• Why a K-8 School?
• How we Teach – the Socratic Method
• Curriculum Overview K-5
• Curriculum Overview 6-8
• Specialist Curriculum Overview
• Professional Development
• Field Studies/Outdoor Education
• Our Library Program
• Learning Specialist
• School Psychologist
• Extended Day Program and Clubs
• Community Service Program

CURRICULUM OVERVIEW – LOWER SCHOOL

Kindergarten through Fifth Grade

Kindergarten

Romina Ronquillo, Teacher; Mary Ann Opet, Teacher’s Aide

View a slideshow of our current Kindergarten class in the classroom.

Grade Level Goals

Social skills are an important part of Kindergarten. We believe that the learning of social skills is the foundation for social and academic success. Young children have an intrinsic desire to show kindness and to be helpful to others. We nurture this by modeling and praising acts of kindness. The students learn to take care of and be considerate of each other. They become part of a warm, loving environment where they can feel safe and wholly accepted. We practice peaceful ways to solve conflicts and learn about the importance of respect and kindness in a community. Our goal in Kindergarten is to provide students a strong foundation from which they can grow to become active participants in life-long learning. In Kindergarten your child will be involved in learning activities that stimulate thinking and foster independence and initiative. Many of the activities and daily routines that the students take part in encourage them to experience how exciting it is to solve problems and make discoveries and to take pride in doing their best. Students participate in directed lessons and projects and are also given opportunities to choose their own activities. Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Spanish, and Art are the main components of the Kindergarten curriculum. Language Arts activities, which build oral language, active listening, reading, and writing skills, are woven throughout the day in addition to being the focus of lessons. Math is based on hands-on experiences with manipulatives and guided student interaction. Science is studied in conjunction with many of the themes we cover. In addition, students help to conduct a science experiment or participate in a hands-on science demonstration with our Science Specialist once a week. Social Studies, like Science, is a basis for many of the themes studied throughout the year. Art is primarily taught in small groups. The students use art to tell stories and to express their own individuality. We use a large variety of art mediums and incorporate concepts such as warm versus cool colors into projects.

Integrated Studies

Our Apple Unit is an example of how one theme is integrated into each area of the curriculum. We study apples in September. The Kindergarteners learn science concepts related to apples such as different varieties of apples, different shapes of apples, products made from apples, the parts of an apple and the seasons of the apple. We read different books about apples. We read and write stories about apples. The students learn about the legend of Johnny Appleseed. We sing apple songs and learn apple poems. The students also practice their critical thinking skills by comparing and contrasting the different varieties of apples. We practice math skills by guessing and counting how many seeds are inside an apple and graphing the students’ favorite apple.

Specialist/Enrichment Classes

To read about our specialist classes, please visit the Specialist Curriculum

Kindergarten Sample Daily Schedule

Kindergarten Units

First Grade

Sue Bechtel, Teacher; Barbara Banez & Mary Ann Opet, Assistant Teachers First Graders continue to build on the skills they learned in Kindergarten. We create a positive environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves and they enjoy the process of learning. In keeping with the philosophy of the Socratic Method, children are taught the critical thinking skills that lead to self-discovery in the educational process. By encouraging the development of discussion skills, students learn to feel confident in expressing themselves and in respecting the ideas of others. The children are given opportunities to enhance and strengthen their skills by working with different groupings, including small groups, partners and teacher-led, and whole class activities.

Academic Focus

First Grade focuses on enhancing the reading skills acquired in Kindergarten, as well as developing new skills to make students strong, independent readers. In First Grade children expand their sight-word vocabulary and knowledge of phonetic sounds. They learn to recognize and understand elements of a story, such as setting, plot, characters, and point of view, and use this information to predict what will happen in a story. This learning is then transferred to their writing where they are able to express themselves through creative writing and poetry as well as display their knowledge of facts through expository writing. These reading skills carry over to all areas of academic study. In Math, the children work on problem solving, and reading and using graphs to obtain information. The Math program also emphasizes hands-on activities in order to help the students better understand new concepts. Whenever possible these skills are applied to real life scenarios that allow the children to recognize the importance of the skills they are learning. Science and Social Studies are highly integrated, as the study of the Earth’s continents introduces not only varied animal populations, habitats, land and climates, but also the diverse human population. Global awareness and cultural diversity are emphasized through the study of customs, art, food, music, holidays, traditions and life styles of various cultures around the world. In Science, the interconnectedness of all ecosystems is stressed, as well as a sense of good stewardship of the earth. In addition, students also have opportunities to express themselves and their knowledge through music, dance and special art projects that reflect the current unit of study.

