Elementary Curriculum (K-5)
Welcome to our K-5 Elementary Schools!
The Stoughton Area School District is proud to offer an exceptional educational experience for our students, grounded in a commitment to academic excellence and community values. Our dedicated staff implements top-rated, standards-aligned curricula that engage students in meaningful learning across our three elementary schools (Fox Prairie, Kegonsa, and Sandhill).
- Art, Music, and Physical Education: Our dedicated staff is committed to providing the highest-quality experiences for students. They support learners in developing strengths and skills in these areas. Our talented educators build the foundation for students to participate in art, music, and physical movement throughout their lives.
- Math Curriculum: We utilize Bridges in Mathematics, a comprehensive K-5 program designed to build conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and problem-solving skills. Students develop a positive math identity through engaging, open-ended tasks and visual models while tackling relevant, real-world challenges. Here is More Information for families about our Bridges Math Curriculum.
- English Language Arts Curriculum: Our K-8 Wit & Wisdom curriculum fosters strong reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. It is built upon the Science of Reading and integrates topics from science, history, and geography, enriching students’ knowledge and inspiring curiosity. Here is More Information for families about our Wit & Wisdom ELA Curriculum.
- Foundational Skills Curriculum: Students need to acquire foundational skills for skilled reading. K-2 students in all three elementary schools use Magnetic Reading Foundations to complement Wit & Wisdom. The Magnetic foundational skills curriculum provides explicit, systematic instruction to build essential reading and writing skills. Students develop phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension through engaging activities, laying a strong foundation for lifelong literacy. Here is More Information for families about our Magnetic Foundational Skills Curriculum.
- Foundational Skills Curriculum: Students need to acquire foundational skills for skilled reading. K-2 students in all three elementary schools use Magnetic Reading Foundations to complement Wit & Wisdom. The Magnetic foundational skills curriculum provides explicit, systematic instruction to build essential reading and writing skills. Students develop phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension through engaging activities, laying a strong foundation for lifelong literacy. Here is More Information for families about our Magnetic Foundational Skills Curriculum.
Our Approach to Excellence
Our success is rooted in the strengths of our staff and their collaborative, student-centered practices including:
- Our commitment to ongoing communication and engagement with families and caregivers to surround our children with the support and nurturing they need to experience learning and belonging in SASD
- Collaborative planning among grade-level teams, including general and special educators
- Data-driven decision-making to meet the diverse needs of all learners
- Proactive, inclusive community building and behavior support
- Teaching goal-setting strategies that empower students to monitor their progress
- Our focus on trust, encouragement, and growth through feedback and deliberate practice
- Collaborative planning and curricular calibration across the three elementary schools to provide students with a seamless transition to River Bluff Middle School
Join our SASD community and experience the impact of an education built on innovation, teamwork, and a shared commitment to student success!
Kindergarten
Literacy
Wit & Wisdom Curriculum 
SASD uses Wit & Wisdom, an English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for grades K–8. Wit & Wisdom is designed to foster deep understanding and appreciation of literature and informational texts. Each grade level works through four thematic modules each school year. Each module provides opportunities for students to engage in four key components:
Knowledge Building: Students explore diverse, high-quality texts that deepen their understanding of important topics, such as historical events, scientific phenomena, and cultural themes. This approach integrates literacy with content knowledge.
Text-Centered Instruction: The curriculum uses a rich collection of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art to guide students through meaningful discussions, close reading, and evidence-based writing activities.
Writing Development: Writing tasks are closely aligned with the texts and focus on building skills in narrative, opinion, and informational writing. Students are encouraged to support their ideas with textual evidence.
Integrated Vocabulary and Grammar: Vocabulary and grammar instruction are woven into lessons, ensuring students learn these skills in context while reading and writing.
Wit & Wisdom aims to inspire a love of learning while preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in school and beyond.
In Kindergarten ELA, your child will:
-
Understand the basic features of print, such as following words from left to right and recognizing spaces between words.
-
Develop skills in recognizing and naming upper- and lowercase letters of the alphabet.
-
Engage with phonological awareness activities, including identifying rhyming words and counting syllables in spoken words.
-
Build foundational phonics skills like recognizing letter-sound correspondences and decoding simple words.
