2007-2008 Electives for Grades K-2
A B-C
D-E F-G
H-I J-K-L
M N-P
R S
T W
AFRICA
Students will look at life in Africa. They will gain an understanding about the land, the people, and their way of life. Students will be able to compare/contrast their way of life with an African child's. They will learn that they share their family life, parents' love, relationships, friendships with other children, and excitement of trips and games.
ANIMALS, ANIMALS
Students will study domesticated and wild animals through books, songs, films, and hands-on activities. The animal habitats of home, farm, zoo, and natural environments will be the focus in this course.
ANIMAL STUDIES – AG
Students will explore animal classifications, habitats, life spans, body features, and defense mechanisms through creative activities. The animal kingdom’s endangered species will also be identified.
AUTHOR! AUTHOR!
Within every child there are stories of value. In this course students will become young authors as they delight in writing, illustrating, and making their own books. Stories will be shared with other students.
AUTHORS IN THE MAKING
This course will teach children process writing. As they create a variety of original pieces of writing, many different purposes for writing will become evident. Use of prewriting strategies, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing will be stressed.
This course gives children a variety of experiences that involve them in thinking about some of the basic ideas of probability. Through a collection of hands-on games and experiments, students explore the likelihood of events, use data to make predictions about outcomes, and determine whether games are fair.
BEGINNING LITERARY STYLES – AG
The primary purpose of a literature program for young children is to encourage them to discover the value of and to provide them abundant experiences with good literature. In this course students will be provided opportunities to read and hear quality literary works.
BLOSSOMING WITH BOOKS
The primary purpose of this course is to increase children’s interest in reading and writing. When children realize that an author’s words are interesting and powerful, they begin to recognize that they too have the power to make words exciting and meaningful. Children’s knowledge of good literature will increase as they work on activities that bring to mind a favorite author, his/her titles, writing styles, and illustration techniques.
BOOK INTO MATH
This course will integrate literature and mathematics. Students will be introduced to numerous children’s books, both old favorites as well as unfamiliar stories. They will participate in activities designed to explore mathematical concepts as well as to develop communication skills. Students will be encouraged to work together to read, speak, write and use a variety of strategies to solve mathematical problems that occur in literature.
BUDDING ARTISTS
Students will explore a variety of art media to build their skills of drawing, painting, cutting and pasting, and sculpting.
BUILDING READERS
Ready…Set…Go…We're off on an exciting adventure! In this eighteen–week course designed for pre–emergent readers, kindergarten students will explore basic curriculum concepts through social interaction and hands on learning. Activities will include puppets, manipulatives, cooking, literature immersion, and projects with an emphasis on learning the alphabet and basic print concepts. Come along with us as we depart on this exciting adventure, and build your skills along the way! Teacher recommendation is required for this course.
CHINESE
This course is designed to motivate students’ interests in Chinese through songs, nursery rhymes, games, videotapes, stories, food tasting, and art projects. The beginner’s class will familiarize students with the pronunciation, tones, and strokes of the Chinese characters. In speaking, students will have the ability to communicate minimally with the learned material. They will be able to count from 1 to 100 and to name basic colors, common nouns, days of the week, months of the year, body parts, and family members. They will also be able to use a few high frequency phrases, e.g. asking someone’s name, age, saying telephone numbers, expressing needs, and expressing feelings about emotions and likes and dislikes. IN reading students will be able to identify/recognize a small set of graphic elements, such as the “wood” radical and the “mouth” radical etc. They will be able to recognize isolated characters and compounds frequently encountered in day–to–day life. The Chinese writing system with strokes and radicals will be briefly introduced. Students can copy isolated characters with simple stroke configuration.
CHORUS K–2
Students will learn to produce a good singing tone with their voices. Students will be exposed to a variety of pieces from different styles and periods. These prepared pieces may be performed for school programs and functions.
CORAL REEF COMMUNITIES
This course will introduce primary students to the plants, animals and environment of the coral reef. Students will be involved in activities designed to help them identify, compare, and contrast the animals and plants of the coral reef with freshwater and land animals. Students will use classification and measuring skills while comparing and contrasting the characteristics and basic needs of the organisms present in the reef with those on land and in freshwater. A study of land and sea turtles and their life cycles is included to illustrate this concept. The learner will have the opportunity to ask a marine biologist questions about coral reefs online and explore web sites picturing coral reefs around the world.