Integrated Studies

Our science and social studies topics are month long themes that are easily integrated with reading, writing, math, music and art. For example, our first units are Earth in Space and North America. Using a graph of concentric circles, students are introduced to the math concept of inclusive sets. Using circles, they could map a city (Berkeley), inside a state (California), inside a country (U.S.), inside a continent (N. America). The students used concentric circles again to learn the make-up of the Earth: inner core, outer core, mantle, and crust. They used patterning to note these areas were solid, liquid, solid, with a break in the pattern, crust being a solid (with pockets of liquid). The children worked with colored clay to make models of the inside of the Earth. They learned a song to help them remember the countries in North America and also learned the national anthems of America and Canada. The students read stories, wrote their own, and drew pictures of native animals and peoples of Canada, Mexico, and the U.S.

Specialist/Enrichment Classes

To read about our specialist classes, please visit the Specialist Curriculum

First Grade Sample Daily Schedule

First Grade Units

Second Grade

Kathrine LaFleur, Teacher; Rebekah Werth Assistant Teacher In Second Grade students continue to develop self-reliance, to forge friendships, and to work cooperatively with their peers. As their communication skills increase, they learn to give voice to their feelings. They also learn to listen and empathize with the feelings of others. They learn to give positive support to their peers. They practice constructive ways of dealing with conflict. They are developing the skills to resolve

Academic Focus

The focus of the academic program in the Second Grade is on the students’ development of their skills, competence, and self-assurance as learners, while maintaining their interest and enthusiasm for learning.  In Language Arts, the students learn to become fluent readers.  With greater vocabulary skills and comprehension, students advance to reading independently both for learning and for pleasure, pursuing their own interests. They also develop fluency in writing, so they have the ability to express their ideas clearly and creatively.  Mathematics furthers the students’ abilities to order and interpret their world.  Looking for patterns, making generalizations, logic and reasoning, and problem solving are emphasized as well as the mastery of number concept, place value, various units of measure, basic geometry, and methods of computation.

Integrated Studies

The Second Grade curriculum is designed to integrate Language Arts and Mathematics with units of study in Science and Social Studies.  In this manner, students will be able to better apply what they have learned and therefore achieve a greater depth of understanding.  Units in Science and Social Studies are chosen for interest and accessibility to a Second Grader’s world. For example, our first unit of study in the fall is autobiography and family. Students begin with activities that focus on their unique personalities and lives.  They write riddles about themselves.  They write about important events in their lives, and then put them in sequence on a timeline.  The students then create descriptive books about themselves differentiating between physical traits and personality traits.  They survey their classmates and make graphs to indicate favorite animals and drinks.  Gradually our focus widens to include family.  The unit culminates with a family tree and a research project that traces a family member’s journey to the United States, incorporating a study of history as well.

Specialist/Enrichment Classes

To read about our specialist classes, please visit the Specialist Curriculum

First Grade Sample Daily Schedule

First Grade Units

Third Grade

Maureen Ray, Teacher; Barbara Banez, Teacher’s Aide Community is an important aspect of Third Grade.  We strive to create an environment where students feel accepted and respected.  Community building activities are incorporated in various lessons throughout the year to promote this.  Students are encouraged to show kindness and respect for each other. In third grade, the students become part of a “family” that learns together and cares for each other

Academic Focus

In Reading, the students work as part of the whole class, in small groups and individually to complete assignments and enrich each other’s reading experiences.  Students encounter a variety of genres as they work through the reading program.  The students read for specific information as well as for enjoyment.  The students develop the ability to infer, compare and draw conclusions based on the reading material.  The students will also study the mechanics of writing using a text called GUM: Grammar, Usage and Mechanics. The writing program explores a variety of genres and styles, as students learn the five steps of the writing process.  They pre-write using various graphic organizers and organizational tools, write with an emphasis on ideas, revise and edit for proper grammar and mechanics, and the “publish” their work with correct formatting. The subjects of their writing are connected to topics being studied in Reading, Social Studies and Science. In Math, the focus is engaging all students in mathematical thinking. Through whole class lessons, group problem-solving activities and games, and individual skills practice, students develop number sense, learn logical and creative problem solving strategies, solidify their understanding of algorithms, and engage in mathematical communication.  The mathematics curriculum allows for a varied learning experience as students engage in Socratic reasoning lessons and hands-on exploration.  Students engage in independent task time each day to provide independent practice of the concept being taught and to provide opportunities for differentiation.

Integrated Studies

In Third Grade, the students study community and government through an exploration of various civilizations, including the Native Americans of the Great Plains, the ancient Japanese, and the ancient Egyptians. The curriculum focuses on the ways in which environment impacts the development of a society. Students learn perspective taking and develop critical thinking skills through Socratic discussions, the reading of various texts and in dramatic performances that relate to the unit of study. Students read stories based on traditional folklore to understand the customs and religious beliefs of each culture. They explore how the physical geography and climate influence one’s way of life and how people depend on their surroundings for survival. By studying the food, clothing and shelter of these various groups, students develop an appreciation for these rich cultures.  Field trips to museums that feature artifacts from these cultures enrich the classroom curriculum. In our study of ancient Egypt, for example, students learn the importance of mummification as they mummify fish in science, build tombs for other mummies, and research the mythology for oral reports for which they dress up as a god or goddess. Students also learn through a dramatic performance of the creation myth of Osiris and Isis. They employ math skills as they learn the Egyptian number system and study the building of the pyramids. This unit of study culminates in a guided tour of the Rosicrucian Museum in San Jose.

