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Curriculum and ELOs

Curriculum and ELOs

ELOs stand for Essential Learning Objectives. Essential Learning Objectives (ELOs) are statements for each grade level and content that represent what we feel students at Norris should know and be able to do upon completion of that school year. Teachers and students work on the ELOs throughout the school year and assess and monitor students progress continually.  Students progress towards these ELOs are reported through progress reports in Reading, Writing and Math. Students will receive a letter mark indicating their progress towards mastery of the skill.  The letter marks are as follows:

M - Mastery (80% and higher)

P - Progressing (70%-79%)

B - Beginning (below 69%)

Specials classes also have ELOs, but report students progress through an effort grade.  Students in all grades are also working on social skills and study habits. These are also identified through an effort grade. The effort grades are reported as follows:

S - Satisfactory

N - Need Improvement

I - Incomplete

Pre-School Essential Learning Objectives

Physical Development:

The learner will demonstrate age-appropriate traveling and balancing skills.

The learner will use writing and drawing tools appropriately for age.

Language Development:

The learner will use language to express thoughts and needs.

The learner will follow a two-step direction.

The learner will use complete, 4-6 word sentences.

The learner will engage in conversations with at least 3 exchanges.

Cognitive Development:

The learner will remember and connect prior experiences with new information.

The learner will attend and engage in classroom activities.

The learner will sort objects by color, shape, and size.

Social-Emotional Development:

The learner will interact positively with peers and adults in the classroom.

The learner will participate constructively and cooperatively in group situations.

The learner will regulate own emotions and behaviors in the classroom.

Literacy Development:

The learner will recognize their name in print.

The learner will identify letters of the alphabet.

The learner will demonstrate emergent writing skills.

The learner will interact during read-aloud and book conversations.

The learner will retell familiar stories.

The learner will recall the characters and setting of a story.

Mathematics Development:

The learner will verbally count and use 1:1 correspondence.

The learner will identify shapes and colors.

The learner will identify patterns.

The learner will identify numbers.

The learner will make comparisons between two objects.

Kindergarten Essential Learning Objectives

Reading ELOs:

ELO #1The learner will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and basic concepts of print.
ELO #2The learner will demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes).
ELO #3The learner will know and apply phonics and word analysis skills in decoding and encoding (spelling) words.
ELO #4The learner will develop accuracy, phrasing, and expression/prosody while reading a variety of grade-level texts to support comprehension.
ELO #5The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate the development of themes or central ideas in grade-level literary text.
ELO #6The learner will cite relevant and thorough evidence to support ideas, evaluate the development and interaction of individuals, ideas, and events in grade-level literary text.
ELO #7The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate how an author’s perspective or use of point of view shapes the style and meaning of grade-level literary text.
ELO #8The learner will read and comprehend complex, grade-level literary texts
independently and proficiently.
ELO #9The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate the development of themes or central ideas in grade-level informational texts.
ELO #10The learner will cite relevant and thorough evidence to support ideas, evaluate the development and interaction of individuals, ideas, and events in grade-level informational texts.
ELO #11The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate how an author’s perspective or use of point of view shapes the style and meaning of grade-level informational texts.
ELO #12The learner will read and comprehend complex, grade-level informational texts
independently and proficiently.
ELO #13The learner will build and use a range of conversational, academic, and discipline-specific grade-level vocabulary
and apply to reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
ELO #14The learner will determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases,
choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

Writing ELOs:

ELO #1The learner will demonstrate basic handwriting skills
ELO #2The learner will demonstrate sound-letter concepts when writing.
ELO #3The learner will use the writing process with prompting and support, form and use complete simple sentences in shared language activities.
ELO #4The learner will use the writing process with prompting and support, use a recursive writing process to develop, strengthen, and produce writing appropriate to the discipline, audience, and/or context.
ELO #5The learner will with prompting and support, narrate personal or fictional events in a sequential order using a combination of drawing, dictating, and/or writing.
ELO #6The learner will, with prompting and support, express an opinion about a topic or text with one supporting reason using a combination of drawing, dictating, and/or writing.
ELO #7The learner will, with prompting and support, write informative/explanatory pieces about a topic or text with one supporting fact using a combination of drawing, dictating, and/or writing.
ELO #8The learner will, with prompting and support, identify information from provided sources to answer a question using a combination of drawing, dictating, and/or writing.
ELO #9The learner will, with prompting and support, participate with peers and adults in structured discussions and routines about Kindergarten topics and texts
ELO #10The learner will, with prompting and support, describe familiar people, places, things, and events, and provide additional detail.

