Student Learning
Lower School Program
Lower School Program at MBIS
For students in grade 1 to 5
Our Elementary School program provides students with a comprehensive and well-rounded education.
Our Curriculum Emphasizes Academic Growth
The carefully structured curriculum emphasizes academic growth in subjects such as Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.
Student Participates in Specialized Courses
Students also participate in specialized courses led by dedicated teachers in Art, Music, Japanese, Library, Health, Physical Education, and World Religion. These diverse disciplines broaden their educational journey and inspire creativity, curiosity, and personal growth.
Our Curriculum follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Year Programme
Our curriculum follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Year Programme framework and is supported by the Common Core State Standards, ensuring that students gain the essential knowledge and skills needed for success. With a strong emphasis on diversity and multiculturalism, we tailor our teaching approaches to meet each student’s unique needs, helping them reach their full potential.
Browse Our Lower School Curriculum
Grade 1
Grade 1 - Curriculum Overview
Language Arts
Grade one students will follow Lucy Calkins reading and writing workshop strategies. During reading time, students have mini-lessons and work together with their peers in small groups to become more strategic readers. Students will learn comprehension strategies, word solving, vocabulary, fluency, and author’s craft. They will develop their skills to read increasingly complex texts. At writing time, students will learn four types of writing; small moment stories, non-fiction, persuasive reviews, and fiction writing. Students will study “craft moves” author’s make that they try to put in their own writing. They will also learn to add details and feelings to make their writing more “fancy” and come alive. Students will follow the Words Their Way spelling program. Students will be focusing on word features instead of memorizing words on a spelling list. They are encouraged to think about letters, sounds, and patterns as they read, write and spell unstudied words.
Mathematics
By the end of grade one, students will understand and use the concept of ones and tens in the place value number system. Students will be able to add and subtract small numbers with ease. They will be able to take simple measurements and describe relative locations of objects in space. They will describe data and analyze and solve simple problems. They will also learn to use tools and descriptive media, such as manipulatives or sketches, to model problems found in the textbook as well as real-life situations.
Science
Students will learn the scientific process by carefully conducting investigations. They will record observations and data with simple sketches, drawings, physical models, and written statements. They will recognize and understand the similarities and differences of plants and animals, and how their external characteristics enable them to survive specific environments. They will also plan and conduct investigations on the fundamentals of light and sound, and how it works. Additionally, students will look for predictable patterns in nature by observing the sun, moon, stars, and sky. Students will learn how these patterns can be used to predict the future.
Social Studies
Grade one students start out the year by learning about their responsibilities as a student and explore ways to get along in school. They learn the elements of good citizenship such as fair play, good sportsmanship, respect for others and the meaning of the “Golden Rule.” Students will compare and contrast schools and communities of today and the past, to gain perspectives over recent transitions that took place in our society. They will also read and construct simple maps utilizing cardinal directions and map symbols. Toward the end of the year, students will learn how all families are special, how they care for each other, and the ways families change over time.
Advanced Japanese
In this course, students focus on reading and writing 46 Hiragana and the Hiragana vocabularies including Dakuon(voiced consonant syllables), Han-Dakuon (p-sound), and Sokuon (small “tsu” “ya”, “yo”). The students are introduced to learn the Japanese language within the content areas of social studies, math and Japanese literature. During the first semester of Grade 1 course, students learn about their feelings, time, and Japanese money counting. During the second semester, students will read fiction short stories, with a focus on character and plot. By the end of the year, students are able to start organizing and expressing their thoughts in writing and speaking using the appropriate Japanese.
Beginners Japanese
Students learn about Japan and Japanese culture through many activities such as making origami and crafts based on particular cultural events. Although speaking is more focused than writing, they learn writing Hiragana. They also learn about my family, months of the year, days of the week, time and Japanese money. They will be able to speak simple Japanese and ask basic questions in Japanese.
