Primary Years

The Kindergarten program at Seven Peaks focuses on the whole child. Our aim is to prepare each child academically, socially and emotionally for their school career. We are sensitive to the student’s individual needs while having high, clear expectations.  We take the time to learn about each child’s diverse worlds and incorporate their interests and knowledge into our lesson planning. As a result, students grow into stronger readers, writers, and mathematical thinkers. Additionally, our IB learner profile traits encourage students to be successful learners and responsible citizens.

The Kindergarten PYP program provides a strong foundation in core subjects including literacy, math, science and social studies. These subjects are taught in thematic units that are hands-on, student led, and differentiated based on readiness and experience. They are also taught in interdisciplinary projects that incorporate real world skills and examples with a global perspective. During all academic advancement, we foster school readiness through teacher modeling, Flourish discussions, targeted literature, and counselor led social-emotional curriculum. We strive for all students to feel successful, valued, and capable. We do this while remembering that students learn the best through play and while having fun!

Visual Arts: The Kindergarten school year begins with lessons and activities which introduce the students to the basics of color, line, texture, shape and form. As the year progresses, they begin to put this learning into practice as they experiment with a variety of mediums and learn about specific artists who have used these mediums. During the year, we collaborate with the core classroom during the Sharing The Planet IB Unit and look at how there are many cultures in this world that practice many different art forms.

Performing Arts: The program will follow the Units of Inquiry, using drama to help express different elements, such as communities, cultures, change-makers, forces, etc. Kindergarten will work towards a performance.

PE: Students will learn to work safely, efficiently and effectively as they develop their locomotor, manipulative and movement skills.  They will learn about the components of fitness and rules to various games as they work independently, with partners and in small sided group activities.  Cooperative play and team building skills will also be a focus in PE. 

Spanish: The students will learn vocabulary (emotions/feelings, numbers, colors, parts of the body etc…). Kindergarteners will be able to express simple sentences, and make and answer simple questions through games, songs, and having fun while they are learning. The goal is for students to also learn in Spanish some of the topics that they are learning in their core classes, implanting IB in Spanish lessons. 

Students complete a hands-on summative task at the end of each of our four major Units of Inquiry. Each task aims to capture student understanding while offering various learning engagements that motivate students from a variety of learning styles and backgrounds. These summative tasks include; creating a mini community, role playing influential change-makers, inventing their own simple machines, and creating posters for our school on leading a healthy lifestyle.

In Kindergarten we aim to provide a rich array of experiences for our students. We have established guest speakers and field trips that coordinate with each of our four major IB units as well as seasonal trips in the spring and fall. In the fall we visit the Smith Rock Pumpkin Patch where we explore the petting zoo, corn maize, and select our own mini pumpkins. In the spring, students create field journals that are later used on a walking excursion to the river and surrounding trails. Students learn to work as a group, communicate with their peers and teachers, as well as notice and observe their local surroundings. 

Some examples of our IB unit experiences include; performing a play with BEAT Children’s Theater, a virtual field trip with OMSI about Force and Motion, and cooking healthy meals with a private chef. In kindergarten we understand that students learn by doing and we value hands-on experiences whenever possible.

Math:  In first grade we work on developing understanding of addition, subtraction, and a variety of strategies to use them.  Furthermore, we explore whole number relationships, place value, units of measure and geometric reasoning.  REgardless of the student’s ability level, challenges can be presented to demonstrate and articulate reasoning and thinking behind solutions to problems.

Reading:  Modelling off of the common core, and recognizing that literacy has many layers, all students in first grade learn foundational skills in reading for decoding, and then transition into reading for meaning and making sense of text.  A major portion of this is realized through both oral and written expression to craft responses to texts and prompts across subjects that show an understanding of concepts and ideas.

SEL:  Students in first grade realize and appreciate the importance of peers and interpersonal relationships of peers.  Working with classmates we frequently explore our feelings and emotions and learn to become reflective practitioners and understand how and why some experiences were positive or negative, and how they can be improved in the future.

Science:  Students will study animals and their traits, the making of light and sound, and patterns in the sky relating to the solar system and constellations.