Math ELOs:

The learner will identify, sequence and write numbers 0-20.

The learner will recite numbers to 100.

The learner will understand and communicate geometric concepts.

The learner will identify and sort objects (color, shape, or size).

The learner will demonstrate 1 to 1 correspondence. 

The learner will perform and compare measurements.

The learner will solve addition and subtraction problems. 

Science ELOs:

The learner will be able to generate questions for a science topic. 

The learner will be able to classify by color, shape, and size. 

The learner will be able to compare position (in front of, behind, etc.). 

The learner will distinguish between living and non-living.

The learner will identify basic needs of living things. 

Social Studies ELOs:

The learner will identify and arrange calendar pieces to show sequence and change throughout the year. 

The learner will identify, describe, and list the people and events honored in American holidays. 

The learner will arrange objects to show position and location.

The learner will match simple descriptions of careers with community workers. 

The learner will identify how to show respect for self, family, and others. 

1st Grade Essential Learning Objectives

Reading ELOs:

ELO #1The learner will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and basic concepts of print.
ELO #2The learner will demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes)
ELO #3The learner will know and apply phonics and word analysis skills in decoding and encoding (spelling) words.
ELO #4The learner will develop accuracy, phrasing, and expression/prosody while reading a variety of
grade-level texts to support comprehension.
ELO #5The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate the development of themes or central ideas in grade-level literary texts.
ELO #6The learner will cite relevant and thorough evidence to support ideas, evaluate the development and interaction of individuals, ideas, and events in grade-level literary texts.
ELO #7The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate how an author's perspective or use of point of view shapes the style and meaning of grade-level literary texts.
ELO #8The learner will read and comprehend complex, grade-level literary texts independently and proficiently.
ELO #9The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate the development of themes or central ideas in grade level informational texts.
ELO #10The learner will cite relevant and thorough evidence to support ideas, evaluate the development and interaction
of individuals, ideas, and events in grade-level informational texts.
ELO #11The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate how an author's perspective or use of point of view shapes the style and meaning of grade-level informational texts.
ELO #12The learner will read and comprehend complex, grade-level informational texts
independently and proficiently.
ELO #13The learner will build and use a range of conversational, academic, and discipline-specific grade-level vocabulary
and apply to reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
ELO #14The learner will determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases,
choosing flexibly from a range of strategies.

Writing ELOs:

ELO #1The learner will demonstrate and apply handwriting skills.
ELO #2The learner will demonstrate sound-letter concepts when writing.
ELO #3The learner will write and expand grammatically correct simple sentences and paragraphs.
ELO #4The learner will develop, strengthen, and produce writing appropriate to the audience, purpose, and discipline.
ELO #5The learner will, with prompting and support, write personal or fictional creative and/or expressive pieces that retell two or more appropriately sequenced events.
ELO #6The learner will, with prompting and support, express an opinion about a topic or text and provide a supporting reason.
ELO #7The learner will, with prompting and support, write informative/explanatory pieces about a topic or text with supporting facts and details.
ELO #8The learner will, with prompting and support, identify information from provided sources to answer a question.
ELO #9The learner will participate with peers and adults in structured discussions and routines about 1st grade topics and texts
ELO #10The learner will tell a story or recount experiences with appropriate facts and pertinent descriptive details.

Math ELOs:

The learner will interpret and solve story problems using addition and subtraction.

The learner will fluently add and subtract within 10.

The learner will add and subtract within 20, using a variety of strategies. 

The learner will demonstrate algebraic relationships within addition and subtraction equations. 

The learner will organize and interpret graphs.

The learner will read, write, and count to 120.

The learner will identify and understand the value of dimes and pennies. 

The learner will compare numbers using <, >, =.

The learner will measure and compare objects by length. 

The learner will tell and write time to the half hour and hour using analog and digital clocks. 

The learner will identify 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional shapes and their attributes. 

The learner will divide shapes into two and four equal shares. 

Science ELOs:

The learner will participate in simple investigations. 

The learner will describe properties of objects (texture, weight, etc.).

The learner will sort objects by various attributes.

The learner will measure objects with standard and non-standard units.

The learner will describe how objects move in different ways.

The learner will identify tools for measurement (ruler, balance, liquid measurement).

The learner will summarize characteristics and changes of living things (plants and animals).

The learner will differentiate between living and nonliving things.

The learner will identify needs of living things (plants and animals).

The learner will identify objects that appear to move in the sky (sun, moon, stars).

The learner will describe earth materials (sand, soil, rocks, water).

The learner will identify the seasons and changes in weather. 

Social Studies ELOs:

The learner will list cardinal directions. 