Physical Education and Health
First-grade students continue to improve their locomotor and non-locomotor skills by practicing skills using a variety of movement qualities. The first-grade emphasis is on the qualities of movement, especially the effort aspects of space and time. They continue to practice throwing, catching, kicking, and dribbling by using a variety of objects and practice striking by using various implements. They are learning to share, cooperate, and work in groups without interfering with others. They also learn that to prevent injury, proper body position must be used when they are exercising and that water, oxygen, and food act as fuel for the body. Students will also engage in lessons about grade level health and safety.
Students explore the 3 content areas of health: Development and Growth, Injury Prevention and Safety, Personal and Community Health. Teachers explain, demonstrate and encourage students to recognize and practice healthy behaviors. Students will learn to identify a variety of behaviors that promote healthy growth and development, analyze steps to take in emergency or potentially dangerous situations and discuss the importance of preventing the transmission of germs.
Visual Arts
The Lower School Visual Art program engages students in making art, viewing and discussing art, learning about contexts in which art has been created, and pondering fundamental questions about art. Emphasis is placed on familiarizing students with a wide variety of studio materials, processes and a high level of fine motor dexterity. Through a variety of art activities students learn the fundamentals elements and principles of design such as line, texture, color, value, and balance. Students explore the art of many cultures and artistic styles throughout history.
Music
First grade students continue on with the basic elements of music with more concentration on reading simple rhythms and rhythmic patterns (ta, titi, rest). Hand symbols for musical notes (mi-so-la) are also introduced. Folk melodies from various countries and cultures are employed along with various musical games.
Religious Studies
The course aims to instill in the children a solid foundation of moral and spiritual values. Basic concepts covered in the class are the following; God made all people and living things, God has given all of us special gifts, each person is special, we must respect all people and all living things, families are based on love, and family members love each other, we all have the capacity for love and must care about each other. Most lessons will be presented using stories from the Old Testament through storytelling, movies showing and graphic organizers.
Library
First-grade students read or have read to them a wide representation of grade-level-appropriate text. Students read poems, rhymes, songs, and stories. First-grade students respond to questions (e.g., those that ask who, what, when, where, and how). Students relate prior knowledge to information and are able to identify meaning from symbols and pictures in print and digital materials. First-graders learn to share information orally and creatively with other students and audiences. In first grade, students understand how to check out and care for a variety of library resources. They alphabetize to the first letter to locate books in the library. Students can identify the characteristics of fiction and nonfiction and can describe the roles of authors and illustrators. They can identify the front cover, back cover, and title page of a book, in both print and digital formats.
Grade 2
Grade 2 - Curriculum Overview
Language Arts
Following the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop model, students in Grade 2 will participate in mini-lessons, group work, and one-on-one conferencing. In Reader’s Workshop, students will explore different genres of literature. Students will learn various comprehension strategies, word decoding strategies, vocabulary, fluency, and author’s craft. In Writer’s Workshop, students will write clear and coherent sentences and paragraphs that develop a central idea. Their writing shows they consider the audience and purpose and should progress through the stages of the writing process. Students will complete narrative, procedural, research reports, and letter writing assignments, while demonstrating a command of standard English and the drafting, research, and organizational strategies used at the appropriate grade-level. Appropriate word study activities are provided daily to engage students in productive word study using Words Their Way sorting methods. These word study methods are designed to explore the intricacies of language and to investigate the meaning and structure of words, as well as the conventions and forms of the written language.
Mathematics
In grade two, students will comprehend the concepts of place value and number relationships in addition and subtraction as well as simple concepts of multiplication. They will also measure quantities of various substances and objects with appropriate units. Grade two students will classify shapes and see relationships among them, by paying attention to their geometric attributes. Students will also collect and analyze data and verify the answers using graphs and simple problem solving strategies.
Science
In grade two students are introduced to the diversity and interdependence of living things in ecosystems. They dive deep into different habitats through research projects. Students compare the properties and functions of different kinds of matter through scientific experiments. Students will analyze the processes that shape Earth over long and short periods of time. Students will understand that the earth is made of materials that have distinct properties and provide resources for human activities. Additionally, students study the basics of Earth’s formation, climate and natural disasters. Students will understand that the scientific process is made by asking meaningful questions and by conducting careful investigations.