CREATIVE MUSICAL THEATER
This course will give students the opportunity to learn about acting and the stage. They will explore their own experiences through acting, improvisation, and short plays. Students will expand their senses in developing characters and situations.
DANCING AND PLAYING AROUND THE WORLD
Dancing and Playing Around the World is filled with a variety of games and dances that reflect our worldwide cultural diversity. This is a wonderful opportunity for children to explore different cultures through dance and movement activities as well as language and enrichment experiences. As the children explore dances and games from all over the world, they will develop geography skills, writing skills, knowledge of the different continents and countries, and an appreciation for the various cultures in our global community.
DESTINY TRAVEL AGENCY
This course will provide learners the opportunity to discover ten different cultures located around the world by „traveling‰ to Brazil, Mexico, England, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Israel, Russia, and Japan. The learners will be receiving a passport that will enable them to travel to the different countries. They will also be receiving a suitcase in which to keep all of their „souvenirs.‰ During each trip to a different country, the learners will be experiencing the following activities: recognizing different seasonal changes and times between their country and the country they are visiting, making clothes (paper dolls) to be worn during their trip, drawing simple maps of the homes and communities that are located in the country, cooking and tasting food, experiencing holidays that are celebrated in the country, exploring that country‚s different customs, playing games, listening and dancing to music, replicating art, familiarizing themselves with any famous people who live there, and responding to their visit through a postcard that will be sent „home‰ after each trip.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
The ESL program provides English instruction to students from different language backgrounds. The English language acquisition is enhanced through the use of instructional technology at all levels of proficiency. The ESL students' progress in language acquisition, reading, and writing skills, is measured by administering an initial North Carolina State mandated test to each child upon entering WCPSS, and then annually every spring. ESL students are exited from the program once they attain a level of advanced or superior in the state mandated test in the oral reading and writing areas.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL), BEGINNING
Students will develop basic communication skills in English. Emphasis is given to everyday communication. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills are developed and reinforced through daily activities. Students are given ample opportunity to hear and internalize the English language pattern and structures. Poems, chants and songs help students to learn the pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation of the language. Also, the students will develop an awareness of the American culture.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL), INTERMEDIATE
Students will continue to develop communication skills in English. Emphasis will be given to reading and writing. Through cooperative learning activities students will work in groups to share what they know, and learn new information. Through critical thinking activities students will use academic language to communicate, analyze, and explain. Students will increase their vocabulary and academic concepts so they can achieve the English language competence needed for academic success.
EXPLORING DANCE STYLES
In this introductory course to the basic movement principles that pertain to all dance styles, students will begin to develop strength, coordination, and flexibility.
This course will offer an in-depth look at a variety of fairy tales and fables. Students will participate in enriching activities that will enhance the stories as well as help students work towards an understanding of two of the oldest children’s literary forms.
FRENCH INTRODUCTION
Students will be introduced to the language with extensive vocabulary and cultural facts. Listening and speaking skills are stressed at this beginning level, including free and directed oral communication. Songs, skits, games, and role–playing are also part of the curriculum. Video and audiotapes are used to introduce and emphasize French culture, French language, and French speaking countries.
FRENCH, CONTINUING
This course will be a continuation of Beginning French K–2 with significant increase in vocabulary in all content areas including Science, Art, Geography, and Math. Writing and Reading will be integrated at the appropriate level for the age and interest. Free communication will still be emphasized, and cultural exposure will enhance the students’ knowledge and appreciation of the French culture.
GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORATION – AG
The key concepts of geography -- earth, direction, location, spatial arrangements, and maps -- will be introduced to students in this course. Students will be involved in projects, inside and outside of the classroom, which will develop a better understanding of global concepts.
GERMAN, INTRODUCTION
Students learn to converse in German on topics and at levels appropriate to their age and interests. Games, songs, and dances help them to learn to use structure and vocabulary through sound association and analogy. They will apply their language skills in daily activities. German is a sequential course and will be taught on a continuing basis as students progress from one level to the next. Beginning cultural exposure will enhance the students’ knowledge and appreciation of the German culture.
GERMAN, CONTINUING
Students continue to spend most of their time in conversation, developing the basic skills of listening and speaking. Videos, films and tapes add variety to the presentation of cultural information. Phonics will be introduced in preparation for reading and writing. Easy German readers supplement the text. Cultural exposure will enhance the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the German culture. This elective continues the course of study in Beginning German. Prerequisite: Beginning German or approval of the German teacher.
