The lower school curriculum is sequentially designed with an emphasis on the total development of our students’ academic, social, emotional and physical needs. The curriculum is based on hands-on learning, emphasizing activities that teach the importance of exploring and experimenting. The School values an enriching experience for our children, which promotes selfconfidence and a love of learning.
Pre-Kindergarten
LANGUAGE ARTS
• Develop print awareness, phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge, oral comprehension strategies and skills, vocabulary and listening strategies
MATH
• Explore number awareness, number patterns and relationships, measurement, geometry, special concepts and algebraic thinking
• Group objects according to attributes
• Develop an understanding of number meaning through the use of extensive manipulatives
SCIENCE
• Develop an understanding of seasonal pattern and cycles through exploration of senses and a collection of observational data
• Use observations from media and the natural world to describe patterns about what all living things need in order to live and grow
SOCIAL STUDIES
• Develop concepts in the areas of weather, all about me, family, community, community helpers, holidays and people and places in our world
• Develop communication skills by sharing of ideas and thoughts with the class as well as develop the skill of waiting their turn
WORLD LANGUAGE
• Introduce the Spanish language through the use of simple songs, finger plays, puppets and various hands-on materials
• Develop greetings, numbers to 10, family names, colors, nouns, simple food words, simple phrases
• Explore cultural experiences from Hispanic cultures around the world
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC
• Develop a repertoire of simple songs based on folk and traditional songs and rhymes
• Identify and feel the pulse of a song
• Move to the beat of a song and identify the mood of a song
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA
• Learn to work in groups to develop and use imagination, public speaking and critical thinking skills through the use of creative dramatics, readers theatre and vocal interpretation
• Develop and practice public speaking techniques
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART
• Develop creative expression using school materials
• Participate in imaginary and dramatic play in daily classroom activities
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• Identify body parts, explore different ways to move the body and different positions the body can take
• Develop concepts of space, time and force
• Manipulate large- and medium-sized objects
• Follow simple verbal directions
• Learn to respect one another’s feelings
LIBRARY
• Identify librarian, helpers and location of easy section
• Use proper behavior, listening, sitting and enjoying stories and follow library procedures
• Exhibit proper check-out procedures, care of books and return of materials
• Identify parts of a book and use listening skills and viewing skills while observing different materials
• Develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling
• Begin to develop skills in self-awareness, relationships, decision making and safety awareness
TECHNOLOGY
• Introduction of computer basics
• Recognize and use the letter, number and symbol keys
• Introduce word processing through Microsoft Word, drawing and graphics, peripherals, presentations, internet, curriculum-based websites and electronic references
• Introduction to internet safety
Kindergarten
LANGUAGE ARTS
• Develop print awareness
• Develop phonemic awareness through oral blending, segmentation of word parts and rhyming, decoding and sight word recognition
• Develop emergent reading and writing skills
• Begin development of comprehension skills and strategies
• Develop study skills, listening and organizational skills
• Develop a foundation of independence in reading appropriate level books
• Practice communicating using oral and written processes
MATH
• Continue to explore number awareness, number patterns, measurement, geometry, algebraic thinking and relationships
• Develop strategies for answering questions, rote counting, count to tell how many, recording numbers, ordinal numbers, two- and three-dimensional shapes, patterns, logic, measurement, addition and subtraction, place value and positions
• Be able to communicate mathematical ideas, work in cooperative learning groups and understand mathematical terms
SCIENCE
• Develop an understanding of forces and interactions by building and manipulating simple machines
• Develop awareness of objects through floating, sinking and magnetism
• Explore the interdependent relationships in ecosystems: animals, plants and their environment
SOCIAL STUDIES
• Develop concepts on how people grow and change, communities, holidays, black history, U.S. Presidents and U.S. flag
• Develop ways to communicate thoughts, show independence, organization and responsibility and working in a classroom community
WORLD LANGUAGE
• Continue to introduce the Spanish language through the use of songs, finger plays, puppets and various hands-on materials
