Elementary Sample Week

Theme: Maps & Meals
Focus: Reading for information, clear writing, number sense and measurement, science observation, and two life skills (kitchen safety + basic mapping).
Weekly outcomes:

• Read a short nonfiction text and pull key facts.
  
  

• Write one how-to piece with steps and transition words.
  
  

• Compare numbers and measure length/volume with appropriate units.
  
  

• Observe and record sun/shadow or weather patterns.
  
  

• Follow kitchen safety rules and prepare a simple snack.
  
  

• Use a paper map/compass cues to identify directions and landmarks.
  
  

• Capture learning in a simple portfolio (photos, notes, one reflection).
  
  

At-a-Glance Daily Rhythm (flexible times)

• 9:00 Morning Meeting & SEL
  
  

• 9:20 Literacy (Reading/Writing)
  
  

• 10:10 Math
  
  

• 10:50 Snack & Movement Break
  
  

• 11:05 Science or Social Studies
  
  

• 11:35 Life-Skills Workshop (Mon/Thu) or Fieldwork (Wed)
  
  

• 12:05 Lunch & Outdoor Play
  
  

• 12:40 Project Lab
  
  

• 1:40 Read-Aloud & Quiet Reading
  
  

• 2:00 Choice Centers / Clean-up / Share
  
  

• 2:30 Dismiss
  
  

Tip: swap blocks as needed; keep movement every 30–40 minutes for younger learners.

Monday - Kickoff: Our Community & Kitchen Safety

Literacy: Read a short nonfiction page on “What is a community?” Identify 3 key facts.
Writing: Quick write “Places in my neighborhood” with 3–5 sentences.
Math: Place value warm-up; compare numbers using <, >, =.
Science/SS: Map symbols mini-lesson; draw a simple “my street” sketch.
Life Skills Workshop: Kitchen rules, hand-washing, knife safety with butter knife; label stove/oven hazards.
Project Lab: Create a Family Recipe Card template with ingredient list and tools.
Read-Aloud: A picture book about neighborhoods or cooking.
Portfolio Artifact: Photo of safety poster + recipe card start.

Tuesday - How-To Writing & Measurement

Literacy: Text features hunt (headings, captions, diagrams) in a kid encyclopedia page.
Writing: “How to make a fruit yogurt parfait” using transition words (first/next/then/finally).
Math: Non-standard to standard measurement; measure classroom items in cm/in.
Science: Observe sun and shadow at two times; start a 3-day shadow log.
Life Skill (short): Read a grocery label; identify serving size and ingredients.
Project Lab: Measure cups/tablespoons; practice leveling dry ingredients with a straight edge.
Read-Aloud: Short nonfiction on healthy snacks.
Portfolio Artifact: How-to draft + measurement photos.

Wednesday - Fieldwork & Mapping Without GPS

Literacy: Sequence a short informational passage (cut-and-sort).
Math: Add/subtract lengths; word problems using route distances.
Fieldwork (nearby walk or yard): Identify N/E/S/W using sun position and a simple compass; list two landmarks. Safety brief first.
Science: Weather journal entry (temp, clouds, wind).
Project Lab: Draw a Paper Map of Today’s Walk with a simple legend and two landmarks.
Read-Aloud: Explorer/way-finding themed chapter or picture book.
Portfolio Artifact: Map with legend + weather entry.
Note: If you can’t go outside, use a floor-tape route indoors.

Thursday - Fractions in Recipes & Simple Snack Prep

Literacy: Read a kid recipe; identify materials vs steps.
Writing: Revise Tuesday’s how-to with a diagram or photos.
Math: Fractions with measuring cups (1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4).
Science: Changes in matter: solids, liquids, mixing; predict and observe.
Life Skills Workshop: Prepare the parfait or a no-cook snack (safety: adult handles sharp tools). Practice cleanup routine.
Project Lab: Cost out ingredients per serving using a simple list (older students compute unit price).
Read-Aloud: Food/science tie-in.
Portfolio Artifact: Photo sequence of snack prep + cost notes.

Friday - Showcase & Reflection

Literacy: Reading circle: share one new fact from the week’s texts.
Writing: Reflection: “This week I learned to… Next week I want to…”
Math: Mixed practice: compare numbers, measure one object, fraction quick check.
Science/SS: Finish shadow log; compare Day 1 vs Day 3.
Project Lab: Assemble a Mini Showcase: recipe card, map, photo(s), and one caption.
Share & Celebrate: Students present one artifact.
Portfolio Artifact: Mini showcase page (printed or digital).

Materials for the Week

• Picture books/nonfiction pages on community, food, and maps
  
  

• Measuring tape/ruler, measuring cups/spoons, mixing bowl, safe utensils
  
  

• Chart paper or whiteboard, sticky notes, crayons/markers
  
  

• Simple compass (or compass app for demo), paper maps/printouts
  
  

• Ingredients for no-cook snack (e.g., yogurt, fruit, granola)
  
  

• Camera/phone for photos (optional)
  
  

• Safety: soap, towels, sanitizing wipes; adult supervision for any cutting
  
  

Differentiation (multi-age)

• Younger (6–7): sentence frames, picture-supported vocabulary, non-standard measurement, traceable map icons.
  
  

• Older (8–10): paragraph writing with transition words, compute unit price from two package sizes, add a scale and distance estimate to maps.
  
  

Assessment & Portfolio

• Checklists for safety rules, map elements (title, legend, landmarks, N arrow), and how-to structure.
  
  

• Quick math exit tickets (compare numbers, measure length, identify fractions).
  
  

• Portfolio entries: recipe card, map with legend, photo of snack prep, reflection paragraph.
  
  

Home Connection (optional)

• Family walk: find three landmarks and draw a quick route map.
  
  

• Read a food label together; compare two sizes/prices.
  
  

• Help prep one snack at home using the classroom safety rules.
  
  

Safety Notes

• Cooking activities remain no-cook or use only child-safe tools unless a trained adult manages heat/sharp tools.
  
  

• Fieldwork stays on familiar routes with clear boundaries and headcounts.