Social Studies
Students in grade two explore the basics of geography, economics, and citizenship in the context of learning about their local community. They will differentiate between things that happened long ago and things that happened yesterday. They will learn the stories of extraordinary people from history whose achievements have touched them, directly and indirectly. Additionally, students will demonstrate map skills by describing the absolute and relative locations of people, places, and environments such as governmental institutions and practices in the United States and other countries.
Advanced Japanese
Students will read many short stories and pages from Japan’s public school textbooks of Grade 2 with themes of Science and Technology, Social studies, and literature studies. Students will study scientific research by observing the growth of plants. They will also read a poem, as well as study the author’s biography and historical background of which the poem had been written to deepen their analysis on classic texts. They build up their reading comprehension and vocabulary, as well as practice newly introduced kanji in the Grade 1 or 2 year level. They enjoy writing haiku, letters and stories.
Beginners Japanese
Students learn about Japan and Japanese culture through many activities such as making origami and crafts based on particular cultural events. Although speaking is more focused than writing, they learn to write Katakana. They also learn about food and drinks, how to say give me ~, animals, vocabulary necessary for shopping, telling the time and numbers from 1-100. They will be able to speak simple Japanese and ask basic questions in Japanese.
Physical Education and Health
Second-graders also continue to practice manipulative skills by throwing, catching, kicking, and dribbling (foot and hand) for control using a variety of objects and practice striking by using a variety of implements. The students participate in a variety of group settings with an emphasis on encouraging others, demonstrating cooperation, and avoiding interference with others. Students move from the sense of self in isolation and begin to embrace the concept of partners working together to solve movement problems. They also learn the names of the muscles they are strengthening and stretching, as well as the benefits derived from good health-related fitness.
Students continue to explore the 3 content areas of health: Nutrition and Physical Activity, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs, Mental, Emotional, and Social Health. Students examine their environment and make informed decisions about their health habits.
Students will learn to identify resources for reliable information about healthy foods, distinguish between helpful and harmful substances (including alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs) and describe a variety of emotions.
Visual Arts
The Lower School Visual Art program engages students in making art, viewing and discussing art, learning about contexts in which art has been created, and pondering fundamental questions about art. Emphasis is placed on familiarizing students with a wide variety of studio materials, processes and a high level of fine motor dexterity. Through a variety of art activities students learn the fundamentals elements and principles of design such as line, texture, color, value, and balance. Students explore the art of many cultures and artistic styles throughout history.
Music
Second grade students continue all previously introduced activities including basic rhythmic elements, games, folk songs, music hand symbols, and simple musical forms. New concepts will include rhythmic elements (tika tika, half note, ties, whole note), music hand symbols (do,re), and simple musical forms (2 and 4 meter, 1st & 2nd Ending Repeats).
Religious Studies
In Grade 2, the children will be presented the following topics; Love for God, God made all people and all things; we are all precious to him; Gods love helps all people to grow in love for him and with one another, the love of God through His Son, Jesus. The second quarter of Religious Studies is mostly devoted for the nativity play practices for the class Christmas presentation. The topics enumerated will be taught through little stories, bible reading, song plays, poems, and show and tell activities will be conducted during religion classes.
Library
Second-grade students read increasingly complex material and a wide representation of grade-level-appropriate text. Second-grade students become familiar with types of everyday print and non-print materials. Students can identify parts of a book. Second-grade students recognize the need for information. In second grade, students perform simple keyword searches using a search engine or database. Second-grade students are familiar with the procedures for borrowing materials from the school library and caring for library resources. Students locate fiction and nonfiction materials in the library. In second grade, students draw meaning from illustrations, photographs, diagrams, charts, graphs, maps, and captions. Students begin to recognize how media affects the telling of a story and transmission of information.