Visual Arts: In 1st grade the students move from a basic understanding of the elements to learning what happens with regards to the elements of art. Students begin to understand how the elements of line and shape, for example, play into the larger pieces of art and begin to interact with each other. They are introduced to a variety of artists who have been challenged in their work and often resisted, but made a difference in how art is seen. We connect with the classroom IB Unit, How We Express Ourselves, to create art around our own unique place in this world through family connections.

Performing Arts: The program will follow the Units of Inquiry, using drama to help express different elements, such as stories with morals, observing nature, scientific inquiries into light, etc. 1st Grade will work towards a performance.

PE: Students will learn to work safely, efficiently and effectively as they develop their locomotor, manipulative and movement skills.  They will learn about the components of fitness and rules to various games as they work independently, with partners and in small sided group activities.  Cooperative play and team building skills will also be a focus in PE. 

Spanish:  1^st graders will learn vocabulary (calendar vocabulary, feelings, numbers, parts of the body, family members, etc…) By the end of the year students will be able to express and make questions about their feelings, needs and interests using simple sentences all this through games, songs and having fun while they are learning. The goal is for students to also learn in Spanish some of the topics that they are learning in their classes with their teachers implanting IB in Spanish lessons.

These are a few examples of the types of action projects done in 1st grade:

IB learner Profile Badge Boards:  “Camp 1st Grade” has the opportunity to earn a badge for each of the 10 IB Learner profile Traits.  We as a class and PYP get an introduction to each profile trait--then students write or orally explain what that trait means to them, while setting a goal of what they can do to demonstrate that specific trait.  At the end of each month students reflect and write to try and earn a badge for themselves.

These are a few examples of the class experiences done in 1st grade:

In partnering with the Environmental Center and OSU Cascades outdoor ed program, we work on team building skills at Skyliners Lodge.

In a unit about storytelling, students will learn about the night sky, constellations and myths.  Heading to the design lab, they will create their own constellation (that lights up!) and write their own myth about it.

Language Arts: In Language Arts we will explore complex phonics patterns and grammar rules. While reading, we will experience multiple genres of text through book clubs and read alouds. Students will produce several types of writing including, personal narratives, opinion pieces, and informational books. We will also take a few weeks in the Spring to have fun with poetry.

Math: In Math we will become experts in addition and subtraction as we build towards multiple digit addition and subtraction with and without regrouping. We have a really fun measurement unit based on the book Measuring Penny, by Loreen Leedy. Second Grade math helps to lay the foundation for multiplication and division.

Science: In Second Grade we take a deep look at earth and physical sciences. Our units focus on concepts such as properties matter, water as a resource and necessity, and geographical changes.

Social Studies: In Second Grade we examine how culture shapes communities, beliefs and values can be expressed through the arts and how economics systemes affect our daily lives. Several action projects that address community needs will help bring our learning to life.

Visual Arts: In 2nd grade,  the students move from a basic understanding of the elements to learning what happens with regards to the elements of art. Students begin to understand how the elements of line and shape, for example, play into the larger pieces of art and begin to interact with each other. They are introduced to a variety of artists who have been challenged in their work and often resisted, but made a difference in how art is seen. We connect with the core classroom IB Unit, How We Express Ourselves, looking at how artists have expressed themselves through the visual arts and how the students can do so as well.

Performing Arts: The program will follow the Units of Inquiry, using drama to help express different elements, such as scientific inquiries into water, culture and history, different ways to tell stories, etc. 2nd Grade will work towards a performance.

PE: Students will learn to work safely, efficiently and effectively as they develop their locomotor, manipulative and movement skills.  They will learn about the components of fitness and rules to various games as they work independently, with partners and in small sided group activities.  Cooperative play and team building skills will also be a focus in PE. 

Spanish: 2^nd graders will learn vocabulary (calendar vocabulary, feelings, numbers, parts of the body, family members, parts of the house, professions and occupations, etc…). By the end of the year students will be able to express and make questions about their feelings, needs and interests using simple sentences and also describe physical characteristics about themselves and others, all this through games, songs and having fun while they are learning. The goal is for students to also learn in Spanish some of the topics that they are learning in their classes with their teachers implanting IB in Spanish lessons. 

