 I. Language Arts (Houghton-Mifflin Reading Series) |
In order to achieve literacy success for all students, MHOC believes in using a variety of techniques and resources. Our intermediate language arts program includes whole group instruction and independent skill practice and application. Our reading program provides consistent development of comprehension strategies and skills. Skill instruction is reinforced and tailored to the learning style and needs of all students. A variety of literature resources are used to challenge and extend the independent reading and fluency development needs of students. Cross-curricular writing activities provide a content-area connection that tie in language arts with other subjects.
- Word Study and Vocabulary (including Spelling)
- Base Words and Endings
- Syllabication
- Word Roots
- Contractions
- Possessives
- Prefixes and Suffixes
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Grammar, Usage and Mechanics
- Sentence Structure
- Subjects and Predicates
- Verbs and Verb Tense
- Adjectives
- Capitalization and Punctuation
- Pronouns
- Adverbs
- Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases
- Writing
1. The Writing Process
2. Using a Thesaurus
3. Developing Plot, Characters,
and Setting
4. Developing Dialogue
5. Narrative and Expository
6. Persuasive Writing
7. Research Reports
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- Reading Skills
- Story Structure
- Author’s Viewpoint
- Text Organization
- Noting Details
- Sequence of Events
- Making Inferences
- Making Generalizations
- Categorize and Classify
- Compare and Contrast
- Drawing Conclusions
- Fact and Opinion
- Predicting Outcomes
- Cause and Effect
- Following Directions
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Propaganda
- Making Judgments
- Topic, Main Idea and Details
- Information and Study Skills
- Literature
1. Genre Study
2. Novel Exploration
3. Poetry
- Penmanship – Cursive
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| II. Mathematics (Houghton-Mifflin) |
Mathematics at MHOC is taught using a systematic step-by-step approach. The program emphasizes a balance of hands-on activities along with practice and problem solving opportunities to develop mathematical concepts and skills. Instruction is whole group and practice is differentiated according to ability level. Manipulatives are used whenever possible to create a concrete understanding of skills and concepts. Cooperative learning is essential in developing key problem solving skills that are a pre-cursor to algebraic thinking. Students work together to apply skills and concepts to new situations. Problem solving and reasoning skills are integrated into every phase of instruction, i.e. explain thinking process or justify a solution to a problem.
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A. Number Concepts and Operations
1. Whole Numbers, Decimals, and
Integers
2. Use Order of Operations
3. Identify and Apply the Properties of
Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication
And Division
4. Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication
and Division of Fractions
5. Multiplication and Division of
Decimals
B. Algebraic Concepts
1. Describe, Extend, and Create a
Wide Variety of Patterns
2. Write Number Sentences to State
Problems
C. Geometry
1. Identify and Construct 2- and 3-
Dimensional Figures
2. Identify Parts of a Circle
3. Find Perimeter, Area and Volume
4. Identify and Construct Parallel,
Intersecting and Perpendicular Lines
5. Identify Similar, Congruent and
Symmetry
D. Measurement
1. Identify Length, Weight, Area, Time,
Capacity, Volume, Temperature
2. Apply and Convert Units in Metric
and Customary Units
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E. Probability and Statistics
1. Use Graphs, Plots and Tables
2. Use Random Sampling
3. Graph Ordered Pairs
F. Problem Solving
1. Choose an Operation
2. Real World Applications
3. Multi-Step Problems
4. Conjecture and Verify
5. Draw a Picture or Diagram
6. Patterns
7. Logical Thinking
8. Make a List or Table
9. Mental Math
10. Too Much or Too Little Information
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| III. Social Studies (Glencoe) |
The goal of Social Studies is to provide students with opportunities to acquire facts and concepts drawn from the chronology of our nation’s heritage. It also provides them with an understanding of democratic principles and ideals upon which good citizenship is founded. The MHOC Social Studies curriculum consists of a comprehensive study our community, nation and world, offering students the skills and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly complex society. Maps and globes are studied as an integral part of understanding the student’s surroundings. Hands-on and cooperative learning activities are the modes of learning effectively used in the classroom. A rich abundance of materials and learning resources such as videos, computer software and reference books help bring the content to life. Engaging activities and projects help the students internalize the concepts.
