John Milledge Academy Elementary School | Grades Pre‑K–5

John Milledge Academy Elementary School | Grades Pre‑K–5 Skip to content Elementary School Our Elementary School offers a safe, interactive, and nurturing environment for our pre-kindergarten through 5th grade students. We focus on offering an engaging curriculum that encourages your student to become a lifelong learner and an independent thinker. Elementary School teachers utilize interdisciplinary lessons along with traditional lessons in an environment that meets high academic standards. Furthermore, Elementary School teachers understand the importance of meeting the needs of each individual learner. Character education, art, physical education, and music are taught to students as enrichment opportunities, in addition to their regular classroom subjects. Each year, students attend a variety of field trips to further their educational experiences. Students can participate in John Milledge athletic programs, including kiddie camps, Junior Pro football, cheerleading, track, and basketball. Details by Grade First Grade Throughout the year, students participate in cocurricular opportunities such as physical education, music, and art. Students also attend a variety of educational field trips. Reading Students entering first grade are developing strategies that will enable them to comprehend grade-level texts of appropriate complexity and communicate effectively both in writing and in speaking. They will anchor their inquiries and responses firmly to the text, whether literary or informational, using increasingly specific and relevant evidence to support their claims and inferences. Students will learn more advanced phonics skills and build a bank of sight words. They read, listen to, and discuss more complex stories, make connections between what they read and hear and their experiences. They monitor and self-correct their reading, retell stories identifying key details, and describe characters and settings. First graders will understand text features such as glossaries, and will be able to identify the main topic. Students’ analytical skills will extend to identifying the central message/lesson/theme, understanding character and plot development, and evaluating the impact of word choice. Spelling : Phonetic and structural analysis skills are reinforced daily as an extension of developing strong readers. Math First grade mathematics content regularly incorporates the 8 Mathematical Practices, the Statistical Reasoning Framework, and the Mathematical Modeling Framework through four big ideas: (1) Numerical Reasoning, (2) Measurement and Data (Statistical) Reasoning, (3) Patterning and Algebraic Reasoning, and (4) Geometric and Spatial Reasoning. Students in first grade will extend the count sequence, develop place value understanding, use part-whole strategies to add and subtract, create and describe patterns to develop algebraic reasoning, reason with measurement of time and objects, reason with shapes and their attributes, and answer real-life questions using data and statistical reasoning. Science First graders are engaged in raising questions about the world around them and seeking answers by making observations. First graders use whole numbers to analyze scientific data. They identify how magnets pull on all things made of iron and either attract or repel other magnets. First graders create drawings that correctly depict something being described, plan and carry out simple investigations to understand patterns (shadows, sound, weather, and daily needs of plants and animals) observed in the world around them, and make predictions based on these investigations. They learn and follow safety rules. Social Studies In the first grade, students continue their introduction to United States history through the study of selected historical figures. In the history strand, students study the important contributions each historical person made. In the geography strand, students learn about where these historical people lived and explore important basic geographic concepts. The civics strand provides a study of the positive character traits exhibited by these important historical figures. The economics strand continues the introduction of basic economic concepts. Students should be able to demonstrate understanding of selected themes using knowledge and skills acquired during the school year. Understanding of these themes is not the end product of a single unit or lesson, but the product of long term, ongoing instruction. Enduring understandings transcend specific units and courses and increase student understanding and retention of knowledge. Second Grade Throughout the year, students participate in cocurricular opportunities such as physical education, music, and art. Students also attend a variety of educational field trips. Reading: Second graders further their reading skills as they learn how to discover and interpret details, extract meaning from what they read, and read a level-appropriate balance of increasingly complex literary and informational texts that cover a variety of subjects. T he research-based instruction of word knowledge; comprehension skills and strategies; informational texts and literary texts; inquiry skills and strategies; novel studies; and writing and language arts skills and strategies create a literature-rich environment with the goal of developing lifelong readers. Spelling: We