The learner will identify basic map symbols.

The learner will label basic symbols of the US (flag, eagle).

The learner will identify Nebraska on a map of the US. 

The learner will list common occupations in our community.

The learner will identify common US Holidays. 

The learner will recognize the president.

The learner will identify the difference between land and water on maps, globes, or other models.

2nd Grade Essential Learning Objectives

Reading ELOs:

ELO #1
(Foundations of Reading)
The learner will demonstrate knowledge of the organization and basic concepts of print.
ELO #2
(Foundations of Reading)
The learner will demonstrate understanding of advanced phonemic awareness skills in spoken words, syllables, and sounds.
ELO #3
(Foundations of Reading)
The learner will know and apply phonics and word analysis skills in decoding and encoding (spelling) words.
ELO #4
(Foundations of Reading)
The learner will develop accuracy, phrasing, and expression/prosody while reading a variety of grade-level tests to support comprehension.
ELO #5
(Reading Prose and Poetry)
The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate the development of themes or central ideas in grade-level literary text.
ELO #6
(Reading Prose and Poetry)
The learner will cite relevant and thorough evidence to support ideas, evaluate the development and interaction of individuals, ideas, and events in grade-level literary text.
ELO #7
(Reading Prose and Poetry)
The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate how an author's persepctive or use of point of view shapes the style and meaning of grade-level literary text.
ELO #8
(Reading Prose and Poetry)
The learner will read and comprehend complex, grade-level literary text independently and proficiently.
ELO #9
(Reading Informational Text)
The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate the development of themes or central ideas in grade-level informational text.
ELO #10
(Reading Informational Text)
The learner will cite relvant and thorough evidence to suport ideas, evaluate the devlopment and interaction of indiviauals, ideas, and events in grade-level information informational text.
ELO #11
(Reading Informational Text)
The learner will cite relevant and thorough textual evidence to support ideas, evaluate how an author's perspective or use of point of view shapes the style and meaning of grade-level informational text.
ELO #12
(Reading Informational Text)
The learner will read and comprehend complex, grade-level informational text independently and proficiently.
ELO #13
(Vocabulary)
The learner will recognize and use conversational and grade-level acadmic vocabulary.
ELO #14
(Vocabulary)
The learner will interpret an author's use of figurative, connotative, and technical language in grade-level literary and informational text.

Writing ELOs:

ELO #1The learner will demonstrate and apply handwritting skills.
ELO #2The learner will demonstrate sound-letter concepts when writing.
ELO #3The learner will write and expand grammatically correct sentence.
ELO #3.1Identify types of sentences
ELO #3.2Identify types of nouns
ELO #3.3Identify a variety of verbs
ELO #3.4Identify types of pronouns
ELO #3.5Identify types of adjectives
ELO #3.6Identify types of adverbs
ELO #3.7Identify types of prepositions
ELO #4The learner will use a recursive writing process to develop, strengthen, and produce writing appropriate to the audience, purpose, and discipline.
ELO #5The learner will write personal or fictional narratives that retell two or more approprately sequenced events.
ELO #6The learner will express an opinion and provide supporting reasons.
ELO #7The learner will write and informative/explanatory pieces about a topic or test with supporting facts and details.
ELO #8The learner will locate information from provided sources to answer questions about a topic.
ELO #9The learner will participate with peers and adults in structured discussions and routines about 2nd grade topics and texts.
ELO #10The learner will tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and pertinent descriptive details.

Math ELOs:

The learner will solve and write addition and subtraction facts to 18.

The learner will calculate 2 digit addition and subtraction numbers with and without regrouping.

The learner will identify place value of each digit in a 3 and 4 digiti number. 

The learner will recognize number patterns to master multiplication facts 0-5.

The learner will interpret and solve a 1 step story problem.

The learner will identify and count various coins (pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollar) and count back change from $1.00.

The learner will identify basic geometric shapes (cylinder, cone, cube, sphere) and identify their right angles, find the perimeter and areas of a rectangle and square. 

The learner will identify and write time in 1 minute intervals (both analog and digital).

The learner will identify, compare, and write fractions (1/2, 1/2, 1/4).

The learner will create, represent and interpret a data set using pictographs and bar graphs.

Science ELOs:

The learner will describe migration/hibernation. 

The learner will describe how animals adapt to a habitat. 

The learner will identify characteristics of animal groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, fish). 

The learner will describe vertebrates/invertebrates (compare/contrast).

The learner will describe characteristics of endangered/extinct animals.

The learner will describe characteristics of fossils and their formations. 

The learner will describe characteristics of living things (habitats/life cycles). 