GROUP SOLUTIONS
This course will introduce, reinforce, and broaden students' understanding in numerical relationships, computation, geometry, discrete mathematics, functions, and logic. The cooperative logic activities help students become contributing members of a group of collective thinkers.
GROWING STRONG
Don't be a couch potato! Get off the couch and get fit…..you're worth it! Learn positive ways to get and stay healthy. Activities will include fun ways to develop good health and safety habits. Take it one step at a time and learn the “inside” story, get moving, get strong, and eat well. Put it all together to build one healthy you!
Do YOU have what it takes to become “famous”?? Learn what individuals from various backgrounds did to achieve fame! In this course you will learn about famous individuals from the past and the present and how they changed our lives.
HOW THINGS WORK
Students will explore the fascinating world of gadgets and tools in looking at how things work! Tools, machines, gears, and other gizmos will be used as students build their understanding of how simple machines and tools make our world an easier place in which to live.
HUMAN MACHINE,THE
One of nature's miracles is the human body. This course will introduce children to the different systems of the body and show how they work together.
HURRAY FOR THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE
Students will become familiar with American patriotic music. Through an historical approach, they will learn the importance of music in the development of our country.
IT’S A SMALL WORLD – AG
In this course students will learn about the interdependency of people around the world. Cultures in our world and the similarities between people will be studied. Students will learn other systems for dealing with time, money, and measurement; explore various foreign languages; study heroes from other cultures; and recreate customs from various countries.
I'VE GOT CHARACTER
This course will allow students opportunities to explore, in depth, through literature, the eight character traits: Responsibility, Respect, Courage, Kindness, Self-discipline, Integrity, Perseverance, and Good Judgement, and learn ways to apply them to their everyday living. The students will engage in activities that develop communication skills such as listening, reading, speaking ,observing, illustration, writing, and brainstorming while developing their awareness of the eight character traits. The elective will culminate in the creation, development, and production of a Character Trait Newsletter to be distributed throughout the school
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the sounds and forms of the Japanese language. Emphasis will be placed on listening and speaking. Limited reading and writing are done. Hiragana and the Hepburn type will be used. Songs and games will facilitate vocabulary and provide practice in correct pronunciation. Annual culture events will also be incorporated to enhance the students’ interest in Japanese. Goal: Students comprehending at this level will have a mastery of basic everyday conversation.
JAPANESE, CONTINUING
Major emphasis will continue on aural/oral skills development. Phonics and syntax will be introduced in preparation for reading and writing. TPR, films and tapes constitute basic texts. Goal: Katakana will be taught. The students will also learn the use of past and future tense.
KITCHEN CHEMISTRY
In this course the students will learn, through many exciting experiments, about simple scientific phenomena, such as physical and chemical changes; states of matter--solids, liquids, and gases; and the cause and effect of heat. Students will also learn how ice cream and soap are made.
LEARNING THROUGH GAMES
This course provides additional ideas and activities to help enhance the academic, social, and physical needs of the primary school student. The activities will strengthen group cooperation skills and encourage mastery of physical education skills.
LET’S CELEBRATE
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to attend an Igbo Festival in Nigeria? Or eat sweets during the Candy Festival in Turkey? How would you like to participate in a May Pole Dance? Or march in a Bastille Day Parade? Well, join us on a trip around the world as we learn about many wonderful celebrations and festivals of different people, cultures, and countries. We will experience music, recipes, language and multi–sensory activities; as well as practice our geography skills while we study holidays around the world. Come celebrate with us as we learn to appreciate the many differences and, more importantly, the similarities between so many diverse and interesting cultures!
LET'S GO LIFECYCLING
This course will examine the lifecycles of plants and animals (amphibious, aquatic, insect, and mammal). Students will observe and study the different stages, how they are alike and different, and what is required to complete those lifecycles. The opportunity to grow plants and nurture life will be included.
LIFETIME SPORTS
Students will participate in indoor and outdoor physical education movement activities. The basic skills of balance and coordination, as well as developmental exercises will be emphasized in lead up games for such lifetime recreational sports as tennis, badminton, bowling, golf, and horseshoes.
MAGICAL KINGDOM OF FAIRY TALES
This course will acquaint students with fairy tales. Discussion, role playing, reading, viewing, listening, research and writing will be the avenues by which this magical kingdom will be explored. Emphasis will be on the origin and elements of fairy tales.
