Grade 1 - Grade 4

Language Arts – Phonics lessons help students develop decoding and encoding skills by building their understanding of short and long vowels, blends, digraphs, and common phonograms. Students participate in guided reading groups to apply and practice decoding skills, fluency, and comprehension. First graders practice organizational techniques and how to clearly express information through writing personal narratives, how-to books, research reports, poetry, and opinion pieces. They apply phonetic spelling, conventionally spelled high-frequency words, punctuation, and proofreading skills.

Mathematics – Math skills are presented in a variety of contexts that promote problem solving, reasoning, and real-life applications. Computation strategies for addition and subtraction are taught, and the inverse relationship between the two is explored. Students also learn about geometry, data, measurement, time telling, and money skills. They practice math facts for accuracy and fluency and apply computation strategies to word problems.

Personal Development – Our students’ character development is fostered through a variety of methods, such as our House system, classroom discussions, and daily interactions with peers and teachers. Children are given frequent opportunities to discuss and practice our CCDS Character Virtues: Compassion, Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility. During weekly Sources of Strength lessons, students identify and celebrate individuals’ strengths and discover how those strengths further develop our classroom community. Each day, students engage in both teacher-directed and self-selected activities that include independent and collaborative work. They learn to be accountable for their own actions and make good choices even when others are not watching. First graders are encouraged to take responsibility for homework assignments as well as school and personal belongings.

Science – Students study all aspects of water beginning with the water cycle, usage, and conservation. While visiting local water sources, they collect and observe samples to determine the presence of life. First graders learn about water habitats and food chains in both freshwater and saltwater environments.

Social Studies – Our social studies program focuses on the city of Cincinnati and the Ohio River. Students study Indigenous people and early settlers from the Cincinnati area. The focus then shifts to the present, and students learn about modern cities. Each student researches and builds a significant place in a city and collaborates to create a model city. Students learn about basic landforms and apply their knowledge by identifying and naming local ones. Mapping skills are applied on campus when students develop a map that includes important places at our school.

Specials – On a 6-day rotation schedule, first-grade students participate in a wonderful array of specials classes to include: Art, Library, Music, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Science Lab, Swimming, and World Language (French or Spanish).

Language Arts – Curriculum in second grade is comprised of reading, phonics, writing, public speaking, active listening, and research projects. The goal of the program is to foster creative and meaningful expression of ideas by building vocabulary and increasing fluency. Fiction and nonfiction books serve as the foundation for our language arts program. From daily reading activities, the students learn how to structure language to write meaningful paragraphs and interesting reports. Reading comprehension is strengthened through activities including summarizing, predicting, making inferences, and effectively participating in book discussions.

Mathematics – Daily math lessons include interactive learning, visual animation, and story problems with emphasis on oral and written language to strengthen students’ ability to think and communicate mathematically. Students solve multi-step and multi-digit problems using addition and subtraction. They interpret a variety of word problems and real-world math skills such as measurement, time, money, and graphing. By the end of the year, students develop an initial understanding of multiplication and division.

Personal Development – Through continued dialog in the virtues outlined in our House system, our students' character development is nurtured in a variety of ways with encouragement to make good choices and take responsibility for one's actions. Students identify, develop, and celebrate their strengths in our weekly Sources of Strengths lessons. As second graders become increasingly more independent and self-aware, our goal is to help them be responsible students who are active participants in our caring community. They are learning how to stay true to themselves, be honest and sincere, and show respect to one another. They are working to become better listeners, follow directions, organize their materials, and carefully complete their assignments independently.

Science – Students explore the Life Sciences in second grade. Topics covered include the basic needs of people, animals and plants, world biomes, habitats, weather, and seasons. The 60–acre campus is used for exploration of our local ecosystem through nature hikes and activities when studying native plants and animals, and seasonal changes. Scientific inquiry is a common approach, and students learn how to collect data and explain their findings in response to those observations and activities.

Social Studies – Students explore the wants and needs of diverse communities, focusing on the specific role of community members. They learn basic map skills, create timelines, and study relevant current events. The concept of citizenship is expanded through the study of historical and current figures. This inspires and encourages students to recognize that leadership emerges through the practice of our CCDS Character Virtues: Courage, Compassion, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility.

Specials – On a 6-day rotation schedule, second-grade students participate in a wonderful array of specials classes to include: Art, Library, Music, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Science Lab, Swimming, and World Language (French or Spanish).