-
Explore vocabulary and language through high-quality texts and discussions about their meaning and use.
-
Practice collaborative discussions about stories and topics to develop speaking and listening skills.
-
Begin understanding narrative structure by identifying characters, settings, and major events in stories.
Wit & Wisdom Module Themes - Kindergarten
Module 1
the five sensesModule 2
Once upon a farmModule 3
America, Then and nowmodule 4
the continents
Math
Bridges Math Curriculum
Building Mathematical Thinkers ℠
Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive K–5 curriculum that equips teachers to fully implement the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in a manner that is rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners.
The curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. It taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful.
In Kindergarten grade math, your child will:
- Count objects and tell how many there are
- Write numerals 0-20
- Compare numbers or sets of objects to tell which has more or less
- Add & subtract quickly and easily to 5
- Add & subtract within 10 using objects, fingers, drawings, numbers, or equations
- Solve addition and subtraction story problems
- Understand that teen numbers are 10 and some more
- Identify and describe shapes
- Understand length and weight as something that can be measured
Science
Next Generation Science Standards
The Stoughton Area School District's elementary schools science curriculum uses the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) at the K-5 level. NGSS strives to develop students abilities to do and understand scientific inquiry through:
- Asking questions and identifying problems
- Planning and conducting investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Developing and using models
- Using mathematics, information and computer technology and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating and communication information
In Kindergarten, the science standards are broken down into three topical questions taught over the course of the academic year. These questions are characterized by the overarching ideas that weather, sunlight, and the needs of living things affect us daily—ideas that apply to the physical, life, and Earth and space sciences, as well as engineering. These questions are:
- What can we observe about sunlight?
- How do objects move and what happens when they interact?
- What is the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals and the places they live?
Social Studies
The Stoughton Area School District's elementary social studies curriculum is based on the 2010 National Council for the Social Studies standards and the Wisconsin State Standards for Literacy in All Subject Areas. A technology rich program created by Teachers Curriculum Institute (TCI) is the core resource used in grades K-5.
In Kindergarten, Social Studies Alive! Me and My World explores the relationships in students' lives with their families, friends, teachers, and neighbors. Students learn that people live differently in different places and that they can help care for the world. --Teachtci.com
Art
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of art is a vital component to the development of all students.
The Kindergarten Art courses cover the Understanding and Using the National Core Arts Standards along with these projects and curriculum.
1. Elements & Principles (color, line, shape)
2. Drawing (pattern, overlapping, horizon line)
3. Painting (color mixing, primary & secondary, colors, painting tools)
4. Ceramics (pinch)
5. Sculpture (Intro to 3D, Paper sculpture)
6. Mixed Media (weaving/fiber/collage/metal): (collage, intro weaving)
7. Graphics (technology/printing): (stamping)
Music
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of music is a vital component to the development of all students. The general music program in our district reflects the National Music Education Standards, also adopted in the state of Wisconsin. Our kindergarten students will be able to:
- Explore ways to use the voice
- Demonstrate singing, speaking, whispering and shouting voices
- Play a variety of classroom instruments using a steady beat
- Perform simple rhythm patterns
- Respond to music through physical movement
- Compare different classroom musical instruments
- Compare playing techniques of classroom instruments
- Demonstrate same, similar or different
- Demonstrate an awareness of music as a part of daily life
Phy Ed
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that physical activity is essential to the development and maintenance of good health. The goal of physical education is to develop students who have the knowledge and skills to develop a health enhancing level of fitness, and the self-confidence and responsibility to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. The physical education program in our district reflects the Wisconsin Standards for Physical Education.
Standard 1: Demonstrates competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities.
Standard 2: Demonstrates understanding of movement concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the learning and performance of physical activities.
Standard 3: Participates regularly in physical activity.
Standard 4 : Achieves and maintains a health enhancing level of physical fitness.
Standard 5: Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings.
Standard 6: Values physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.
1st Grade
Literacy
Wit & Wisdom Curriculum
SASD uses Wit & Wisdom, an English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for grades K–8. Wit & Wisdom is designed to foster deep understanding and appreciation of literature and informational texts. Each grade level works through four thematic modules each school year. Each module provides opportunities for students to engage in four key components:
Knowledge Building: Students explore diverse, high-quality texts that deepen their understanding of important topics, such as historical events, scientific phenomena, and cultural themes. This approach integrates literacy with content knowledge.