MAGICAL MATH – AG
Discover the magic of numbers and mathematical concepts. Students who already have a solid grasp of two-digit addition and subtraction will enjoy using this knowledge to perform challenging mental feats. Activities will build on basic skills, introducing students to increasingly complex mathematical processes.
MAKE IT WITH PAPER
Simple construction with paper and lightweight cardboard will be developed as a result of learning the skills of folding, curling, slotting, and multiple cutting on the fold.
MAKING RAINBOWS
Students will learn to mix secondary colors using primary colors, and mix tints and shades for use in paintings. Tempera, watercolors, and finger paints will be used.
MAMMALS OF THE SEA
This course will familiarize students with seals, sea lions, manatees, dolphins, sea otters, and of course, whales. Students will study the fascinating habits and habitats of these interesting creatures.
MATH MANIPULATION
This course will give students opportunities to use manipulative materials, such as unifix cubes and cuisenaire rods. It will reinforce the math concept of one-to-one correspondence, number groupings, sets, the base ten number system, and addition and subtraction problems.
MATH MASTERS
MATH MASTERS will provide a balanced approach in reinforcing and enriching basic math skills. Students who excel in or have a keen interest in math will have numerous opportunities to sharpen their skills. This will be accomplished through activities that include estimation, graphing, measurement, prediction, and application of basic math skills.
MEASURING MADNESS
This elective will entice students to measure everything! Students will be allowed to explore the concepts of measurement through non–standard and standard units of measure. Students will use hands–on, group, and center based activities to extend and relate knowledge of length, capacity and weight measurement to real life situations.
MY GREEN THUMB
This course will provide opportunities for students to experiment with growing flowers, herbs, and vegetables. Students will conduct experiments such as growing plants from seed and plant propagation. Mini-gardens will be constructed and projects will be exhibited.
Students will examine natural and man-made environments and will observe some environmental changes that have occurred due to technology and pollution. In this course, emphasis will be placed on the need for an ecological balance in nature.
NEW GAMES K-2
Students will participate in a wide variety of games that focus on the joy of play, cooperation, and trust, rather than simply striving to win. These games are based upon the philosophy, "Play hard, play fair, nobody hurt." Activity level will range from physically active to quiet group games. Good sportsmanship will be emphasized as well as practice in basic movement skills.
NEW WINGS TO ROCKET BOOSTERS
This course takes students through the history of flight. Highlights of the course include: Chinese kite-flying, the great balloonists, the Wright Brothers' first "flying machine," war planes, the first space missions, the first lunar landing, and a glimpse at our future in outer space.
NIGHT CREATURES
The evening is quiet as the daytime animals are snuggling down for a good night’s sleep. Soon the night is teaming with the sounds of nocturnal animals looking for their prey. In the Night Creatures elective, students will learn about the many nocturnal animals and the variety of habitats in which they live. Students will explore the many adaptations that aid in the survival of these special animals and create and build ways to observe and attract these creatures to the world around them.
PATTERNING – AG
Students in this course will develop thinking skills while working with attribute blocks and tangram games and puzzles. They will solve problems involving classification and relationships between classes, groups, and sets.
PE VARIETY
This well–rounded physical education class with a variety of activities will include personal fitness, recreational dance, games and sports, and developmental gymnastics skills. Opportunities and activities will be based on the 3–5 Wake County Physical Education Curriculum.
PIGGY BANK
This course will help students learn how our monetary system works by learning the names of coins, how much each is worth, and how to figure out the value of collections of coins.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Students will be introduced to photography as a means of communication. Their visual perception will be enhanced through exciting class projects. Students will create photograms, practice basic camera skills, and learn how to take pictures.
POEM IN MY POCKET, A
This elective allows the student to develop language skills and an appreciation for poetry through a variety of poems. Students will explore different types of poetry, such as acrostic poems, list poems, free verse, haiku, rhyming poems, narrative poems, and limericks. Various poets will be featured. Students will develop poet craft, through the use of sound word choice, creative Imagery, and figurative language. Students will develop poetry portfolios and create their own poems at the conclusion of this elective.
PRIZE WINNERS
Let's celebrate the winners!! Students will have an opportunity to listen to and read award winning children's books that have been recognized for excellence. Caldecott winners as well as North Carolina Children's Book Award selections will be introduced. Children will develop listening and comprehension skills and explore various artistic mediums that the illustrators use to create books.
