Cycle 2 (Grades 1-2)
Cycle two builds logically upon the curriculum of cycle one. A key objective during cycle two is for students to learn to communicate in both French and English with formal English instruction beginning in the second grade. In all areas of the curriculum students develop their vocabulary and a more complex knowledge of syntax. Throughout cycle two, children focus on developing aptitudes for research and reasoning.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Through reading and interacting with a wide variety of children’s literature, students will learn the basic skills of language arts. The program will teach children to develop strong phonics, reading, and comprehension skills while fostering a love of books and the habit of reading for pleasure. Language learning requires the constant interaction among speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In cycle two, students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend and interpret language and to communicate effectively. While learning a language requires systematic activities, it also takes place in all classroom situations.
READING
Reading skills are taught in French in the first grade. Formal English instruction begins in the second grade. This gives students the opportunity and time to learn the process of reading in one language before introducing a second. The goal of reading in both languages is to develop the skills needed to read, the desire to read, and most significantly they will learn to enjoy reading.
WRITING
Reading and writing are two inseparable activities that continually reinforce each other. The production of writing with its different functions (expression, communication, memorization) is fundamental to all subjects.
GRAMMAR/SPELLING
Students are taught how to identify the working principles of language. Language, grammar, and spelling are ways to improve speech, reading, and writing. These gradually pave the way for mastering the French and English languages.
SPEAKING/LISTENING
During cycle two, oral-language activities promote good pronunciation, clear articulation, and proper intonation. Speaking activities are designed to help students organize their thoughts, transmit information, describe or explain a point of view, question or ask for an explanation, and formulate comments.
MATHEMATICS
Instruction in mathematics helps students develop an aptitude for research and reasoning. Research opportunities encourage students to experiment with problem-solving strategies and provide them with new ideas and skills.
NUMBERS AND ARITHMETIC
- Knowledge of numbers up to 1000
- Develop an understanding of place value (ones, tens, hundreds)
- Develop an understanding of numbers in their numeric and written form (3 and three)
- Develop an understanding of relationships between numbers such as doubles and halves
- Develop mental arithmetical procedures: addition, subtraction, multiplication
- Master the technique of addition and subtraction with and without carrying
- Solve a problem of addition with a missing element (3+?=8)
GEOMETRY AND MEASURMENT
- Recognize, describe, and reproduce simple solids and geometrical shapes including squares, rectangles, triangles, and other polygons
- Use the calendar and calculate duration of time
- Use common units of the metric system
SOCIAL STUDIES
The world around us provides the context for lessons intended to help children develop their knowledge of space, time, and the environment.
CIVICS
The multicultural setting of our school provides students with the opportunity to:
Learn about rules and being part of a group
Respect others and their points of view
SCIENCE
Students use a hands-on approach to the scientific method to observe, predict, and measure their familiar environment
ARTS
Students are encouraged to discover works of art, grasp artistic processes and develop their sensitivity and creative capabilities.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education develops the student physically, socially, cognitively, and emotionally through a wide variety of activities. These include collective, individual, and expressive activities.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Through library and information technology, students gain skill needed in all academic areas. They develop the basic skills necessary to access and use information.
