Academics — Forest Hill School

Learning Structure

The Young Explorers Program

Students stay connected to their age-level pod while moving into targeted small groups for specific skills. Movement between groups is normal and reflects growth, readiness, and instructional need — not labels.

Kindergarten – Grade 2

K–2 Young Explorers Pod

Early literacy, phonics, handwriting, oral language, number sense, play, routines, self-regulation, and curiosity.

✓Flexible small groups by skill level
✓Daily phonemic awareness & UFLI phonics
✓Handwriting Without Tears practice
✓Read-alouds, outdoor discovery, guided play
✓Heggerty phonological awareness (daily)

Grades 3 – 5

3–5 Young Explorers Pod

Reading comprehension, written expression, mathematical reasoning, research, science investigation, social studies, leadership, and independence.

✓Targeted skill instruction by readiness
✓Interdisciplinary projects & field journals
✓Research, leadership roles, presentations
✓Outdoor learning & field trips
✓Growing independence & accountability

Core Curriculum

What Students Learn, K–5

Grade	Reading Overview
K	Concepts of print, alphabet knowledge, phonemic awareness, beginning decoding, listening comprehension, and love of books.
1	Decoding, fluency, high-frequency words, oral reading, retelling, sequencing, vocabulary, fiction, and nonfiction.
2	Fluent reading, chapter books, informational text, vocabulary, character, main idea, and written reading responses.
3	Reading to learn, fiction, nonfiction, poetry, biographies, folktales, main idea, inference, and discussion.
4	Longer texts, summary, theme, character analysis, source comparison, nonfiction comprehension, and evidence.
5	Novels, historical fiction, primary-source excerpts, science texts, essays, poetry, and independent reading projects.

Instructional Tools: UFLI Foundations (K–2 phonics & decoding), Heggerty Approach (K–2 phonemic awareness), Living Books (K–5 comprehension & vocabulary), Handwriting Without Tears (letter formation).

Grade	Mathematics Overview
K	Counting, number recognition, one-to-one correspondence, sorting, patterns, shapes, measurement language, and addition/subtraction readiness.
1	Addition, subtraction, place value, measurement, time, money, shapes, data, comparison, and word problems.
2	Place value, addition and subtraction within larger numbers, money, time, measurement, arrays, geometry, and data.
3	Multiplication, division, fractions, area, perimeter, measurement, multi-step problems, data, and math reasoning.
4	Multi-digit multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, conversions, geometry, factors, multiples, and problem-solving.
5	Fractions, decimals, volume, coordinate planes, order of operations, multi-step problems, algebraic reasoning, and data.

Approach: Students use manipulatives, drawings, models, real-world measurement, outdoor math, and math talk to strengthen understanding. Math is applied through field trips, nature study, and everyday problem-solving.

Grade	Science Overview
K	Weather, seasons, plants, animals, five senses, materials, motion, patterns in nature, and observation.
1	Plants, animal needs, habitats, weather, sunlight, shadows, sound, movement, and simple investigations.
2	Life cycles, soil, water, landforms, magnets, matter, ecosystems, weather tools, and measurement.
3	Ecosystems, adaptations, simple machines, force and motion, water cycle, rocks and minerals, and observation.
4	Electricity, energy, weathering and erosion, Virginia ecosystems, natural resources, plant and animal structures, and data.
5	Matter, ecosystems, earth systems, astronomy foundations, energy transfer, engineering design, and environmental stewardship.

Field Journals: Students sketch, label, measure, and record observations outside — connecting handwriting, drawing, spelling, and science into one living practice.

Grade	Social Studies Overview
K	Self, family, classroom community, helpers, rules, maps, holidays, traditions, and basic citizenship.
1	Neighborhoods, communities, maps, needs and wants, jobs, local history, symbols, and responsibility.
2	Richmond and Virginia communities, geography, famous Americans, cultures, goods and services, and civic life.
3	Virginia geography, Indigenous peoples, early communities, natural resources, local history, economics, and government basics.
4	Virginia history, regions, settlement, government, agriculture, industry, transportation, and change over time.
5	United States history foundations, geography, civics, early America, government principles, economics, and current community issues.

Richmond Rooted: Grade 2 studies Richmond and Virginia communities directly — connecting classroom learning to the city and neighborhoods students live in.

