Elementary School Curriculum
Pre-K
Kindergarten
Math
Science/Social Studies
Wit & Wisdom
The Wit & Wisdom curriculum splits each grade level into four cross-curricular modules designed by Great Minds. Every single module targets either a science concept, a social studies historical era/geographical focus, or a profound literary/art theme.
Module 1 - The 5 Senses
The Five Senses — Human biology, exploration of how sensory organs help us observe the world.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
K-LS1-1 |
Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive. |
Recognize and describe the five senses and related body parts. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.BH1.a.2 |
Understand we are individuals influenced by our relationships and environments. |
Describe how people use their senses to learn about the world. |
Module 2 - Once Upon a Farm
Once Upon a Farm — Agricultural life, farm animals, and life cycles.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
K-ESS3-1 |
Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live. |
Identify the differences among the seasons and how they affect life on the farm. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.Geog2.d.1 |
Identify and explain differences between rural and urban areas. |
Describe how farm animals help people in different ways. |
Module 3 - America, Then and Now
America, Then and Now — Historical change, American innovations, and Benjamin Franklin.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
K-2-ETS1-1 |
Ask questions, make observations, and gather information about a situation people want to change to define a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new or improved object or tool. |
Describe key details about how the topics of home, school, transportation, and communication have changed over time. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.Geog.3.b2 |
Compare and contrast the different modes of transportation and communication used by families in work and daily lives. |
Identify how aspects of life in America–specifically home life, school life, transportation, and communication–have changed. |
Module 4 - The Continents
The Continents — Global geography, diverse cultures, and physical world features.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
K-ESS3-1 |
Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live. |
Describe the different natural features, things to do, and animals on each continent. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.Geog1.b.1-2 |
Identify physical and human characteristics of a place using maps, graphs, photographs, and other representations. |
Describe the different natural features, things to do, and animals on each continent.
Demonstrate understanding of maps and their purpose. |
English/Language Arts
Kindergarten
Kindergarteners explore how we experience the world through the Five Senses, learn what makes a good story in Once Upon a Farm, discover how life has evolved in America, Then and Now, and examine global diverse cultures in The Continents.
Throughout these units, students build foundational literacy skills by learning to ask and answer questions about key details in texts, retell familiar stories, and identify main topics. They practice early writing through drawing, dictating, and writing informative and narrative pieces while building early vocabulary and phonological awareness.
Wit and Wisdom Video For Families
Video de Wit and Wisdom Para Familias
First Grade
Math
Science/Social Studies
Wit & Wisdom
The Wit & Wisdom curriculum splits each grade level into four cross-curricular modules designed by Great Minds. Every single module targets either a science concept, a social studies historical era/geographical focus, or a profound literary/art theme.
Module 1 - World of Books -
A World of Books — How literacy opens doors to different communities around the globe.
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.Geog3.a.i |
Analyze how different access to resources can create stress in a society. |
Identify and describe how people in different places get books.
Describe how books can change the lives of people around the world. |
Module 2 - Creature Features -
Creature Features — Animal body structures, survival behaviors, and biological adaptations.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
K-LS1-1 |
Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive. |
Communicate ways and reasons that people observe animals and discover new things about them. |
|
|
2-LS4-1 |
Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats. |
Describe similarities and differences among diverse animal species, citing details about features of their bodies and behaviors. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.PS1.a.K-1 |
Assess the importance of rules and laws at home, in school, and in the community. |
Explain how animals defend themselves and how people should act around animals to keep themselves and the animals safe. |
Module 3 - Powerful Forces -
Powerful Forces — Weather patterns, wind, emotions, and natural physical forces.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
2-ESS2-1 |
Compare multiple solutions designed to slow or prevent wind or water from changing the shape of the land. |
Understand that wind force varies in intensity. |
|
|
4-PS3-1 |
Use evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed of an object to the energy of that object. |
Understand that wind is a form of energy. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.BH1.b.2 |
Identify situations and places that impact a person’s emotions. |
Understand that people can experience different emotions in reaction to the same event. |
Module 4 - Cinderella Stories -
Cinderella Stories — Comparing cultural values across global versions of folklore.
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.BH3.a.2 |
Compare a belief in one culture to one in a different culture. |
Identify common elements of Cinderella stories that are shared across different cultures.
