The Elementary Curriculum provides a strong foundation in language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. Specialists provide instruction in art, music and physical education. Spanish and Mandarin are introduced in Grade1, with students in grade 2 – 5 receiving instruction in one of these languages every other day. Technology, health and environmental education are integrated throughout the curriculum.
The curriculum is standards based and is supported by the use of best instructional practices and research based resources.
Language Arts is taught through a balanced literacy approach that integrates reading, writing, listening, speaking, word study and handwriting.
The youngest students are actively engaged in a print rich environment as they develop their oral language, interact with books and express themselves in pictures and words in a meaningful way. Building on each child’s prior knowledge develops literacy skills step by step.
Using a variety of quality literature and leveled texts, students learn to decode, develop comprehension strategies and become independent readers with an increasing degree of complexity as they develop at their own rate. They reflect on their reading, ask questions and learn about authors’ craft that then supports their own writing. All students acquire the skills to read and interpret informational text, learn to develop their own questions and use the research process.
Writing engages students in meaningful tasks that provide reasons for children to communicate their ideas on paper. Using the writing process students at all levels develop their pieces and their proficiency through guided instruction and modeling, exploring good examples and sharing and reflecting on their own work. They have the opportunities to write in many different genres. The 6+1 Traits writing framework is used to ensure a common vision of what ’good’ writing looks like. The 6+1 traits, ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions and presentation, also facilitate the assessment of the students’ writing as they grow as writers.
Word study explores the meaning, structure and origin of words to develop life long spelling strategies and build vocabulary.
Mathematics instruction is based on well-defined standards and best practice. The primary resource is Everyday Mathematics supplemented by a variety of other resources that support, enhance and extend the learning experience for students. The aim is to develop a deep understanding of math concepts while ensuring computational proficiency, strategic competency and a positive attitude towards mathematics. The connection to real-world application is explicit.
The instruction is a balance of direct instruction, hands-on exploration, open-ended projects and on-going practice. Students get opportunities to work in groups, pairs and individually. Throughout students are encouraged to explain and discuss their mathematical thinking and use technology appropriately.
Science and Social Studies are taught through units. Each year students will have 2 or 3 units of science and 2 or 3 units of social studies. These units are developed around big ideas relating to biological, physical and earth sciences, geography, history and society, health and the environment. Through hands-on experiences, structured inquiry, questioning to reach higher levels of thinking, research and use of the rich local environment, students develop an understanding and appreciation of the world around them. Some units incorporate field trips.
Students in grades 2 – 5 receive instruction in Spanish or Mandarin if they are native speakers of English, or function at that level. Students learn through a variety of oral and written activities, reading and creating stories. In addition to learning the language they look at the perspectives, practices and contributions of the cultures. During Grade 1 students are exposed to both languages.
Visual arts, music and physical education are taught by specialist teachers in Prep senior – Grade 5 on a rotating schedule. Students receive 45-minute classes of PE every other day and art & music twice within the 6 day schedule.
In art, students work with a variety of media, techniques and processes. They are introduced to an array of artists as they learn about the themes and purposes of art, art as a form of communication, the connections to history & culture and how people make judgments about art.
Music offers multiple opportunities for students to develop singing skills and learn to play instruments. Students participate in performances, compose and arrange music and come to understand the place of music in history and culture. In 5th grade, students can join the band and learn to play an instrument of their choice.
Through a variety of activities offered in the PE program, students develop their motor skills, come to understand the importance of physical activity and enhance their social behavior. There are opportunities for challenge, self-expression, social interaction and a lot of fun. Swimming and water safety skills are taught at each grade. Parts of the health curriculum are integrated into PE.
Supported by technology teachers, technology is integrated into all areas of the curriculum. Classroom teachers have Smart Boards with digital overhead projectors. Laptops are available for Grade 4 & 5. Grades 1 to 3 have desktop computers in their common areas. Video and digital cameras are available as needed.
The library is a vibrant place where students enjoy visiting. It is well stocked and the collection is constantly expanded. Students in the lower grades have weekly scheduled library lessons with their teachers for stories, library skill lessons, and book check out times. Upper grade students can check books out as time allows and teachers schedule lessons on a variety of library and research topics to support various aspects of the curriculum.
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