• Develop greetings, numbers to 20, family names, colors, nouns, simple food words, weather expressions and simple phrases
• Explore cultural experiences from around the world
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC
• Experience and label the beat and sing songs with a steady beat
• Experience and label melodic direction and respond to hand signals
• Experience major and minor music
• Use expression to show the meaning of a song
• Perform singing games and simple dances from a variety of cultures
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA
• Learn to work in groups to develop and use imagination and critical thinking skills through
the use of creative dramatics, readers and vocal interpretation
• Use vocal and facial expressions for characterization
• Develop stage presence
• Develop and practice public speaking techniques
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART
• Recognize the different styles and periods of art
• Use appropriate art vocabulary
• Identify and recognize two- and threedimensional forms, forms and styles of art
• Apply elements of art to their work
• Use a variety of media to create art projects
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• Identify body parts, explore different ways to move the body and different positions the body can take
• Develop concepts of space, time and force
• Manipulate large- and medium-sized objects
• Follow simple verbal directions
• Learn to respect one another’s feelings and practice good sportsmanship
LIBRARY
• Identify librarian, helpers and location of easy section
• Use proper behavior, listening, sitting/enjoying stories and follow library procedures
• Exhibit proper check-out procedures, care of books and return of materials
• Identify parts of the book and use listening skills and viewing skills while observing different materials
• Develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling
• Develop skills in self-awareness, relationships, decision making and safety awareness TECHNOLOGY
• Introduction of computer basics
• Recognize and use the letter, number and symbol keys
• Introduce and develop skills using word processing, drawing and graphics, peripherals, presentations, electronic references, curriculum based websites and internet
• Introduction and development of internet safety
Grade 1
LANGUAGE ARTS
• Read a variety of genres of literature and develop decoding and encoding skills
• Develop and practice spelling words and begin to develop understanding of words used in context
• Develop and practice the writing process using a variety of styles
• Introduce and practice writing concepts, writing mechanics, DeNealian and sentence structure as well as grammar and usage
• Develop and practice a variety of comprehension skills and strategies
• Continue to develop and practice listening, organizational and study skills
• Develop fluent execution and coordination of independence in reading appropriate level books
MATH
• Develop skills in number awareness, place value, money, adding and subtracting and measurement
• Begin to develop quick recall of addition and subtraction facts, practicing number bonds daily
• Estimate time and calendar as part of daily number routine
• Introduce model drawing
• Introduce concept of multiplication and division
• Learn to communicate mathematical ideas, work in cooperative groups and understand mathematical terms
SCIENCE
• Engage in the exploration of waves, light, sound, properties of matter, weather, seasons and climate
• Use of engineering design model to test solutions and answer questions
• Use appropriate tools to gather information about the patterns and cycles that might impact weather and change states of matter
• Explore and observe the characteristics, diversity and life cycles of insects
• Develop a scientific vocabulary
SOCIAL STUDIES
• Explore the areas of school life, family life, shelter, work, neighborhoods and communities, map skills, holidays and our country
• Engage in discussions about citizenship and values as well as being respectful to workers from all walks of life
• Develop ways to communicate ideas orally, in written expressions and through presentations
WORLD LANGUAGE
• Continue to develop and practice previously learned Spanish vocabulary and skills
• Introduce a more extensive vocabulary using simple dialogues and numbers to 100
• Emphasize expressions as they develop and grow vocabulary
• Explore cultural experiences and customs from Hispanic cultures around the world
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC
• Create rhythm patterns and invent melodies
• Distinguish between beat and rhythm and read and write patterns
• Accompany songs using instruments
• Develop a singing voice
• Integrate music with literature by creating accompaniments
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA
• Learn to work in groups to develop and use imagination and critical thinking skills through the use of creative dramatics, readers theatre and vocal interpretation
• Use vocal and facial expressions for characterization
• Develop stage presence
