Lower School

PreK Curriculum Overview at Bancroft School

In PreK at Bancroft School, children begin their educational journey by exploring foundational skills in a playful and nurturing environment. Language development is a key focus, with students engaging in activities that promote letter recognition, sound awareness, and basic vocabulary. Early math concepts are introduced through hands-on activities that involve number recognition, counting, and identifying simple shapes.

Socially, children learn to interact with peers, share, take turns, and follow simple routines, building essential social skills in a supportive setting. Emotional development is encouraged as children learn to recognize and express their feelings, with guidance on understanding emotions and developing empathy.

Physically, they enhance fine motor skills through activities like drawing, cutting, and manipulating objects, while gross motor skills are developed through active play, outdoor exploration, and movement games. Creativity is nurtured through imaginative play, Physical Education, Library, and Music, sparking curiosity and a love for learning, setting the stage for future educational success.

Central Subject

The PreK Central Subject curriculum is a journey of self-discovery and community exploration. The first unit “Who am I” delves into personal identity, celebrating uniqueness while fostering unity within our class. The second unit “Me and My Community” emphasizes cooperation and responsibility, highlighting the significance of community engagement and citizenship. The third unit “Me and My World” broadens horizons by exploring diverse cultures, nurturing cultural awareness and understanding.

Concluding with the Science unit “Sprouting Seeds” and “Life on the Farm” students delve into the fascinating world of plant life, grasping the essential role of plants in nourishing our bodies and sustaining life. “Wrapping up with our Science units ‘Sprouting Seeds’ and ‘Life on the Farm,’ students will explore the captivating world of plants and animals.

They’ll discover how plants play a vital role in nourishing our bodies and sustaining life, as well as learn about the life cycles of both plants and animals. Additionally, they’ll investigate the contributions of farm animals to our society and the specific habitats these animals need to thrive.

Literacy

The Pre-Kindergarten literacy program focuses on each domain of literacy; reading, speaking, listening, and writing. “The Pre-Kindergarten literacy program is designed to nurture every aspect of literacy—reading, speaking, listening, and writing. Starting in September, students will engage daily in phonemic awareness and early literacy activities through Heggerty’s Pre-Kindergarten curriculum.

As they become ‘Letter Experts,’ they’ll take on the role of teaching others about letter sounds and formation, which not only boosts their confidence but also provides valuable opportunities to practice their speaking and listening skills.”This helps to build their confidence and gives them opportunities to practice speaking and listening. The students are introduced to literature through active listening, asking questions, and making predictions about stories and poems.

They learn to navigate the classroom library and use books effectively. Students engage in group discussions regarding stories and their own personal experiences. By June, students progress to retelling stories, identifying book elements, and describing characters and text structures. They enhance their phonemic awareness, rhyming skills, and basic print concepts. In speaking and listening, they practice expressing thoughts, continuing conversations, and articulating words clearly.

Fine motor skills evolve from “scribbling”, to forming letter strings, to invented spelling. Ultimately, students will be able to produce their own stories by incorporating short phrases and illustrations. Throughout the year, interactive IMSE (Institute for Multi-Sensory Education) activities and assessments use the Orton-Gillingham approach to target phonological awareness and phonics skills through multi-sensory experiences.

Throughout the year, students will engage in interactive activities and assessments from the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE), which utilize the Orton-Gillingham approach. This method targets phonological awareness and phonics skills through dynamic, multi-sensory experiences, making learning both effective and engaging.

Throughout the year, children will immerse themselves in a diverse collection of books, illustrations, and authors across various genres, both in the library and the classroom.”They will focus on understanding different storytelling styles and how various authors present key story elements. With guidance from their teachers, the children will use these experiences to explore and express their creative ideas about each author study.

Their work will culminate in a special presentation at our Spring Author’s Tea Party, where they will proudly share their projects with parents.

Mathematics

The PreK curriculum in the Bridges in Mathematics program offers a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate approach to early mathematical learning. Rooted in foundational mathematical concepts, the curriculum is designed to engage young learners through hands-on exploration and playful activities. Emphasizing a constructivist approach, students are encouraged to actively participate in building their understanding of numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurement through sensory experiences and interactive games. The curriculum incorporates rich mathematical language, themed-based children’s literature (stories), and multiple representations to support students in making connections and developing a strong conceptual foundation.

Through carefully scaffolded activities and playful learning experiences, the PreK curriculum in Bridges in Mathematics fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a positive attitude towards mathematics, laying the groundwork for future mathematical success.

Physical Education

The PreK Physical Education curriculum is designed to introduce young students to the joy of movement and the basics of physical activity in a fun and engaging way. Throughout the year, students participate in a variety of playful activities that develop fundamental motor skills such as running, jumping, hopping, balancing, and throwing. The curriculum emphasizes exploration and experimentation with movement, allowing students to discover what their bodies can do.

Activities are designed to be age-appropriate and focus on developing coordination, balance, and spatial awareness. Games and exercises often involve imaginative play, music, and storytelling to keep children engaged and excited about physical activity. Social skills such as taking turns, following simple instructions, and playing cooperatively with others are also integral parts of the curriculum.

In addition to physical skills, the PreK PE curriculum introduces basic health and safety concepts, such as the importance of staying active, proper hydration, and understanding personal space. By the end of the year, students should feel more confident in their physical abilities, enjoy participating in group activities, and have a positive attitude towards exercise and healthy habits. The aim is to create a foundation for a lifelong appreciation of physical activity and wellness.

Music

PreK Music is an experiential music class, where students engage in singing and movement activities that explore concepts like patterning, high vs. low, fast vs. slow, and loud vs. soft. Through group vocal exploration, students build accuracy and confidence, while beat-keeping activities with and without manipulatives, such as scarves and rhythm sticks, enhance their understanding of rhythm and beat. They begin to demonstrate an understanding of patterns in songs and develop body and spatial awareness.

Solo singing opportunities help students gain confidence in their own sound, fostering an open and trusting relationship with their peers.

Library

Our PreK library curriculum is designed to ignite a love for reading in young children while fostering essential early literacy skills. During story times, children will enjoy a variety of engaging books that introduce them to different narratives and storylines. Each session includes corresponding activities that reinforce the concepts explored in the stories. For example, after hearing a story about friendship, children might engage in collaborative art projects or role-playing exercises.

We also focus on teaching young learners about story elements, such as identifying the main characters, understanding the plot sequence, and recognizing the overarching theme. Additionally, children are encouraged to explore the library independently, locating areas where they can find their favorite stories and fostering a sense of curiosity and discovery. Our goal is to create a fun and enriching environment that lays a strong foundation for future reading and learning.

Kindergarten Curriculum Overview at Bancroft School

In Kindergarten at Bancroft School, students continue on their educational journey by developing foundational skills across cognitive, social, emotional, and physical domains. Language development is a key focus, with students learning to recognize letters, sounds, and basic sight words, as well as beginning to write simple words and sentences. Early math skills are introduced, including number recognition, counting, basic addition, and shape identification.

