1st through 5th Grades

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.

Visual Arts: In 1st grade, 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: Physical education builds on the foundational skills developed in the previous year while introducing more structured activities and basic sports concepts. We continue to reinforce and refine fundamental movement skills, including running, jumping, hopping, skipping, and galloping. Students are introduced to more challenging variations of these skills, such as longer jumps or higher hops, to promote skill development. Students learn the proper techniques for kicking,  throwing, catching, and using two hands. They partner up for drills and games  that help improve hand-eye coordination. The focus is also on cooperation and teamwork when playing  modified versions of soccer and basketball  that emphasize the importance of working together, taking turns, and following basic rules.

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.

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 expanding their vocabulary. They will read several different types of books throughout the year, and practice using many different 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 worked on 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 inquired into this year. Animals will be examined extensively, through looking at life cycles, adaptations, and habitats. Students will also learn about the scientific method to conduct experiments and write lab reports 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. In addition, the PYP 3 students will inquire into various landforms and how those physical features influence where people ultimately decide to create settlements.  Finally, students will look at influential people throughout history to examine how beliefs and values may cause people to take action.

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: Physical education for 3rd grade builds on the foundational skills developed in 2nd grade while emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for teammates and opponents.We discuss and reinforce concepts such as shaking hands after a game, cheering for both teams, and following the rules. For sports like basketball or soccer, we incorporate sport-specific drills to develop skills like dribbling, shooting, and passing, while providing opportunities for students to apply these skills in modified game situations. Third-grade students often engage in cooperative games that promote teamwork, communication, and social skills. These games may involve group activities, relay races, and team sports. The games are designed to be enjoyable, fostering a love for movement that can lead to a lifelong commitment to an active lifestyle.

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.