Elementary Curriculum

In math class we build on students’ prior conceptual understanding to explore new mathematical algorithms and apply them to more complex problems. We focus on depth over speed and know that the most beneficial experiences in math allow us to make connections and understand deeply.

The program is structured so that each student will be challenged at his or her current level of performance with fun, relevant, practical, and appealing activities that tap into the remarkable cognitive potential of each child. Teachers strive to instill a positive attitude about math and to ensure that each child will experience success in his or her math level.

Countryside offers math levels A through G, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, and Advanced Math. The math levels are not identified by grade as they are more challenging than traditional grade levels in math.

Instruction occurs in small groups of 6-20 students. Children are grouped by instructional level for mathematics and may participate in a group at a higher grade level.

Elementary math runs from Level B through F.

Level B (1st grade math) topics include:

• Place value and number sense to the hundreds place
• Addition and subtraction, including composing a ten when necessary
• Measurement: linear, temperature, weight, liquid volumes
• Geometry: exploring 2D & 3D shapes and their attributes
• Telling time up to five minute intervals
• Money: identifying coins and their values
• Graphs: creating and interpreting graphs
• Fractions: Recognize and name common fractions

Level F (5th grade math) topics include:

• Exponents and scientific notation
• "Order of Operations" rules to solve problems
• Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing whole numbers, decimals, and fractions
• Converting between fractions, decimals, and percent representation of a number
• Deriving and solving word problems involving multiple operations
• Using variables to represent unknowns in equations
• Solving problems related to area, volume, and capacity using U.S. customary units and metric units.

Our science program is a minds-on, hands-on curriculum that motivates them to be independent science learners outside of the classroom.

The1st grade/2nd grade class explores the study of biodiversity in the natural world around them, world cultures and locations, and even explore beyond earth into outer space. These large units of study provide the base for class projects and simulations. They also serve as the foundation for cross-curricular experiences. We intertwine these units seamlessly into our math and literature lessons, providing meaningful and purposeful learning throughout a student’s day in our classroom.

The overarching theme in our 3rd grade/4th grade class is INVESTIGATE. While this theme is applied in all curricular areas, science is one of the subject areas where it is most notable. Experiments, hands-on lessons, and simulations enhance studies of life science and earth science. Students also participate in STEM challenges regularly to support the application of knowledge and promote creative thinking.

In 5th grade, social science and science classes integrate hands-on labs and simulations, while also giving students a firm background in note taking, study skills, writing, and test-taking skills.

In the combined classrooms, our program rotates on a two-year cycle covering several topics. Some of the highlights include:

1st/2nd grade topics

• Plant and Animal Life Cycles, Survival, and Adaptations
• Rainforest Ecosystems
• Endangered and Extinct Animals
• Planet Earth
• Solar System

3rd/4th grade topics

• Inventions
• Simple Machines
• Forces and Movement
• Stem Challenges
• Biospheres
• Weather & Climates around the world

5th grade topics

• Engineering Design - Forces and Motion & Energy
• Magnets & Electricity
• Matter & Interactions
• Human Body

Chinese

Our Chinese program is for students with little or no prior Chinese knowledge. From kindergarten to 3rd grade, the Chinese curriculum is based on Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS). We strive to build a solid foundation in Mandarin and to help students become confident and comfortable speaking and using Chinese in their daily lives.

We utilize songs, games, and group activities to help students remember weekly vocabulary. Students are introduced to common Chinese words and phrases while also learning simplified Chinese characters. The characters are used in conjunction with Pinyin to integrate their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Cultural highlights include celebrating the Moon Festival, Chinese New Year, and Children’s Day, enriching their understanding of Chinese traditions. 

We focus on building confidence and fostering a love for learning through songs, storytelling, and cultural exploration.

 

Spanish

Our Spanish classes use the “Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling” (TPRS) method, a story-based immersion approach that provides compelling comprehensible input. This method focuses on facilitating the natural acquisition of language, an effortless and involuntary process that leads to long-term retention. Through this approach, students primarily listen before speaking, learning vocabulary and grammar in context through examples and usage. This engaging method helps students develop true language proficiency.

From first through third grade, the focus is on developing informal conversation skills, building vocabulary, and enjoying the language-learning process. In fourth and fifth grades, the curriculum expands to include further development of reading and writing skills while continuing to strengthen oral communication and listening comprehension.

At all levels, students gain exposure to the cultures and customs of Spanish-speaking countries, which are thoughtfully integrated throughout the curriculum. 

Each year, fourth and fifth-grade students participate in the National Spanish Challenge (NSC), taking levels C or D.

Latin

Latin is introduced in 3rd grade when students take both Latin and their primary world language for three years. In 6th grade students may choose which of the three languages to continue in middle school.

Our Latin program begins with students learning basic concepts of Latin grammar and developing an understanding of Roman culture. They learn to translate simple Latin prose and begin building their Latin vocabulary.

The students are introduced to subject and direct object forms in the singular and plural. They learn three different verb tenses and the forms of each of these. They are introduced to prepositional phrases as well as subject/verb agreement.

Each class learns about the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the daily life of the Romans, gladiators, and the Roman army. The students are also introduced to Latin and Greek roots, suffixes, and prefixes to help develop vocabulary building strategies.

In 1st and 2nd grade, the students learn to create more complicated artwork building upon basic art concepts. For example, students build upon their knowledge on lines to create textures and zentangles using lines. We incorporate various artists and cultures into the lessons. Projects may include emoticons, treasure maps, landscapes, zentangle leaves, and kente cloth inspired paper weavings.

The projects become longer in 3rd and 4th grade, requiring more steps, details, and/or various materials. For instance, the students develop a mixed media piece where they create their own potted plants using model magic, watercolor, and oil pastels. Students also create their own comic book page. In 3rd grade they create a multi-media space-themed project while 4th grade might learn radial symmetry/circle weaving.

By 5th grade, students are beginning to prepare for middle school and projects are designed to encourage students to incorporate more of their own individual ideas. Students will be introduced to the project with an art history lesson and a demonstration of skills they will be using. The students will then have to brainstorm and plan their project. Once they are done planning out their project, we continue to work on the project for several weeks. An example of a project done in 5th grade is creating a stop motion video using various materials of their choice.

In 2nd and 3rd grade, our students spend time each week learning about how computers work and how to program them. They complete lessons on digital citizenship, sequencing, binary, loops, conditionals, events, and data.  

Throughout the year, they have opportunities to express their creativity through their work, such as programming the choreography for a dance performance or designing a game. 

In P.E. class we learn basic skills and rules of various games. The lower elementary classes accomplish this through different types of station work. The upper elementary classes build off of that and spend more time on mini games. The goal is for all students is to get exercise and to have fun. We strive for every student to find one or more activities that they enjoy and can continue doing for the rest of their lives.

Examples of sports we learn to play or do:

• Soccer
• Football
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Floor Hockey
• Baseball
• Bowling
• Badminton
• Frisbee Games
• Golf
• Fitness Drumming

We emphasize cooperation, perseverance, sportsmanship, hard work, and goal setting. Each month we also spend time going over a specific health-related topic.

The principles instilled during childhood influence the type of citizen, parent or leader a student will become. Our Character Building program helps model appropriate behavior. We strive to nurture the growth of these ideals in our students' social and emotional development.

Our Character Building Qualities include:

• Respect
• Gratitude
• Cooperation
• Honesty
• Resourcefulness
• Reliability
• Self-Control
• Good Judgment
• Perseverance