Recognize that cultures pass down stories to teach lessons and morals. |
English/Language Arts
1st Grade
First graders examine literacy and storytelling in A World of Books, investigate seasonal shifts in Creatures in Their Place, learn how animals adapt in Powerful Forces, and explore artistic expression in Cinderella Stories.
Students focus on retelling stories to demonstrate understanding of the central message, describing characters and settings, and identifying key facts in informational texts. Writing skills expand as students compose opinion pieces, informative texts, and narratives using basic sentence structures, descriptive words, and evidence gathered from shared reading.
Wit and Wisdom Video For Families
Video de Wit and Wisdom Para Familias
Second Grade
Math
Science/Social Studies
Wit & Wisdom
The Wit & Wisdom curriculum splits each grade level into four cross-curricular modules designed by Great Minds. Every single module targets either a science concept, a social studies historical era/geographical focus, or a profound literary/art theme.
Module 1 - A Season of Change -
A Season of Change — Earth science, weather shifts, and how autumn impacts ecosystems.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
2-LS2-1 |
Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow. |
Identify the impact of weather on leaves in autumn. |
|
|
2-LS4-1 |
Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats. |
Identify how changes in fall weather impact people, plants, and animals. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.BH1.a.2 |
Understand we are individuals influenced by our relationships and environments. |
Recognize how relationships can help people manage change. |
Module 2 - The American West -
The American West — Frontier life, Native American history, and westward expansion.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
K-ESS2-2 |
Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs. |
Build understanding of the interrelationship between people and nature. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.Geog2.b.2 |
Explain why people have moved to and away from their community. |
Identify the characteristics of life and challenges faced by the pioneers and Native Americans in the West. |
|
|
SS.Hist2.b.i |
Describe patterns of change over time in the community, state, and the United States. |
Recognize change over time in the West. |
Module 3 - Civil Rights Heroes -
Civil Rights Heroes — 20th-century U.S. history, injustice, and activism (featuring Martin Luther King Jr. and Ruby Bridges).
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.PS2.a.i |
Summarize the actions of people and groups that have advanced civil rights for individuals. |
Identify leaders who fought against segregation. |
|
|
SS.PS2c.4-5 |
Critique instances where groups have been denied access to power and rights and any law or customs that have altered these instances.
Summarize how people organize to gain a greater voice to impact and change their communities. |
Understand the Civil Rights Movement in the United States and the changes that resulted.
Recognize how people responded to injustices in the United States–fighting with words (speeches, songs, literature) and with actions (protests and petitions to change laws). |
Module 4 - Good Eating -
Good Eating — Human anatomy, digestive health, nutrition, and lifestyle science.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
4-LS1-1 |
Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction. |
Understand the process of digestion and the specific function of some organs. |
|
|
K-LS1-1 |
Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive. |
Conceptualize that food gives our bodies the nutrients that we need to live. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.Econ4.a.2 |
Hypothesize how a good gets to the local community market. |
Identify the steps in the process of growing food (on a small and large farm). |
English/Language Arts
2nd Grade
Second graders discover the impact of changing weather in Season to Season, investigate nutrition and health in Good Eating, explore the history and significance of The American West, and learn about civic engagement in Civil Rights Heroes.
Students develop independence in reading by analyzing text structure, comparing different versions of similar stories, and determining the main purpose of informational texts. They enhance their writing by crafting well-structured paragraphs, using transition words, conducting simple research projects, and applying expanded vocabulary in context.
Wit and Wisdom Video For Families
Video de Wit and Wisdom Para Familias
Third Grade
Math
Science/Social Studies
Wit & Wisdom
The Wit & Wisdom curriculum splits each grade level into four cross-curricular modules designed by Great Minds. Every single module targets either a science concept, a social studies historical era/geographical focus, or a profound literary/art theme.
Module 1 - The Sea -
The Sea — Maritime history, ocean preservation, oceanography, and human interaction with the sea.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
3-LS4-3 |
Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well, and some cannot survive at all. |
Explain how scientists observe the ocean carefully to learn more about it.
Explain why squids and sharks are important to the sea’s ecosystem. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.BH4.a.i |
Classify technologies based on intended use, access, and design, and how they might change people’s lives (for better or worse). |
Explain how people develop technology to solve problems. |
Module 2 - Outer Space -
Outer Space — Astronomy, the solar system, lunar exploration, and the physics of space.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
3-5-ETS1-2 |
Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. |
Explain how people learn about space and how scientists adapt to the challenges of space. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.Hist3.b.i |
Identify different historical perspectives regarding people and events in the past. |
Learn about Apollo 11, the first successful effort to put people on the moon. |
Module 3 - A New Home -
A New Home — Immigration history, Ellis Island, and the cultural tapestry of America.