These are a few examples of the types of action projects done in 2nd grade:

Several of our units center around local history and features. We plan to take advantage of our community resources to make strong connections to our learning. Additionally, we will have several guest speakers in class that really helped expand our thinking. Second grade students also have the opportunity to participate in a 4 week session of drama classes with BEAT Children’s Theater.

These are a few examples of the class experiences done in 2nd Grade:

Second Graders participate in a community service project. We help to raise funds for Meals on Wheels, and we hope to do another community project this year that is inspired by our learning and adventures. Stay tuned for details.

Math: Students take a large step in math this year, as they will be diving into the new topics of multiplication and division, fractions, and area and perimeter. They also solidify their understanding of rounding, place value, time, measurement, and geometry.

Reading: Third graders will continue to improve their fluency and decoding skills while reading, as well as grow their vocabulary. They will read several different types of books throughout the year, and practice many reading and comprehension strategies to better understand and analyze the various texts that they read.

Writing: There are four types of writing that will be developed throughout the year: personal narratives, fictional narratives, opinion pieces, and informational reports. They will more thoroughly develop their use of introductions, conclusions, linking words, dialogue, and research skills.

Science: Many interesting scientific concepts will be researched and explored this year. Animals will be looked at extensively, through looking at life cycles, hereditary traits, and habitats. Weather and climate will be monitored all year long via the in-class Ambient Weather Station. Hands-on activities will be used to experience the wonders of magnets and other forces. 

Social Studies: Students will learn all about how the economy and businesses work within a community and the world, as well as the workings and responsibilities of their local government. A closer look will be taken at the local geography, natural resources, and history of migration within Oregon. The concept of migration and human development will also be viewed through an international lens.

Visual Arts: In 3rd grade students continue to grow in understanding how the elements of art interact with each other in a piece of art. They are challenged to grow in their skill with the various materials used in the classroom such as paint and clay. We collaborate with the core classroom on the IB Unit, Where We Are in Place and Time and look at both art through the ages and artists who have had to face and rise above unique ethnic challenges.

Performing Arts: The program will follow the Units of Inquiry, using drama to help express different elements, such as inspiring people from history, scientific inquiries into forces, developing their own stories, etc. 3rd Grade will work towards a performance that they will co-create.

PE: Students will learn to work safely, efficiently and effectively as they develop their locomotor, manipulative and movement skills.  They will learn about the components of fitness and rules to various games as they work independently, with partners and in small sided group activities.  Cooperative play and team building skills will also be a focus in PE. 

Spanish: 3^rd graders will learn vocabulary (calendar vocabulary, feelings, numbers, parts of the body, family members, parts of the house, professions and occupations, etc…) by the end of the year students will be able to express and make questions about their feelings, needs and interests using simple sentences and also describe physical characteristics about themselves and others, all this through games, songs and having fun while they are learning. The goal is for students to also learn in Spanish some of the topics that they are learning in their classes with their teachers implanting IB in Spanish lessons. 

These are a few examples of the types of action projects done in 3rd grade:

Influential Person Project: Through the inquiry of Who We Are, students learn more about themselves and about important people in history. Students will thoroughly research an influential person of their choice, and then perform a short skit or presentation sharing the knowledge they learned throughout their research.

These are a few examples of the class experiences done in 3rd grade:

High Desert Museum: The High Desert Museum offers many educational opportunities for students, and will be one, potentially two, of the trips taken over the year. When visiting, students have the opportunity to learn more about science and social studies. During the science trip, they will learn more about the life and habitats of their local wildlife. During the social studies trip, they will learn more about the history of the local Native American tribes, the settlers in the area, and how they survived in the High Desert.

Math: Our new math curriculum is Dimensions Math (Singapore Math). 

Fourth-grade math builds on the information learned in previous grades and adds more complexity, especially with regard to fractions and decimals. Your 4th grader will learn to:

• Interpret information in a graph.

• Use data to make a graph.

• Compare large numbers.

• Multiplication.

• Multiply three- and four-digit numbers including numbers with zero.

• Find common multiples.

• Understand prime and composite numbers.

• Divide larger numbers.

• Divide when there is a zero in the quotient.

• Estimate quotients and mentally divide.

• Understand improper fractions and mixed numbers.

• Reduce fractions.

• Add and subtract fractions.

• Read and write decimals.

• Convert decimals to fractions and fractions to decimals.

