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The Elementary School at IST encompasses grades 1-5. The curriculum is divided into Core Subjects and Additional Subjects. Core Subjects have more hours of instruction and pupils' achievement in the subject is evaluated. Promotion from one grade level to another is dependent upon the level of achievement in these subjects. Additional Subjects have only one or two classes per week and students are evaluated on their effort. | A. Core Subjects | B. Additional Subjects | | Mathematics | Art | | Reading | Music | | Language Arts | Physical Education | | Social Studies | Handwriting | | Science | Computer Studies | | Italian Language and Culture | | | Spelling | | A. Core Subjects I. MATHEMATICS The Mathematics program in the Elementary grades is based upon a core basal program supplemented with materials for practice, application, testing, remediation and enrichment. Manipulatives, such as geo-boards, counting rods, abacuses, etc. are used in the lower levels.
The Objectives of Mathematics in the Elementary grades is to develop a solid understanding of numeration, including whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Heavily stressed are computational skills over the four operations. Also developed are the basic concepts of measurement in the metric system, geometry, and graphing. As it is important for the pupil to understand the role of Mathematics in the world around him, problem solving and application is an integral part of the program and increasingly stressed up the grade levels.
II. READING
The Reading program in the Elementary School follows a literature-based basic program. The texts used are anthologies of high quality literature, the works of authors who express real meanings that delight, challenge, inform, provoke and engage readers of all ages. These works represent a diversity of genre, topics, and styles in writing. The literature is organized around themes, and reading, and writing strategies are applied to these literature selection. Instructional tasks related to vocabulary, skills and comprehension are introduced through the experiences with literature. The tasks promote the development of reading and linguistic abilities that will transfer to students' independent reading. The reading program is enhanced through the use of class libraries, the school library, the production of class plays, and with activities such as book reports and listening centers. III. LANGUAGE ARTS The language arts program fosters the fundamental skills of listening, speaking, reading, spelling and writing which form the basis of lifelong learning and communication. The mechanics of the English language are taught in a systematic manner and applied in various writing experiences such as journals, stories, descriptions and narratives. In addition, particular attention is given to the teaching of spelling and phonics. IV. SOCIAL STUDIES
Through the Social Studies program, elementary school students will be given a gradual introduction into the study of history. They will develop an understanding of the past and its influence on the present and future. They will develop an awareness of geographical elements, how people relate to the environment and develop a sense of self in relation to personal, local, national and international locations. In addition, students will study human relations between individuals, groups and societies.
The Social Studies program in the Elementary School focuses on five areas of study. In the area of Social Development students begin by looking at themselves, learn about habits, values and behavior, and discuss kinds of social participation. From self, students move on to study different kinds of Communities and Cultures. Another area of study is the Environment, both local as well as global. V. SCIENCE
In the Elementary School, students are actively involved in the scientific processes. The curriculum teaches general concepts that the students use in solving problems encountered in their environment. Important is the development of a scientific attitude, an interest in and appreciation for the world in which they live, and the ability to use the scientific process to solve problems. In the lower grades students make inquiries about nature through observation and experimentation. In the higher grades of the Elementary, emphasis is more student-centered. Students set up experiments, make accurate observations and measurements, record and graph data and draw conclusions.
VI. ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE Italian Language is taught throughout the elementary grades and offers students of both Italian and non-Italian backgrounds a program which will give them the means to become competent in speaking, writing, reading and comprehension. Italian culture is introduced through the study of Italian History and Geography and the awareness of the environment.
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Elementary school