Grade 3
Grade 3 - Curriculum Overview
Language Arts
Third grade Language Arts curriculum enables students to read grade level fiction and nonfiction independently with both literal and inferential comprehension. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of common spelling patterns, roots and affixes and use conventions of spelling and print. Students improve their dictionary skills to understand the meaning of new words and to use context to gain the meaning of unfamiliar words. Building strategies for writing sentences and paragraphs is also emphasized. Readers and Writers Workshop is the model of classroom instruction used in literacy lessons. This allows for whole group mini-lessons that progressively build upon each other throughout the year along with one on one student/teacher conferring. Grammar and spelling utilize the Words Their Way system for individualized teaching of spelling patterns, word usage, vocabulary, and latin roots in the English language.
Mathematics
By the end of grade three, students deepen their understanding of place value and skills with addition and subtraction. Students should be able to memorize with automaticity the multiplication table for numbers between 1 and 10, as well as use the inverse operations of multiplication and division to solve problems. Students will also use mathematical reasoning with word problems, determining when and how to break a problem into simpler parts and which operation to select. Measurement in both the standard and metric system will be utilized. Basic geometry will be introduced and students will be able to identify and name types of polygons and angles.
Science
Third grade students will observe, predict and investigate the three forms of matter; solid, liquid and gas, and learn that all matter is made of small particles called atoms, too small to see with the naked eye. Students learn that energy and matter have multiple forms and can be changed from one form to another. Through TCI Science Bring Science Alive! Exploring Science Practices students explore the variations in traits of different organisms and the factors in changing environments that affect survival today and in the past. Students quantify and predict weather conditions in different areas and at different times, and investigate the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on motion.
Social Studies
Students will be able to identify geographical features, using maps, tables, graphs and photographs to organize information. Throughout the year students will explore the idea of continuity and change in their own community. Also, the role of the global and local economy in their daily lives will be explored. They will determine the reasons for rules and laws and the roles of citizens within their communities. Using TCI Social Studies Alive! Our Community and Beyond a students’ awareness will broaden about the local and global communities in which they live. Students will learn the fundamentals of geography and discover different cultures and public service roles.
Advanced/Intermediate Japanese
Students will learn about My town, Kobe in the 1st quarter about its history, agriculture, geography and industry and will be able to present what they have found about the city. In the second quarter, students will research environmental issues at school and their everyday life situation and write a report on how to save the earth from their point of view. In the third quarter, students will read a story of Koala’s March where they build up their reading comprehension and writing skills. In the fourth quarter, students will do the jumping rope project where they analyze each movement and will be able to do procedure writings. Students will also work extensively in improving their Kanji ability, learning about 100-150 more Kanji during the year, depending on their current level.
Beginners Japanese
Students learn about Japan and Japanese cultures through a variety of activities. They will learn reading and writing Hiragana, position words, basic particles and simple sentence structures. They will be able to read, write and speak simple Japanese and ask basic questions in Japanese. They will be able to learn basic vocabularies needed for the N5 Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
Physical Education and Health
Third-graders can describe the correct technique for manipulative skills in greater detail building on knowledge gained in kindergarten through second grade. In addition, they can describe technique differences when applying manipulative skills in different situations. In preparation for game play in later grades, students learn about altering speed and direction to avoid an opponent. They learn the purpose of safety procedures and rules along with the consequences of not following those procedures and rules. They also learn about the relationship between the heart, lungs, blood, and oxygen during physical activity.
Students continue to explore the 3 content areas of health: Development and Growth, Mental, Emotional, and Social Health, Mental, Emotional, and Social Health. Students are asked to take responsibility for learning about and making healthy choices in their everyday life. They also practice refusal and decision making skills that will lead to a more productive and healthier life.
Students will learn to identify major internal and external body parts and their functions, evaluate effective strategies to cope with fear, stress, anger, loss, and grief in oneself and others and recognize individuals who can assist with health-related issues and potentially life-threatening health conditions (e.g., asthma episodes or seizures).
