Elementary curriculum ensures that every student in grades one through five receives the same core educational elements. State boards of education typically craft the curriculum for all public school systems. Private schools institute similar guidelines. A student attending a poor rural school therefore receives the same quality of instruction as a student in an affluent suburb. The standardization process then continues into middle and high schools.
Curriculum forms the building blocks of education at all grade levels. For the elementary grades, curriculum usually consists of the most fundamental material. Educators place the greatest emphasis on the core subject areas of reading, writing, mathematics and science. Other subjects, such as the arts and foreign languages, also receive attention. The ultimate goal of elementary curriculum is to produce well-rounded students, capable of performing to expectations at the middle grades. Some districts and states perform testing to ensure that students master the curriculum.
Elementary school curricula encourage a rich learning environment that caters to all learning styles and ability levels. Younger students thrive on stimulation and variety, and educators must take this into account as they implement the curriculum standards of their districts. Students at any age level become bored with repetition and routine. It's essential that teachers and counselors form connections with each student. Testing and homework assignments alone are not enough to gauge a young student's progress.
Elementary curriculum extends beyond rote learning of a few key subjects. A major objective of elementary instruction is to teach children how to learn and adapt to new situations. The skill of critical thinking must be instilled as early as possible. The social development of the child is likewise an important aspect of elementary curriculum. Teachers integrate group exercises and field trips into the instructional process whenever possible and often teach the same lesson in a variety of ways.