The learner will identify and describe movements of sun, earth, and moon. 

The learner will carry out steps of the scientific process.

The learner will identify and describe changes in weather/temperature. 

The learner will identify a food chain beginning with the sun.

Social Studies ELOs:

The learner will use and create timelines to show a sequence of historical events. 

The learner will investigate the major contributions of historical figures through a biography unit. 

The learner will identify and recognize a map key or legend.

The learner will use symbols and label locations on a map or globe (identify Nebraska, the capital of Nebraska, the United States and other continents).

The learner will be able to identify cardinal directions on a map key.

The learner will distinguish between a natural resource (water, air, land) and man-made resources. 

The learner will identify and explain the important significance of symbols and give examples. 

The learner will recognize the importance of a community and their neighborhood and how it has changed over time. 

The learner will distinguish between the roles of producers and consumers and how currency is used. 

The learner will state the difference between wants and needs.

Specials Essential Learning Objectives

PE ELOs:

Kindergarten1st Grade2nd Grade

The learner will demonstrate listening skills.

The learner will demonstrate a high level of safety in each class session.

The learner will improve core strength.

The learner will improve muscular strength and endurance. 

The learner will participate in balance activities. 

The learner will improve hand/eye and foot/eye coordination. 

The learner will improve aerobic capacity.

The learner will participate in movement patterns. 

The learner will demonstrate sportsmanship skills.

The learner will actively participate in throwing, catching and tossing activities. 

The learner will demonstrate improvement in jump rope skills. 

The learner will demonstrate listening skills.

The learner will demonstrate a high level of safety in each class session.

The learner will improve core strength.

The learner will improve muscular strength and endurance. 

The learner will participate in balance activities. 

The learner will improve hand/eye and foot/eye coordination. 

The learner will improve aerobic capacity.

The learner will participate in movement patterns. 

The learner will demonstrate sportsmanship skills.

The learner will actively participate in throwing, catching and tossing activities. 

The learner will demonstrate improvement in jump rope skills. 

The learner will demonstrate listening skills.

The learner will demonstrate a high level of safety in each class session.

The learner will improve core strength.

The learner will improve muscular strength and endurance. 

The learner will participate in balance activities. 

The learner will improve hand/eye and foot/eye coordination. 

The learner will improve aerobic capacity.

The learner will participate in movement patterns. 

The learner will demonstrate sportsmanship skills.

The learner will actively participate in throwing, catching and tossing activities. 

The learner will demonstrate improvement in jump rope skills. 

Music ELOs:

Kindergarten1st Grade2nd Grade

The learner will create vocal sounds in a variety of ways. 

The learner will perform a steady beat.

The learner will improvise songs in a variety of ways.

The learner will recognize basic music symbols as music notation.

The learner will respond to music through active listening and movement.

The learner will identify a variety of elements that make music sound different. 

The learner will demonstrate age-appropriate performance practices. 

The learner will sing songs and simple melodic patterns with expressive elements. 

The learner will perform beat and rhythm.

The learner will create music in the form of rhythmic or melodic patterns.

The learner will read and write rhythms and melodies using basic music symbols. 

The learner will respond to music through active listening and movement.

The learner will recognize how different elements create excitement and variety in musical compositions. 

The learner will recognize that music serves different purposes. 

The learner will demonstrate age-appropriate performance practices. 

The learner will sing songs and simple melodic patterns tunefully with expressive elements and an awareness of blend in a vocal ensemble. 

The learner will accompany a variety of songs with classroom instruments. 

The learner will perform rhythms and beat.

The learner will read and write rhythms and melodies on a staff using basic music symbols.

The learner will listen to and describe the music and instruments they hear.

The learner will interpret how different elements create excitement and variety in musical compositions. 

The learner will describe how music comes from different places in the world, times in history, and serves a variety of purposes.

The learner will demonstrate age-appropriate performance practices.

The learner will compose and improvise using voice or instruments. 

 Art ELOs:

Kindergarten

1st Grade2nd Grade

The learner will experiment with new ways to create art.

The learner will identify and create a color wheel. 

The learner will identify and use the primary colors.

The learner will develop skills through sensory play. 

The learner will identify and make a variety of shapes (big and small). 

The learner will recognize and create using the different elements of art, such as line, shape, and color. 

The learner will use a variety of tools and materials safely, such as scissors and glue, as demonstrated. 

The learner will recognize and create a repeating pattern. 

The learner will recognize the role of art throughout history and across cultures. 

The learner will recognize that people can express themselves through their art. 

The learner will be able to identify and talk about art using art vocabulary. 

The learner will connect art with their personality by creating art from imagination. 

The learner will understand elements of line, shape, and color in art.

The learner will use the color wheel to develop color theory, such as cool/warm colors and complementary colors.

The learner will create a monochromatic picture.  

The learner will explore new mediums in art, such as clay (bisque and greenware). 

The learner will create a paper weaving using the tabby weave technique.

The learner will explore artwork from different cultures, and create art using similar techniques. 

The learner will build art vocabulary by using correct terms to describe artwork. 

The learner will create using a line of symmetry.

The learner will explore using printmaking techniques. 

The learner will explore and create a landscape. 

The learner will use problem-solving skills to find multiple solutions in their artwork.

The learner will create a 3D form using paper. 

The learner will recognize art criticism, through positive, and constructive feedback. 

The learner will express opinions based on the artwork we observe.

The learner will identify and talk about using art terminology.

The learner will create a 3D form with clay. 

The learner will create with clay by using the pinch pot technique. 

The learner will create art using space (foreground, middle ground, and background).

The learner will create a textile by using the tabby weave technique. 

The learner will identify different characteristics about themselves and draw them into a self-portrait.

The learner will discuss differences in the art in culture. 

The learner will be introduced to one point perspective. 

The learner will be able to use a line and measurement. 

Library ELOs:

Kindergarten1st Grade2nd Grade

The learner will locate the library and ask the Librarian for assistance. 

The learner will demonstrate proper checkout and return procedures. 

The learner will demonstrate active listening skills across a variety of situations. 

The learner will identify and discuss parts of a book. 

The learner will apply effective skills in locating library materials. 

The learner will identify work of authors and illustrators. 

The learner will identify fiction and nonfiction books. 

The learner will recognize the Nebraska Golden Sower books and other award-winning books. 

The learner will use an iPad safely, responsibly and respectfully. 

The learner will utilize an iPad for digital learning. 

The learner will demonstrate proper book care. 

The learner will demonstrate proper checkout and return procedures. 

The learner will demonstrate active listening skills across a variety of situations. 

The learner will identify and discuss parts of a book. 

The learner will apply effective skills in locating library materials. 

The learner will identify work of authors and illustrators. 

The learner will utilize tools to choose a good fit book. 

The learner will identify literature genres.

The learner will recognize the Nebraska Golden Sower books and other award-winning books. 

The learner will use an iPad safely, responsibly and respectfully. 

The learner will utilize an iPad for digital learning. 

The learner will demonstrate proper book care. 

The learner will demonstrate proper checkout and return procedures. 

The learner will demonstrate active listening skills across a variety of situations. 

The learner will identify and discuss parts of a book. 

The learner will make predictions and inferences from a text. 

The learner will apply effective skills in locating library materials. 

The learner will identify work of authors and illustrators. 

The learner will utilize tools to choose a good fit book. 

The learner will identify literature genres.

The learner will use text features to locate information and gain meaning from text.

The learner will recognize the Nebraska Golden Sower books and other award-winning books. 

The learner will utilize print and digital resources for research. 

The learner will use an iPad safely, responsibly and respectfully. 

The learner will utilize an iPad for digital learning. 

Guidance ELOs:

Kindergarten1st Grade2nd Grade

The learner will use communication skills to know when and how to ask for help when needed.

The learner will acquire self-knowledge to identify and express feelings. 

The learner will distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors.

The learner will understand the need for self-control and how to practice it.

The learner will develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems. 

The learner will recognize, accept, respect, and appreciate individual differences. 

The learner will demonstrate the ability to know when, where, and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions. 

The learner will learn how to make and keep friends.

The learner will acquire personal safety skills to apply effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to make safe and healthy choices. 

The learner will identify attitudes and behaviors which lead to successful learning. 

The learner will acquire self-knowledge to identify and express feelings. 

The learner will distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors.

The learner will understand the need for self-control and how to practice it.

The learner will develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems.

The learner will identify alternative solutions to a problem.

The learner will demonstrate the ability to know when, where, and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions. 

The learner will acquire personal safety skills to apply effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to make safe and healthy choices. 

The learner will accept mistakes as essential to the learning process. 

The learner will formulate decisions, set goals and take necessary actions to achieve goals. 

The learner will distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. 

The learner will understand the need for self-control and how to practice it. 

The learner will develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems or strong emotions. 

The learner will apply time management and task management skills.

The learner will demonstrate the ability to know when, where, and how to seek help for solving problems and making decisions. 

The learner will demonstrate the ability to work independently as well as the ability to work cooperatively with other students. 

The learner will acquire personal safety skills to apply effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to make safe and healthy choices.