PCA Language Arts Curriculum

PCA Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to follow the Delaware State Content Standards as a minimum requirement in each subject area. Children in Kindergarten through 8th grade will follow the scope and sequence set forth by the State of Delaware for studies in English/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Music, Art and Foreign Language Studies. More information can be found on the state’s web site at http://www.doe.state.de.us/.
Our reading program at PCA is based on a balanced approach to literacy. Children will learn to read through: exploring real-world print materials such as books and newspapers; writing for various real-world purposes; and working with words to learn about phonics and spelling patterns. This approach allows literacy skills to be learned in a more meaningful manner, through word play and meaningful interaction with text and assessed in the context of student writing. It is research based and we believe it will teach our children to love reading and writing and to do both well.

Frequently Asked Questions about the PCA Curriculum

What is a curriculum?
• An overview or list of what the students will learn at each grade level
• It is NOT a text book – a text book is just one of the many resources that a teacher may use to teach the curriculum

What is the PCA Curriculum?
• It is based on the Delaware State Content Standards
• It gives an overview of what teachers are required to teach at each grade level and in each subject area
• It encourages teachers to use hands-on, child-centered resources rather than a traditional text book series
• It encourages teachers to use real literary resources such as novels, poetry, books, and newspapers rather than a prescribed text book series
• It is a large document and can be viewed by visiting the Curriculum Office in Morrell Hall (2nd floor room L) or by contacting the Director of Curriculum

Who are the Curriculum Specialists at PCA?
• Director of Curriculum - Mrs. Andrea Spence
• Social Studies Specialist - Mrs. Jacqueline Wilson
• Math and Science Specialist - Mrs. Beverly Beck

What subject areas are covered in the PCA curriculum?
• Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Thinking, Listening and Speaking)
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Health and Physical Education
• Art
• Music
• Second Language Studies (Spanish & Latin)
• Library Science

What are some of the resources available to PCA teachers to support the PCA Curriculum?
• K-5 Math – the Scott Forseman Addison Wesley Mathematics Text book series and manipulatives
• 6-8 Math – the Prentice Hall text book series
• K-8 Science – FOSS Science kits and training from the Delaware Science Coalition
• K- 5 Social Studies – Field trips, daily classroom routines and stories, hands-on projects and simulations from Teacher Created Materials, Nystrom, and National Geographic’s Map Essentials, as well as student resource books and teacher’s guides from National Geographic
• 6-8 Social Studies – National Geographic Geo Kits (includes: activities, videos, and lessons) and Prentice Hall text books
• K-5 Language Arts – Leveled readers and trade books from the PCA Book Room (trade books are books that you would find in the children’s section of a book store or library) & the Four Blocks framework for literacy instruction
• 6-8 Language Arts – The Language of Literature text book series and novel sets from the PCA Book Room
• Additional curricular resources are continuously being assessed and introduced into the PCA classrooms