This course is especially designed for students in first grade who need extra reinforcement with reading skills and concepts. Small group size will allow children more individualized attention. The students will be involved in modeled, shared, guided, and independent reading activities on a daily basis. Students in this course should be recommended by their teachers.
RHYTHM BAND
Students will learn to play various rhythm instruments correctly. They will experience a variety of activities using the fundamentals of rhythm. Students will learn to read simple percussion scores.
RHYTHMIC ROPES AND HOOPS
This course is designed for the student who is interested in improving his/her ability to catch and pass a ball and in increasing body control. Through a variety of activities in rhythmics, dodge ball, ball dribbling, passing and catching drills, rope jumping and climbing, and hoop activities, students should improve in total body coordination. Baton and juggling may be included in this course at the discretion of the teacher.
ROOFTOP READERS
This course is especially designed for students in second grade who need extra reinforcement with reading skills and concepts. Students in this eighteen–week elective will receive small group reading instruction designed to move them to the next level in reading. Every day students will participate in Shared Reading, Literacy Activities, Guided Reading, and Read Aloud. Students in this course should be recommended by their teachers.
T is for tadpole! S is for snake! Reptile or amphibian? Make no mistake! Come along on an animal adventure as we learn about reptiles and amphibians. We'll explore habitats, body coverings, movement, appearances, and other interesting facts about these animal groups. We'll study their life cycles and how they interact with other living things through research, literature-based projects, and hands-on activities. Hop! Crawl! Slither or slide! Don't miss out on this exciting elective about reptiles and amphibians.
SEE THE USA
Part I - The Southeast and Southwest
Part II - The Pacific and Northeast
This integrated curriculum will allow students to participate in activities in various content areas as they learn about the U.S.A. Historical and famous landmarks will be explored as they tour the fifty states.
SENSE-ATIONAL FIVE
Students will discover the importance of our five senses and how we use them. Through various experiments and hands-on activities students will discover how each sense organ functions. Students will be encouraged to examine and observe their world in new ways.
SPANISH, INTRODUCTION
Students will be introduced to the language with extensive vocabulary and cultural facts through songs, games, and art activities.
SPANISH, CONTINUING 1
This course will continue the focus on oral language skills, and students will learn to communicate in Spanish on topics and at levels appropriate to their age and interest. An oral/visual approach and Total Physical Response (TPR) will be used in this course through a variety of activities. Reading and writing in Spanish will be introduced, and students will participate at a level for their age. Students will be able to construct sentences, dialogues, and short passages in Spanish. Cultural exposure will enhance the students’ knowledge and appreciation of the Spanish culture.
SPANISH, CONTINUING 2
This course is a continuation of the curriculum presented in Continuing Spanish 1; however, students will find an increased focus on writing. Geography, Art, Science, and Math are integrated into the curriculum
SPORTS ARENA
For the young athlete who enjoys team sports, this course will emphasize basic skill development that is essential to succeeding in sports. The importance of physical fitness, good sportsmanship, and working as a team will be stressed as students participate in drills and pre-game situations.
SOLVE IT!
We're off on a great math adventure! In this elective, children will develop their problem solving skills as they are required to think both logically and creatively. We will focus on solution strategies (pattern, deduction, relationships, Inference, and sequences), rather than on computational practice. Some of our problems will require careful thought and reasoning. Others will have solutions that will instantly occur to children in a sudden burst of insight. All of our work will increase their appreciation for and understanding of mathematical ways of thinking.
Students will be taught the concept of time using clocks and calendars. Prediction and arrangement of time events in logical sequence will be emphasized. Reading temperatures -- both Fahrenheit and Celsius -- will be included in this elective along with recognition of coin denominations and their values.
TREASURE ISLAND
Treasure Island is for young geographers who want to better understand their world. They will explore the different features of globes and maps, learning to identify such things as the seven continents, the oceans, the equator, the north and south poles and many landforms. The children will visit many countries and discover the treasures that each possess. These treasures will be the natural resources of the land and the culture of the people.
WEATHER WATCHERS K–2
Have you always wanted to know how meteorologists predict the weather? In this elective you will learn what makes up our daily and seasonal weather. You will also observe and learn how to measure different types of weather. Through engaging hands-on science and math experiments you will become an amateur meteorologist!