textbook

· SRA Basic Reading Series Level A to F readers

· Seton Readers, ABeka second grade readers etc..

· Phonics programme - Spalding or Blumenfeld

· Progressive Phonic Activities (PPA)

· Spelling book

· extensive private library of suitable children’s books * poetry books

· library

· word charts

· everyday articles

Year Two

MATHEMATICS

Overview

In Year Two the student builds on skills already developed and learns more about number, measurement and space. This will involve both mental and pen & paper skills as well as use of implements such as blocks, cuisenaire, computers etc.

Topics

· Counting and writing numerals

· number lines

· addition and subtraction

· problem solving

· number order

· greater than and less than

· counting to 99

· place value

· multiples of ten - addition and subtraction

· multiplication 2-5 times

· numbers larger than 109

· exploring shapes

· multiples of 100

· measurement

· subtraction of 2-digit numbers

· addition with renaming

· addition with three 2-digit numbers

· money

· addition and subtraction of three digit numbers

· subtraction with renaming

· simple multiplication

· fractions

· symmetry

· liquid measurement

· telling time

Resources

· SRA Mathematics Learning System, Level 2 or

HBJ Maths, or Breakthrough Maths or Rigby Maths

or Rod and Staff Maths

· blocks, Lego

· buttons, other everyday articles

· money

· cuisenaire rods

Year Two

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Overview

In Year Two children are continuing to develop their ability to observe closely, to describe in comparative and qualitative terms and to classify objects. They should be willing to infer, to predict and to question. They should also grow in their knowledge through the concepts studied.

Objectives

· Enjoying Myself and Others - growth,

· muscles,

· food types,

· teeth,

· cleanliness,

· exercise,

· rest

· Enjoying the Animal World - design,

· what they do,

· their homes,

· their protection, insects - good and bad,

· bee hives

· Enjoying the Plant World - parts of plant

· what each part does, growth, - how seeds travel

· Enjoying the Air Around Us - air is real,

· wind, rain, snow,

· air around earth

· Enjoying Things That Move - energy,

· gravity,

· push, pull,

· fuel,

· friction

Resources

· ABeka Science Series - Year Two

· everyday articles

· garden

· library

· Ladybird First Science

· Prove it

· "Exploring Together Bk 1"

· Science Reference Books

Year Two

HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

Overview

In Year Two the emphasis is on added opportunities for individual responsibility which contributes to the welfare of the family and to society. We will study Aborigines as they existed before white man and today. We will learn about Australia in relation to the world and about the state we live in. We will also learn about the supply of our food, clothing and comforts. We will also study the history of everyday things. There will also be an emphasis on greater understanding of one’s own religious beliefs.

Topics

1.Practical living experiences- responsibilities in the home,

and care of public and personal property

2.Aborigines

3.Australia

· Australia’s position in the world

· Australia’s capital

· the state we live in

4.People at Home and Abroad who supply:

(a) Our Food

· Farmers: wheat, dairy, poultry

· Fisherman

· Orchadists and Market Gardeners

· Planters: sugar, tea, rice

· Manufacturers

· Shopkeepers, bakers, butchers, grocers

(b) Our Clothing

· primary workers in wool, cotton, hides

· secondary workers: weavers, machinists

· engineers, research workers, inventors, builders, miners,

5.History of everyday things:

(a) Shelter - brick, concrete, fibro, wood, tent, cave

(b) Lighting - electricity, gas , lamps, candles

(d) Transport - trains, trams, buses, ships, aeroplanes, sledges, horses, dogs

(e) Communications - telephone, radio, letters, signals

Resources

· library

· local environment and places of interest

· Junior Geography

· Student’s World An Illustrated Guide to Australian School Studies

Year Two

CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL ARTS

Overview

The study of creative and practical arts in Year Two continues to give the child a range of experience, appreciation of and exposure to visual arts and music and drama. We will provide opportunities for the child to participate in these as well as opportunities to appreciate other people’s works and to grow in understanding of how and why people use creative and practical arts.