Socially, students learn to interact with peers, share, take turns, and follow classroom routines, building essential social skills. Emotional development includes understanding and expressing feelings, with guidance on managing emotions and developing empathy. Physically, students enhance fine motor skills through activities like drawing, cutting, and writing, while gross motor skills are developed through active play and movement.

Creativity is encouraged through Physical Education, Music, Library, and imaginative play. The Kindergarten environment is nurturing and structured, designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning, laying the groundwork for future academic success.

Central Subject

The Kindergarten Central Subject curriculum begins with “Citizenship and Gratitude” and an exploration into happiness, thankfulness, and kindness. Students learn to make positive choices for themselves and others, fostering friendships and empathy. Next, in “Past & Present” students delve into historical lifestyles, tools, clothing, and food, comparing them to modern equivalents. In “Our Neighborhood,” students examine community features and map their surroundings.

During “Global Connections – Asia” introduces Asian countries, traditions, and cultural differences, fostering curiosity and understanding of diverse societies. In Science, students will engage in three units: Animal Exploration, Light & Sound, and Ocean Life.

Literacy

In the early stages of their reading journey, Kindergarten students engage with books by authors like Eric Carle, Mercer Mayer, Mo Willems, Laura Numeroff, Lita Judge, Grace Lin, and Amy Krause Rosenthal, as well as non-fiction texts about various topics, such as ocean animals.

They develop foundational skills in phonics, identifying and producing phonemes and graphemes for the alphabet using the Orton Gillingham approach The students practice reading conventions by moving from left to right and using one-to-one correspondence to track words. are introduced and reinforced using orthographic mapping techniques.

Writing skills are cultivated through exercises like writing their first and last names with proper conventions, using sound boxes to write words, and practicing pencil grip. The students also learn to write sentences with correct spacing, punctuation, and capitalization. They engage in word work that includes recognizing and producing rhymes, segmenting syllables, and blending CVC words.

Phonemic awareness and early literacy skills will be practiced daily using Heggerty’s Kindergarten curriculum. Author studies encourage personal connections to texts, and students explore features of books, make predictions, identify plot points, and understand cause and effect. The Reading Workshop Model of the Daily 5 is implemented, where students read to themselves, read to others, listen to reading, and engage in word work.

Through small group instruction, students read leveled books and apply strategies to identify unfamiliar words. They also author their own books, write reports, and practice writing opinions and narratives, progressively building their literacy skills in a comprehensive and engaging manner.

Mathematics

The Kindergarten curriculum in the Bridges in Mathematics program provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to foundational mathematical concepts, laying a solid groundwork for future mathematical proficiency. Through a combination of hands-on activities, interactive games, and exploratory learning experiences, students delve into key mathematical domains such as number sense, geometry, measurement, and patterns.

The curriculum fosters a deep understanding of numbers through activities that promote counting, comparing quantities, and exploring addition and subtraction within 10. Students also develop spatial reasoning skills as they investigate shapes, patterns, and positional relationships. The curriculum emphasizes the use of multiple representations and encourages students to communicate their mathematical thinking orally and visually.

Additionally, collaborative learning environments promote teamwork, communication skills, and a positive attitude towards mathematics. Overall, the Kindergarten curriculum in Bridges in Mathematics program aims to instill a love for learning mathematics while providing students with the essential knowledge and skills needed for future mathematical success.

Physical Education

The Kindergarten Physical Education curriculum at Bancroft School is designed to introduce young learners to the basics of physical activity, fostering a love for movement and promoting overall health and well-being. Throughout the year, students engage in a variety of activities that develop fundamental motor skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching. Emphasis is placed on improving coordination, balance, and spatial awareness through playful exercises and games.

The curriculum also integrates lessons on teamwork, cooperation, and following instructions, helping students to develop social skills and an understanding of fair play. Additionally, students learn the importance of regular physical activity and its benefits for their growing bodies, setting the foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle.

Music

In Kindergarten Music, students focus on securing beat-keeping, safe movement, spatial awareness, and vocal awareness. Singing and movement activities introduce proper musical terminology, allowing students to explore concepts such as high vs. low, fast vs. slow, loud vs. soft, and rhythm vs. beat. Manipulatives like beat and rhythm books, dots, popsicle sticks, and stickers are used to begin the notation of rhythm.

The curriculum includes familiar songs and games, as well as instrumental pieces from around the world, helping students develop a foundational understanding of music in a diverse and engaging way.

Library

In Kindergarten, students embark on a journey into literacy through the school library. They discover it as a magical sanctuary filled with books waiting to be explored. They learn to handle books gently, understanding the library’s quiet ambiance. Through guided exploration, they familiarize themselves with the library’s layout and where to find different types of books.

Encouraged to select books based on personal interests, they begin to develop literary preferences, whether adventurous tales, fairy tales, or factual accounts. A highlight of their library experience is listening to stories read aloud by the librarian. These sessions transport them into imaginary worlds. Following each story, students engage in extension activities to deepen their understanding. They may draw pictures, act out scenes, or discuss the story with classmates.

These activities not only enhance literacy skills but also foster creativity, imagination, and empathy. The library becomes a beloved space where students explore, dream, and grow with each page turned.

Grade 1 Curriculum Overview at Bancroft School

The Grade 1 program at Bancroft School is a foundational year where students transition from early childhood experiences to more structured learning. They build essential skills across various domains, setting the stage for future academic and personal growth. In Grade 1, students develop fundamental cognitive, social, and physical skills through the core literacy areas as well as special classes in Science, Physical Education, Visual Art, Music, Technology, Library, Drama, and Spanish.

The classroom provides a structured yet supportive environment, fostering independence, creativity, and responsibility. This year lays the groundwork for future learning by balancing guided instruction with opportunities for exploration and play.

Central Subject

The Grade 1 Central Subject curriculum starts with “The Power of Me,” where students delve into understanding emotions and empathy. They explore their own feelings, learning how to identify and express them while also developing empathy by recognizing and appreciating others’ emotions. This unit helps them see themselves as part of a broader community.

Next, “Building Bridges” emphasizes kindness and cooperation, guiding students through lessons on friendship, problem-solving, and the influence of words and actions. In “Map Explorers,” students are introduced to map skills, learning about different types of maps and their various uses.

Finally, the curriculum concludes with an inquiry into Australia, where students step into the roles of researchers and presenters, delving into the unique aspects of this continent and sharing their discoveries with others.

Literacy

The first-grade literacy curriculum is thoughtfully crafted to gradually develop essential reading, writing, phonics, and comprehension skills throughout the academic year. It begins with engaging read-aloud sessions that introduce story elements and progresses to more complex activities designed to enhance comprehension skills. Using the Orton-Gillingham approach, interactive activities focus on building phonological awareness and phonics proficiency, setting the stage for reading fluency.