deepen the students’ phonemic awareness, understanding of common spelling rules and patterns, and knowledge of prefixes, suffixes, and root words. English: Second graders complete both grammar and writing units. Sentence structure, types of sentences, nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, capitalization, and punctuation are some of the grammar areas studied. Students study the parts of learn how to write paragraphs, narratives, non-fiction reports, and other writing genres. Science: Second graders engage in hands-on exploration of the world around them and various phenomena by questioning, making observations, recording their findings, and justifying their results. They will use basic math skills to identify and analyze scientific data, give rough estimates to problems, and estimate lengths, weights, and time intervals. They will explain to others how to solve numerical problems related to a science activity. Second grade students push, pull, and manipulate things to see what will happen. They study the changing patterns of the moon and the sun and its effects on Earth. Second graders conduct simple investigations to understand that no matter how parts of an object are assembled their overall weight is the same as the total weight of the parts. They understand that heating and cooling cause changes in the properties of the materials. They observe changes caused by weather, plants, animals, and humans to the environment and study the life cycle of different organisms. Social Studies: Students explore units such as Land and Water Resources, American Heritage, World Cultures, Producers and Consumers, Government, US Symbols, Good Citizenship, Holidays, Contributions of Great Americans, and Geography. Math: Second grade content regularly incorporates the 8 Mathematical Practices, the Statistical Reasoning Framework, and the Mathematical Modeling Framework through four big ideas: (1) Numerical Reasoning, (2) Measurement and Data (Statistical) Reasoning, (3) Patterning and Algebraic Reasoning, and (4) Geometric and Spatial Reasoning. Students in second grade will develop deeper understandings of the structure of the base-ten place value system, part-whole thinking to build strategies for solving addition and subtraction problems and begin to build the foundations for understanding multiplication using equal groups and arrays. Students will also explore a variety of patterns to further develop mathematical reasoning, build on measurement experiences to make sense of measurement using standard units, explore problems with time and money, sort shapes based on attributes, explore symmetry, and create visual representations of halves, thirds, and quarters by partitioning shapes. Handwriting: We begin cursive writing in January. After all letters are practiced, students begin writing some assignments in cursive, but are allowed to print on many tasks. Third Grade Throughout the year, students participate in cocurricular opportunities such as physical education, music, and art. Students also attend a variety of educational field trips. Reading Third graders read thoughtfully, discover details, extract meaning from what they read, and read more complex texts using a balance of literary and informational texts that cover a variety of subjects. T he research-based instruction of word knowledge; comprehension skills and strategies; informational texts and literary texts; inquiry skills and strategies; novel studies; and writing and language arts skills and strategies create a literature-rich environment with the goal of developing lifelong readers. Spelling: Phonetic and structural analysis skills are applied to weekly word lists. Dictionary skills are incorporated, as well as an extensive use of words in written expression exercises and sentences. English: Third grade focuses on the development of writing skills, specifically making sentence structure more sophisticated, composing thoughtful paragraphs, and writing purposeful letters. Third graders work independently on research projects and use all aspects of the writing process for producing cohesive paragraphs that summarize main points from literary and informational texts and use more abstract skills of synthesizing and evaluation in writing. Math: Third grade mathematics content regularly incorporates the 8 Mathematical Practices, the Statistical Reasoning Framework, and the Mathematical Modeling Framework through four big ideas of content: (1) Numerical Reasoning, (2) Measurement and Data (Statistical) Reasoning, (3) Patterning and Algebraic Reasoning, and (4) Geometric and Spatial Reasoning. Students will develop place value understanding, part-whole strategies for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, reasoning of patterns and algebra, reasoning with measurement of time and objects, geometric area and perimeter measurement strategies, an understanding of geometric properties of shapes, and data and statistical reasoning methods. A variety of curricula and manipulatives are used to build conceptual understanding.  