• Develop and practice public speaking techniques
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART
• Understand basic art terms
• Apply basic principles of design
• Gain an understanding of warm and cool colors, similarities and differences and line structure as well as recognize textural qualities
• Use a variety of media to create art projects
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• Continue competency in managing body
• Explore different ways to move body and different positions the body can take
• Develop concepts in space, time, force, eye-hand and eye-hand-feet coordination and follow simple verbal directions
• Show good sportsmanship and teamwork in games and activities
LIBRARY
• Continue to review skills learned in previous grades
• Identify and locate collection of materials
• Identify, re-shelf, alphabetize and organize books and other library materials
• Continue to develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling
• Develop skills in self-awareness, relationships, decision-making and safety awareness
TECHNOLOGY
• Introduction and review of computer basics and keyboarding
• Continue to develop skills using word processing, drawing and graphics, peripherals, presentations, electronic references, internet and spreadsheets
• Continue to use the computer as a tool to enhance learning through curriculum integration in the classroom
• Understand the importance of internet safety
Grade 2
LANGUAGE ARTS
• Read a variety of genres of literature centered on specific topics
• Develop and practice spelling words and vocabulary words
• Continue to develop and practice the writing process using a variety of styles
• Introduce and practice writing concepts, writing mechanics, DeNealian and sentence structure as well as grammar and usage
• Develop and practice a variety of comprehension skills and strategies
• Continue to develop listening, organizational and study skills
• Continue to build independent fluent execution of appropriate level reading
MATH
• Mastery of addition and subtraction facts as well as multiplication by 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10
• Develop skills in place value, money, adding and subtracting with and without regrouping, measurement, geometric and fractional concepts
• Number routines that include time, calendar and estimation
• Use models to solve word problems
• Be able to communicate mathematical ideas, work in cooperative learning groups and understand mathematical terms
SCIENCE
• Plan and carry out investigations to answer questions or test solutions by using both the scientific method and the engineering design model
• Develop an awareness and understanding of Earth’s place in the universe using models, text and media
• Develop a scientific vocabulary
• Use appropriate tools and scientific instruments to gather information about land, water and plants
• Engage in the study of minerals and rocks SOCIAL STUDIES
• Develop an understanding about the Earth using map and globe skills
• Engage in discussions on the continent, country, state, county and community
• Explore the areas of governing bodies, America today versus years ago
• Develop ways to communicate ideas orally, in written expressions and through presentations WORLD LANGUAGE
• Continue to develop Spanish speaking skills introducing some written skills
• Continue to develop previously learned vocabulary also involving dialogues and songs
• Develop written journals about family, hobbies and preferences
• Explore cultural experiences and customs from Hispanic cultures around the world
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC
• Identify accented beats and group beats
• Sing high, middle and low in music
• Identify and play unpitched instruments
• Create/improvise rhythm patterns and melodies using known symbols
• Perform and/or listen to a variety of songs from different cultures and historical periods
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA
• Develop critical thinking, character development, structure concepts, line interpretation and imagery by using creative dramatics, mime, poetry reading and interpretations and small, in-class scenes
• Use vocal and facial expressions for characterization
• Develop stage presence
• Develop and practice public speaking techniques
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART
• Understand the use of basic art terms
• Apply basic principles of design
• Gain an understanding of warm and cool colors, similarities and differences, line structures and recognize textural qualities
• Use a variety of media to create art projects PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• Continue competency in managing body
• Demonstrate teamwork in the performance of group activities
• Show good sportsmanship and teamwork in games and activities
• Demonstrate flexibility, strength, speed and agility
• Develop eye-hand and eye-hand-feet, skip alternating legs, hop, run backwards and gallop LIBRARY
• Continue to review skills learned in previous grades
• Identify and locate collection of materials
• Locate information using the automated card catalog
