Grade 1-2-3
General Overview
Language
The Language Arts program at Lumen Veritatis Academy is an in depth look at all aspects of Literacy which include Oral Communication, Writing, Media Literacy and Reading. It is an essential part of the curriculum and we highly focus on the ability of our students to use their knowledge and skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing to understand, critically analyse and communicate a broad range of information and ideas from and about their multicultural and multimedia environment.
Most of what primary students know about language comes from listening and speaking with others, being read to by adults, and interacting with media texts such as advertisements, television programs, video games, songs, photographs, and films. The expectations for language build upon the prior knowledge and experience that students bring to Ontario classrooms from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Because this base of knowledge, experience, and skills varies from student to student, it is important for instruction to be differentiated to meet the needs of individuals and small groups of students.
Inevitably, daily reading from a variety of sources will provide excellent examples of good writing for students, encouraging them to incorporate new styles and vocabulary into their own work. Initially, students engage in rehearsal through shared, guided and independent practice. Eventually, they demonstrate independently their achievement of the learning expectations through multiple, diverse learning opportunities and activities.
Mathematics
The program in all grades is designed to ensure that students build a solid foundation in mathematics by connecting and applying mathematical concepts in a variety of ways. To support this process, teachers will, whenever possible, integrate concepts from across the five strands and apply the mathematics to real-life situations. The five strands are Number Sense and Numeration, Measurement, Geometry and Spatial Sense, Patterning and Algebra, and Data Management and Probability. The Mathematical processes that support effective learning in Mathematics are: problem solving, reasoning and proving, reflecting, selecting tools and computational strategies, connecting, representing and communicating. New topics are introduced gradually and in small steps. This allows students to solidify their knowledge and understanding, ensuring that they have a sound knowledge base. The continual review ensures that the students gain long term retention of concepts and do not simply forget at the end of a unit. This is essential in preparing them for future success in the realms of Math.
Science & Technology
Grade 1
Science for Grade 1 is divided into four strands namely: Needs and Characteristics of Living things, Materials, objects and everyday Structures, Energy in our lives and Daily and Seasonal Changes.
Grade 2
Science for Grade 2 is divided into four strands namely: Growth and Changes in Animals, Movement, Properties of Liquids and Solids and Air and Water in the Environment.
Grade 3
Science for Grade 3 is divided into four strands namely: Growth and Changes in Plants, Strong and Stable Structures, Forces causing movement and Soils in the Environment.
Through technological problem solving, students develop the ability to design solutions to problems. Students create models of new devices or new processes to help address human needs and desires, as well as new knowledge about those devices or processes. When engaged in technological problem solving, students should be given opportunities to be creative in their thinking, rather than merely to find a prescribed answer. Critical aspects of technological problem solving are: careful planning; purposeful selection of tools and materials; testing, retesting, and modifications of a product or process; communicating about the solution; and recommending of changes or improvements. Students are engaged in learning about how science impacts the natural world and life as we know it. Through hands-on discovery, experimentation and investigations, students work on developing different skill sets such as problem solving, inquiry, communication, critical and creative thinking.
Social Studies
Grade 1
Relationships, rules and responsibilities: Students identify the relationships, rules, and responsibilities in their home, school, and community in order to understand the basis of citizenship. They draw conclusions about why rules and responsibilities are important in the relationships of their daily lives. Students also explain how and why relationships, rules, and responsibilities may change over time, and in different places.
The Local Community: Students investigate the physical features and community facilities in their local area. Using basic techniques of inquiry and mapping, they investigate how people live and interact within their community. As they learn more about these interactions, students begin to recognize the role that community plays in meeting human needs.
Grade 2
Traditions and Celebrations: Students examine the wide variety of cultures and traditions that coexist in Canada. Students investigate family histories and traditions and report on how these histories and traditions contribute to and enrich Canadian society. Students relate their investigations to examples from their own local community.
Features of Communities around the World: Students develop their awareness of physical and human geography by examining contemporary global communities. They use map, globe, and research skills to compare the cultural and physical features of a variety of communities. Students explore how the environment influences people’s lives, and begin to recognize that the lifestyles of people in other countries may be both similar to and different from their own.
Grade 3
Early Settlements in Upper Canada: Students investigate and describe the communities of early settlers and First Nation peoples in Upper Canada around 1800. They research interactions between new settlers and existing communities of First Nation peoples and French settlers and identify factors that helped to shape the development of the various communities. Students also compare communities of the past with those of the present.