Text-Centered Instruction: The curriculum uses a rich collection of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art to guide students through meaningful discussions, close reading, and evidence-based writing activities.
Writing Development: Writing tasks are closely aligned with the texts and focus on building skills in narrative, opinion, and informational writing. Students are encouraged to support their ideas with textual evidence.
Integrated Vocabulary and Grammar: Vocabulary and grammar instruction are woven into lessons, ensuring students learn these skills in context while reading and writing.
Wit & Wisdom aims to inspire a love of learning while preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in school and beyond.
In 1st Grade ELA, your child will:
- Develop an understanding of the organization and features of print, such as recognizing capitalization and punctuation.
- Enhance comprehension of key ideas and details by identifying the main topic and retelling important information.
- Learn to describe characters, settings, and events using details from a story.
- Build vocabulary through contextual understanding and word usage in reading and writing activities.
- Strengthen grammar skills, including sentence structure and language conventions, in speaking and writing.
- Practice collaborative discussions about texts, improving speaking and listening skills.
- Foster critical thinking by comparing and contrasting characters or information across different texts
Wit & Wisdom Module Themes - 1st Grade
Module 1
A world of booksModule 2
Creature FeaturesModule 3
powerful forces
Module 4
cinderella stories
Math
Bridges Math Curriculum
Building Mathematical Thinkers ℠
Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive K–5 curriculum that equips teachers to fully implement the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in a manner that is rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners.
The curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. It taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful.
In 1st grade math, your child will:
- Solve addition and subtraction story problems
- Count by ones and tens to 120 read and write numbers to 120, and represent a number of objects up to 120 with a written numeral
- Understand place value by describing what the digits mean in two-digit numbers; use this knowledge to add and subtract
- Add two-digit numbers using at least two different strategies and explain how the strategies work
- Subtract two-digit numbers that are multiples of 10 using at least two different strategies and explain how the strategies work
- Compare two numbers using the symbols >, =, and <
- Add and subtract numbers within 10 efficiently and accurately
- Read or construct a graph and answer questions about the data
- Measure length using non-standard units such as Popsicle sticks, linking cubes, and so on
- Tell and write time to the hour and half-hour on analog and digital clock
Science
Next Generation Science Standards
The Stoughton Area School District's elementary science curriculum uses the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) at the K-5 level. NGSS strives to develop students abilities to do and understand scientific inquiry through:
- Asking questions and identifying problems
- Planning and conducting investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Developing and using models
- Using mathematics, information and computer technology and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating and communication information
In 1st Grade, the science standards are broken down into three topics taught over the course of the academic year. These topics are characterized by the study of patterns of light, sound, and organism structure. These three topics are:
- Structures and behaviors in organisms
- Light, sounds, space and communication
- Light and solar patterns
Social Studies
The Stoughton Elementary social studies curriculum is based on the 2010 National Council for the Social Studies standards and the Wisconsin State Standards for Literacy in All Subject Areas. A technology rich program created by TCI is the core resource used in grades K-5.
In First Grade, Social Studies Alive! My School and Family introduces the structures of schools and families. Students learn how to get along with classmates, follow school rules, and identify people who work at a school (From teachtci.com).
Art
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of art is a vital component to the development of all students.
The 1st Grade Art courses cover the Understanding and Using the National Core Arts Standards along with these projects and curriculum.
1. Elements & Principles (color, line, shape)
2. Drawing (pattern, overlapping, horizon line)
3. Painting (color mixing, primary & secondary, colors, painting tools)
4. Ceramics (pinch)
5. Sculpture (Intro to 3D, Paper sculpture)
6. Mixed Media (weaving/fiber/collage/metal): (collage, intro weaving)
7. Graphics (technology/printing): (stamping)
Music
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of music is a vital component to the development of all students. The general music program in our district reflects the National Music Education Standards, also adopted in the state of Wisconsin. Our grade one students will be able to:
- Sing a variety of songs
- Sing songs with expression
- Compare pitched and non-pitched instruments
- Understand and perform simple rhythms using quarter notes, quarter rests, and paired eighth notes
- Compare and contrast music with different pitches, tempi and dynamics
Phy Ed
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that physical activity is essential to the development and maintenance of good health. The goal of physical education is to develop students who have the knowledge and skills to develop a health enhancing level of fitness, and the self-confidence and responsibility to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity. The physical education program in our district reflects the Wisconsin Standards for Physical Education.
