Elementary School
The Elementary School curriculum covers the four core subject areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. In addition, students receive classes in Music, Art, Physical Education, Computer Science, Library Studies, and Thai Language & Culture.
English Language Arts
In English Language Arts, we follow the Common Core standards. Students are encouraged to meet rigorous standards in spelling, reading, writing and grammar, and listening and speaking. A wide range of differentiation in learning styles and complexity are offered at every grade level.
Mathematics
In Elementary Mathematics we use the MyMath curriculum, which is aligned with Common Core standards. This acclaimed curriculum encourages students from grade 1-5 not only to perform calculations, but also to discuss and understand the deeper principles behind them.
Science
In Elementary Science, our students follow four strands of inquiry through grades 1-5: Life Science, Earth Science, Earth in the Solar System, and Physical Science. Our students are able to use the High School laboratories regularly in order to prepare them for the challenging middle school procedures.
Social Studies
In Elementary Social Studies, our areas of focus are history and geography, civics and government, and economics. Students study the social, political, religious, and geographic structures of places such as Ancient China and and Ancient Egypt.
Music
Highlighting our Music Department, there are traditionally two large concert performances put on by the Elementary Music Department each year featuring the Kindergarten through grade 5 students.
Elementary music sees students learning the essentials of sound and tonality at an early age, as well as exposure to notation, and playing and performing on multiple instruments. Through their Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2 years, students are becoming proficient in singing, solfege, and basic ear training, as well as reading notation and basic piano playing skills. Grade 3 introduces students to the recorder, which is early exposure to a wind instrument, and continued reinforcement with reading notation. Grade 4 students continue their recorder and piano skills, while also incorporating World Music and Percussion into the curriculum. Finally, Grade 5 students are introduced to the violin! This is not only an exciting new instrument for students, and continued practice reading notation, but also an excellent transitional step in preparing students to play and work in an ensemble, just as they will in middle school band.
Art
Highlighting our Art Department, there is an annual NIS Art Show, showcasing students work from kindergarten to grade 12. Work is on display for three days, and after the initial opening, classes visit the show and write “art reports” for their favorite work and artist.
The Elementary curriculum includes units on the elements and principles of art with students exploring line, colour, texture, shape, form and value in a variety of projects from papier mache to claymation. Discovering new crafts such as paper making and this year we will be introducing screen printing and digital drawing. Students also learn about world art, famous artists, art movements throughout the world, sculpture and cross curricula projects the elementary art curriculum is filled with variety and scope with amazing facilities.
Elementary art holds three competitions annually: a music banner competition, a t-shirt competition, and finally, a portrait competition. The elementary art department works closely with the teachers in order to complement, reinforce and add a new dimension to units in science, language arts, social studies and even math. Collaborations include making spartan helmets and dragon heads for international day, globes from papier mache, self portraits for pen pal letters, Emotion Books for language arts, papermaking, Egyptian bowls and the list goes on. There have also been collaborations with the senior band, showcasing elementary student artwork inspired by the music being performed. Elementary art is an integral and an important part of our students life and enjoyment at school.
Chinese
In Chinese language, we have two types of courses. The first class if for Chinese native speakers. The other course for Chinese non-native speakers. In Chinese native classes, students study with the latest version of Chinese textbooks to improve their speaking, reading, and writing skills. In Chinese non-native classes, the students study with the ‘Easy Steps To Chinese For Kids’ in order to learn vocabulary, practice conversation, read Pinyin, and write Chinese characters.
Teachers
Out of Classroom Learning Activities
We believe that learning does not only take place in the classroom. When students are able to see what they are learning as well as read and hear about it, the lessons are usually more effective. Therefore, the following may be used as an extension to your child’s classroom learning.