Grade	Writing Overview
K	Drawing, labeling, dictation, letter formation, name writing, simple words, and beginning sentences.
1	Complete sentences, short narratives, opinion pieces, informational sentences, journals, and responses to reading.
2	Paragraphs, personal narratives, informational pieces, opinion responses, field journals, and simple reports.
3	Organized paragraphs, summaries, narratives, opinion writing, nature observations, and short research.
4	Multi-paragraph responses, essays, reports, letters, science explanations, social studies summaries, and revision.
5	Essays, research reports, literary responses, speeches, narratives, field-study reports, editing, and polished drafts.

Writing as Thinking: At Forest Hill, writing is woven throughout every subject — science notebooks, field journals, reading responses, research projects, and daily communication.

Grade	Spelling Overview
K	Sound awareness, letter-sound connections, oral blending, name writing, beginning encoding, and simple CVC spelling.
1	CVC words, digraphs, blends, short vowels, glued sounds, long-vowel patterns, and high-frequency words.
2	Vowel teams, r-controlled vowels, multisyllabic words, endings, contractions, compound words, and irregular words.
3	Syllable types, prefixes, suffixes, vowel patterns, plurals, possessives, spelling generalizations, and morphology.
4	Advanced syllable patterns, Greek and Latin roots, academic vocabulary, homophones, editing, and spelling transfer into writing.
5	Morphology, word origins, roots, affixes, content vocabulary, proofreading, and spelling accuracy in independent writing.

Structured Literacy: Spelling at Forest Hill is taught systematically and explicitly, deeply connected to phonics, decoding, and reading fluency — not isolated weekly word lists.

Every Day, Rain or Shine

Outdoor Learning Is Not an Extra

Students go outside daily for recess, movement, nature observation, field journals, science, reading, writing, sketching, measurement, and community-building. Outdoor play occurs every day, including in rain and cold, unless weather creates a safety concern.

Pod	Nature Observation
K–2	Seasonal changes, plants and insects on the school grounds, weather patterns, cloud types, bird watching, soil investigation, and simple sketching from observation.
3–5	Ecosystem relationships, local wildlife, water cycles, erosion evidence, plant identification, field documentation, and connecting observations to science concepts studied in class.

Why It Matters: Builds scientific thinking, vocabulary, patience, attention to detail, and evidence-based discussion. Observation is the foundation of all science.

Pod	Field Journals
K–2	Drawing and labeling what they see outside — plants, insects, weather, animals, and the natural world. Letter formation, invented spelling, and simple sentences alongside sketches.
3–5	Detailed observational drawings with labels, written descriptions, measurement notes, species identification, and reflections that connect outdoor experience to classroom science and writing.

Why It Matters: Connects handwriting, drawing, labeling, spelling, science, writing, and reflection into one living outdoor practice.

Pod	Outdoor Math
K–2	Counting objects in nature, sorting by attributes, measuring with non-standard units, finding patterns in leaves and stones, simple geometry with sticks, and data collection outdoors.
3–5	Measuring perimeter and area of outdoor spaces, estimating distance and height, collecting and graphing real data, multi-step problems using garden measurements, and geometry in the environment.

Why It Matters: Real-world measurement, counting, patterns, shapes, data, time, distance, and area — math becomes tangible and purposeful outside.

Pod	Field Trips
K–2	Local parks, public libraries, nature centers, gardens, farms, and Richmond community spaces that connect to units on community, seasons, plants, animals, and local life.
3–5	Museums, rivers, historical sites, science centers, civic spaces, and field study destinations that extend learning in Virginia history, ecosystems, engineering, and community stewardship.

Why It Matters: Field trips extend classroom learning into parks, museums, gardens, libraries, farms, rivers, civic spaces, and local Richmond sites.

Pod	Daily Recess
K–2	Unstructured outdoor play, imaginative games, physical movement, social interaction with peers, and the freedom to explore, climb, run, and build peer relationships outside.
3–5	Active play, student-led games, collaborative problem-solving outdoors, movement between focused work blocks, and time to decompress, socialize, and return to learning refreshed.

Why It Matters: Recess supports movement, social development, self-regulation, physical health, creativity, and problem-solving. It is not optional.

Pod	Shared Spaces
K–2	Learning to care for classroom materials, outdoor tools, garden spaces, and shared areas. Putting things back, treating books and supplies with respect, and leaving spaces ready for others.
3–5	Taking real ownership of school spaces — organizing, maintaining, cleaning up after projects, and modeling responsible stewardship for younger students in the school community.

Why It Matters: Students practice ownership — cleaning, organizing, protecting materials, respecting nature, and leaving spaces better than they found them.

Enrichment

Specials: World Languages, Music & Art

Specials are organized by pod so instruction stays developmentally appropriate. They are not add-ons — they support language development, creativity, cultural awareness, fine-motor growth, confidence, and student ownership.