Visual Arts
The Lower School Visual Art program engages students in making art, viewing and discussing art, learning about contexts in which art has been created, and pondering fundamental questions about art. Emphasis is placed on familiarizing students with a wide variety of studio materials, processes and a high level of fine motor dexterity. Through a variety of art activities students learn the fundamentals elements and principles of design such as line, texture, color, value, and balance. Students explore the art of many cultures and artistic styles throughout history.
Music
In addition to all the activities previously mentioned, third graders are also introduced to the recorder. Recorders help students learn breath support, control, and reading notes and rhythms. Ensemble play-ing experience is also provided through recorder performance. New concepts will include rhythmic elements (syn-co-pa, ti-tika, tika-ti, dotted half note), music hand symbols (high do,low la, low so), and simple musical forms.
Religious Studies
Students are encouraged to promote tolerance and respect, which involves an understanding that people have different views about things. They should understand that there isn’t always just one ‘right’ answer. Students will develop curiosity towards religions, understand that they (religions) are alive and that they help explain what human beings are like and what they can become. Students will be provided opportunities to express awe and wonder and develop reverence and gratitude for the gift of life and free will. Furthermore, students will develop an awareness of our needs and the needs of others and how we may respond to those needs.
Library
Third-grade students read a wide representation of grade-level-appropriate text and apply comprehension strategies. They are able to recognize the need for information and ask detailed questions to focus their searches. Key words are identified and used to perform searches in the automated library catalog, search engines and databases. Students identify currency of information with publication and copyright dates. Third-grade students understand the purpose of the library catalog, information on spine labels, and how resources in the library are organized. Students use reference resources in both print and digital formats and learn the skills necessary to access the information in these materials. Third-grade students develop a basic understanding of intellectual property rights. As students continue to use online resources, they learn how to stay safe online.
Grade 4
Grade 4 - Curriculum Overview
Language Arts
The Grade 4 Language Arts program is designed to equip students with strong reading, writing, and speaking skills that allow them to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Through exposure to a diverse range of texts, students are guided to become independent critical readers who skillfully use evidence to support their interpretations and understandings. To do this, each unit is centered around a relevant and engaging unit theme. During class, students will participate in a mix of whole-group, small-group, and independent reading and writing, focusing on a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts relevant to the current unit theme. Vocabulary also plays an important role in our Language Arts program as students use unit related vocabulary and morphology in their writing and peer discussions. Students learn how to plan and write narrative, opinion, and informative pieces for a variety of purposes. They use writing as both a vehicle to further their understanding of unit concepts and to develop their writing voice. They are taught a set of flexible writing strategies that foster independence and writing fluency. We regularly use formative assessments to monitor students’ literacy skills and provide targeted support to help students reach their goals.
Mathematics
Grade 4 Mathematics units aim to build confident and competent mathematicians who are able to apply their math knowledge both in and out of the classroom. Students engage in a variety of activities to help foster procedural knowledge and conceptual understanding. Students learn about place value, rounding, addition and subtraction, multi-digit multiplication and division, fraction equivalence and ordering, fraction operation, decimal fractions, unit conversions, and shapes and angles. We regularly use formative assessments to monitor students’ understanding of the concepts taught and provide targeted support to help students reach their mathematical goals.
Science
The Grade 4 Science curriculum is designed to engage students in hands-on learning experiences with extensive reading to deepen knowledge. Throughout the year, students will explore various scientific phenomena through a series of investigations that encourage authentic inquiry. In each unit, students will be tasked with planning, conducting, and reflecting on their findings. They will use scientific reasoning and models to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts they are studying. Unit 1 focuses on plant and animal structures and how they affect survival. Unit 2 looks at Earth’s surface and its changes through weathering and erosion, while also inquiring into what makes volcanoes erupt. Unit 3 will explore the science of sound and how vibrations allow us to communicate across distances.Unit 4 focuses on energy and how it is stored, released, and transferred. Students also deepen their understanding of the different energy resources used to power our lives.