Daily practice of phonemic awareness through Heggerty’s Primary Curriculum reinforces these foundational skills. As the year progresses, phonics instruction deepens to include blends, digraphs, and vowel patterns. Handwriting and narrative writing exercises encourage students to express themselves creatively, with prompts ranging from personal narratives to weekend news updates.

Small reading groups, formed based on assessments, provide targeted instruction to strengthen comprehension, reinforce phonics skills, and nurture a love for reading. Throughout the year, a diverse array of resources and instructional strategies, such as guided reading, Literacy Footprints, and thematic writing prompts, are employed to keep students engaged and improve comprehension.

The curriculum culminates in a reflection on the students’ learning journey, consolidating their acquired skills to ensure they are well-prepared for the transition to second grade.

Mathematics

The Grade 1 curriculum in the Bridges in Mathematics program offers a dynamic and comprehensive exploration of foundational mathematical concepts, building upon the skills and knowledge acquired in kindergarten. Through a blend of hands-on activities, problem-solving tasks, and interactive lessons, students delve deeper into key mathematical domains including number sense, addition and subtraction, geometry, measurement, and patterns.

The curriculum focuses on developing an understanding of place value, addition and subtraction within 20, and the relationship between numbers and quantities. Students engage in activities that reinforce basic facts and strategies for mental math. Additionally, they explore geometric shapes, measurement concepts, and analyze and extend patterns.

Through collaborative learning experiences and opportunities to communicate their mathematical thinking, students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving strategies, and a deeper appreciation for the relevance of mathematics in their everyday lives. The Grade 1 curriculum in Bridges in Mathematics program aims to empower students to become confident and capable mathematical thinkers as they continue their mathematical journey.

Visual Arts

The 1st grade art curriculum introduces students to the joyful world of art, helping them recognize their power and potential as artists with unique questions, ideas, and abilities. By collecting and analyzing inspiring materials, students will engage in and contribute to artistic conversations that span time and space. Key projects include large-scale self-portraiture and figuration, as well as a handmade book project exploring realism and abstraction.

Throughout the year, grade-appropriate exercises that support the mastery of art fundamentals will be integrated and collected in a portfolio.

Science

The Grade 1 science curriculum focuses on exploring the concept of energy through various lenses. Students will delve into how energy flows through ecosystems like ponds, understand different types of energy, and explore how energy interacts with matter and cycles like the water cycle and rock cycle. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning, fostering skills such as observation, generating questions, designing experiments, and working with models, in alignment with NGSS standards.

Through hands-on activities and exploration, students will develop a foundational understanding of energy and its significance in the natural world.

Physical Education

The Grade 1 Physical Education curriculum at Bancroft School builds on the foundation laid in kindergarten, further developing students’ motor skills and physical abilities. Throughout the year, students participate in a variety of activities designed to enhance their coordination, balance, agility, and strength. They engage in more structured games and exercises that incorporate running, jumping, throwing, and catching, with a greater focus on skill development and proper technique.

Lessons also emphasize the importance of cooperation, teamwork, and following rules, helping students to improve their social interactions and sportsmanship. First graders begin to understand the basic concepts of health and fitness, learning how physical activity contributes to overall well-being and the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle. This curriculum aims to instill a lifelong appreciation for physical activity while making exercise enjoyable and accessible for young learners.

Music

By Grade 1, students begin to shape their understanding of rhythm and melody notation. Songs and games are initially presented by rote and then by notation, with students expected to read simple rhythmic and melodic patterns by the end of the year to identify familiar songs. The use of xylophones, drums, and other percussion instruments enriches their singing experience and promotes rhythmic independence.

The focus also shifts to collaboration, trust, and open-mindedness in both music and movement activities, with increased opportunities for folk dancing and classmate interaction.

Technology

The Grade 1 Technology curriculum is designed to teach students how to use a computer effectively. Focusing on problem-solving as a core value, the goals of this curriculum are to learn to operate a computer, explore activities that can be done on a computer, foster creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and introduce computer programming. Students will learn to identify computer parts and their functions, and how to turn a computer on and off safely.

Key skills such as mouse and keyboard control will be developed through practical activities. Basic software applications, like drawing programs, word processors, and slide presentation software, will be introduced to foster creativity. Students will be presented with both computer-based and unplugged activities and puzzles to enhance their logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. ScratchJr and other age-appropriate programming tools will introduce basic programming concepts, promoting early computational thinking skills. Additionally, lessons on digital citizenship and safety will teach students about responsible technology use and appropriate online behavior.

Library

In our Grade 1 Library curriculum, students embark on an exciting journey through literacy, guided by engaging activities. Central to our program are immersive storytime sessions where students gather on the storytime rug, listening attentively to the librarian’s tales and participating in discussions. Beyond storytime, students explore the library shelves, honing their skills in locating and selecting books of interest across various genres and topics, fostering independent reading habits.

Extension projects deepen understanding as students creatively engage with story themes, characters, and settings. Through art, writing, or other activities, critical thinking skills are nurtured. Additionally, students focus on unraveling story elements, identifying characters, settings, plots, and themes, building a strong foundation for comprehension.

By Grade 1’s end, students emerge with enhanced literacy skills, a passion for reading, and a keen understanding of storytelling elements, paving the way for continued growth in literacy and literature appreciation.

Drama

Welcome to 1st Grade Drama! Our curriculum offers an exciting journey through drama, focusing on creativity, confidence, and essential life skills. We emphasize the process and product of drama in a developmentally appropriate way by fostering teamwork, community, and empathy. Students will learn basic drama concepts, physical and vocal expression, and critical thinking through drama games, pantomime, puppetry, and improvisation. They’ll also explore cultural and historical perspectives in drama.

Our program encourages active observation, respectful feedback, and collaborative storytelling, building confidence and a strong sense of belonging. We’re thrilled to support each student’s growth in this creative and educational experience.

Spanish

The beginner-level Spanish curriculum for Grade 1 focuses on building foundational language skills through interactive and culturally rich activities. Students will learn to introduce themselves, understand basic greetings, and respond to yes/no questions. Key vocabulary will include numbers, colors, and basic commands. Through songs, stories, and daily routines, students will begin to engage in simple conversations, express their likes and dislikes, and understand basic commands.

The curriculum also covers weather vocabulary, the Spanish alphabet, and essential school-related terms. Cultural lessons will introduce students to celebrations, butterfly migration, and family structures and traditions, fostering an early appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures.

Grade 2 Curriculum Overview at Bancroft School

In Grade 2 at Bancroft School, students continue building on the skills developed in Grade 1, with a focus on enhancing cognitive, social, and physical abilities. They advance in reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary, while their writing skills grow to include more complex sentences and paragraphs. Math learning deepens, covering addition, subtraction, place value, and the concept of multiplication. Socially, students strengthen friendships, learn conflict resolution, and develop empathy.

Students will learn and practice various coping strategies to help them recognize, understand, and effectively manage a variety of emotions, fostering emotional resilience and self-regulation. Creativity flourishes through the core literacy areas as well as special classes in Science, Physical Education, Visual Art, Music, Technology, Library, Drama and Spanish. The Grade 2 learning environment is designed to nurture greater independence, responsibility, and decision-making skills.