Concrete, pictorial, and abstract models are frequently used to build math fact fluency and deepen understanding. Social Studies: Third graders synthesize themes studied throughout the year to demonstrate their understanding of long term, ongoing instruction. Units include US geography skills, concepts, and places; American Indian cultures; European exploration; colonization of North America; American government; and economics. The goal is the development of children with the knowledge, skills, and civic values needed to become active participants in the world. Science: Third graders engage in recording observations and using the data to answer questions. Their communication skills allow them to record findings, use basic math skills to analyze data, and recognize the importance of keeping records of observations without making alterations. They observe, construct, and measure objects using ordinary hand tools  and describe the ways in which the parts influence or interact with one another.  The students will use their observations and material covered in class to explain physical attributes of rocks and soils, understand how fossils provide evidence of organisms that lived long ago, describe ways in which heat energy is transferred and measured, identify features of plants and animals within the geographical regions of Georgia, and recognize the effects of pollution on the environment. Handwriting: After reviewing upper and lower case letters, students work toward mastery of cursive writing. Fourth Grade Throughout the year, students participate in cocurricular opportunities such as physical education, music, and art. Students also attend a variety of educational field trips. Reading Third graders read thoughtfully, discover details, extract meaning from what they read, and read more complex texts using a balance of literary and informational texts that cover a variety of subjects. T he research-based instruction of word knowledge; comprehension skills and strategies; informational texts and literary texts; inquiry skills and strategies; novel studies; and writing and language arts skills and strategies create a literature-rich environment with the goal of developing lifelong readers. Spelling: Phonetic and structural analysis skills are applied to weekly word lists. Dictionary skills are incorporated, as well as an extensive use of words in written expression exercises and sentences. English: Third grade focuses on the development of writing skills, specifically making sentence structure more sophisticated, composing thoughtful paragraphs, and writing purposeful letters. Third graders work independently on research projects and use all aspects of the writing process for producing cohesive paragraphs that summarize main points from literary and informational texts and use more abstract skills of synthesizing and evaluation in writing. Math: Third grade mathematics content regularly incorporates the 8 Mathematical Practices, the Statistical Reasoning Framework, and the Mathematical Modeling Framework through four big ideas of content: (1) Numerical Reasoning, (2) Measurement and Data (Statistical) Reasoning, (3) Patterning and Algebraic Reasoning, and (4) Geometric and Spatial Reasoning. Students will develop place value understanding, part-whole strategies for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, reasoning of patterns and algebra, reasoning with measurement of time and objects, geometric area and perimeter measurement strategies, an understanding of geometric properties of shapes, and data and statistical reasoning methods. A variety of curricula and manipulatives are used to build conceptual understanding.  Concrete, pictorial, and abstract models are frequently used to build math fact fluency and deepen understanding. Social Studies: Third graders synthesize themes studied throughout the year to demonstrate their understanding of long term, ongoing instruction. Units include US geography skills, concepts, and places; American Indian cultures; European exploration; colonization of North America; American government; and economics. The goal is the development of children with the knowledge, skills, and civic values needed to become active participants in the world. Science: Third graders engage in recording observations and using the data to answer questions. Their communication skills allow them to record findings, use basic math skills to analyze data, and recognize the importance of keeping records of observations without making alterations. They observe, construct, and measure objects using ordinary hand tools  and describe the ways in which the parts influence or interact with one another.  The students will use their observations and material covered in class to explain physical attributes of rocks and soils, understand how fossils provide evidence of organisms that lived long ago, describe ways in which heat energy is transferred and measured, identify features of plants and animals within the geographical regions of Georgia, and recognize the effects of pollution on the environment. Handwriting: After reviewing upper and lower case letters, students work toward mastery of cursive writing. Fifth Grade Throughout the year, students participate in cocurricular opportunities such as physical education, music, and art. Students also attend a variety of educational field trips. Reading: The fifth grade reading program is one that teaches the love of reading while incorporating important skills. Building vocabulary and developing a love of language are important parts of our reading curriculum; we focus on prefixes, suffixes, roots, and their meanings to equip students with the tools to analyze unfamiliar words in order to determine their meaning.  