Social Studies
In Grade 4 Social Studies, students will explore a wide range of topics. We learn about the interconnectedness of world cultures and evaluate how the use of renewable and nonrenewable resources affects our lives. We learn about identity and the origins of cultures, how different cultures have influenced the world, and then look into some of their accomplishments. Unit 1 focuses on learning about maps and how to use their features to find locations. Unit 2 will explore the Vikings and how they were able to trade and explore vast areas. Unit 3 will focus on the dynasties of China and how they built an advanced civilization. Unit 4 will focus on how Islam grew into a major world religion, and then look at the scientific and cultural achievements of Islam’s golden age. Unit 5 will explore the pros and cons of different types of renewable and nonrenewable energy. We will look into what the future of our communities looks like if more renewable energy sources are not found.
Advanced/Intermediate Japanese
Students will learn about Japan as a part of the world in the first quarter. They will be able to locate where Japan is using technical terms necessary for the maps. In the second quarter, students will learn about the human body. They will be able to understand the parts of the body both in Japanese and English and explain the functions of each body part. In the third quarter, they will read folktales around the world. They can read with understanding, and will be able to summarize and write their thoughts. In the fourth quarter, students will do the “SOY” Project, where they learn how the shapes change at each stage. They will be able to write cooking recipes of their own. Students will also work extensively in improving their Kanji ability, learning about 100-150 more Kanji during the year, depending on their current level.
Beginners Japanese
Students learn about Japan and Japanese cultures through a variety of activities. They will learn reading and writing Hiragana, position words, basic particles and simple sentence structures. They will be able to read, write and speak simple Japanese and ask basic questions in Japanese. They will be able to learn basic vocabularies needed for the N5 Japanese Language Proficiency Test.
Physical Education and Health
Fourth-graders continue to learn more about the correct technique for manipulative skills. They can describe the similarities and differences between similar skills as well as the correct technique for the use of skills in different situations. Fourth-graders continue to include others in physical activities and respect individual differences in skill levels and motivation. They also continue their nutrition education by learning the role that food and water play in helping to improve physical performance. Students will also engage in lessons about grade level health and safety.
Students continue to explore the 3 content areas of health: Nutrition and Physical Activity, Injury Prevention and Safety, Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. Students are asked to take responsibility for learning about and making healthy choices in their everyday life. They identify personal long-term goals and formulate steps to reach them. Students will learn how to identify resources for valid information about safe and healthy foods, identify ways to reduce risk of injuries from fires, around water, while riding a motor vehicle, as a pedestrian, on the playground, and from falls and identify sources of valid information regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
Visual Arts
The Lower School Visual Art program engages students in making art, viewing and discussing art, learning about contexts in which art has been created, and pondering fundamental questions about art. Emphasis is placed on familiarizing students with a wide variety of studio materials, processes and a high level of fine motor dexterity. Through a variety of art activities students learn the fundamentals elements and principles of design such as line, texture, color, value, and balance. Students explore the art of many cultures and artistic styles throughout history.
Music
All areas are continued (basic elements and recorders). In addition the fourth graders are introduced to the ukulele. The concept of vocal harmony is taught (two or more notes being sung at the same time). This is done by using Simple rounds or by using scale patterns starting at different times. New concepts will include rhythmic elements (tam-ti, ti-tam), music hand symbols (fa, low ti), and meters (anacrusis, 3 meter), and chords (I, IV, V).
Religious Studies
Students will develop a set of core values they can build on and call on throughout their life to guide their behavior and attitudes. The “Building Blocks” of character, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness and care; and the “Building Blocks” of Moral awareness, gratitude, love, compassion, cooperation and generosity/charity are some topics covered in grade 4. Throughout the year students will have an introduction to different religions. Religious backgrounds and appreciation of world religions will be fully included in this course. This course introduces Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Judaism over the school year.