Standard 1: Demonstrates competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities.
Standard 2: Demonstrates understanding of movement concepts, principles, strategies, and tactics as they apply to the learning and performance of physical activities.
Standard 3: Participates regularly in physical activity.
Standard 4: Achieves and maintains a health enhancing level of physical fitness.
Standard 5: Exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in physical activity settings.
Standard 6: Values physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.
2nd Grade
Literacy
Wit & Wisdom Curriculum
SASD uses Wit & Wisdom, an English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for grades K–8. Wit & Wisdom is designed to foster deep understanding and appreciation of literature and informational texts. Each grade level works through four thematic modules each school year. Each module provides opportunities for students to engage in four key components:
Knowledge Building: Students explore diverse, high-quality texts that deepen their understanding of important topics, such as historical events, scientific phenomena, and cultural themes. This approach integrates literacy with content knowledge.
Text-Centered Instruction: The curriculum uses a rich collection of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art to guide students through meaningful discussions, close reading, and evidence-based writing activities.
Writing Development: Writing tasks are closely aligned with the texts and focus on building skills in narrative, opinion, and informational writing. Students are encouraged to support their ideas with textual evidence.
Integrated Vocabulary and Grammar: Vocabulary and grammar instruction are woven into lessons, ensuring students learn these skills in context while reading and writing.
Wit & Wisdom aims to inspire a love of learning while preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in school and beyond.
In 2nd Grade ELA, your child will:
-
Develop comprehension skills by identifying the main idea and key details of a text.
-
Learn to ask and answer questions to understand deeper meanings in stories and informational texts.
-
Practice comparing and contrasting ideas, events, or characters across texts.
-
Expand vocabulary through contextual learning and explicit instruction tied to module themes.
-
Build writing skills by crafting opinion, narrative, and informational pieces based on textual evidence.
-
Enhance speaking and listening abilities through collaborative discussions and presentations about text topics.
-
Integrate foundational grammar and language skills into reading and writing activities.
Wit & Wisdom Module Themes - 2nd Grade
Module 1
a season of changemodule 2
the american westmodule 3
civil rights heroesmodule 4
good eating
Math
Bridges Math Curriculum
Building Mathematical Thinkers ℠
Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive K–5 curriculum that equips teachers to fully implement the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in a manner that is rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners.
The curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. It taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful.
In 2nd grade math, your child will:
- Solve two-step addition and subtraction story problems to 100
- Add and subtract to 20; know addition facts to 20 by memory
- Read and write 3-digit numbers using numerals, words, and expanded notation (726 = 700 + 20 + 6)
- Understand that the three digits of a 3-digit number represent amounts of hundreds, tens, and ones
- Use symbols >, =, < to compare two 3-digit numbers
- Add and subtract 2-digit numbers accurately and efficiently, and explain strategies for doing so
- Add and subtract 3-digit numbers using models, sketches, and/or numbers, and explain strategies for doing so
- Estimate and measure length in centimeters and meters, inches and feet.
- Divide circles and rectangles into two, three, and four equal parts and describe the parts
- Recognize, draw, and analyze 2- and 3-D shapes
- Solve money problems involving dollars, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies
Science
Next Generation Science Standards
The Stoughton Area School District's elementary science curriculum uses the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) at the K-5 level. NGSS strives to develop students abilities to do and understand scientific inquiry through:
- Asking questions and identifying problems
- Planning and conducting investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Developing and using models
- Using mathematics, information and computer technology and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating and communication information
In 2nd Grade, the science standards are broken down into three topical questions taught over the course of the academic year. These questions will build in complexity in terms of both disciplinary and crosscutting content, as well as the application of science and engineering practices across the year. These three questions are:
- What patterns related to water exist in the natural world?
- Why does the land change over time?
- What do plants need?