Activities such as Interactive Notebook Lessons and Socratic Seminars are used to deepen students’ comprehension of nonfiction and fiction.  Basal readers, as well as novel studies, are used to accomplish our goals; both of these often relate wonderfully to our social studies topics. Social Studies: In fifth grade, students are in the final year of a three year study of United States history in which all four strands (history, geography, civics/government, and economics) are integrated. Students begin the year learning about the growth of 19th century industry and innovation in the United States, and culminate the study with the events and impact of September 11, 2001. The geography strand emphasizes the influence of geography on U.S. history during these same time periods. In the civics/government strand, students learn about the rights of citizens contained within the Constitution, and how changes have been made over time to the Constitution to protect the rights of citizens. In the economic strand, students explore the ways consumers and producers have interacted in the American economy. Spelling: The fifth grade spelling curriculum develops strategic spellers. Students learn how to spell words through applying strategies in making choices about how to spell unknown words. Students practice strategies using weekly word lists. English: In English, the curriculum focuses on the eight parts of speech and writing correct and interesting sentences and paragraphs. We concentrate on several forms of writing: personal narratives, information reports, opinion, and fictional narratives. Math: In fifth grade math students are provided the tools to develop skills such as Numerical Reasoning, Patterning & Algebraic Reasoning, Measurement & Data Reasoning, and Geometric & Spatial Reasoning. Students are provided with guided and independent practice activities as well as small group center practice where hands-on activities using math manipulatives are used for concept building. A daily warm up (Number Talks) is a part of the Math focus each day to build math fluency and review new skills. Components of the Simplified Math are fully aligned to the daily Spiral Math homework. Students have access to anchor charts to build their understanding of the standards contained within the units. Formal and informal assessments are utilized to determine student’s understanding. Science: Fifth graders keep records of investigations and observations and understand why they should not alter records. They use numerical data to describe and compare objects, convert the fractions to decimals in scientific calculations, and identify the largest and smallest possible value of something. They use reference books, magazines or newspapers, and computer databases to locate scientific information. Students at this grade level are able to identify the causes of some of Earth’s surface features, explain the difference between a physical and a chemical change, investigate electricity and magnetism and the relationship between them, use scientific procedures to classify organisms, understand the difference between behaviors and traits, contrast the parts of animal and plant cells, and argue from evidence on how microorganisms can be beneficial or harmful to other organisms. Elementary Cocurricular Courses Visual Arts Our visual arts course is structured into 4 main categories: Creating, Presenting, Responding, and Connecting. Students will create art based on themes and the Elements of Art (line, shape, color, value, texture, form and space). Students will create a variety of art pieces using different media (color pencils, chalk pastels, oil pastels, markers, tempera paint, yarn, clay and watercolor) in 2D and 3D. They will develop skills related to the safe and appropriate use of materials. Students respond to artwork and artists as we learn about and connect with different cultures and communities through artwork. As the students move from grade to grade, the skill level will get more difficult and advanced. Students’ artwork is presented for parents and the school community at least 2 times during the year. Music Our music program strives to foster a love for music through active participation, exploring diverse musical styles, and developing fundamental musical skills like singing, playing instruments, and understanding rhythm and melody. Core Components include active music-making, foundational music concepts, music literacy, composing and Improvising, listening and responding, and student performance through concerts, plays, graduation, and school functions. PK3 and PK4: Exploration through Dance, Instruments, and Singing Songs K and 1st: Music Literacy and Listening/Responding 2nd and 3rd: Simple Rhythmic Patterns, Listening/Responding, Drumming 4th and 5th: Complex Rhythmic Patterns, Recorders, Music Notation, and Composing/Improvising Physical Education Students participate in a variety of age-appropriate activities designed to ensure they have a developmentally appropriate grade-level comprehension and application of the concepts and principles of fitness, motor skills, movement patterns, tactics, and strategies which contribute to a physically literate and active lifestyle. Health-related fitness activities and concepts will be assessed and analyzed. Students will understand, accept, model, and apply personal responsibility in relation to safe and appropriate participation. Tour Elementary School with us! Call 478.452.5570 ext. 401