PRIMARY

(Pre-K 3 through 2nd Grade and Multiage 1/2)

SYLLABUS: OVERVIEW of GOALS and PURPOSES

Our Upper Primary Course of Study has been developed through examination of National Benchmarks and the Sunshine State Standards to ensure academic excellence. Instruction will build on standards for each subject. A variety of resources and strategies designed to integrate learning and behavioral styles will be used to accomplish these standards and concepts. In keeping with the IDS-CC Philosophy, we emphasize student inquiry, individual talents and intelligences, and cooperative learning. We focus on the whole child: on the heart, the mind and the social, physical, emotional, cultural, and academic needs. We thrive on joy in learning with smiles that come from hard work and feeling accomplished.

The Upper Primary content focus is on the mastery of Standards and Benchmarks targeted for students in first and second grade while developing a positive and safe environment. We welcome taking students capable of exceeding grade level as far as they can go. In addition, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is integrated with our curriculum and correlated with the Standards and Benchmarks. The ultimate goal is for students to make connections between content and real world situations, both locally and globally.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) is aligned with the goal of Independent Day School to focus on the whole child: on the heart, the mind and the social, physical, emotional, cultural and academic needs. Character-building and life skills share a prominent place alongside learning.

CURRICULUM: Units of Inquiry

The goal for IDS students is to make connections across disciplines and relate what they learn to life. Units of inquiry provide the opportunity to incorporate both local and global issues in the content. We strive to prepare global citizens who will make well reasoned, thoughtful, and healthy decisions throughout life. Woven throughout our program is an inquiry model adapted from the International Baccalaureate PYP program in combination with the M.O.R.E. Approach (Multiple Options for Results in Education), which was developed at IDS based on best practices and research in education. These inquiry lessons are correlated to National and State Standards. Throughout the year, students will work toward mastery of these learning targets through engaging themes that promote curiosity, inquiry and a love of learning.