Objectives

This subject will be approached from three main areas:

Music * furthering study of chosen instrument with relevant text

· singing both individual and group

· dancing and rhythmic movement

· history of music and composers

Art * painting, drawing, collages etc

· study of works by famous artists

· craftwork

Drama * composing and performing plays and dramas

· study of works by famous playwrights

Resources

· Music book relevant to chosen instrument, practical and theory

· library

· various art books on how to draw people, animals etc

· "Mommy, it’s a Renoir"

· ARTPAC

· Sydney Symphony Orchestra Education Program

· concerts

· exhibitions and art galleries

· nature

· paints, crayons, pencils etc.etc

· wood

· various craft books

Year Two

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Overview

Objectives And Activities

· team sports

· ball games

· gymnastics

· swimming lessons

· tennis

· Religious Education and elementary philosophy

· Bushwalking

· Bike riding

· Gardening

· Elementary First Aid

· Healthy habits

Resources

· sports clubs

· sports fields

· Catholic Family Catechism

· Faith and Life Religion Series

· Preparing to Receive Jesus

· bush and parks etc.etc

· swimming pool

· bikes

· Sportstart - Australian Sports Commission

· St John First Aid Manual

· ABeka health book

· each child has a garden plot in our backyard

Year THREE

ENGLISH

Overview

The study of English in Year Three aims to develop the ability of the child in writing, reading, speaking and listening. A wide range of everyday sources as well as text-book style sources will be used as well as ABC educational TV programmes. These will all be used to develop skills, abilities and extend the range of exposure to language situations. The skills will be applied across the curriculum.

Objectives

The Year Three child should learn:

· to read with understanding and be able to do exercises based on the passage read;

· more about words, antonyms, synonyms, nouns, verbs, idioms etc.;

· an increased vocabulary based on themes, reading and other areas;

· about sentences, questions, phrases etc.;

· about punctuation and proper grammar;

· appropriate use of dictionary and to grow in dictionary skills;

· to use opportunities for written expression;

· word families;

· proper spelling;

· proper use of library and its resources;

· to use a computer in a basic way.

Range of Resources

· Voyages in English 3 or Rod and Staff Grade 3 or ABeka Language 3 or Peter Howard’s Australian English books

· Seton Readers

· Poetry books

· spelling book

· library

· computer

· radio and television

· everyday articles e.g. street directories, maps, signs, recipes, advertisements..

· letter writing

Year Three

MATHEMATICS

Overview

The study of Mathematics in Year Three aims to develop and build on already acquired skills in Mathematics, to develop the child’s confidence and ability in Mathematics. This will be widely applied to everyday life so that mathematics is seen as an integral part of everyday life.

Topics

· review of addition and subtraction

· multiplication

· geometry - shapes

· geometry - symmetry

· measurement - length and mass, etc

· fractions

· division

· graphs and charts

· mental arithmetic

· problems

Resources

· SRA Mathematics Learning System, Level 3 or

Challenge in Mathematics, or HBJ maths or Breakthrough Maths or Rigby Maths

· money

· rulers, tape measures etc

· measuring cup used for cooking

· scales

· other everyday articles

· calculator

· clocks

Year Three

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Overview

The Year Three student should learn to be able to isolate variables involved in change. Because skill in observation should be well developed, the identification and description of observable characteristics should be possible. Students will be encouraged in the use of tables, graphs, drawing and diagrams. Also the development should occur in the accurate use of measuring equipment.

Objectives

· Wonderfully made - nervous system, detailed examination of the five senses

· Exploring the Plant World - seeds, photosynthesis, roots, spores, mosses

· Exploring the World of Vertebrates - mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds

· Exploring the World of Invertebrates - earthworms, octopuses, starfish, insects, spiders

· Exploring the Desert - animals, plants, amphibians

· Exploring the Ocean - minerals, of the sea, ocean s energy, plankton, ocean floor, sonar and sediment

· Exploring the Pond - pond community, plants, fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates

· Exploring the Forest - food chains, tiny plants, trees - age, autumn

· Exploring the farmer’s paddock - soil, erosion, worms, field mice

· Exploring the weather - atmosphere, water cycle, rain, sleet, hail, lightning and storms

Resources

· ABeka Science Series - year three

· "Exploring Together Book 2"

· Science Reference Books

· everyday articles

· garden

· library

Year Three

HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

Overview

The study of this subject aims to increase the student’s awareness of and appreciation for the world in which we live.

The focus for this year will be on the country we live in, i.e. Australia. We will also begin to study the history of the world starting with Abraham and the ancient civilizations from his time until the coming of Christ.