Pod	World Languages Overview
K–2	Songs, greetings, colors, numbers, classroom words, movement, games, simple phrases, stories, and cultural connections. The emphasis is joyful exposure, listening, speaking, and confidence.
3–5	Practical vocabulary, conversational phrases, cultural awareness, pronunciation, short written responses, and connections between Spanish, geography, music, food, art, and community life.

Why World Languages Matter: Early language exposure builds cultural awareness, phonemic sensitivity, and a foundation for fluency. World language study connects children to global communities and diverse cultures.

Pod	Music Overview
K–2	Rhythm, singing, movement, listening, instruments, patterns, call-and-response, seasonal songs, and sound as a form of expression and community.
3–5	Melody, performance, listening, musical traditions, composition basics, instruments, and the relationship between music, culture, history, and personal expression.

Why Music Matters: Music develops listening skills, pattern recognition, self-expression, coordination, cultural understanding, and the confidence that comes from performing and creating together.

Pod	Art Overview
K–2	Drawing, painting, collage, clay, nature materials, color, texture, shape, and outdoor art. Focus on creativity, fine-motor development, observation, and building confidence through making.
3–5	Drawing, painting, mixed media, design, sculpture, nature journaling, visual storytelling, critique, and portfolio development — connected to science, literature, history, and outdoor observation.

Why Art Matters: Art teaches observation, patience, problem-solving, and self-expression. At Forest Hill, art is connected to outdoor learning, field journals, and cross-curricular projects.

Assessment Philosophy

Progress Reports, Not Letter Grades

Forest Hill does not use traditional grades as the primary way to describe student learning. We believe elementary students are learning how to learn — developing skills, habits, confidence, independence, stamina, curiosity, and ownership. A single letter or number grade often does not accurately tell that story.

Forest Hill is structured, intentional, and academically serious. We simply believe that young children deserve feedback that accurately reflects growth.

Narrative Progress Reports

Teachers describe what the student is learning, where they're growing, what skills are emerging, and what next steps are needed.

Skill-Based Evidence

Reading growth, phonics skills, writing samples, math reasoning, science observations, field journals, projects, and classroom participation.

Student Work Samples

Families see actual evidence through writing, notebooks, drawings, journals, math work, presentations, and portfolios.

Conferences & Communication

Teachers communicate with families about progress, work habits, strengths, areas for growth, and next instructional steps.

Getting Ready

2026–2027 Supply List

Please label personal items with your child's name. Shared classroom supplies do not need to be labeled. Supplies may need to be replenished during the year.

Kindergarten – Grade 2

Backpack (large enough for a folder and change of clothes)
Reusable water bottle
Headphones, over-the-ear preferred; no wireless earbuds
Plastic pencil box
2 boxes of 24-count crayons & 1 pack washable markers
24 pre-sharpened #2 pencils & 8–12 glue sticks
1 pair child-safe blunt-tip scissors
2 primary composition journals or primary notebooks
2 plastic two-pocket folders
1 pack black dry-erase markers & 1 pack large erasers
1 complete change of clothes in a labeled bag

Grades 3–5

Backpack & reusable water bottle
Headphones or earbuds with standard plug
Zippered pencil pouch or pencil box
36–48 #2 pencils; no mechanical pencils preferred
Blue or black pens, colored pencils or markers, crayons
6–8 glue sticks & scissors
4–5 composition notebooks
4–5 plastic two-pocket folders
1 pack wide-ruled notebook paper & 2 highlighters
1 pack black dry-erase markers
Index cards or sticky notes

Shared Classroom Supplies — Each Student

2 boxes of facial tissues
1 large bottle of hand sanitizer
1 container of disinfecting wipes
1 roll of paper towels
1 box gallon-size resealable bags
1 pack baby wipes (especially K–2)

Please do not send: toys, permanent markers, personal electronics, or expensive supplies that cannot be shared or stored safely.

Academics at Forest Hill

Serious Academics. Joyful Learning.

The Young Explorers Program

K–2 Young Explorers Pod

3–5 Young Explorers Pod

What Students Learn, K–5

Outdoor Learning Is Not an Extra

Specials: World Languages, Music & Art

Progress Reports, Not Letter Grades

Narrative Progress Reports

Skill-Based Evidence

Student Work Samples

Conferences & Communication

Whole Child, Purposeful Learning

2026–2027 Supply List

Kindergarten – Grade 2

Grades 3–5

Shared Classroom Supplies — Each Student

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