Specialist/Enrichment Classes

To read about our specialist classes, please visit the Specialist Curriculum

Third Grade Sample Daily Schedule

Third Grade Units

Fourth Grade

Diane Wirtschafter, Teacher; Kira Del Mar, Teacher’s Aide In Fourth Grade students begin their transition to independence in learning. Students are more confident about their ideas and are able to contribute to discussions to derive understanding or consensus. They learn to be objective about their work so that they can critique it themselves and accept suggestions positively. They learn to work with each other and use each other’s ideas. They can begin to reflect on their own learning needs and advocate for what they want, both in school and at home, with homework. They begin to practice important long-term planning skills. They also are able to take their conflict resolution skills to a higher level, where they can begin to understand the roots of conflict and deal with those. Respecting the needs and views of others becomes an important part of both academic and emotional growth.

Academic Focus

Fourth Grade emphasizes the application of previously learned skills. Students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. They consult references for information but also evaluate and critique their usefulness. They use a greater variety of resources and begin to research independently. Students can analyze historical motivation and use critical judgment about the needs and contexts of other cultures and times. Even in creative writing, they draw together their acquired writing skills so that a finished product reflects growth in creativity and expressiveness. Cooperative learning skills and critical thinking play an important role in Science, where students develop hypotheses and record the results of their experiments. In Mathematics they integrate their basic skills in the four operations, as when they do long division or work with fractions, and they also apply them to problem solving. Students learn to value the process of solving problems along with their results.  They can articulate their reasoning and evaluate their mistakes.

Integrated Studies

The Fourth Grade Reading and Social Studies Curriculum are highly integrated. California History provides the framework for many types of lessons.  We study Native Californian cultures and their transformation during the period of Spanish colonization. Spanish instruction time incorporates the translation of California place names to understand their roots. We study Geography to determine environmental reasons for the pattern of mission settlement. We discuss the role of religion as a motive for exploration and settlement. When we visit nearby Mission Dolores,  we examine the architecture, decoration, and evolution of the missions into pueblos and towns. The students research individual missions for report writing, using websites, encyclopedias, and historical reference books. They also research the economic role of the missions and develop their own, whole-class model of a composite mission. Each student must design and build a portion of the mission in order to understand the principle of self-sustaining units. Lastly we visit Sonoma State Historical Park, where the mission, the pueblo, and American exploration came together.

Specialist/Enrichment Classes

To read about our specialist classes, please visit the Specialist Curriculum

Fourth Grade Sample Daily Schedule

Fourth Grade Units

Fifth Grade

Tim Ogburn, Teacher; Lesley Jones, Teacher’s Aide Fifth Grade is an important transition year for the students. This is the last year that they will have a self-contained classroom setting and one teacher for their core subjects. Looking forward to junior high, it is an important year for taking responsibility for their own learning, organizing themselves, and using time wisely. They must begin to rely less on their teacher and parents, and more on themselves to take advantage of educational opportunities that are offered. As well as working independently, students have the opportunity in small group learning experiences to collaborate and contribute to a common effort.

Academic Focus

Fifth Grade is also an important year for review and mastery of skills introduced in earlier grades. Black Pine Circle students are expected to be able to read and write with fluency, to have mastered all major math functions, and to listen and participate thoughtfully in discussions. Fifth Grade offers the opportunity to master these skills in place under the guidance of a teacher who works with them in many different subject areas.

Integrated Studies

As much as possible, we try to take a multidisciplinary approach to the material. For example, our measurements unit is integrated with science. When we read Julie of the Wolves, we study the ecology of Alaska and Inuit history and culture. Many historical subjects, such as the American fur trade or the Civil War, are approached through creative writing and drama. In the same spirit, we try to coordinate with specialists so that their curriculum overlaps with and supports the core subjects. We use computer class to do research, publish poetry, and take virtual historical tours in the Internet. During our reading and writing unit on Dragons, we make dragon sculptures in Art. The haiku we write in class are painted in Art and displayed in the garden. During the Science Fair, we use our Writer’s Workshop time to work on the written parts of our projects and learn the characteristics of good scientific writing.

Specialist/Enrichment Classes

To read about our specialist classes, please visit the Specialist Curriculum

Fifth Grade Sample Daily Schedule

Fifth Grade Units

2010-2011 Lower School Curriculum Guide

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JUMP TO:

Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade