American elementary school (K-5) curriculum

1. English Language Arts (ELA)

2. Science

3. Mathematics

4. Social studies

5. Art and humanities

6. Physical education

7. Health and safety education.

8. Second language

9. Learning tools

In fact, these specialized courses are basically available in all primary schools. The main difference is that different schools have made different subdivisions of these professional courses, or that the focus of the subdivided subjects is different and the curriculum is different. The above 1-7 courses are usually offered in all grades of K-5. With the change of grade, the curriculum will be adjusted. Religious schools also offer some religious courses. Under normal circumstances, American primary school students usually spend 7 hours in school every day, and generally guarantee 6 hours of teaching time every day. As we all know, in China, teachers and parents pay special attention to the study of main courses, such as Chinese, mathematics and now English, but they don't pay enough attention to other subjects. In American primary schools, English, mathematics, science and social studies can all be regarded as the main courses from the point of view of class hours, because the class hours are the most, and they are also compulsory courses and assessment subjects in all schools. I think there are two things that the United States is most worth learning from: First, the curriculum, especially the two courses of science and social studies, attaches great importance to it. The second is teaching methods, mainly interactive learning.

The following is a brief introduction to the above nine subjects:

English

English is a foreign language for students in China and a Chinese course for students in the United States. It mainly includes reading, writing, listening, speaking and watching. We all know listening, speaking, reading and writing. What is watching? It is also very simple, that is, the ability to interpret multimedia information, such as charts, graphics, photos, movies, newspapers, magazines and other visual information. Of course, being able to produce these contents is also part of the teaching content. Needless to say, English classes are the most.

mathematics

The content of study includes number sum operation, geometry, measurement, data analysis and probability, algebra and so on. Class hours are similar to English.

science

Compared with China, science is a very important course in American schools. There are not only theoretical studies, but also various experiments and activities for students to participate in. The main contents of study include: scientific inquiry, connection and application, life science, earth/universe science, natural science (physics and chemistry) and environmental education.

Social learning

The content of study includes the history and culture of the state; History and culture of the country and the world; Geography; Economy; Education of government and civil rights. Although there are few classes in China schools, there may still be social studies, which is hard to find in China schools. Maybe we can see some related contents in Chinese textbooks, which are scattered.

Artistic humanities

Including the teaching, appreciation and performance of dance, art, music and drama. China's primary schools generally have music classes and art classes, but they are not as good as China's mathematics. As for courses such as dance and drama, I'm afraid I can only study in extracurricular training classes.

sports

Including health-related content learning; Skills related content learning; Basic sports ability learning; Basic research of social psychology; Physical management; Visual motor learning.

Health and safety education

Personal health/growth and development; Nutrition; Safety, first aid and fire prevention; Substance use and abuse; Consumer and community health; Disease prevention and control; Mental and emotional health; Family life and health.

foreign language

American primary school students usually learn Spanish or French as a foreign language, but the number of schools offering Chinese is increasing year by year.

Learning tool

Computer learning; Calculator; Atlas; Dictionary; Network; Interview, etc

Speaking of the United States, I can't help repeating China's (family statement, for reference only):

Compared with the United States, the curriculum coverage of primary schools in China is narrow, especially in learning methods, science, social studies, history and culture, art and humanities, values, health and safety, life skills and so on. In terms of teaching methods, the traditional teaching methods in primary schools in China are still the mainstream, and the teaching methods in which students actively participate are still few; China students have too many Chinese math homework (sea tactics) and too few homework to cultivate independent thinking and active learning; Students in China spend more time on homework, watching TV and playing games, and less time on sports and reading. In schools in China, teachers and parents attach too much importance to grades, appreciate education and teach students in accordance with their aptitude. For parents of students in China, it is particularly important to realize some differences and gaps between China schools and foreign schools, actively understand foreign teaching contents and methods, and consciously guide their children to supplement and strengthen their learning of these contents in order to facilitate their all-round quality education and all-round development.

If you want to know more about the teaching objectives of American primary school students in all grades (K-5), please visit the American primary school syllabus.