Social Studies
The Stoughton School District's elementary social studies curriculum is based on the 2010 National Council for the Social Studies standards and the Wisconsin State Standards for Literacy in All Subject Areas. A technology rich program created by TCI is the core resource used in grades K-5.
In Second Grade, Social Studies Alive! My Community teaches students the basics of geography, economics, and citizenship in the context of learning about their local community (From teachtci.com).
Art
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of art is a vital component to the development of all students.
The 2nd Grade Art courses cover the Understanding and Using the National Core Arts Standards along with these projects and curriculum.
1. Elements & Principles (texture, repetition)
2. Drawing (spatial relationships, fore/middle/background, symmetry, still life)
3. Painting (cool/warm, watercolor techniques)
4. Ceramics (slab, modeling)
5. Sculpture (additive sculpture)
6. Mixed Media (weaving/fiber/collage/metal): (fiber weaving)
7. Graphics (technology/printing): (additive printmaking)
Music
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of music is a vital component to the development of all students. The general music program in our district reflects the National Music Education Standards, also adopted in the state of Wisconsin. Our grade two students will be able to:
• Sing independently on pitch in an appropriate range
• Sing a varied repertoire of songs with expression appropriate to the genre
• Perform on and compare pitched and non-pitched instruments
• Understand and perform simple rhythms using half notes, quarter notes, quarter rests, and paired eighth notes
• Recognize and identify basic differences in tempo and dynamics
Phy Ed
3rd Grade
Literacy
Wit & Wisdom Curriculum
SASD uses Wit & Wisdom, an English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for grades K–8. Wit & Wisdom is designed to foster deep understanding and appreciation of literature and informational texts. Each grade level works through four thematic modules each school year. Each module provides opportunities for students to engage in four key components:
Knowledge Building: Students explore diverse, high-quality texts that deepen their understanding of important topics, such as historical events, scientific phenomena, and cultural themes. This approach integrates literacy with content knowledge.
Text-Centered Instruction: The curriculum uses a rich collection of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art to guide students through meaningful discussions, close reading, and evidence-based writing activities.
Writing Development: Writing tasks are closely aligned with the texts and focus on building skills in narrative, opinion, and informational writing. Students are encouraged to support their ideas with textual evidence.
Integrated Vocabulary and Grammar: Vocabulary and grammar instruction are woven into lessons, ensuring students learn these skills in context while reading and writing.
Wit & Wisdom aims to inspire a love of learning while preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in school and beyond.
In 3rd Grade ELA, your child will:
- Develop comprehension skills by answering questions and identifying key details to support inferences from texts.
- Summarize main ideas and themes in both literary and informational texts.
- Analyze characters, settings, and events, focusing on their interactions and developments.
- Build vocabulary knowledge by identifying word meanings, prefixes, and suffixes in context.
- Improve fluency by practicing reading aloud with accuracy, expression, and appropriate pacing.
- Engage in writing tasks, including narrative, opinion, and informative pieces, based on evidence from texts.
- Participate in collaborative discussions, improving speaking and listening skills to articulate and support ideas.
Wit & Wisdom Module Themes - 3rd Grade
Module 1
the seamodule 2
outer spacemodule 3
a new homemodule 4
artists make art
Math
Bridges Math Curriculum
Building Mathematical Thinkers ℠
Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive K–5 curriculum that equips teachers to fully implement the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in a manner that is rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners.
The curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. It taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful.
In 3rd grade math, your child will:
- Use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to solve story problems
- Solve multiplication and division facts accurately and efficiently
- Multiply 1-digit numbers by multiples of 10, e.g., 3 x 70
- Add and subtract 2- and 3-digit numbers
- Compare, recognize, and generate equivalent fractions and place them on a number line
- Estimate and measure in time, liquid volume, and masses of objects
- Round numbers to nearest 10 or 100
- Tell time to the minute
- Estimate and measure liquid volume and mass in metric units
- Solve area and perimeter problems
- Identify and construct different kinds of quadrilaterals
- Sort and classify shapes
Science
The Stoughton Area School District's elementary science curriculum uses the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) at the K-5 level. NGSS strives to develop students abilities to do and understand scientific inquiry through:
- Asking questions and identifying problems
- Planning and conducting investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Developing and using models
- Using mathematics, information and computer technology and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating and communication information
In 3rd Grade, the science standards are broken down into four topical questions taught over the course of the academic year. These questions will put emphasis and focus on traits of organisms, relationships between organism traits and survival in that habitat, how the climate affects organisms over a long period of time and on the physical sciences, with a study of forces and motion. These four questions are:
- Why are organisms different from one another?