• Identify, re-shelf, alphabetize and organize books and other library materials
• Continue to develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling
• Continue to develop skills in self-awareness, relationships, decision making and safety awareness TECHNOLOGY
• Continue to review computer basics and keyboarding skills
• Continue to develop proficiency in word processing, drawing and graphics, peripherals, presentations, electronic references, internet and spreadsheets
• Introduce digital photography and Adobe Photoshop
• Continue to use the computer as a tool to enhance learning through curriculum integration in the classroom
• Understand the importance of internet safety
Grade 3
LANGUAGE ARTS
• Read a variety of genres and make ageappropriate level selections
• Practice and develop a variety of comprehension skills and strategies
• Practice writing concepts, writing mechanics, cursive, sentence structure as well as grammar and usage
• Develop and practice spelling words, vocabulary and sight words
• Continue to develop and practice the writing process using a variety of styles
• Continue to develop listening, organizational and study skills
• Develop higher level of reasoning skills through shared inquiry of rich literature
MATH
• Mastery of addition and subtraction skills using multi-digit numbers
• Quick recall of multiplication skills (0-12)
• Develop skills with multiplication and division, whole numbers and place value as well as develop fractional understanding and use measurement skills to define two-dimensional shapes
• Number routines that include time, calendar, estimation and temperature
• Be able to communicate mathematical ideas, work in cooperative learning groups and understand mathematical terms
SCIENCE
• Plan and carry out investigations to answer questions or test solutions by using both the scientific method and the engineering design method
• Develop scientific vocabulary
• Develop ways to communicate findings both orally and in written expressions
• Use appropriate tools to collect quantitative and qualitative information on animal behaviors, adaptions, habitats and role in ecosystems
• Engage in a study of motion, designs, magnets and chemical tests
SOCIAL
STUDIES
• Explore Jacksonville’s history both past and present
• Engage in discussions about communities, geography, manufacturing, U.S. government, map skills and large cities in America
• Learn the 50 states and their abbreviations using a U.S. map
• Develop ways to communicate ideas orally, in written expressions and through presentations
• Develop strategies to work effectively and efficiently in small groups
WORLD LANGUAGE
• Continue to develop Spanish speaking skills with a greater emphasis on reading and writing
• Continue to develop vocabulary in the areas of greetings, colors, manners, numbers to 100, weather, simple sentences, personal belongings, food, days, rooms in the house and animals
• Explore cultural experiences and customs from around the world.
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC
• Identify music with two, three and four beats
• Reproduce melodies alone and sing in harmony with a group
• Play unpitched percussion instruments correctly
• Create new verses to songs
• Identify the tempo of a piece of music as largo, andante, moderato, allegro or presto
• Listen to orchestral music and identify instruments
• Integrate cultures and curriculum
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA
• Develop critical thinking, character development, structure concepts, line interpretation and imagery by using creative dramatics, mime, poetry reading and interpretations and small, in-class scenes
• Use vocal and facial expressions for characterization
• Develop stage presence
• Develop and practice public speaking techniques
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART
• Understand basic art terms
• Apply basic principals of design
• Recognize all primary and secondary colors, intermediate hues, changes in value and intensity, textures and patterns, likenesses and differences and characteristics of art
• Use a variety of media to create art projects
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• Continue competency in managing body
• Demonstrate teamwork in the performance of group activities
• Show good sportsmanship and teamwork in games and activities
• Demonstrate flexibility, strength speed and agility
• Continue to develop in the areas of catching, kicking, striking, dribbling and rolling
LIBRARY
• Continue to review skills learned in previous grades
• Identify and locate collection of materials
• Locate information using the automated card catalog and begin basic research skills using a variety of references
• Use parts of a book to locate information, use appropriate reference sources and identify numerical arrangement of library materials
• Continue to develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling
• Continue to develop and demonstrate skills in self-awareness, relationships, decision making and safety awareness
TECHNOLOGY
• Continue to review computer basics and keyboarding skills