It supports students as they explore and make sense of the world around them, laying a strong foundation for future academic challenges. This year, students will develop critical thinking abilities, foster their independence, and experience significant social growth, all of which are essential for their continued educational journey.

Central Subject

The Grade 2 Central Subject curriculum immerses students in American culture and geography, fostering an appreciation for diversity and identity. Beginning with Worcester’s rich history, students explore its cultural roots. Moving to Discovering Massachusetts, they broaden their understanding to include landmarks, people, and geography. Exploring America dives deeper into national diversity, examining various regions.

The curriculum culminates in an inquiry project, where students delve into a chosen state’s uniqueness, fostering unity and understanding.

Literacy

In the Grade 2 Literacy curriculum, students focus on enhancing reading fluency, comprehension, and writing skills through a blend of targeted small group instruction and independent reading activities. The curriculum emphasizes confidence-building through partner reading and collaborative tasks. Small reading groups, formed using Developmental Reading Assessments (DRA), allow for personalized instruction that meets each student’s needs.

Throughout the year, students review and expand their foundational phonics knowledge while engaging with a diverse selection of literary texts. They develop critical thinking by responding to literature and exploring various writing styles, including narrative, opinion, and biographical writing. This curriculum is designed to foster a love for reading and support each student’s literacy growth through meaningful connections across subjects.

Mathematics

The Grade 2 curriculum in the Bridges in Mathematics program provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of fundamental mathematical concepts, building upon the foundational skills developed in previous grades. Through a variety of hands-on activities, interactive lessons, and problem-solving tasks, students delve deeper into key mathematical domains including number sense, addition and subtraction, geometry, measurement, and data analysis.

The curriculum focuses on developing a solid understanding of place value up to 1,000, fluency with addition and subtraction within 100, and the relationship between operations. Students also explore geometric shapes and their attributes, measurement concepts such as length, weight, and time, and begin to analyze and interpret data using graphs and charts.

Through collaborative learning experiences and opportunities to communicate their mathematical thinking, students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving strategies, and a deeper appreciation for the relevance of mathematics in their everyday lives. The Bridges program emphasizes creating a positive learning environment where mistakes are seen as part of the learning process.

This program aims to empower students to become confident and capable mathematical thinkers as they continue their mathematical journey.

Visual Arts

The Grade 2 Art curriculum focuses on understanding and appreciating community and how art can enhance our individual and shared experiences. Students will create two- and three-dimensional artworks that complement their studies in civics, geography, history, and the human experience, culminating in a collaborative project to design an imaginary city on Mars. Lessons include self-portraiture, figuration, and models of local landmarks like City Hall and the Worcester Art Museum.

The Mars settlement project will incorporate each student’s ideas and priorities. Throughout the year, grade-appropriate exercises supporting art fundamentals will be integrated and collected in a portfolio.

Science

The Grade 2 Science curriculum explores the intricate relationship between the energy cycle and sustainability, fostering a deeper understanding of how ecosystems function and how humans can contribute to their preservation. Students investigate essential questions about organic decomposition, energy transfer, biome diversity, and the impact of extreme weather events. Through inquiry-based learning experiences, students develop critical thinking skills and explore solutions to environmental challenges.

Aligned with NGSS standards, the curriculum empowers students to engage in scientific inquiry, observation, and experimentation while gaining a holistic understanding of the natural world and their role in its sustainability.

Physical Education

The Grade 2 Physical Education curriculum at Bancroft School continues to expand on the skills and knowledge acquired in earlier grades, with a greater emphasis on refining motor skills and introducing more complex physical activities. Throughout the year, students engage in a variety of exercises and games that enhance their coordination, strength, endurance, and flexibility. Activities become more challenging, requiring improved balance, agility, and spatial awareness.

Second graders also learn specific techniques for activities such as dribbling, kicking, and striking, along with the basic rules and strategies of various sports. Social development remains a key component, with a focus on teamwork, cooperation, and positive sportspersonship. Lessons also incorporate discussions about the importance of physical activity for health, the benefits of regular exercise, and simple concepts of nutrition.

By the end of the year, students are expected to have a stronger understanding of how to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, while continuing to find joy and fun in physical activities.

Music

In Grade 2 Music, students are introduced to melodic and rhythmic notation on a staff. Instruments are used to create accompaniments, deepening their understanding of melodic notation. Independent singing and dancing are encouraged through engaging games and songs, fostering greater musical independence. Beat-keeping skills are further challenged with passing games that involve more complex patterns, promoting rhythmic accuracy and coordination.

This curriculum emphasizes the growth of students’ musical skills, building on their previous knowledge while encouraging creativity and collaboration through music-making activities.

Technology

The Grade 2 Technology curriculum is focused on reinforcing basic computer skills and becoming a technology user. We will be continuing work with the age-appropriate ScratchJr programming tool. The students will be stretching their skills by tackling some more difficult programming challenges. Our students will also be honing skills using typing and precise clicking practice.

We will be deepening the computer user skills with hot keys and by introducing new programs to express creativity such as Book Creator. Towards the end of the year we will introduce Lego robotics and programming for the physical world.

Library

In Grade 2, our Library curriculum focuses on nurturing literacy skills and a passion for reading. Students learn to navigate the library independently, exploring genres and making their own book selections. Through guided inquiries, they develop questioning and critical thinking abilities, analyzing story elements and exploring topics of interest. Creative activities, including storytelling and crafts, inspire imagination and self-expression.

Sharing sessions foster a sense of community as students discuss favorite books and recommend reads, promoting communication and empathy. Our curriculum aims to support holistic development, blending literacy with inquiry, creativity, and social interaction. By integrating these elements, students not only enhance their reading skills but also cultivate a lifelong love for learning and literature.

In Grade 2, the library becomes a space for exploration, discovery, and connection, laying the foundation for a lifetime of literacy and personal growth.

Drama

We emphasize the process and product of drama in a developmentally appropriate way by fostering teamwork, community, and empathy. Students will continue to practice basic drama concepts, physical and vocal expression, and critical thinking through activities like drama games, pantomime, puppetry, and improvisation.

In Grade 2 students also explore costuming and set design to ponder cultural and historical perspectives in drama. Our program encourages active observation, respectful feedback, and collaborative storytelling, building confidence and a strong sense of belonging. We’re thrilled to support each student’s growth in this creative and educational experience.

Spanish

The beginner-level Spanish curriculum for Grade 2 focuses on building foundational language skills through interactive and culturally rich activities. Students will learn to introduce themselves, understand basic greetings, and respond to yes/no questions. Key vocabulary will include numbers, colors, and basic commands. Through songs, stories, and daily routines, students will begin to engage in simple conversations, express their likes and dislikes, and understand basic commands.