- How does the environment affect organisms?
- How do we know the environment used to be different?
- What happens when different objects interact?
Social Studies
The Stoughton Area School District's elementary social studies curriculum is based on the 2010 National Council for the Social Studies standards and the Wisconsin State Standards for Literacy in All Subject Areas. A technology rich program created by TCI is the core resource used in grades K-5.
In Third Grade, Social Studies Alive! Our Community and Beyond broadens students' awareness about the local and global communities in which they live. Students learn the fundamentals of geography and explore different cultures and public service roles (From teachtci.com).
Art
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of art is a vital component to the development of all students.
The 3rd Grade Art courses cover the Understanding and Using the National Core Arts Standards along with these projects and curriculum.
1. Elements & Principles (texture, repetition)
2. Drawing (spatial relationships, fore/middle/background, symmetry, still life)
3. Painting (cool/warm, watercolor techniques)
4. Ceramics (slab, modeling)
5. Sculpture (additive sculpture)
6. Mixed Media (weaving/fiber/collage/metal): (fiber weaving)
7. Graphics (technology/printing): (additive printmaking)
Music
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of music is a vital component to the development of all students. The general music program in our district reflects the National Music Education Standards, also adopted in the state of Wisconsin. Our grade three students will be able to:
- Perform using proper vocal technique
- Demonstrate the use of harmony
- Play melodies and rhythms
- Perform simple rhythms using single eighth notes, dotted quarter notes, half rests and dotted half rests
- Demonstrate basic improvisation skills
- Compose simple pieces of music
- Notate lines and spaces of the treble staff
- Identify simple forms in music
- Identify letter names of notes
- Evaluate musical performances
- Explore music of various cultures
Phy Ed
4th Grade
Literacy
Wit & Wisdom Curriculum
SASD uses Wit & Wisdom, an English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for grades K–8. Wit & Wisdom is designed to foster deep understanding and appreciation of literature and informational texts. Each grade level works through four thematic modules each school year. Each module provides opportunities for students to engage in four key components:
Knowledge Building: Students explore diverse, high-quality texts that deepen their understanding of important topics, such as historical events, scientific phenomena, and cultural themes. This approach integrates literacy with content knowledge.
Text-Centered Instruction: The curriculum uses a rich collection of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art to guide students through meaningful discussions, close reading, and evidence-based writing activities.
Writing Development: Writing tasks are closely aligned with the texts and focus on building skills in narrative, opinion, and informational writing. Students are encouraged to support their ideas with textual evidence.
Integrated Vocabulary and Grammar: Vocabulary and grammar instruction are woven into lessons, ensuring students learn these skills in context while reading and writing.
Wit & Wisdom aims to inspire a love of learning while preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in school and beyond.
In 4th Grade ELA, your child will:
- Develop skills in identifying key details and making logical inferences in both fiction and nonfiction texts.
- Summarize texts to identify central themes or ideas and support them with key details.
- Analyze characters, settings, or events by drawing on specific evidence from texts.
- Expand vocabulary by understanding and applying grade-level word analysis, including morphology.
- Build fluency in reading aloud with accuracy, appropriate pacing, and expression.
- Engage in writing tasks, including opinion, narrative, and informational writing, using textual evidence.
- Participate in collaborative discussions to enhance critical thinking and communication skills.
Wit & Wisdom Module Themes - 4th Grade
module 1
a great heartmodule 2
extreme settingsmodule 3
the redcoats are coming!module 4
myth making
Math
Bridges Math Curriculum
Building Mathematical Thinkers ℠
Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive K–5 curriculum that equips teachers to fully implement the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in a manner that is rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners.
The curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. It taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful.