• Continue developing skills in word processing, drawing and graphics, peripherals, presentations with an emphasis on PowerPoint, electronic references, digital photography, Adobe Photoshop and internet use
• Continue to use the computer as a tool to enhance learning through curriculum integration in the classroom
• Understand the importance of internet safety
Grade 4
LANGUAGE ARTS
• Read a variety of genres of literature focusing on specific topics and make level-appropriate selections
• Develop a variety of comprehension skills and strategies
• Master spelling and vocabulary words
• Thoroughly practice the writing process and written skills using a variety of styles
• Continue to introduce and identify parts of speech, usage and mechanics
• Continue to refine and develop listening, organizational and study skills
• Continue to develop a higher level of reasoning skills through shared inquiry of rich literature
• Develop strong independent readers and critical thinkers
MATH
• Expect quick recall of addition, subtraction and multiplication skills
• Continue to develop and have quick recall on division skills
• Understand the systems of: units of measure in relationship to area and perimeter, place value to the millions, linking money with decimals, division, multiplying by two digits and connecting decimals and fraction concepts
• Be able to communicate mathematical ideas, work in cooperative learning groups, collect and analyze data, and use and understand mathematical terms
SCIENCE
• Plan and carry out investigations to answer questions or test solutions by using both the scientific method and the engineering design model
• Develop ways to communicate findings both orally and in written expressions
• Develop scientific vocabulary
• Develop models to observe and investigate movements of matter among plants, animals, decomposers and the environment
• Apply scientific ideas to design, test and refine devises that convert energy from one form to another using electrical circuits
• Develop models that allow students to ask questions and predict outcomes relating to Newton’s Laws of Motion
SOCIAL STUDIES
• Develop a true understanding of Florida and its history
• Investigate and explore Florida’s Native American tribes, colonization of Florida, Statehood, wars, economic changes, tourism and railroad
• Communicate ideas orally, in written expression and through presentations
• Continue to develop map skills
• Learn to work effectively and efficiently in small groups
WORLD LANGUAGE
• Review Spanish greetings, colors, classroom objects, family, commands, number to 100, days, months, weather, body parts, food words, clothing, animals, songs and action verbs
• Explore cultural experiences from various Hispanic countries
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC
• Identify strong/weak beats
• Compose and arrange music within specific guidelines
• Listen to, analyze and describe music
• Identify and perform the dynamics of a piece using correct terms
• Develop a deeper understanding of music and how it relates to different cultures, historical eras and curriculum
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA
• Develop critical thinking, character development, structure concepts, line interpretation and imagery by using creative
dramatics, mime, poetry reading and interpretations and small, in-class scenes
• Use vocal and facial expressions for characterization
• Develop stage presence
• Develop and practice public speaking techniques
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART
• Understand basic art terms
• Apply basic principles of design
• Gain an understanding of human proportion in renderings
• Identify colors with regard to emotional affect, using warm and cool colors
• Use different viewpoints in creating work
• Use a variety of media to create art projects
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• Continue competency in managing body
• Demonstrate teamwork in the performance of group activities
• Show good sportsmanship and teamwork in games and activities
• Demonstrate improvement in flexibility, strength, speed and agility
• Follow more complex rules and instruction LIBRARY
• Continue to review skills learned in previous grades
• Identify and locate collection of materials
• Locate information using the automated card catalog
• Use parts of a book to locate information, use appropriate reference sources and identify numerical arrangement of library materials
• Continue to develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling
• Continue to develop and demonstrate skills in self-awareness, relationships, decision making and safety awareness
TECHNOLOGY
• Continue to review computer basics and keyboarding skills
• Develop proficiency in word processing, drawing and graphics, peripherals,
presentations, internet, spreadsheets and databases
• Continue to use the computer as a tool to enhance learning through curriculum integration in the classroom
• Understand the importance of internet safety
Grade 5
LANGUAGE ARTS
• Read a variety of genres of literature while making level-appropriate selections