Topics

Australia

· Australia’s place in the world

· The division of Australia into states and territories

· Canberra, the capital of Australia

· The Australian flag

· Floral and faunal emblems of Australia

A state by state study of Australia. For each we will study:

· geography

· animal, floral and faunal emblems

· capital city

· places of interest

· state emblem and flag

Introduction to History

· Stories of the East

· Stories of Greece

· Stories of Rome

· The Coming of Christ

Resources

Australia Our Country

The Children’s Giant Atlas of Australia

Australian Social Studies for Young Homeshoolers Bk 2

Library

Travel and tourist information Bureau brochures

Excursions

Other people

Catholic History Reader

Year Three

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Overview

Topics And Activities

· team sports

· ball games

· swimming

· Religious Education and elementary philosophy

· posture on parade

· exercise for good health

· nutrients and you

· a balanced diet

· keeping clean and neat

· fighting diseases

· the real you

· Elementary First Aid Course

· Bushwalking

· Bike riding

· Gardening

Resources

sports fields

parks

bats, balls etc..

Catholic Family Catechism

Faith and Life Religion Series

bush

swimming pool

bikes

each child has a garden plot in our backyard

ABeka Health book

Year Three

CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL ARTS

Overview

The study of creative and practical arts in Year Three continues to give the child a range of experience, appreciation of and exposure to visual arts and music and drama. We will provide opportunities for the child to participate in these as well as opportunities to appreciate other people’s works and to grow in understanding of how and why people use creative and practical arts.

Topics

This subject will be approached from three main areas:

Music * furthering study of instrument of choice

· singing both individually and group

· dancing and rhythmic movement

· history of music and composers

· composing own songs and music

Art * painting, drawing, collages etc

· study of works by famous artists

· craftwork

Drama * composing and performing plays and dramas

· study of works by famous playwrights

Resources

· grade book for instrument of choice

· library

· "Mommy, it’s a Renoir"

· various art books on how to draw people, animals etc.

· concerts

· Sydney Symphony Orchestra Education Programme

· exhibitions

· art galleries

· nature

· paints, crayons, pencils etc

· sewing machine, fabrics, thread etc

Year FOUR

ENGLISH

Overview

The study of English in Year Four aims to develop the ability of the child in writing, reading, speaking and listening. A wide range of everyday sources will be used as well as text-book style sources.

Objectives

The Year Four child should learn:

· more about nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, synonyms, antonyms, phrases and sentence patterns;

· proper punctuation for the variety of situations studied; * to be able to write coherently and with increasing interest

· more skills in use of dictionary, directories, encyclopaedia, etc.

· about a wide range of poems and stories;

· in such a way that it stimulates pupil-initiated free time resource to literature;

· proper use of library and its resources;

· to use the computer in a basic way for language-related purposes.

· an increrased vocabulary and continuing study of spelling

Range of Resources

· Voyages in English 4 or Rod and Staff grade 4 or ABeka Language 4 or Peter Howard’s Australian English series

· Seton Readers

· Poetry books

· Spelling books

· library

· computer

· radio and television

· everyday articles

· letter writing

· dictionary

· encyclopedia

· directories etc..

· "Reading Between the Lines"

Year Four

MATHEMATICS

Overview

The study of Mathematics in Year Four aims to develop and build on already acquired skills in Mathematics to develop the child’s confidence and ability in Mathematics. This will be widely applied to everyday life so that Maths can be seen as integral to life.

Topics:

· numeration and rounding

· computation of addition and subtraction

· multiplication and division facts

· measurement

· fractions and decimals

· geometry and shapes

· maths sentences

· measurement of money and mass

· probability

· mental arithmetic

· problems

Resources

· Challenge in Mathematics 4^th class or HBJ Maths or Rigby Maths or SRA Mathematics Learning System, Level 4

· clocks

· calculator

· computer

· everyday articles

Year Four

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Overview

The Year Four student should show skills in the processes of observation, discrimination and classification. These skills will be used as well as the development of isolating variables that affect changes and making accurate measurements of objects and changes.

Topics

· Let’s find out; Stop, look, wonder

· Learn to Observe;

· Insects; Ten million designs, insect zoo

· Learning about life cycles

· Designer heads

· Crickets and grasshoppers

· Defence and communication

· Where insects live

· Plants; designed to produce

· Evergreens and deciduous trees

· Observing flowers

· Seeds: travel, germination etc.

