Westlake Charter School

Curriculum

Overview

The Westlake Charter School curriculum is thematically-based and aligned with the California State Content Standards. In addition to the core curriculum, students at Westlake will learn a language other than English and have an understanding and appreciation of the four areas of the arts: dance, drama, music and the visual arts.

The mission of Westlake Charter School is to prepare elementary students with the skills necessary for life-long learning by providing a physically and emotionally safe learning environment that supports academic risk-taking, invites student participation, and structures cooperative learning experiences.

Curriculum Summary

Westlake Charter School uses the following curricular programs:

International Thematic Curriculum

A thematic program that provides the cornerstone of our international focus. Students explore a variety of themes that incorporate science, social studies, art, music, technology, language arts, math, and more.
  • Continent Study: Each grade level focuses on a continent of the world.
    • Kindergarten: North America
    • First Grade: Antarctica and Australia
    • Second Grade: South America
    • Third Grade: Europe
    • Fourth Grade: Asia
    • Fifth Grade: Africa
    • Spanish: Mexico, Central America and Spain

Comprehensive Literacy

Open Court Phonics (grades K-2)

Phonics program that supplies all students with a solid phonemic base to impart the skills necessary to be fluent readers.
Online resource: http://www.opencourtresources.com/

Guided Reading/Literacy Circles

Provides every student with reading instruction at his/her own level during small group Guided Reading instruction.  Students will also experience literature response, shared reading, partner reading, and teacher read-alouds.
Online Resource: http://www.fountasandpinnellleveledbooks.com/
  • Making Meaning
  • Grammar, Spelling and Conventions
    • Explicit instruction in grammar, usage and mechanics through mini lessons and connections to reading and themes.
  • 6 + 1 Traits of Writing and Being A Writer
    • Writers’ workshop program teaches students the primary traits that good writers use: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, conventions, and presentation. Being a Writer uses high quality children’s literature to make connections and provide examples of good writing.
    • Online Resources: http://www.readwritethink.org/
  • Houghton-Mifflin Math
    • Standards-based, state-adopted program that presents math to students in a systematic way while also providing support to struggling learners and challenges for advanced students.
    • Student Practice Activities: http://www.eduplace.com/kids/mw/

Spanish

  • ˇViva el Espańol! and Muzzy Spanish Programs
    • Teaches Spanish vocabulary, sentence-building, and conversational skills with the intent for students to progress towards proficiency while completing all elementary grades at WCS. Connections are made to grade level themes.
    • Online Resource: http://www.vivaelespanol.org/

Physical Education

Our PE program is centered around state standards for physical education. It focuses on coordination, balance, and movement. Connections are made to grade level themes.

Activities and Idea Website: http://www.sparkpe.org/

Art

Westlake’s art program is directed, guided, but not limited to the California State Standards. Students will become versed in the elements of art and become familiar with the artwork of famous artists. Connections are made to grade level themes.