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A. Our Land and First People
1. America’s Land
2. The First Americans
a. Migration from Asia
b. Native American culture
B. Exploration and Settlement
1. Age of Exploration
a. Motives for Exploration
b. Early Explorers
2. European Settlements
C. The English Colonies
1. New England Colonies
a. Government
b. Way of life
2. Middle and Southern Colonies
a. Government
b. Way of life
D. The American Revolution
1. Causes of the Revolution
2. The War for Independence
3. Creating a Nation
E. The New Nation
1. The Early Republic
a. Government
b. Early leaders
2. A Growing Country
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F. The Civil War
1. Causes of the Civil War
2. Civil War and Reconstruction
G. Transforming the Nation
1. Changes on the Plains
2. Big Business and Big Cities
H. The Twentieth Century
1. Becoming a World Power
2. Americans Face Changes
I. Linking to the Present
1. Our Nation and the World
2. America Today and Tomorrow
J. Geography and Map Skills
1. Interpret Maps, Globes, Charts and
Graphs
2. Locate places using grids and
coordinates
3. Identify continents, hemispheres
4. Identify states and capitals |
| IV. Science (Scott Foresman) |
Students better understand science when they immerse themselves in the content using a hands-on approach. At MHOC, students have access to an extensive array of materials through which they can discover first hand the wonders of life and the world around them. Videos and laser discs add depth to each lesson and provide a clearer more extensive understanding of topics of study. Also on hand are a multitude of visual aids, such as experiments, fossils, magnets, and models, just to name a few. Students become the center of the lessons and investigate scientific concepts using the scientific method. They will also have access to a state of the art science laboratory where they will apply scientific concepts. They use higher order thinking and real-world applications throughout each unit. Reading, writing and math are integrated into the units, which allows students to successfully transfer skills and strategies across the content areas. Problem solving opportunities, vocabulary extensions and science related literature are integral parts of the curriculum.
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A. Life Science
1. Comparing Living Things
2. Reproduction and Change
3. Adaptations
4. Ecology
a. Conservation of natural resources
b. Pollutants and pollution
c. Greenhouse effect, acid rain, smog
d. Ozone layer
B. Physical Science
1. Matter
a. Properties and states of matter
b. Elements and compounds
d. Periodic Table
2. Investigating Motion
a. Newton’s Laws
b. Inertia and friction
3. Forms of Energy
a. Sources and forms
b. Potential and kinetic
c. Law of Conservation of Energy
4. Electrical Energy
a. Protons, Electrons and Ions
b. Static electricity
c. Electric currents and Magnetic
force
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C. Earth Science
1. The Changing Earth
2. The Earth’s Resources
a. Renewable and nonrenewable
b. Earth’s crust
3. Climate
a. Distinguish between weather and
climate
b. Factors affecting climate
4. Astronomy
D. Human Body
1. Respiration and Excretion
a. Identify parts of respiratory
system
b. Identify how body rids waste
2. Living a Healthy Life
a. Construct a food pyramid
b. Design healthy meal plan
c. Determine fat percentage in food
d. Exercise
E. Scientific Method
1. Form Hypothesis, Experiment and
Investigate
2. Draw Conclusions
3. Write a Lab
4. Research contributions to Science |
| V. Religion (Benziger: A Call to Faith) |
Jesus calls to each child, “Follow me” (Luke 9:23). At MHOC, content is integrated that is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church and that holistically embraces the four pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: Creed, Liturgy and Sacraments, Moral Life and Prayer. In Grade 5, the students learn that in water and Spirit they are baptized into eternal life with Jesus. Students participate in morning and afternoon prayers as well as prayers before meals. Weekly Mass is a time to come together as a school and rejoice in God’s blessings. Our goal is to nurture each child’s relationship with Jesus. This is achieved through both text and music in the curriculum area. To share in Jesus’ life more fully, they will:
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Know God better by studying the Beatitudes, sacramental signs, and Holy Days of the Church.