Library
Fourth-grade students learn more sophisticated search techniques. They use standard reference tools in print and online. They understand and can explain the organization of nonfiction books in the school library. Students become more knowledgeable about online searching. Students are aware that not everyone on the Internet is truthful or reliable. In fourth grade, students extract information from resources. They identify the factors that make a source comprehensive, current, credible, accurate, and authoritative. Students also communicate with others outside the school environment through the use of technology to share information. Fourth-grade students read increasingly complex works. They know the purpose of age-appropriate book awards such as the Caldecott, Newbery, and Sakura awards.
Grade 5
Grade 5 - Curriculum Overview
Language Arts
Our Grade 5 Language Arts program is designed to equip students with strong reading, writing, and speaking skills that allow them to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Through exposure to a diverse range of texts, students are guided to become independent critical readers who skillfully use evidence to support their interpretations and understandings. To do this, each unit is centered around a relevant and engaging unit theme. During class, students will participate in a mix of whole-group, small-group, and independent reading and writing, focusing on a variety of fiction and non-fiction texts relevant to the current unit theme. Vocabulary also plays an important role in our Language Arts program as students use unit related vocabulary and morphology in their writing and peer discussions. Students learn how to plan and write narrative, opinion, and informative pieces for a variety of purposes. They use writing as both a vehicle to further their understanding of unit concepts and to develop their writing voice. They are taught a set of flexible writing strategies that foster independence and writing fluency. We regularly use formative assessments to monitor students’ literacy skills and provide targeted support to help students reach their goals.
Mathematics
Grade 4 Mathematics units aim to build confident and competent mathematicians who are able to apply their math knowledge both in and out of the classroom. Students engage in a variety of activities to help foster procedural knowledge and conceptual understanding. Students learn about place value, rounding, addition and subtraction, multi-digit multiplication and division, fraction equivalence and ordering, fraction operation, decimal fractions, unit conversions, and shapes and angles. We regularly use formative assessments to monitor students’ understanding of the concepts taught and provide targeted support to help students reach their mathematical goals.
Science
Our Grade 5 Science curriculum is designed to engage students in hands-on learning experiences. Throughout the year, students will explore various scientific phenomena through a series of investigations that encourage authentic inquiry. In each unit, students will be tasked with planning, conducting, and reflecting on their findings. They will use scientific reasoning and models to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts they are studying. Unit 1 focuses on the question of what happens to our garbage, offering students the chance to delve into the world of matter. Unit 2 looks at the disappearance of a tiger salamander from a vernal pool, providing students with the opportunity to learn about ecosystems. In Unit 3, students will compare the importance of tap water and bottled water while exploring Earth’s systems. Finally, in Unit 4, students will inquire into the mysteries of why stars fall.
Social Studies
In Grade 5 Social Studies, students explore the efforts made by groups of people to fight for rights. They learn about the struggles different individuals and countries have faced in their pursuit of these rights. The course is designed to inspire students to understand that even ordinary people can bring about change in the world, despite the challenges they may face. Unit 1 focuses on human rights, with a specific emphasis on the situation in Afghanistan. Students analyze how human rights are met and not met in a range of countries and situations before selecting a famous human rights figure to research and write about. Unit 2 delves into the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, and the role that children played in the fight for equality. Students are taught how to compare and contrast primary and secondary sources, and analyze photographs as a source of meaning. In this unit, we aim to help students understand the historical discrimination faced by marginalized groups and develop a deeper comprehension of racial inequality. Our goal is to provide a safe and informative learning environment that encourages students to explore and engage with these important issues. In the final unit, students shift their focus from human and civil rights to culture and identity. They examine Japanese culture and history, and then conduct research on a culture of their choice.
Advanced/Intermediate Japanese
Advanced Japanese focuses on learning the Japanese language within the context of the content areas of science, Japanese social studies, and Japanese literature. During the first semester of the Grade 5 course, students will have a brief introduction to ancient ways of living in Japan, beginning the goal of students understanding how life styles change through time and comparing lifestyles of the past with those present in modern Japan. Students will also gain general knowledge and understanding of astronomy. During the second semester, the focus will change to creating three paragraph essays using appropriate vocabulary, form, and style. Students will read a biography of a Japanese astronaut and other non-fictional stories while sharing their opinions during class discussions. By the end of the course, students will have developed greater ability organizing and expressing their thoughts, in writing and verbally, using the appropriate Japanese, in the content areas mentioned. Students will also work extensively in improving their Kanji ability, learning about 100-150 more Kanji during the year, depending on their current level.