In 4th grade math, your child will:
- Understand factors and multiples, e.g., 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, and 20 are all factors of 20, and 20 is a multiple of each of those numbers
- Understand that a prime number has only 2 factors—1 and itself, while a composite number has more than 2 factors
- Multiply multi-digit numbers using strategies based on place value and properties of operations
- Divide 2-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers using strategies based on place value and the relationship between multiplication and division
- Read, write, and compare multi-digit numbers and round multi-digit numbers to any place
- Add and subtract multi-digit numbers accurately and efficiently
- Recognize and generate equivalent fractions
- Compare two fractions with different numerators and denominators
- Add and subtract fractions and mixed numbers with like denominators
- Multiply a fraction by a whole number
- Write fractions with denominators of 10 or 100 in decimal notation
- Compare decimal numbers with digits to the hundredths place
- Know the relative sizes of measurement units within one system of units, including metric length, metric mass, customary weight, metric volume, and time
- Use formulas for area and perimeter of a rectangle to solve problems
- Measure and sketch angles with a protractor
- Classify 2-D shapes
- Identify and draw lines of symmetry
Science
Next Generation Science Standards
The Stoughton Area School District's elementary science curriculum uses the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) at the K-5 level. NGSS strives to develop students abilities to do and understand scientific inquiry through:
- Asking questions and identifying problems
- Planning and conducting investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Developing and using models
- Using mathematics, information and computer technology and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating and communication information
In 4th Grade, the science standards are broken down into five topical questions taught over the course of the academic year. The concepts studied in 4th Grade will enable students to develop concrete understanding of phenomena associated with these five essential questions:
- What happens when objects collide?
- How do we move energy and information from place to place?
- What effect can water have on land?
- How can we reduce negative impacts of natural hazards and of resource use?
- How do organisms receive and process information?
Social Studies
The Stoughton Area School District's elementary social studies curriculum is based on the 2010 National Council for the Social Studies standards and the Wisconsin State Standards for Literacy in All Subject Areas. A technology rich program created by TCI is the core resource used in grades K-5.
In Fourth Grade, Social Studies Alive! Regions of Our Country presents five regions of the United States through the lens of four social sciences — economics, geography, political science, and history (From teachtci.com).
Art
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of art is a vital component to the development of all students.
The 4th Grade Art courses cover the Understanding and Using the National Core Arts Standards along with these projects and curriculum.
1. Elements & Principles (value, movement, space, form)
2. Drawing (1 point perspective, contour line)
3. Painting (tints/shades, complementary)
4. Ceramics (coil, construction techniques)
5. Sculpture (armature)
6. Mixed Media (weaving/fiber/collage/metal): (textiles)
7. Graphics (technology/printing): (relief (subtractive) prints)
Music
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of music is a vital component to the development of all students. The general music program in our district reflects the National Music Education Standards, also adopted in the state of Wisconsin. Our grade four students will be able to:
- Demonstrate singing in harmony
- Respond to conductor’s cues when singing
- Play melodic and rhythmic patterns
- Understand how to play whole notes and whole rests
- Perform simple rhythms using sixteenth notes, whole notes, and whole rests
- Read simple music using standard notation
- Improvise simple rhythmic and melodic variations
- Describe music using appropriate terminology
- Create criteria to evaluate music performances
- Compare commonalities that exist in the arts and other disciplines
Phy Ed
5th Grade
Literacy
Wit & Wisdom Curriculum
SASD uses Wit & Wisdom, an English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum for grades K–8. Wit & Wisdom is designed to foster deep understanding and appreciation of literature and informational texts. Each grade level works through four thematic modules each school year. Each module provides opportunities for students to engage in four key components:
Knowledge Building: Students explore diverse, high-quality texts that deepen their understanding of important topics, such as historical events, scientific phenomena, and cultural themes. This approach integrates literacy with content knowledge.
Text-Centered Instruction: The curriculum uses a rich collection of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art to guide students through meaningful discussions, close reading, and evidence-based writing activities.
Writing Development: Writing tasks are closely aligned with the texts and focus on building skills in narrative, opinion, and informational writing. Students are encouraged to support their ideas with textual evidence.
Integrated Vocabulary and Grammar: Vocabulary and grammar instruction are woven into lessons, ensuring students learn these skills in context while reading and writing.
Wit & Wisdom aims to inspire a love of learning while preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in school and beyond.