· Birds - designed for flight

· Birds in your backyard

· Feeding birds

· Matter

· Water, air and weather

· Water for life

· The atmosphere

· Condensation and precipitation

· Energy

· Sound and hearing

· Making and receiving sound

· Preserving sound

· Geology; our home, the earth

· Earth’s motion

· Soil and the earth’s layers

· Oceanography - wonders of the sea

· Continental shelf

· Salt and waves

· Giants of the sea and three invertebrates

· Astronomy

· Wonders of the night sky

· Seasons, days and years

· The sun and the moon

Resources

· ABeka Science Series year four

· "Exploring Together Book 2"

· Science Reference Books

· every day articles

· garden and field trips, excursions

· library

Year Four

HUMAN SOCIETY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT

Overview

The main focus of study for the year will be on introducing the child to, and exploring, the world and its countries. We will continue our study of history with the study of the Roman Empire. We will also begin learning about atlases and the symbols, scales etc.. involved in reading them.

Topics

1. The Roman Empire

2. Introductory map and atlas skills

3. Our Friends from Other Lands

· Hungary

· Ireland

· England

· Vatican city State

· Mexico

· Russia

· Peru

· Lapland

· Uganda

· Portugal

· Austria

· The Holy Land

· Brazil

· France

· Greece

· Japan

· Canada

· Italy

· Germany

· Ethiopia

· Argentina

· Poland

· New Guinea

· PhilippinesPhilipppines

· Lebanon

· Spain

· China

Resources

· Catholic History Reader

· Introduction to Australian School Study Atlas

· Our Friends From Other Lands

· library, and encyclopedias

· videos and television (eg The World Around Us)

· excursions to places of interest

· talks with people who have travelled

· National Geographic magazines

Year Four

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

Overview

Topics And Activities

· ball games

· team sports

· races etc...

· Religious Education and elementary philosophy

· Elementary First Aid Course

· Bushwalking

· Swimming

· Bike riding

· Gardening

· Your Body’s Framework

· The Muscle Builder

· Your Breathing Machine

· Nutrients Your Body Needs

· Personal Hygiene

· Right Relationships

Resources

· Sports Clubs

· sports fields

· swimming pool

· Catholic Family Catechism

· Faith and Life Religion Series

· ABeka 4^th class health book

· bush

· bikes

· parks etc

· each child has a garden plot in our backyard

Year Four

CREATIVE AND PRACTICAL ARTS

Overview

The study of creative and practical arts in Year Four continues to give the child a range of experience, appreciation of and exposure to visual arts and music and drama. We will provide opportunities for the child to participate in these as well as opportunities o appreciate other people’s works and to grow in understanding of how and why people use creative and practical arts.

Objectives

This subject will be approached from three main areas:

Music * furthering study of instrument of choice

· singing both individually and group

· dancing and rhythmic movement

· history of music and composers

· composing own music and songs

Art * painting, drawing, collages etc

· study of works by famous artists

· craft work

Drama * composing and performing plays and dramas

· study of works by famous playwrights

Resources

· Rod and Staff Artpac

· "Start Exploring Masterpieces" by Mary Martin

· grade book for instrument of choice

· library

· various art books on how to draw people, animals etc.

· concerts

· Sydney Symphony Orchestra Education Programme

· exhibitions

· art galleries

· nature

· paints, crayons, pencils etc

· sewing machine, fabrics thread etc

· sewing books

· craft books

· woodwork books

· musicians

· artists

YEAR FIVE

ENGLISH

Overview

The study of English in Year Five aims to develop the child’s abilities in reading, speaking, listening, and writing. A wide range of everyday sources will be used as well as text-book style sources.

Objectives

The Year Five child should learn more about:

· parts of speech, sentence structure, word roots etc.;

· writing clearly and succinctly with proper punctuation;

· proper use of dictionaries, encyclopaedias, library and everyday articles;

· the wide range of stories and poems available;

· using the computer in a language related way;

· to work independently through opportunities in creative writing, library research etc.;

· the media and its place in our lives.

· an increased range of vocabulary and correct spelling

Resources

· Rod and Staff Grade 5 English Text book, or ABeka Language 5 or Voyages