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Love God better by exploring personal prayer and learning the deeper meanings of the Church seasons.
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Serve God better by setting an example for others and taking small steps toward justice and peace.
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A. God’s World
1. Seeing God’s world around us
2. Living as people of God’s covenant
3. Answering the call to love and serve
B. Faith and Life
1. Putting faith into action
2. Stories of our faith family in the
Bible
3. Sharing in Jesus’ sacrifice
4. Learning and growing in families
C. The Presence of Christ
1. Living as sacramental people
2. Staying faithful to tradition
3. Cooperating to achieve unity
4. Building God’s kingdom on earth
D. Sacramental Signs
1. Joining in the liturgy of the Church
2. Entering into new life with Jesus
3. Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit
4. The presence of Jesus in the Eucharist
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E. Sign to the World
1. Celebrating the sacrament of
marriage
2. Being called to serve
3. Healing through reconciliation
4. Healing through the Anointing of the
Sick
F. Justice and Peace
1. Respecting all of God’s creation
2. Striving for happiness and harmony
3. Taking action for justice
4. Preparing for new life |
| V. Religion (Benziger: Family Life) |
Morals and values are integrated into the various content areas that further provide a firm foundation in faith as well as being taught separately using the Family Life series. The curriculum provides a moral catechesis for students, places human sexuality within the context of Christian values, offers a catechesis of hope in spite of the challenges facing the Catholic family, and adapts to the changing times and needs of the Church. At MHOC, we believe in a true partnership among parish, school and home in the service of authentic Christian moral living.
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A. Family Ties
1. Family attitude, customs and
traditions
2. Families are unique
3. Human family, Catholic family,
World Family
B. Family Feelings
1. Patience and forgiveness
2. Church supports all families
C. Communication
1. Honesty, respect and listening
2. Positive / Negative values of media
3. Prayer
D. Changes
1. Puberty
2. Reproductive development
3. Nutrition, cleanliness and exercise
E. Parenthood
1. Life and families
2. Respect the body
3. Modesty
F. New Life
1. Life is sacred and must be respected
2. Threats of the gift of life
3. Responsibility
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G. Friendship
1. Growing in love
2. Needs of others
3. Plan for new life
H. Marriage
1. Indissoluble bond
2. Ups and downs of life
I. Communities
J. A Caring World
K. Virtues
1. Respect
2. Honesty and respect
3. Stewardship and modesty
4. Chastity
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| VI. Spanish (Prentice Hall) |
The Spanish curriculum at MHOC is a balanced, communication-based program. Students use a wide range of print and technology components which meet the needs of the diverse learning population. By integrating language and culture, Spanish lessons come alive and become more authentic to the learning process. With a hands-on application approach to Spanish, students are able to build upon their prior knowledge and work to become fluent in the language.
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A. Language Development
1. Infinitives
2. Expressing agreement or
disagreement
3. Adjectives
4. Definite and indefinite articles
5. Word Order: Placement of
Adjectives
6. Subject Pronouns
7. Present-tense of –ar verbs
8. Plural forms of nouns and articles
9. The verb estar
B. Literacy Skills
1. Read and interpret short authentic
reading selections
2. Describe characters and major events
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C. Composition
1. Complete simple sentences
2. Write simple sentences and
paragraphs
3. Ask and answer written questions
D. Culture
1. Compare and contrast values, beliefs,
traditions
2. Distinguish geographic position
of Hispanic countries
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| VII. Additional Specials |
Music, Art, Physical Education, Computer Technology, and Media.
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