Language Arts – Students in third grade have a curriculum comprised of reading, phonics, writing, speaking and listening, research, and study skills. The goal of the program is to foster creative and meaningful expression of ideas by building vocabulary, increasing fluency in reading, writing, speaking, and furthering literal and interpretive comprehension. Our cross-curricular approach links language arts skills to each other by producing work from brainstorming to final product. During reading group time, students often explore books connected to what they are learning in social studies, creating meaningful cross-curricular connections. In writing, students focus on strengthening mechanics, improving sentence structure, and building confidence in written expression. Emphasis is also placed on developing proofreading habits and enhancing spelling skills to support overall literacy growth.

Mathematics – Students in third grade focus on building number sense and strengthening mathematical concepts. Students also work on building a strong foundation in basic multiplication facts to support more advanced math skills later in the year. The math program makes a strong connection between math skills and written expression. Students are expected to use the appropriate mathematical vocabulary when explaining their problem-solving strategies, both orally and in writing. Students regularly engage in cooperative learning opportunities that promote deeper understanding of mathematical concepts through discussion, problem-solving, and peer collaboration.

Personal Development – Through continued dialog about the Character Virtues outlined in our House system, our students' character development is nurtured in a variety of ways including making good choices and taking responsibility for one's actions. Third graders continue to learn to accept challenge and effort as part of the learning process. They are striving to become better listeners, think independently, follow directions, and assume greater responsibility. They continue to learn techniques for time management, organizing their materials, and carefully completing assignments. During Sources of Strength lessons, students identify, develop, practice, and celebrate their strengths and others'. They discover how these strengths support positive social and emotional skills along with identifying and growing the strengths in our lives.

Science – Students are exposed to a variety of life, earth, and physical sciences to build a foundation of general science knowledge. The curriculum includes both content and process learning. Learning about science (content) and how to do science (process) are two different, but equally important, functions of the science program. To this end, students engage in manipulative activities that allow them to construct a knowledge base of science concepts. The units of study are rocks, forces and motion, simple machines, and plants and their life cycle.

Social Studies – Students study and develop an understanding of people and their communities past and present. Key questions are, “What makes a community?” and “How did the United States develop into the community it is today?”  Units of study are cross-curricular with an emphasis placed on hands-on experiences, which provide rich learning experiences the students remember for years to come.

Specials – On a 6-day rotation schedule, third-grade students participate in a wonderful array of specials classes to include: Art, Library, Music, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Science Lab, Swimming, and World Language (French or Spanish).

Language Arts – Our fourth-grade Language Arts program fosters strong reading and writing skills through a balanced approach. Students participate in instructional reading groups, independent reading, and literature discussions to deepen comprehension, build vocabulary, and develop a lifelong love of reading. They also begin to use reading as a tool for research and gathering information. Grammar instruction is integrated into daily lessons and writing activities. In writing, students work to strengthen their spelling and grammar, develop effective proofreading habits, and gain confidence in expressing their ideas clearly and creatively.

Mathematics – In fourth grade, students build on previously introduced concepts while exploring new ideas in number operations, problem solving, measurement, geometry, data analysis, and introductory algebra. The curriculum emphasizes mathematical reasoning and critical thinking. Students begin to transition from concrete understanding to more abstract application of concepts. As they develop problem-solving strategies, the focus shifts from simply finding the correct answer to explaining and justifying their thinking. This approach helps students deepen their understanding and become more confident, flexible mathematicians.

Personal Development – As the oldest students in the division, fourth graders are role models and leaders for many other students. Conversations take place about modeling our CCDS Character Virtues: Compassion, Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility. During Sources of Strength lessons, learners are encouraged to identify, practice, and celebrate their strengths. This work develops not only academic skills, but also social and emotional skills that students need to be successful in life. It is important for fourth graders to own their learning. Responsibility for personal materials and their work is a cornerstone of their development. Fourth graders continue to refine the cooperative learning experience as they develop a more individualized understanding of the give and take of peer relationships.

Science – Students are exposed to a variety of life, earth, and physical sciences to build a foundation of general science knowledge. The curriculum includes both content and process learning delivered directly by a science teacher specialist. Learning about science (content) and how to do science (process) are two different, but equally important, functions of the science program. To this end, students engage in manipulative activities that allow them to construct a knowledge base of science concepts. The units of study are the earth and its changing landscape, ecology, energy, electricity, and engineering design process.

Social Studies – Fourth-grade students explore how people, events, and ideas have shaped the history of our country and the state of Ohio. Through the study of geography, economics, government, and citizenship, students gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of our society. Current events are also integrated to help students connect historical concepts to the present day and understand their role in shaping the future. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, civic awareness, and a sense of responsibility as informed members of their communities.

Specials – On a 6-day rotation schedule, fourth-grade students participate in a wonderful array of specials classes to include: Art, Library, Music, Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Science Lab, Swimming, and World Language (French or Spanish).