The curriculum also covers weather vocabulary, the Spanish alphabet, and essential school-related terms. Cultural lessons will introduce students to celebrations, butterfly migration, and family structures and traditions, fostering an early appreciation for Spanish-speaking cultures.

Grade 3 Curriculum Overview at Bancroft School

In Grade 3 at Bancroft School, students transition to more advanced learning, building on their foundational skills. Reading comprehension deepens with more complex texts, while writing evolves into multi-paragraph essays with improved vocabulary and structure. Math skills expand to include mastery of multiplication, division, and basic fractions, with an emphasis on applying these skills to solve real-world problems.

Socially, students become more independent, developing stronger collaboration, conflict resolution, and self-awareness. They also enhance their emotional regulation, managing more complex feelings with resilience. Creativity flourishes as they explore more advanced skills and perspectives through the core literacy areas as well as special classes in Science, Physical Education, Visual Art, Music, Technology, Library, Drama and Spanish.

The Grade 3 environment challenges students academically and socially, fostering critical thinking, independence, and collaboration as they prepare for the demands of the upper grades of the Lower School.

Central Subject

The Grade 3 Central Subject curriculum delves into ancient civilizations worldwide, including the Greek, Chinese, Egyptian, and Mayan civilizations using a case study approach. Students explore each civilization’s geography, culture, achievements, and legacies. The students will culminate their study of multiple cultures with an inquiry into First Nations, fostering cultural appreciation and understanding, while emphasizing connections between past and present societies.

Literacy

In Grade 3, students embark on a literacy journey that combines cultural understanding with reading and writing skills. Through lessons with diverse picture books, they build empathy and cultural awareness. Role-play activities teach them to advocate for their needs, negotiate with peers, and communicate effectively. Sharing family stories helps students connect personal experiences to broader cultural contexts.

A key program feature is the Living History pen pal project, where students write to elders, fostering intergenerational connections and deepening their understanding of the past and present. Multimedia resources on ancient civilizations like China, Egypt, and the Maya support inquiry, allowing students to explore cultural artifacts, customs, and traditions. Research projects further enable them to investigate historical contributions and their relevance today.

Mathematics

The Grade 3 curriculum in the Bridges in Mathematics program offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of mathematical concepts, designed to build upon the foundational knowledge acquired in previous grades. Through a blend of interactive activities, problem-solving tasks, and collaborative learning experiences, students delve deeper into key mathematical domains including number sense, multiplication and division, fractions, geometry, measurement, and data analysis.

The curriculum emphasizes developing a strong understanding of multiplication and division concepts, including fluency with multiplication facts up to 10×10 and division facts up to 100 ÷ 10. Students also explore fractions, geometric shapes and their attributes, measurement concepts such as area, perimeter, and time, and begin to analyze and interpret data using tables, graphs, and charts.

Through hands-on exploration and real-world problem-solving scenarios, students develop critical thinking skills, mathematical reasoning, and a deeper appreciation for the relevance of mathematics in their everyday lives. The Grade 3 curriculum in the Bridges in Mathematics program aims to empower students to become confident and proficient mathematical thinkers as they progress in their mathematical journey.

HGP Literacy

The Hope Graham Program supports students in Grades 3-5 who have been identified with language-based learning differences, offering small group instruction tailored to their needs. Teachers provide grade-level essential knowledge and skills, incorporating accommodations to enhance learning. Students also receive individualized Orton-Gillingham instruction to improve decoding and encoding skills.

The program’s writing curriculum, based on the Hochman Method and The Writing Revolution, focuses on expository writing, sentence structure, paragraphing, and parts of speech. Accommodations may include reading aloud grade-level texts, explicit reading instruction, content previews, and review of prior grade-level skills.

Additional supports include graphic organizers, sentence starters, word banks, modified writing expectations, scribing, checklists, time management tools, assignment chunking, flexible seating, fidget tools, Learning Ally access, Lexia, and assistive technology on Chromebooks. These strategies empower students to achieve success in their academic journey.

Visual Arts

The Grade 3 Art curriculum emphasizes a joyful and thoughtful approach to creativity, incorporating activities inspired by board games, video games, books, movies, and other media that generate excitement. Students will create expressive artworks exploring themes like Ancient Egypt, migration, and other topics from their main classroom studies. Lessons include self-portraiture, figuration, the art and culture of Ancient Egypt, and migration, featuring artists like Jacob Lawrence.

Students will also design a board game. Throughout the year, grade-appropriate exercises supporting the mastery of art fundamentals will be integrated and collected in a portfolio.

Science

The Grade 3 Science curriculum delves into the fascinating structures of life, evolution, and sensation, offering students a deeper understanding of the natural world and the mechanisms that govern it. Through inquiry-based learning experiences, students explore essential questions about animal adaptations, fossil formation, skeletal systems, muscular function, and sensory perception.

Hands-on activities and investigations empower students to conduct research, design models, and engage in coding exercises to comprehend complex scientific concepts. Aligned with NGSS standards, the curriculum encourages students to develop critical thinking skills, communication abilities, and a lifelong curiosity about the world around them.

Physical Education

The Grade 3 Physical Education curriculum at Bancroft School advances students’ physical skills and knowledge with a greater focus on developing proficiency in various sports and activities. Throughout the year, students participate in more structured and skill-specific exercises that enhance their coordination, strength, endurance, and flexibility.

Activities include advanced motor skills like dribbling, passing, and shooting in basketball; kicking and trapping in soccer; and more sophisticated movements in dance and gymnastics. Students begin to engage in more competitive games, learning the rules, strategies, and teamwork necessary for various sports. Emphasis is placed on improving individual skills while fostering cooperative play and positive sportsmanship.

Lessons also incorporate health education topics, such as the importance of cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, and being life-long active learners. By the end of the year, third graders should demonstrate a greater understanding of how physical activity affects their bodies, how to stay active and healthy, and how to work effectively as part of a team.

The curriculum aims to instill a lasting appreciation for physical activity, encouraging students to embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.

Music

In Grade 3 Music, students are introduced to reading music on the treble clef and learning through standard notation. They explore music from around the world by engaging in group dancing and playing instruments, deepening their understanding of different musical cultures. Singing in parts is introduced, with rounds, partner songs, and ostinato providing opportunities for harmony and collaboration. The recorder is introduced as a new instrument, enhancing their skills in melodic and rhythmic notation.

Additionally, students begin to explore meter and form, laying a solid foundation for more advanced musical concepts.

Technology

The Grade 3 Technology curriculum begins to reinforce the students’ creative use of computer tools with the introduction of engineering lessons. Our third graders will be taken slowly through the design process in TinkerCAD. We will provide lessons that focus on the ‘how and why’ of designing objects to be 3D printed. Our students will also be introduced to Scratch Desktop, a more age-appropriate programming tool for third grade.

We will have a segment on online safety and digital sources in conjunction with the CS and Library lessons. We will be adding a sewing lesson and sewable electronics later in the year. We will introduce photo editing and basic photo manipulations.