• Round decimals.

• Be able to place decimals on a number line.

• Accurately measure length, weight, capacity and temperature in both customary and metric units.

• Add and subtract time and money.

• Understand lines and rays, angles, lines, polygons and the area of rectangle.

• Solve multi-step word problems.

Reading: In 4th grade, the students will be reading longer chapter books and lots of non-fiction text.  The Lucy Calkins Reading Units of study are utilized. We will focus on:

• Using more advanced reading comprehension strategies to understand text, including making inferences, determining the main idea, and identifying key details.

• Synthesize information from two texts.

• Support analytical thinking with specific examples from the text.

• Summarize information.

• Interpret information from charts, images, videos, timelines and diagrams.

• Compare and contrast information read.

• Proficiently read at grade level four in both fiction and nonfiction texts.

• Learn new vocabulary words using context clues.

Writing: In 4th grade the Lucy Calkins Units of Study in Opinion, Information, and Narrative Writing are used.  The students write narrative, persuasive and informative pieces. Organization and elaboration of ideas are a major part of the writing curriculum.

Science: Our 4th grade IB science units cover: electricity, human body systems, steps of the scientific method and Earth science 

Social Studies: Our 4th grade IB social studies units cover: Oregon history (The Oregon Trail and Native Americans of Oregon), forms of government, map skills.

Performing Arts: The program will follow the Units of Inquiry, using drama to help express different elements, such as beliefs and values, awareness about the environment, musical-inspired expression, etc. 4th Grade will work towards the biggest ES performance of the school year, co-creating all elements of the play.

Visual Arts: In 4th more technique is taught as student’s skill grows and they are faced with the challenge of bringing their learning of the art elements into their own unique pieces and evaluating how who they are plays into the art they create. They are introduced to more advanced techniques in each of the mediums and challenged to evaluate their work and others when it comes to things such as composition, color schemes, and meeting the criteria set forth for a particular assignment. We collaborate specifically with the IB Unit How the World Works, both exploring light, color and energy and looking at how they play out in visual arts.

PE: Strength and Conditioning I (Power bands, lightweights, circuit training, Yoga I, power walking and jogging)

Team Sports I: (Basketball, Hockey, Team Handball, Softball, Soccer, Football, Lacrosse, Baseball and Volleyball)

In-door Games: (Goal Ball, Cage Ball, Wiffleball, Sideline Basketball and International Kickball)

Individual Sports: (Track & Field, Project Adventure I, Badminton I)

Spanish: The goal in 4th/5th grade is for the activities to represent a challenge for the students' level of Spanish. Grammar activities will be implemented where the students will learn the origin and correct use of expressions and sentences. By the end of the year students will be able to express interests, needs and feelings in a higher level. They will also improve their understanding, listening, writing and reading. We will also be pair some Spanish lessons with some of the topics that they are learning in their classes with their core teachers.

These are a few examples of the types of action projects done in 4th grade:

Energy Projects: Students create prototypes in the Design Lab using electricity.  Wires, batteries, soldering, circuits, light bulbs, switches  and more will be used. All inventions must meet a need of a family member.

Oregon Trail: Create wagons in the Design Lab, become immersed in your Oregon Trail character, will you make it to Oregon?

Heart Dissection with Mr. Kopish: During our human body unit, we will dissect sheep hearts with our beloved 7/8th grade science teacher, Mr. Kopish

These are a few examples of the class experiences done in 4th grade:

Newberry National Volcanic Monument: In September, the fourth grade class visits the Lava Lands Visitor Center at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Rangers will help orient the class to the Monument using a 3D topographic map. The class also: visits an art interpretive exhibit on area geologic and cultural history,  views a film, walks the Trail of Molten Land and the Trail of the Whispering Pines,attends a ranger talk, goes to the top of Lava Butte for a spectacular view of Central Oregon. During this field trip we also visit the Lava River Caves. Lava River Cave, also part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, offers self-guided exploration of a mile-long lava tube. The Cave was one of the first lava tubes to be discovered in Oregon and is the longest one in the state. This year the caves are closed for maintenance and the forest service is still deciding if lava lands is open for field trips.