Beginners Japanese
Students will learn about Japan and Japanese culture through a variety of activities. Besides the basic Japanese, they learn the present tense, past tense and the future tense. The goal is to be able to understand simple spoken Japanese, be able to express simple ideas, ask simple questions, and be able to communicate with others in Japanese. Students will learn reading, writing Hiragana, Katakana and 80 basic kanji depending on each student’s level during the course.
Physical Education and Health
The practice of manipulative skills continues to play a much greater role in fifth grade physical education. The emphasis for fifth grade is improving distance and accuracy. Students focus on both when practicing throwing, fielding, punting, striking, serving, dribbling, passing, and volleying as well as refining their performances of trapping and catching. In preparation for game play in sixth grade, students learn about the importance of open space from a strategic perspective. They also continue their nutrition education by learning meal planning, the effects of dehydration and the benefits of maintaining a healthy body composition. Students will also engage in lessons about grade level health and safety.
Students continue to explore the 3 content areas of health: Nutrition and Physical Activity, Growth, Development, and Sexual Health, Personal and Community Health. In grade 5 students are asked to look deeper into the risk factors that compromise our health. They are also asked to practice consumer advocacy and acknowledge the role of community in promoting health and safety. Students will learn how to describe the food groups, including recommended portions to eat from each food groups, to recognize that there are individual differences in growth and development, physical appearance, and gender roles and to practice effective communication skills to seek help for health-related problems or emergencies.
Visual Arts
The Lower School Visual Art program engages students in making art, viewing and discussing art, learning about contexts in which art has been created, and pondering fundamental questions about art. Emphasis is placed on familiarizing students with a wide variety of studio materials, processes and a high level of fine motor dexterity. Through a variety of art activities students learn the fundamentals elements and principles of design such as line, texture, color, value, and balance. Students explore the art of many cultures and artistic styles throughout history.
Music
Fifth graders are challenged with singing (melodies and simple harmonies), recorders, rhythm and note reading, listening, small and large ensemble playing using recorders, ukuleles, xylophones, or other instruments. Time will be spent in selecting a musical instrument for the following year (6th grade). Students will get a chance to see and hear the instruments of the band (woodwinds, brass, and percussion) to help make their selection. New concepts will include rhythmic elements (triplets), music hand symbols (ti), major and minor scales, key signatures, and more in depth covering of keyboard instruments.
Religious Studies
Students will develop a set of core values they can build on and call on throughout their life to guide their behavior and attitudes. The “Building Blocks” of character, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness and care; and the “Building Blocks” of Moral awareness, gratitude, love, compassion, cooperation and generosity/charity are some topics covered in grade 4. Throughout the year students will have an introduction to different religions. Religious backgrounds and appreciation of world religions will be fully included in this course. This course introduces Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Judaism over the school year.
Library
Fifth-grade students continue to read a wide variety of grade-level-appropriate text, both in print and online. In fifth grade, students understand how features of both print and digital text make information accessible. They use appropriate reference materials to obtain needed information. Students are able to define the topic of a research investigation and use keyword searches to locate information online. Fifth-grade students are comfortable locating materials in the library. Students evaluate the source and the information for accuracy, credibility and relevance. When necessary, students use more than one resource to verify and determine accuracy. They also record bibliographic information in an acceptable format. Fifth-grade students use basic safety procedures when online. They demonstrate legal and ethical behavior in information use.
A supportive learning environment
At MBIS, we strive to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. Through thoughtful instruction, a broad range of subjects, and the effective integration of technology, we prepare our students for future success.
Technology is an integral part of our program.
From Early Years to Grade 6, students have access to a 1-to-1 iPad program, which enhances engagement and deepens their understanding across subjects.
