Upper Elementary

Reading
The reading curriculum supports the process by which readers actively construct meaning and relate prior knowledge to written text. Proficient readers use a variety of strategies to adapt to increasing levels of complexity and respond to text in a critical manner.

Writing
The writing curriculum is designed to develop effective communication skills that may be incorporated into a variety of writing styles and genres. Writing techniques and concepts are introduced and expanded over a three year period. Students apply concepts on an increasingly independent level and begin to develop a personal writing style. Student writing will evolve and progress in length, sentence complexity, level of vocabulary and organization. Students are taught the mechanics and elements of writing as they practice with creative writing, letter writing, tall tales, memoirs, news writing, fairy tales, essays, reports and poetry.

Research
Students build upon the research skills practiced in Lower Elementary to learn about topics of study in greater depth. With their developing reading and writing skills, students use classroom library and Internet resources to gather information and prepare reports of a depth and length that is appropriate for the developmental skills of each learner. Sixth year students conduct extensive research on a topic they select to pursue during the course of the school year. A variety of sources are used in preparation for writing their in-depth research paper.

Grammar
The grammar curriculum is designed to strengthen language skills as they apply to reading and writing. Students learn the complex structure of language and draw finer distinctions between the functions of words. Sentence analysis study provides the tools for understanding and developing awareness of the structure of language.

Vocabulary
The development and use of vocabulary is essential to effective spoken and written communication. The Montessori classroom is rich in opportunities to study multiple word meanings, etymology and development of a rich foundation of words.

Spelling
The Instructional Level Spelling Program meets the needs of a variety of learners and fosters the development of standard spelling. Students are introduced to one specific spelling pattern per week and learn words that fit that specific rule.

Oral Presentations and Performances
Speaking formally and informally and listening to others are all essential components of the learning process. Students engage in discourse and dialogue about literature, nonfiction and other topics on a daily basis. They are presented with opportunities to prepare and participate in presentations to small and large audiences. The Sixth Year Expert Project Presentation represents a very important rite of passage for Upper Elementary level students who are moving on to Middle School, as they present their research before a full auditorium of students, parents and teachers. The confidence that our students display in speaking before such a large audience is an outgrowth of having many opportunities throughout their years in Lower and Upper Elementary to practice and develop essential oral speaking skills.

Students rehearse and perform a yearly play before the entire school community. All students are actors in these performances, which usually involve literature or cultural themes.

Mathematics
The Math Curriculum provides a concrete foundation for new concepts being introduced, while maximizing successful passage to abstraction. Students continue practicing with materials to enhance the internalization of increasingly more complex operations. Emphasis is placed on the use of math as a part of daily life to solve problems. As students progress through the program, they will appreciate the relevance and usefulness of mathematics.

Students learn and practice strategies involved in solving word problems. They read the problem, determine the method for solving it and execute the necessary steps to reach a reasonable solution.

Geometry
The Geometry curriculum includes the study of equivalence between shapes, calculation of area, volume and surface area, and the study of the circle. Teachers present lessons using concrete materials to demonstrate concepts. Students derive the abstract formulas for calculations through their practice with the Montessori geometry materials. The Customary System of Measurement and the Metric System of Measurement are explored.

The Cultural curriculum integrates studies in History, Biology, Physical Science and Geography.

History
The History curriculum focuses on the role that humans have played since their arrival on the planet. Students study evolution and the cosmic role of humans in the universe. Fundamental needs throughout time are studied as students learn about the similarities and differences in how these needs were met while researching the great achievements of past civilizations.

Part of the three year cycle of study in History entails learning about the structure of the government and history of New Jersey.

Biology
Students study the vital functions of plants and animals, classification of all the kingdoms of life, and a study of the human body as a system. The science of life and life processes are explored, including the structure, function, growth, origin, evolution and distribution of living organisms. Students learn that all forms of life are specially adapted for their own survival.