Library

In Grade 3, Library classes are an exciting blend of learning and discovery, where students delve deeper into the world of literature while honing essential skills. The curriculum focuses on striking a balance between information and imagination, building upon the foundation laid in grade 2. A significant aspect of the curriculum is teaching students effective note-taking skills.

They learn to craft note cards using keywords and fact fragments, facilitating better organization and comprehension of information. Additionally, students are introduced to the concept of bibliographies, understanding the importance of crediting sources in their research or reading endeavors. As their literary journey progresses, students begin to recognize and appreciate different genres, from fiction to nonfiction, mystery to fantasy.

This newfound awareness broadens their reading horizons and encourages them to explore diverse texts. Moreover, grade 3 library classes emphasize the joy of recreational reading, encouraging students to select longer chapter books and nonfiction titles. Through these activities, students not only enhance their academic abilities but also foster a lifelong passion for reading and learning.

Drama

We emphasize the process and product of drama in a developmentally appropriate way by fostering teamwork, community, and empathy. Students will continue to practice basic drama concepts, physical and vocal expression, and critical thinking through activities like drama games, pantomime, puppetry, and improvisation.

In grade 3 students also begin to study scripted scenes and build performance skills. These stories are explored with cultural and historical perspectives in mind. Our program encourages active observation, respectful feedback, and collaborative storytelling, building confidence and a strong sense of belonging. We’re thrilled to support each student’s growth in this creative and educational experience.

Spanish

The curriculum for Grade 3 students focuses on Spanish language learning through cultural themes from Hispanic countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Perú, Guatemala, and Cuba. Each quarter, students develop language skills by following directions, identifying objects, and progressing to more advanced tasks like retelling stories and expressing preferences.

The lessons incorporate geography, traditions, and cultural practices, encouraging students to compare their own experiences with those of Spanish-speaking cultures. Projects, authentic songs, and narratives are used to reinforce learning, with essential questions guiding students to explore how geography and culture shape individual and collective identities.

Grade 4 Curriculum Overview at Bancroft School

In Grade 4, students experience significant growth in both academic and personal development as they tackle more complex concepts and responsibilities. Reading skills are honed through analysis of diverse texts, with an emphasis on critical thinking and inference. Writing becomes more sophisticated, focusing on crafting well-structured essays and reports with clear arguments and evidence.

Math learning deepens with a focus on multi-digit multiplication, division, fractions, and geometry, applying these skills in real-world contexts. Socially, students navigate more complex relationships, developing empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills. They also gain greater emotional maturity, learning to manage stress and set personal goals. Physically, they improve coordination and endurance, participating in more organized sports and activities.

Creativity is nurtured through more advanced projects and performances, allowing students to express their growing understanding of the world. Grade 4 students experience special classes in Science, Physical Education, Visual Art, Music, Technology, Library, Drama and Spanish. Grade 4 students are also introduced to ensemble classes in either Instrumental Music or Chorus. Grade 4 is a pivotal year, laying the groundwork for more independent learning and self-directed growth in the years ahead.

Central Subject

The Grade 4 Central Subject curriculum explores the concept of courage and community through the lens of upstandership. They learn about changemakers and the qualities they possess, as well as the drivers of positive change. Historical examples, such as early changemakers in Massachusetts and figures from the American Revolution, provide context for understanding the importance of taking a stand and speaking up against injustice.

Ultimately, students are encouraged to harness their words, voices, and actions to become proactive changemakers in their own right.

Literacy

The Grade 4 literacy curriculum is designed to engage students with a variety of texts and projects that encourage both personal reflection and social awareness, integrating with the year-long Central Subject theme of Changemakers. The year begins by reading realistic fiction stories, such as Front Desk by Kelly Yang, drawing from themes of “windows and mirrors” to encourage students to see themselves and others in literature.

Students engage in realistic fiction writing projects to create the stories they wish existed in the world. Students then read inspiring nonfiction texts about changemakers like Mahatma Gandhi, Malala Yousafzai, and Wangari Maathai. Students undertake a “Changemaker Research Project,” producing biography pages and art projects about changemakers of their choosing. Opinion writing assignments focus on letters and essays aimed at creating change.

The historical fiction genre is explored with books like “Number the Stars.” Students then participate in American Revolution realistic fiction book clubs. Research on Revolutionary changemakers culminates in a Wax Museum speech presentation, fostering both research and public speaking skills. Poetry is integrated through the year with “Poetry Cafe,” where students appreciate and write poetry inspired by poets such as Kwame Alexander and Amanda Gorman.

Students explore the world through the poet’s eyes, learning tools such as onomatopoeia, similes, and descriptive language.

Mathematics

The Grade 4 curriculum in the Bridges in Mathematics program offers an enriching and comprehensive exploration of mathematical concepts, building upon the foundational skills developed in previous grades. Through a diverse array of interactive activities, problem-solving tasks, and collaborative learning experiences, students delve deeper into key mathematical domains including number sense, multiplication and division, fractions, decimals, geometry, measurement, and data analysis.

The curriculum places a strong emphasis on developing fluency with multiplication and division algorithms, understanding fractions and decimals, exploring geometric shapes and their properties, and applying measurement concepts to real-world situations. Additionally, students engage in analyzing and interpreting data through various graphical representations, solving multi-step word problems, and honing their critical thinking skills.

Through hands-on exploration and cooperative learning opportunities, students develop a deeper conceptual understanding of mathematics while fostering a growth mindset and appreciation for the relevance of mathematical concepts in their daily lives. The Grade 4 curriculum in the Bridges in Mathematics program aims to empower students to become confident and proficient mathematical problem-solvers as they continue their mathematical journey.

HGP Literacy

The Hope Graham Program supports students in Grades 3-5 who have been identified with language-based learning differences, offering small group instruction tailored to their needs. Teachers provide grade-level essential knowledge and skills, incorporating accommodations to enhance learning. Students also receive individualized Orton-Gillingham instruction to improve decoding and encoding skills.

The program’s writing curriculum, based on the Hochman Method and The Writing Revolution, focuses on expository writing, sentence structure, paragraphing, and parts of speech. Accommodations may include reading aloud grade-level texts, explicit reading instruction, content previews, and review of prior grade-level skills.

Additional supports include graphic organizers, sentence starters, word banks, modified writing expectations, scribing, checklists, time management tools, assignment chunking, flexible seating, fidget tools, Learning Ally access, Lexia, and assistive technology on Chromebooks. These strategies empower students to achieve success in their academic journey.

Visual Arts

The Grade 4 Art curriculum is designed to encourage students to experiment and develop meaningful concepts through student-centered inquiry, challenging them to apply their skills, knowledge, and aesthetics. Lessons include self-portraiture, figuration, creating three-dimensional painted hot-air balloons to be suspended from the ceiling, and designing luggage trunks that reveal sculptural scenes from specific times and places.

Additionally, students will engage in graphic design by creating signs and appetizers for the art show. Throughout the year, grade-appropriate exercises supporting the mastery of art fundamentals will be integrated and collected in a portfolio.