Urban and Rural Communities: Students describe similarities and differences between urban and rural communities. They investigate geographic and environmental factors that influence the development of different communities. They also examine how communities interact with each other and the environment to meet human needs.
Health and Physical Education – Primary
The Health and Physical Education curriculum’s major areas of knowledge and skills are organized around three strands.
Healthy living includes healthy eating, growth and development, personal safety and injury prevention, and substance use and abuse.
Fundamental movement skills include locomotion/travelling, manipulation, and stability.
Active participation includes physical activity, physical fitness, living skills, and safety.
These strands combine the living skills (e.g., personal, interpersonal, communication, conflict resolution, goal-setting, organizational, time-management, problem-solving, and decision making skills) that all students require.
The Arts – Primary
The Arts Curriculum allows students to learn the different elements of Visual Arts, Music and Drama. They are given opportunities to create, present, perform, reflect and analyse while enhancing their skills and knowledge of the Arts.
Visual Art: In Visual Arts, students begin to explore art in the world around them , to understand that people all over the world create and enjoy art, and to develop the ability to communicate about their immediate environment and interest through visual images. They engage is a variety of drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpting activities and are introduced to and learn to use a variety of art tools, materials, and techniques. They learn about some of the elements of design and begin to describe how the elements are used by artists. They generate and develop visual ideas, using imagination, observation, and experiments with materials. Students apply their knowledge of design elements and principles to create works of art that tell stories and express thoughts, feelings, and insights.
Music
In Music, students learn the different elements of music through singing, listening, chants, rhymes and poems. In the primary grades students begin to identify beats and notations as well as create simple rhythms and tempos. They are also given different opportunities to play with different instruments and make their own.
Drama
In Drama, students are engaged in taking on different roles in short plays, Readers Theatre, storytelling activities and role playing. Students learn to act in small and large groups, while learning about role playing, taking on different fictional and non-fictional characters, movement and using their voice for self-expression.
Grade 4, 5 and 6
General Overview
Language Arts
The Language Arts program at Lumen Veritatis Academy is an in depth look at all aspects of Literacy which include Oral Communication, Writing, Media Literacy and Reading. It is an essential part of the curriculum and we highly focus on the ability of our students to use their knowledge and skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing to understand, critically analyse, and communicate a broad range of information and ideas from and about their multicultural and multimedia environment.
Junior students’ language knowledge comes from their life experiences and prior knowledge and from the foundational language knowledge and skills acquired in the primary school years. The expectations in the junior years build upon this foundation. Because the base of knowledge, experience, and skills varies from student to student, it is important for instruction to be differentiated to meet the needs of individuals and small groups of students.
The Excellence in Writing program includes integration of spelling rules, formal grammar, research skills, diction and complex sentence structures. Students are introduced to various kinds of functional and creative writing which includes essays in which they are required to create an outline and rough draft with editing leading to a final draft. Note taking and organizational skill building using the computer and written notes is essential for success. Students read, analyze, review and critique their written work.
Inevitably, daily reading from a variety of sources will provide excellent examples of good writing for students, encouraging them to incorporate new styles and vocabulary into their own work. Initially, students engage in rehearsal through shared, guided, and independent practice. Eventually, they demonstrate independently their achievement of the learning expectations through multiple, diverse learning opportunities and activities.
Mathematics
The Mathematics programme focuses on the following Ontario Curriculum Strands: Number Operations, Measurement, Geometry, Patterning and Algebra, Data Management and Probability. It combines basic computational and problem solving skills such as order of operations, exponents, fractions and decimals.
The programme establishes mathematical foundation by extending the students’ knowledge of number sense. Students develop problem solving skills by examining various strategies in patterning and algebra, measurement, geometry. Mathematical skills learned through data management and probability, equations, ratio and per cent are applied to everyday situations.
The emphasis is on building a solid foundation of learning skills and mathematical skills in preparation for later courses. Students develop a sense of purpose in learning Mathematics and apply their knowledge to real-life situations.
Science
Grade 4
Science for Grade 4 is divided into four strands, which include: Habitats and Communities, Pulleys and Gears, Light and Sound and Rocks and Minerals.
Grade 5
Science for Grade 5 is divided into four strands, which include: Human Organ Systems, Forces Acting on Structures and Mechanisms, Properties of and Changes in Matter and Conservation of Energy and Resources.
