Our goal is for all students to become proficient in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in English and Spanish. Therefore, the elementary school language arts program emphasizes reading different forms of text fluently and independently as well as communicating effectively and creatively in oral and written forms in both languages. Some of the methodologies and strategies used by Spanish and English language arts teachers to accomplish these goals are:

• Reading aloud to students: While teacher directed read alouds offer an enjoyable time for students to share a story together, they also help build language, vocabulary, content knowledge and word decoding strategies.
• Student Reading: Independent and guided reading as well as literature discussion groups are used to build fluency, comprehension and vocabulary in reading.
• Instructional discussions: These dialogues provide opportunities for students to initiate and participate in discussions on instructional topics and build oral academic language.
• Writing: Students practice and develop written academic language through literature analysis, investigative reports and story writing. In all these activities students learn that writing consists of several key phases: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing).
• Cross Curricular Themes: An important aspect of any language program is the use of non-fiction informational texts. Whether studying Social studies themes related to Ecuador or the world, or through connections to science topics, students use content knowledge in these areas to build their language skills in both Spanish and English.

The Elementary mathematics program helps students develop a foundation in many key areas such as number sense, geometry, spatial reasoning, recognition of patterns, computation, and the analysis of data. The following are important aspects of the elementary mathematics program:

• Knowledge is best obtained when it is constructed by the learner; therefore we seek to individualize lessons in order to teach every student according to their own abilities, learning styles and motivations.
• Students are expected to work cooperatively in groups, discover new concepts, and show examples of their applications. Additionally, they are expected to discuss their findings or conclusions and to demonstrate mathematical concepts at all learning levels: concrete, representational and abstract.
• Math teachers take on the primary role as guides or facilitators in student learning and they help students process and apply their mathematical knowledge as well as connect it to other areas of their everyday lives.
• We recognize that certain basic facts are needed in order for students to have success within a constructivist math program. These are, but not limited to, mastery and memorization of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts, understanding common fraction equivalents, using basic geometry vocabulary, and applying certain standardized formulas for problem solving.

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The Elementary school science program has been developed with sound educational research as its basis. We recognize that scientific literacy, especially in our rapidly changing world, is a necessity for everyone.

In the classroom students use exploration centers and hands-on investigative activities to build upon their existing knowledge through meaningful experiences. We seek to teach science in a way that is consistent with the school’s founding principles of “Goodness, Beauty and Truth”, where these three aspects require and develop a mind-set rather than a simple need for rote accumulation of knowledge or isolated skill development.

• GOODNESS: Science must be taught with reference to values first and foremost. A respect for our natural world and our role in it are paramount in the responsible study of science.
• BEAUTY: We must foster a sense of wonder in our students. This cannot be taught; rather it is communicated by the teacher’s own attitude and actions.
• TRUTH: Not even specialists know all that is to be known! Science has to do with finding out, or inquiry, which is an attitude that acknowledges and addresses ignorance. The scientific method of investigation provides a systematic way of searching for the truth.

MUSIC The Elementary music program provides students with a sound base in music theory and, beginning in 4th grade, offers them the opportunity to play an instrument. Students learn that the basis of all music is related to several basic concepts: harmony, melody, rhythm, form, dynamics, tempo and timbre. While the elementary music program provides the enjoyment of musical exploration and performance, overall, it seeks to help students learn discipline, perseverance and respect for others while enjoying these new and creative experiences.

ART The Elementary art program is based on the belief that the process of creating art outweighs the final product. As such, while art classes involve theory and history, the focus is on using this knowledge towards individual practical application in a non-oppressive work environment which fosters creativity. Students are prepared to maximize their own creative thought process through the healthy exercise of imagination, experimentation, constructive critiques and an underlying respect for others and the environment within which they create art.

COMPUTERS Computers and technology help students to investigate, to be creative, and to resolve problems. The main goals of the computer department are to teach students to use computers as a learning tool and as a tool for life. Therefore, instruction in computer classes focuses mainly on practical or “hands-on” activities to learn computer fundamentals. Software that is content rich is used to reinforce subjects taught in other core academic classes and to bring excitement to the learning process. Children are motivated and challenged to improve their computer skills while continuing to expand upon and learn from their own experiences.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Play continues to be the principal resource to develop motor skills and coordination in elementary students in physical education. Students work on building and refining their skills through a variety of activities. In addition to physical activity and skill work, students learn about the positive aspects of a healthy lifestyle that involves participation in sports and physical activity.