Science

The Grade 4 Science curriculum provides a comprehensive exploration of the cycles and forces that shape our solar system, planet Earth, and human existence. Through inquiry-based learning experiences, students delve into topics ranging from celestial phenomena to electromagnetism and human survival strategies. Hands-on activities and investigations empower students to understand complex scientific concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and apply knowledge to real-world problems.

Aligned with NGSS standards, the curriculum fosters curiosity, safety awareness, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of science and the natural world.

Physical Education

The Grade 4 Physical Education curriculum at Bancroft School continues to build on the skills and concepts introduced in previous grades, with an increased emphasis on skill refinement and application in various sports and physical activities. Throughout the year, students engage in a range of exercises designed to improve their strength, endurance, coordination, and flexibility.

They practice advanced techniques in sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field, focusing on both individual skills and team dynamics. The curriculum introduces more complex game strategies and rules, encouraging students to think critically and make quick decisions during play. Cooperative activities and team sports help students develop leadership skills, effective communication, and positive sportsmanship.

By the end of the year, fourth graders should demonstrate improved physical competence and confidence in a variety of activities, a deeper understanding of health and fitness concepts, and the ability to work collaboratively with peers. The curriculum aims to foster a lifelong interest in physical activity and promote a healthy, active lifestyle.

Music

In Grade 4 Music, students are introduced to more complex rhythmic notation through engaging songs and dances. Independent instrumental playing is encouraged, with a focus on developing confidence and skill. Harmonic structures and chords are introduced, using Boomwhackers and xylophones to create more intricate harmonies. Both the bass clef and treble clef are reviewed and regularly utilized, deepening students’ understanding of musical notation.

The curriculum also includes an exploration of musical structure and form through listening activities, dancing, and learning songs, providing a comprehensive and interactive approach to music education. This year, students have the opportunity to join music ensembles, choosing between Choral or Instrumental music, allowing them to specialize and participate in group performances, further enhancing their musical abilities and appreciation.

Technology

The Grade 4 Technology curriculum introduces a whole set of new tools with which our students will become proficient. The first new tool will be how to do math with spreadsheets in the M&M lesson. We will be reinforcing 3D printing with our nametag and house-building lessons. 4th-grade technology will be collaborating with Science to extend the introduction to electricity lessons into an electrical engineering segment.

We will be introducing a new tool for programming the physical world called a Microbit as part of the electronics lesson. We will also be collaborating with the Theater department to bring a puppet show to life. Students will design and build puppets in Technology, perform the show in Theater, and edit the videos in our segment on non-linear video editing. We will reinforce photo editing throughout the year in small addendums to lessons.

Library

In Grade 4, students embark on a journey to master essential research skills through a curriculum centered on key questions. They begin by understanding how information is organized, learning about alphabetical order, categories, and indexes. Through hands-on activities, they explore library catalogs and digital databases to access information efficiently. Guided by critical thinking, they evaluate sources for credibility and relevance, distinguishing between fact and opinion.

With these skills, students retrieve information and communicate effectively, summarizing findings in presentations and written reports. By the end of the curriculum, Grade 4 students have developed a solid foundation in information literacy, empowering them to navigate the ever-expanding landscape of knowledge responsibly and confidently.

Drama

We emphasize the process and product of drama in a developmentally appropriate way by fostering teamwork, community, and empathy. Students will continue to practice basic drama concepts, physical and vocal expression, and critical thinking through activities like drama games, pantomime, puppetry, and improvisation.

In grade 4 students continue to study scripted scenes and build performance skills. Cultural and historical perspectives are explored throughout the year. In the spring we work collaboratively with the 4th grade classroom teachers on a dramatic presentation related to their central subject topic.

Our program encourages active observation, respectful feedback, and collaborative storytelling, building confidence and a strong sense of belonging.

Spanish

The curriculum for Grade 4 students focuses on Spanish language learning through cultural themes from Hispanic countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Perú, Guatemala, and Cuba. Each quarter, students develop language skills by following directions, identifying objects, and progressing to more advanced tasks like retelling stories and expressing preferences.

The lessons incorporate geography, traditions, and cultural practices, encouraging students to compare their own experiences with those of Spanish-speaking cultures. Projects, authentic songs, and narratives are used to reinforce learning, with essential questions guiding students to explore how geography and culture shape individual and collective identities.

Grade 5 Curriculum Overview at Bancroft School

In Grade 5 at Bancroft, students experience significant growth as they engage with increasingly complex academic and personal challenges. Reading skills are further refined through the analysis of diverse texts, with a strong emphasis on critical thinking, inference, and understanding multiple perspectives. Writing becomes even more sophisticated, with students crafting well-argued essays, research reports, and creative compositions.

Math learning advances, focusing on decimals, fractions, geometry, and introductory algebra, with real-world applications enhancing understanding. Socially, students navigate deeper relationships, developing empathy, collaboration, and leadership abilities. They also achieve greater emotional maturity, learning to manage stress, set goals, and take responsibility for their learning. Physically, they continue to build coordination and endurance through organized sports and activities.

Creativity is nurtured through advanced projects and performances, allowing for more expressive exploration. Grade 5 students also experience specialized classes in Science, Physical Education, Visual Art, Music, Technology, Library, Drama, and Spanish, and continue with ensemble classes in Instrumental Music or Chorus.

Leadership opportunities such as participating in the Grade 5 play and service projects like leading Earth Day activities empower students to contribute meaningfully to the Bancroft School community, fostering a sense of responsibility and belonging. This year prepares students for the transition to middle school, emphasizing independent learning and self-directed growth.

Central Subject

The Grade 5 Central Subject curriculum offers students a comprehensive exploration of U.S. history, focusing on key themes including early colonization, enslavement, and westward expansion. Through engaging activities and primary source analysis, students gain a deeper understanding of the complex forces and events that shaped the nation during these periods.

Literacy

The Grade 5 Literacy curriculum immerses students in diverse reading experiences and writing tasks throughout the academic year. Starting with Grit Book Clubs, students explore novels like “Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen, “Fish in a Tree” by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, and “Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus” by Dusti Bowling, focusing on comprehension strategies such as inferring and summarizing.

Throughout the year, read-aloud sessions like “Restart” by Gordon Korman prompt discussions on themes like self-advocacy and leadership. Students will thoroughly research a chosen invention and skillfully present their ideas to others in an informational essay. As the year progresses, students engage in historical fiction book clubs, strengthening their understanding of Westward Expansion as well as the perspectives of various groups of that time period.

As a final demonstration of their skills, students will create an opinion essay grounded in thorough research, articulating and supporting their position with evidence. Through engaging texts, varied writing tasks, and collaborative projects, students develop as proficient readers, writers, and critical thinkers, enabling them to contribute to their communities.

Mathematics

The Grade 5 curriculum in the Bridges in Mathematics program offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of advanced mathematical concepts, building upon the foundational knowledge acquired in previous grades. Through a blend of interactive activities, problem-solving tasks, and collaborative learning experiences, students delve deeper into key mathematical domains including number sense, operations with whole numbers and decimals, fractions, geometry, measurement, and data analysis.

