Elementary Curriculum

Language Arts

The Elementary Language Arts Block is made up of several components including Guided, Shared and Independent Reading and Writing. Grammar, phonics, spelling, and word study are taught within the components of the language block as part of the guided and shared lesson so that students learn these skills within the context of reading and writing. Whole class instruction, small group instruction, independent group work, and center-based activities are the instructional methods used during the language block. Running record assessments are completed regularly to monitor student reading levels and to inform instructional practices to support student learning needs.

Mathematics

It is our belief that all students need a thorough foundation and knowledge of mathematics in order to succeed and excel in our increasingly complex world. The fundamental goal of the mathematics curriculum is to provide a strong understanding of the basics of mathematics in addition to problem-solving skills. Competency, in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and exposure to geometry is essential.

Social Studies

The Social Studies program focuses on the major themes relating to our environment and ourselves. Our goal is to provide students with multiple opportunities to learn about themselves and explore the world around them by studying their families, communities, different countries, as well as current and historical events.

Kuwait Social Studies is also an integral part of the curriculum. In grade 4, students follow the Ministry of Education’s Social Studies curriculum.

Science

The Science curriculum consists of earth, life, and physical science as well as investigation and experimentation. Emphasis is placed on the science process skills of inferring, observing, predicting, classifying, identifying, comparing, communicating, measuring, and analyzing. Hands-on experiences are vitally important in the study of science concepts, and therefore, are incorporated within the science curriculum.

Arabic/Islamic Religion

Arabic Language instruction is provided for all students in grades 1- 5. Islamic Religion is required by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Education and is provided three periods per week.

German

German as a Foreign Language Curriculum represents the foreign language program in scope and sequence. It is designed to build the essential skills and knowledge that students will need to be multi-lingual citizens in the twenty-first century.

The course includes applications, problem-solving, higher-order thinking skills, and performance-based, open-ended assessments with rubrics. The curriculum is rigorous and provides skill development and knowledge to help students understand and appreciate the interrelationships between languages, societies, and cultures of other countries and their own. The support of quality textbooks and resource materials will assist students in mastering the concepts and skills presented.

The outcome of this program will provide opportunities for students to be successful in communicating with people of other cultures. Acquiring a second language sharpens students’ intellectual skills, increases their earning power, and broadens their cultural understanding. It will also serve as a springboard to viewing the world through the eyes of a lifelong learner who can make connections between theory and application in their real life.

Art

Students are provided a wide variety of mediums and media to express their individual ideas in visual form. In addition to drawing and painting, students experiment with various expressive artistic materials such as linoleum, block-printing, weaving, and ceramics.

Information Technology

The Technology program provides students with opportunities to learn and use computer technologies to enhance learning. The software that students are exposed to and use supports other classroom teaching activities. Important skills such as operating a computer, accessing web sites for educational information, learning simple word processing, and using educational games are part of the computer science/technology curriculum.

Library/Instructional Media

The goal of the library program is to develop in students a love of reading. The library program includes scheduled class periods with the librarian who exposes students to the library and teaches library and research skills.

Music

The program includes the teaching of music elements that include rhythm, melody, harmony, form, and expression. Music activities include listening, singing, using rhythm and melody, instruments, and learning and understanding composition and movements. The course is global in nature and strives to develop a music appreciation that reflects the international background of the student body.

Physical Education

The Physical Education curriculum encourages physical, motor, and mental development as well as body and spatial awareness. The course teaches basic locomotion skills, fitness activities, and games that support the learning of team sports. The program promotes a healthy attitude towards competition while emphasizing the qualities of sportsmanship. The overall goal of the program is to teach students the importance of physical fitness in their lives. Students have regular swimming classes throughout the year. Water safety and swimming are the main goals of the swimming classes.