Physical Science
The Physical Science curriculum provides the foundation for understanding the basic laws of physics and chemistry. Students study the physical forces that shape our planet while developing knowledge of the characteristics of nonliving elements on Earth. They are continuously involved in researching and refining their observational skills. The scientific method of observation is used to make predictions, conduct experiments, make observations, evaluate results and draw conclusions. Students learn about simple machines, electricity and magnetism, basics of chemistry, the solar system, the wetland environment, and weather as units of study.

Geography
The study of geography includes exploration of the Earth’s physical characteristics, as well as the study of patterns of human settlement and influence on the Earth. Students develop map-reading skills with use of geographic tools and acquire understanding of patterns that shape the Earth’s surface. They study land and water forms, the characteristics of ecosystems and processes that create patterns on Earth.

Upper Elementary students are given opportunities to experience the concept of community on many levels. Within their classrooms, students play a daily role in assuming responsibility for the care of their immediate environment. They serve their larger school community by helping younger students in the Toddler and Primary classes as well as in the Main Office. Students at this level are responsible for coordinating all aspects of our yearly food and coat drive.

“We acquire language when we understand messages; when we understand what people tell us and when we understand what we read”. (Dr. Stephen Krashen) 

Students acquire a second language the same way they acquired their first language, by receiving as much comprehensible input as possible, whether it be in spoken or written form. The Spanish program at the Upper Elementary level aims to provide students with exposure to the Spanish language and culture through personalized and comprehensible input, or in other words, Spanish that they can understand. This is accomplished in a variety of ways, including through creating stories, listening to and singing songs, talking about their everyday lives, playing games, all as vehicles to deliver Spanish that they understand. Students work on building proficiency in all areas of communication: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
 

Health lessons cover the specific structure and function of our organs/systems. The students have hands on time observing models, puzzles, trivia to have a better understanding. Further lessons discuss saying No to unhealthy choices in our diet, as well as alcohol, nicotine and other drugs. 

In the garden they have responsibility to expand and encourage the composting program. They work independently and in groups in regular garden maintenance both indoors and outside.

The Village School Physical Education program is intended to motivate students to be excited about movement and encourage students to make physical fitness a life-long activity.

In the UE Physical Education program students have combined fundamental movement skills into more complex motor patterns through participation in games, sports, dance, and other physical activities. The focus was on skill development with an increased use of cooperative and competitive small-group games. Emphasis has been on doing movements correctly and honing body awareness and control.

Interaction with peers of different ages and differing abilities allows for the opportunity to demonstrate leadership as well as learning to be a good follower.   There is a very big focus on good sportsmanship as well as cooperation and including others. 

The goal of our music program is to enhance creativity through discipline and inspiration The music program concentrates on aspects of music that include independent analysis and processing of musical information and creative composition.

Students listen to, write, and perform rhythmic and melodic patterns, learn what instruments of the orchestra sound like, and use recording and collaborative applications to record their own versions.. 

On ukulele as well as other instruments such as voice,  flute, cello, piano, and Jaw Harp students work on recording various songs.

Upper Elementary level classes continue with instruction in software applications, with emphasis on keyboarding skills, internet research and presentation of student projects to promote growth and proficiency in the use of application programs.

The Upper Elementary art program introduces students to artists such as Kandinsky, Picasso, Duchamp, Franz Marc, Severini, and Leger and architects such as Antonio Gaudi.  Students then draw inspiration from nature and objects around them as they create works of art incorporating techniques styles of the artists they are studying.  Students explore shading, overlapping, space, geometry, patterns, shape, line and color. All art projects are designed to be opened ended so as to challenge students to create works that are both personal and unique. 

Enrichment Programs are offered at an additional cost and are held during students recess, free periods or after school.  Some standing programs offered to UE students are:

• Makerspace
• Chorus
• Orchestra
• Percussion Ensemble
• Private Music Instruction

In addition we have some programs that rotate based on interest and instructor availability.  Some programs that have been offered in the past are: 

• Art: Intro to the Greats
• Chess
• Wood Working
• Maker Craft
• Needle Arts
• Beginner Circuits
• Fitness Club
• Newspaper Club
• Yoga
• Running Club