The curriculum emphasizes developing fluency with operations involving whole numbers, decimals, and fractions, as well as understanding concepts of place value, factors, and multiples. Students explore geometric shapes and their attributes, apply measurement concepts to solve real-world problems, and represent and interpret data. Additionally, students engage in solving multi-step word problems, honing their critical thinking skills, and developing mathematical reasoning abilities.

Through hands-on exploration and cooperative learning opportunities, students deepen their conceptual understanding of mathematics and develop a growth mindset, preparing them for success in higher-level mathematics and real-world applications. The Grade 5 curriculum in the Bridges in Mathematics program aims to empower students to become confident and proficient mathematical thinkers as they continue their mathematical journey.

HGP Literacy

The Hope Graham Program supports students in Grades 3-5 who have been identified with language-based learning differences, offering small group instruction tailored to their needs. Teachers provide grade-level essential knowledge and skills, incorporating accommodations to enhance learning. Students also receive individualized Orton-Gillingham instruction to improve decoding and encoding skills.

The program’s writing curriculum, based on the Hochman Method and The Writing Revolution, focuses on expository writing, sentence structure, paragraphing, and parts of speech. Accommodations may include reading aloud grade-level texts, explicit reading instruction, content previews, and review of prior grade-level skills.

Additional supports include graphic organizers, sentence starters, word banks, modified writing expectations, scribing, checklists, time management tools, assignment chunking, flexible seating, fidget tools, Learning Ally access, Lexia, and assistive technology on Chromebooks. These strategies empower students to achieve success in their academic journey.

Visual Arts

The grade 5 Art curriculum aims to empower students to create a substantial and refined body of artwork that explores self-identity and culminates in a collaborative, interactive exhibit reflecting their interests, aesthetics, and personalities. Lessons include self-portraiture, figuration, graphic design through poster creation for fictional events, and exploring depth, illusion, and perspective. Students will also design a collaborative sculpture garden in the form of a mini golf course.

Throughout the year, grade-appropriate exercises supporting the mastery of art fundamentals will be integrated and collected in a portfolio.

Science

The Grade 5 Science curriculum offers an immersive exploration of energy cycles throughout the universe, from the intricate ecosystems of forests to the vast reaches of our solar system. Through inquiry-based learning experiences, students investigate essential questions about trees, planetary science, nutrition, climate change, and renewable energy sources.

Hands-on activities and data analysis exercises empower students to understand complex scientific concepts, develop critical thinking skills, and apply knowledge to real-world challenges. Aligned with NGSS standards, the curriculum fosters curiosity, environmental stewardship, and a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things within the universe.

Physical Education

The Grade 5 Physical Education curriculum at Bancroft School focuses on advancing students’ physical skills, knowledge, and understanding of health and fitness. Throughout the year, students participate in a variety of activities that enhance their strength, endurance, coordination, and flexibility. The curriculum includes more specialized and skill-intensive sports with an emphasis on refining techniques and understanding game strategies.

Students are introduced to more complex physical activities that require higher levels of coordination and teamwork. They learn to apply advanced tactics in games and sports, developing strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum also places a strong emphasis on leadership, cooperation, and positive sportsmanship, encouraging students to support and motivate their peers. Students learn about the principles of fitness, including cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and flexibility.

By the end of the year, fifth graders should exhibit increased physical competence, a solid understanding of health and fitness concepts, and the ability to work effectively in team settings. The curriculum aims to inspire a lifelong commitment to physical activity and a healthy lifestyle, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to stay active and fit.

Music

In Grade 5 Music, students delve into chord progressions and perform music in various styles, emphasizing expression and performance throughout the learning process. The focus shifts toward refining their ability to convey emotion and intent in their performances. Throughout the year, students continue to solidify their skills in music reading and writing, ensuring a strong foundation for future musical endeavors.

Independent instrumental practice, along with collaborative activities, helps students build confidence and fluency in their musical abilities, preparing them for more advanced challenges. This year students will continue to have specialized music ensembles, choosing between Choral or Instrumental music, to participate in group performances and further enhance their musical expertise and appreciation.

Technology

The Grade 5 Technology curriculum will be expanding and reinforcing our engineering lessons. Our students will expand on their gratitude letters from CS into a Scratch program. Our students will build on TinkerCAD skills to design a small dancing robot. This robot will be brought over to Art for decoration with an eye to it being part of a performance later. Our 5th graders will also be introduced to text-based programming using Python on the Microbit.

We will use the Microbit and Python to teach sensor-based robotics in our line following segment. Our students will then craft a program that makes their robot sing and dance. Towards the end of the year we will be organizing a performance of the dancing, costumed robots. We will continue throughout the year lessons on digital citizenship and online safety.

Library

In Grade 5, students embark on a journey into the realm of research, where they acquire indispensable skills for navigating the vast landscape of information. They learn to locate information effectively, employing various strategies to sift through libraries, digital databases, and online resources. Essential questions guide their exploration, encouraging curiosity and independent inquiry.

Through collaborative activities, students share ideas and perspectives, enriching their understanding of different topics. Technology integration plays a crucial role, as students harness digital tools to access a wealth of information while honing their digital literacy skills. Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior online, students learn to cite sources responsibly and critically evaluate the reliability of information.

Additionally, fostering a culture of reading instills a lifelong love for learning, as students explore diverse genres and formats, expanding their knowledge base and nurturing their intellectual curiosity. By the end of Grade 5, students emerge with a deeper appreciation for the value of information and the joy of reading, equipped with essential research skills for their academic journey and beyond.

Drama

We emphasize the process and product of drama in a developmentally appropriate way by fostering teamwork, community, and empathy. Students will continue to practice basic drama concepts, physical and vocal expression, and critical thinking through activities like drama games, pantomime, puppetry, and improvisation.

Cultural and historical perspectives are explored throughout the year. In grade 5 students explore scripted scenes and build performance skills in preparation for their mainstage play in the spring.

In collaboration with the music teacher and with the support of the middle school and upper school theater technology classes, students learn how to audition, rehearse, and ultimately perform a musical for the school community, family, and friends. Our program encourages active observation, respectful feedback, and collaborative storytelling, building confidence and a strong sense of belonging. We’re thrilled to support each student’s growth in this creative and educational experience.

Spanish

The 5th grade Spanish curriculum further hones language skills through more advanced and interactive activities. Emphasizing listening, speaking, reading, writing, and cultural awareness, students will expand their vocabulary and phrases related to more complex topics like careers, global issues, and technology. Activities include songs, interactive games, storytelling, role-playing, and more sophisticated writing exercises to deepen language comprehension and expression.

Students will also explore cultural traditions, holidays, and geography from Spanish-speaking countries. Alongside language study, students can choose to participate in music ensembles, selecting either Choral or Instrumental music, enriching their learning experience through artistic and cultural exploration.