In 5th Grade ELA, your child will:
- Analyze and summarize texts to identify themes and central ideas, supported by key details.
- Evaluate the relationships between characters, settings, and events in literary and informational texts.
- Develop comprehension skills by making logical inferences and citing evidence from texts.
- Enhance vocabulary knowledge, focusing on figurative language and academic vocabulary.
- Build fluency through purposeful and expressive reading of grade-level texts.
- Engage in writing tasks, including narrative, informational, and opinion writing, with textual evidence.
- Participate in structured discussions to articulate ideas and improve critical thinking and communication skills.
Wit & Wisdom Module Themes - 5th Grade
module 1
cultures in conflictmodule 2
word playmodule 3
a war between usmodule 4
breaking barriers
Math
Bridges Math Curriculum
Building Mathematical Thinkers ℠
Bridges in Mathematics is a comprehensive K–5 curriculum that equips teachers to fully implement the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in a manner that is rigorous, coherent, engaging, and accessible to all learners.
The curriculum focuses on developing students’ deep understandings of mathematical concepts, proficiency with key skills, and ability to solve complex and novel problems. Bridges blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. It taps into the intelligence and strengths of all students by presenting material that is as linguistically, visually, and kinesthetically rich as it is mathematically powerful.
In 5th grade math, your child will:
- Use models and strategies to divide 2- and 3-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers, with and without remainders. (Students are not expected to use the standard long division algorithm until sixth grade.)
- Add and subtract fractions with unlike denominators
- Multiply fractions and divide fractions in simple cases
- Measure volume
- Explain patterns in the number of zeros and the placement of the decimal point in the answer when multiplying or dividing by powers of 10
- Read, write, round, compare, add & subtract, multiply & divide decimals
- Multiply multi-digit whole numbers
- Locate and graph points on a coordinate plane
Science
Next Generation Science Standards
The Stoughton Area School District's elementary science curriculum uses the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) at the K-5 level. NGSS strives to develop students abilities to do and understand scientific inquiry through:
- Asking questions and identifying problems
- Planning and conducting investigations
- Analyzing and interpreting data
- Developing and using models
- Using mathematics, information and computer technology and computational thinking
- Constructing explanations and designing solutions
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Obtaining, evaluating and communication information
In 5th Grade, the science standards are broken down into four topical questions taught over the course of the academic year. We are building familiarity with ideas related to the conservation and particulate nature of matter early on in the year. Students are prepared to put this knowledge to work in investigating various life and Earth systems in later bundles. The four topical questions related to this focus are:
- How much does air weigh?
- What are we made out of?
- Where does the rain come from?
- How far away are the stars?
Social Studies
The Stoughton Area School District's elementary social studies curriculum is based on the 2010 National Council for the Social Studies standards and the Wisconsin State Standards for Literacy in All Subject Areas. A technology rich program created by TCI is the core resource used in grades K-5.
In Fifth Grade, Social Studies Alive! America's Past covers American history from the first migrations into the Americas through the 20th century. Intense interaction with the personalities, places, and events that structured our nation leads students to be both keen observers of and informed participants in U.S. history (From teachtci.com).
Art
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of art is a vital component to the development of all students.
The 5th Grade Art courses cover the Understanding and Using the National Core Arts Standards along with these projects and curriculum.
1. Elements & Principles (value, movement, space, form)
2. Drawing (1 point perspective, contour line)
3. Painting (tints/shades, complementary)
4. Ceramics (coil, construction techniques)
5. Sculpture (armature)
6. Mixed Media (weaving/fiber/collage/metal): (textiles)
7. Graphics (technology/printing): (relief (subtractive) prints)
Music
In the Stoughton Area School District, we believe that the study of music is a vital component to the development of all students. The general music program in our district reflects the National Music Education Standards, also adopted in the state of Wisconsin. Our grade five students will be able to:
- Demonstrate appropriate vocal technique
- Play a variety of simple and complex music
- Improvise music using a variety of sound sources
- Compose music using standard notation
- Interpret dynamic and articulation markings
- Understand vocabulary of vocal production
- Identify the sounds of a variety of instruments
- Use appropriate terminology in describing music performances
- Critique performances
- Compare the elements of music from a variety of cultures