• Master spelling and vocabulary words and use multiple strategies to develop vocabulary
• Utilize a variety of comprehension strategies
• Thoroughly practice the writing process using a variety of styles
• Continue to introduce, identify, connect and apply parts of speech and their correct use to the writing process
• Continue to refine and develop listening, organizational and study skills
• Continue to develop a higher level of reasoning skills through shared inquiry and collaboration
• Continue to develop independent readers and critical thinkers
MATH
• Mastery of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills with quick recall
• Fluent in addition and subtraction with fractions and decimals and long division procedures
• Understand place value to the billions, units of measure in relating two-dimensional to threedimensional shapes and properties
• Be able to communicate mathematical work in cooperative learning groups, collect and analyze data and use and understand mathematical terms
SCIENCE
• Plan and carry out investigations to answer questions or test solutions by using both the scientific method and the engineering design method
• Develop ways to communicate findings both orally and in written expressions
• Develop scientific vocabulary
• Engage in experiences that explore the chemical process within human nutrition
• Apply scientific ideas to design, test and refine devices that convert energy from one form to another using electrical circuits
• Engage in the study of microscopic organisms using the appropriate tools to collect observational information
• Conduct investigations that make observations and generate measurements that identify materials based on their properties
SOCIAL STUDIES
• Explore the American expansion
• Investigate and explore the origins and purpose of the original colonies and how they influenced current life
• Understand the framework of the Constitution, the war to independence, geographical expansion and the various wars in our country
• Communicate ideas both orally, in written expression and through presentations
• Continue to develop map skills
• Learn to work effectively in a group situation
• Engage students in complex lessons via The World Peace Games
WORLD LANGUAGE
• Increase vocabulary and expressions in Spanish
• Develop conversational skills in the areas of: likes and dislikes, personal opinions, school subjects, favorite pastimes, personalities, physical characteristics, months, weather expressions and time
• Expand ability to conjugate simple Spanish verbs
• Explore cultural experiences from various Spanish countries
• Develop reading simple sentences in paragraphs
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC
• Practice recognizing from soft to loud, allegro, presto, lento, legato and staccato
• Read and notate rhythms from flashcards and charts
• Sing expressively
• Listen to, analyze and describe music
• Study relationships between music and other arts and disciplines
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA
• Familiar with parts of stage, stage terminology, character development and analysis
• Develop stage presence
• Use improvisational skills, mime techniques, class scenes, creative dramatics and trade games
• Use vocal and facial expression for characterization
• Develop and practice public speaking techniques
FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART
• Understand the use of basic art terms
• Apply basic principles of design
• Gain an understanding of human proportion in renderings
• Identify colors with regard to emotional affect, using warm and cool colors
• Use different view points in creating work
• Use a variety of media to create art projects
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• Continue competency in managing body
• Demonstrate proficiency in non-locomotor and locomotor skills
• Show good sportsmanship and teamwork in games and activities
• Demonstrate improvement in flexibility, strength, speed and agility
• Follow more complex rules and instruction
LIBRARY
• Continue to review skills learned in previous grades
• Identify and use information found on automated card catalog
• Identify cross-references and locate materials
• Develop an understanding of plagiarism, copyright and validity of information and apply while using a variety of reference materials
• Continue to develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling
• Continue to develop and demonstrate skills in self-awareness, relationships, decision making, safety awareness and chemical use in society
TECHNOLOGY
• Continue to review computer basics and keyboarding
• Develop proficiency in word processing skills, drawing and graphics, peripherals, presentations, electronic references, internet, spreadsheets, digital photography, Adobe Photoshop and databases
• Continue to use the computer as a tool to enhance learning through curriculum integration in the classroom
• Understand the importance of internet safety
The Bolles School is the only internationally recognized school providing the greatest variety of high-quality educational offerings in Northeast Florida for grades Pre-K to 12.
