Primary Grades 1-3
Zalik Academy Gift of Education Program: Elementary Curriculum Aligned with Ontario Guidelines (Grades 1-3)
Aligning an elementary curriculum with the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines involves ensuring that the curriculum meets the requirements set out in the Ontario Curriculum documents. Here is a general framework to help align the Zalik Academy Gift of Education Program with these guidelines for Grades 1-3:
Language (Grades 1-3)
Strands:
1. Reading
2. Writing
3. Oral Communication
4. Media Literacy
Objectives:
- Develop reading comprehension and critical thinking.
- Encourage effective writing skills for various purposes and audiences.
- Foster effective oral communication skills, including public speaking.
- Promote understanding and critical analysis of media texts.
Activities:
- Guided reading sessions, book reports, and comprehension activities.
- Writing exercises including narrative, persuasive, and informational texts.
- Public speaking activities such as show-and-tell, storytelling, and presentations.
- Media projects analyzing simple advertisements and digital media.
Strands
Reading
Writing
Oral Communication
Media Literacy
Objectives
- Develop reading comprehension and critical thinking.
- Encourage effective writing skills for various purposes and audiences.
- Foster effective oral communication skills, including public speaking.
- Promote understanding and critical analysis of media texts.
Activities
- Guided reading sessions, book reports, and comprehension activities.
- Writing exercises including narrative, persuasive, and informational texts.
- Public speaking activities such as show-and-tell, storytelling, and presentations.
- Media projects analyzing simple advertisements and digital media.
Mathematics (Grades 1-3)
Strands
Number Sense and Numeration
Measurement
Geometry and Spatial Sense
Patterning and Algebra
Data Management and Probability
Objectives
- Develop number sense and operational skills.
- Understand and apply measurement concepts.
- Explore geometric properties and spatial relationships.
- Collect, organize, and interpret data, and understand basic probability.
Activities
- Hands-on activities with manipulatives, math games, and problem-solving tasks.
- Measurement activities involving real-life objects.
- Geometry projects, drawing, and modeling
- Pattern recognition and creation tasks, and basic algebra exercises.
- Surveys, data collection projects, and probability experiments.
1. Number Sense and Numeration
2. Measurement
3. Geometry and Spatial Sense
4. Patterning and Algebra
5. Data Management and Probability
Objectives:
- Develop number sense and operational skills.
- Understand and apply measurement concepts.
- Explore geometric properties and spatial relationships.
- Collect, organize, and interpret data, and understand basic probability.
Activities:
- Hands-on activities with manipulatives, math games, and problem-solving tasks.
- Measurement activities involving real-life objects.
- Geometry projects, drawing, and modeling
- Pattern recognition and creation tasks, and basic algebra exercises.
- Surveys, data collection projects, and probability experiments.
Science and Technology (Grades 1-3)
Strands
Understanding Life Systems
Understanding Structures and Mechanisms
Understanding Matter and Energy
Understanding Earth and Space Systems
Objectives
- Develop scientific inquiry and critical thinking.
- Understand basic principles of life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences.
- Apply technological problem-solving skills.
Activities
- Experiments, nature walks, and model-building.
- Research projects, presentations, and hands-on activities.
- Integration of technology in research and presentations.
Objectives:
- Develop scientific inquiry and critical thinking.
- Understand basic principles of life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences.
- Apply technological problem-solving skills.
Activities:
- Experiments, nature walks, and model-building.
- Research projects, presentations, and hands-on activities.
- Integration of technology in research and presentations.
Social Studies (Grades 1-3)
Strands
Heritage and Identity
People and Environments
Objectives
- Develop understanding of local and global communities.
- Explore historical events and their impact on the present.
- Understand geographical concepts and environmental stewardship.
Activities
- Map activities, historical research projects, and cultural studies.
- Field trips, guest speakers, and community projects.
- Environmental studies and conservation projects.
Health and Physical Education (Grades 1-3)
Strands
Active Living
Movement Competence
Healthy Living
Objectives
- Promote physical fitness and healthy lifestyle choices.
- Develop motor skills and movement strategies.
- Encourage knowledge about health, safety, and personal well-being.
Activities
- Physical activities, sports, and fitness challenges.
- Skill-building exercises and games.
- Health education lessons on nutrition, safety, and personal well-being.
The Arts (Grades 1-3)
Strands
Dance
Drama
Music
Visual Arts
Objectives
- Develop creativity and expression through various art forms.
- Understand and appreciate different artistic techniques and cultural expressions.
- Foster collaboration and individual artistic skills.
Activities
- Art projects, music performances, drama activities, and dance routines.
- Art history studies and analysis of famous works.
- Group projects and individual artistic endeavors.
French as a Second Language (Grades 1-3)
Strands
Listening
Speaking
Reading
Writing
Objectives
- Develop basic communication skills in French.
- Foster an appreciation for French language and culture.
- Foster collaboration and individual artistic skills.
Activities
- Interactive language games, conversational practice, and cultural activities.
- Reading simple French texts and writing exercises.
- Listening activities with songs, stories, and dialogues.
Public Speaking (Grades 1-3)
Objectives
- Develop confidence in speaking in front of others.
- Learn basic presentation and storytelling skills
- Foster clear and effective verbal communication.
Activities
- Show-and-tell sessions where students present an item or story to the class.
- Storytelling activities with a focus on vocal expression and clarity.
- Simple class presentations on familiar topics.
- Group discussions and role-playing exercises.
Introduction to Business (Grades 1-3)
Objectives
- Understand basic concepts of money, saving, and spending.
- Learn the basics of entrepreneurship and business.
- Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Activities
- Classroom "store" where students can practice buying and selling items.
- Discussions about different types of jobs and businesses.
- Simple projects where students create a product or service and present it to the class.
- Basic lessons on money management, such as saving and budgeting with play money.
Integration with Ontario Guidelines
1. Curriculum Mapping: Create detailed curriculum maps for each subject, aligning specific lessons and units with the Ontario Curriculum expectations.
2. Assessment and Evaluation: Design assessments that align with Ontario’s achievement charts, focusing on Knowledge and Understanding, Thinking, Communication, and Application.
3. Professional Development: Provide ongoing training for teachers to stay updated with Ontario guidelines and best practices in education.
4. Resource Alignment: Use textbooks, digital resources, and materials that are approved or recommended by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Continuous Review and Improvement
- Feedback Mechanisms: Regularly collect feedback from students, parents, and teachers to identify areas for improvement.
- Curriculum Review: Conduct annual reviews of the curriculum to ensure it remains aligned with any updates or changes in Ontario’s educational guidelines.
- Community Involvement: Engage the school community in curriculum development and review processes to ensure the curriculum meets the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.