OMSI: In the Spring the 4th grade class usually attends an OMSI overnight camp.  Either in Portland or the Camp Hancock Field station in Fossil, Oregon.  The ZooSnooze at the Portland Zoo is also an option.  All of these field trips are dependent on COVID.

Touchmark Visits: Monthly visits to Touchmark to meet with our senior buddies. 

 

Math:  We have brand new research based curriculum from Singapore Math!  Our new 5th grade materials cover place value, expressions, operations, measurement, fractions, geometry and more!  Math will often be taught in distinct lessons , but it will also be incorporated in a cross curricular way during projects.

Reading: Kids will read a variety of genres (historical fiction, realistic fiction, nonfiction, fantasy) that link directly into our transdisciplinary themes.  For example, our unit on immigration involves a realistic fiction novel exemplifying issues associated with current immigration AND we also read a historical fiction novel about some of the first exploratory immigrants that initially populated North America.  Simultaneously, we will also be working on a variety of comprehension and vocabulary building activities.

Science: In 5th grade students will learn about responsible stewardship of the Earth by studying earth spheres, biomes, and the interdependence of organisms. They will also explore the states of matter, develop scientific models, and demonstrate chemical reactions. Finally we will investigate the solar system.

Social Studies: 5th graders will have a diverse examination of exploration; ranging from the new world to modern migrants. Additionally they will examine the origins of our government through focusing a variety of perspectives. Finally, students will end the school year by researching and presenting on a global issue of their choice.

Visual Arts: In Fifth grade, more technique is taught as student’s skill grows and they are faced with the challenge of bringing their learning of the art elements into their own unique pieces and evaluating how who they are plays into the art they create. They are introduced to more advanced techniques in each of the mediums and challenged to evaluate their work and others when it comes to things such as composition, color schemes, and meeting the criteria set forth for a particular assignment. This final year of PYP ends with an exhibition in which all the different disciplines are brought together. The students create an art piece which speaks to how they see themselves within their social context and the issues they face as a result.

PE: Strength and Conditioning I (Power bands, lightweights, circuit training, Yoga I, power walking and jogging)

Team Sports I: (Basketball, Hockey, Team Handball, Softball, Soccer, Football, Lacrosse, Baseball and Volleyball)

In-door Games: (Goal Ball, Cage Ball, Wiffleball, Sideline Basketball and International Kickball)

Individual Sports: (Track & Field, Project Adventure I, Badminton I)

Design: As 5th grade is the last grade of the Primary Years Program, they are working to gain independence in tools such as the Cricut, some power tools, and the 3D printer before entering into the Middle Years Program. 

Band: Fifth grade students participate in Band as their required Performing Art course.  Students choose and begin to learn how to play their instrument.  We strive to advance all students to be confident players on their instruments while playing through Method Book One as far as we can as an ensemble.  

This group will perform concerts and learn to play concert pieces at the Grade 1/2 to Grade 1

Grade 1 level in band repertoire.   Students are always so proud of their progress through learning, playing and performing. 

Students need to be able to support each other and work together as a group to be a successful ensemble.

Spanish: The goal in 4th/5th grade is for the activities to represent a challenge for the students' level of Spanish. Grammar activities will be implemented where the students will learn the origin and correct use of expressions and sentences. By the end of the year students will be able to express interests, needs and feelings in a higher level. They will also improve their understanding, listening, writing and reading. We will also be pair some Spanish lessons with some of the topics that they are learning in their classes with their core teachers.

These are a few examples of the types of action projects done in 5th grade:

Most of our bigger assessments will involve projects designed to allow kids to show their understanding in a variety of ways.  For example, kids might be designing immigration games, creating atomic models, demonstrating chemical reactions, and reciting poetry in order to show what they know .  Our most significant project will come at the end of the year as kids gear up for 5th Grade Exhibition.  This is a student-centered project that will connect to every subject and culminate with an involved and entertaining  presentation in June.

These are a few examples of the class experiences done in 5th grade:

Many 5th grade projects are also connected  to trips and experiences.  Kids visit Camp Tamarack for 3 days in the fall, or share a story in a downtown cafe, or head to a special exhibition at the High Desert Museum.  The complexities of teaching through a pandemic have recently altered some of these experiences, but in 5th grade we always do our best to create a fun and safe covid-friendly alternative that still involves getting out of the building.