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.BH3.a.5 |
Investigate how interpretations of similarities and differences between and among cultures may lead to understandings or misunderstandings. |
Understand the diversity of traditions immigrants bring with them.
Understand the challenges immigrants face. |
|
|
SS.Geog2.b.5 |
Investigate push and pull factors of movement in their community, state, country, and world. |
Gain an overview of immigration history in the United States. |
Module 4 - Artists Make Art -
Artists Making Art — Creative expression, biography of famous artists, and artistic movements.
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.Hist2.c.i |
Analyze individuals, groups, and events to understand why their contributions are important to historical change or continuity. |
Understand that learning about artists and their work helps us gain insight into our society and culture. |
English/Language Arts
3rd Grade
Third graders study ocean life and oceanographers in The Sea, explore human curiosity in Outer Space, build empathy through A New Home (examining immigrant experiences), and learn how creators express themselves in Artists Make Art.
Literacy instruction emphasizes reading comprehension through determining central messages, analyzing character motivations, and distinguishing their own point of view from an author's. In writing, students practice structuring multi-paragraph essays (opinion, informative, and narrative), supporting claims with text evidence, and using academic vocabulary.
Wit and Wisdom Video For Families
Video de Wit and Wisdom Para Familias
Fourth Grade
Math
Science/Social Studies
Wit & Wisdom
The Wit & Wisdom curriculum splits each grade level into four cross-curricular modules designed by Great Minds. Every single module targets either a science concept, a social studies historical era/geographical focus, or a profound literary/art theme.
Module 1 - A Great Heart -
A Great Heart — Physical circulatory anatomy alongside literary profiles of emotional heroism.
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
4-LS1-1 |
Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction. |
Explain what makes the human heart “great” and healthy. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.Inq5.a.i |
Explore opportunities for personal or collaborative civic engagement with community, school, state, tribal, national, and/or global implications. |
Identify people who have a figurative great heart because they are generous, courageous, or heroic. |
Module 2 - Extreme Settings -
Extreme Settings — Geography, geology, and how humans survive in harsh climates (like islands and mountains).
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
4-ESS3-2 |
Generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans. |
Identify how adverse weather, rugged terrain, wild animals, and other natural elements can make a setting challenging. |
Module 3 - The Redcoats are Coming -
The Redcoats Are Coming! — The American Revolution told from both British and American perspectives.
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.Hist3.b.i |
Identify different historical perspectives regarding people and events in the past. |
Recognize that multiple perspectives existed on events related to the American Revolution and impact our understanding of the conflict. |
|
|
SS.PS2.c.4-5 |
Critique instances where groups have been denied access to power and rights, and any law or customs that have altered these instances.
Summarize how people organize to gain a greater voice to impact and change their communities. |
Describe how taxes, housing British soldiers, and the control of freedoms led to the American Revolution by the American colonists against the British government.
Explain how American Patriots demonstrated an unwavering strength and spirit despite horrific conditions and terrible odds to defeat the most powerful army in the world. |
Module 4 - Myth Making -
Myth Making — The origins of ancient explanations for natural phenomena (stars, earthquakes, seasons).
Science
|
NGSS Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
4-ESS1-1 |
Identify evidence from patterns in rock formations and fossils in rock layers to support an explanation for changes in a landscape over time. |
Explain how people from different cultures used myths and stories to understand unexplained aspects of the natural world. |
Social Studies
|
DPI Std Number |
Standard |
W&W Knowledge Connection |
|
|
SS.BH2.b.4.m |
Model how individuals learn the elements of their culture through interactions with others, and how individuals learn of other cultures through communication, travel, and study. |
Explain how similarities and differences in how myths from different cultures teach similar lessons. |
English/Language Arts
4th Grade
Fourth graders investigate unique creatures and environments in A Great Heart, analyze resilience during The Redcoats Are Coming (American Revolution), study extreme weather events in Extreme Settings, and explore how mythologies shape culture in Myth Making.
Students learn to deeply analyze literature and informational texts by citing explicit evidence, determining themes, summarizing text, and comparing firsthand and secondhand accounts. Writing focuses on organizing ideas clearly around a thesis, developing arguments with facts and details, and editing for precise language and grammar.