Lower Elementary
Lower Elementary Program (ages 6 - 9 years)
Imagination is key when learning at this level. Children show an increase in awareness of the world and an interest in its wonders. During this phase at IvyCrest, the children are presented with the "big picture." The curriculum works like a web, where each subject area is connected and integrated, which motivates the children to embrace the material as they continue to experience the joy of learning. IvyCrest's curriculum doesn't just meet California's State Standards, we exceed them. Throughout the year, you may see your child creating State Reports, following the Oregon Trail, completing their Mission Project, or reciting portions of the Constitution.
Language:
Our language program encompasses creative writing, English language competency in written and oral expression, basic reading skills, including comprehension, vocabulary development and literary enrichment. These are presented through a variety of exciting materials such as the farmhouse, grammar boxes, grammar symbols and the skyscraper.
Mathematics:
Math exercises begin with the review of the decimal system, from the formation of quantities and symbols to the concept of operations. Then, exercises of the four basic operations are carried out using the bank game, stamp games, bead frames, checkerboards, division test tubes and decanomial beads. Skill mastery from simple addition to long division is the end result.
Geometry:
The children study plane figures, mastery of the parts and construction of lines, angles, triangles, and quadrilaterals. They enjoy using the geometric cabinet, geometric sticks, and the nomenclature cards.
Botany:
Students study the parts and functions of plants, leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots. These activities enrich the children's vocabulary, while encouraging the children to begin taking care of plants in the classroom and at home.
Zoology:
Studying the external parts of vertebrates, such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are the introductory activities in the field of Zoology. Then, students begin to classify the animals and study the interesting facts about them through research and book reports. This area enhances the children´s interest in reading and widens their vocabulary. Individual and group activities are conducted through science experiments.
History:
The concept of "history" is introduced at this age, focusing on the fundamental needs of man and the stages of progress in civilization such as food, shelter, clothing, and transportation spanning from primitive to modern times. Further study will cover the history of the earth´s formation, utilizing the clock of eras. A deeper understanding will come when students learn about the evolution of life, starting with unicellular organisms through the appearance of man.
Geography:
Activities begin with general topics and progress to more specifics concepts such as land and water forms, continents, countries and states. The children will be learning where to place flags, identify countries and their capitals using pin maps, and will complete the course with a detailed study of the United States of America. Geography taught at this age allows children to embrace the study of the universe, the birth of the solar system, the drama of the ocean, and the beginning of life.