Grade 6
Science for Grade 6 is divided into four strands which include: Biodiversity (Life Systems), Flight (Structures and Mechanisms), Electricity and Electrical Devices (Matter and Energy) and Space (Earth and Space Systems).
Through technological problem solving, students develop the ability to design solutions to problems. Students create models of new devices or new processes to help address human needs and desires, as well as new knowledge about those devices or processes. When engaged in technological problem solving, students should be given opportunities to be creative in their thinking, rather than merely to find a prescribed answer. Critical aspects of technological problem solving are: careful planning; purposeful selection of tools and materials; testing, retesting, and modifications of a product or process; communicating about the solution; and recommending of changes or improvements.
The students further develop their skills using the Scientific Method of investigation. They practise identifying problems and possible solutions, observing and drawing conclusions. Students make appropriate records of procedures, observations and conclusions. Teaching strategies include guided lessons, discussion, experimentation, individual and/or small group work, and note taking.
Social Studies
Grade 4
Students are able to discover the major features of daily life in Medieval European societies. Students investigate the major events and influences of the era and determine how they shaped medieval society. Moreover, they apply their understandings to compare communities in medieval times with their own communities today. Using a variety of resources and tools, students are able to investigate the major events and influences of the era and determine how they shape medieval society.
Another aspect of the curriculum focuses on Canada and World Connections, specifically Canada’s provinces, territories and regions. Students investigate and describe the physical and political divisions of Canada. They determine how physical characteristics influence the economy and culture of Ontario and the other provinces and territories, and use maps, graphics, and print materials to present information about their findings. They also identify and describe economic and cultural relationships that connect communities throughout the countries.
Grade 5
Students investigate the influence of the natural environment on the development of various early civilizations around the world. They examine changes in the ways human needs were met as a result of technological advances. Students investigate the significant innovations of early civilizations and assess their continuing relevance to modern society.
Another aspect of the curriculum focuses on Canada and World Connections, specifically Aspects of Citizenship and Government in Canada. Students examine the structure and function of the three levels of government in Canada and how they relate to one another. Students use research skills and critical thinking skills to extend their understanding of the rights of groups and individuals and the responsibilities of citizenship in Canada. Students also identify ways in which government and the responsibilities of citizenship directly affect their own life.
Grade 6
Students are able to discover the major features of (Pre-European) Aboriginal life in Canada, and how French and British colonies were established along the East side of the nation. Students will investigate major events and influences of battles and changes on the First Nations, and determine how certain individuals and events shaped the expansion of Canada. Moreover, they will discuss social justice values, morals, and implications of actions taken by several leaders. Using a variety of resources and tools, students are able to investigate the significance of the era, and determine how they shaped past Pre-European Settlement society.
Another aspect of the curriculum focuses on Canada and World Connections, specifically imports, exports, and relationships that Canada shares with other countries. Students investigate and describe the physical and political divisions of Canada. They determine how physical characteristics influence the economy and culture of Ontario and the other provinces and territories, and use maps, graphics, and print materials to present information about their findings.
Physical Education
Physical Education is divided into three categories, which include Healthy Living, Fundamental Movement and Active Participation. Healthy Living includes healthy eating, growth and development, personal safety and injury prevention. Fundamental Movement Skills include locomotion/traveling, manipulation, and stability. Active Participation includes physical activity, physical fitness, living skills and safety. Using co-operative learning activities, students are engaged and able to utilize their kinesthetic learning abilities to achieve wonderful results.
The Arts –Junior
Visual Art
At Lumen Veritatis Academy, our curriculum is geared to enable students to experience visual art both as artist and as audience. By producing two and three dimensional works of art, students will be able to communicate ideas (thoughts, feelings, experiences) for specific purposes and to specific audiences. Moreover, students will be able to identify the elements of design (colour, line, shape, form, space and texture), and use them when producing and responding to works of art.
Art is integrated across the curriculum in order to make cross-curricular connections between concepts learned in other areas and application of art design and processes. With the guidance of the teacher, the students also learn to analyze, interpret and evaluate their own and others’ art work.
Drama
The Drama programme provides opportunities for students to apply the creative process of producing drama works using the elements and conventions of drama to communicate feelings, ideas and perspectives. Students often create plays based on books read in Literature Studies.
Music
Students develop the ability to create and perform music. They learn to apply the elements of music when playing, composing, and arranging music to create a specific effect. They also develop and understanding and appreciation of music through detailed personal responses to musical performances in a variety of ways.
