Lower School

El espíritu de indagación y el poder de actuar L’esprit d’enquête et le pouvoir d’action A spirit of inquiry and inspired agency

ISB’s Lower School program focuses on the development of the whole child as a curious, thoughtful inquirer, both in the classroom and beyond. Our 1st through 5th Grade curriculum incorporates local and global perspectives as students examine the world through the lenses of six transdisciplinary themes that provide a breadth of vision across disciplines. Throughout their Lower School education, students engage in six-week long units of inquiry focusing on who we are, where we are in place and time, how we express ourselves, how the world works, how we organize ourselves, and sharing the planet. All units incorporate field trips and other community-based activities that give real-life context to what is being learned in the classroom. By igniting our students’ curiosity and developing their inquiry skills, students become active, confident, and joyful lifelong learners.

Our Program

Inquiry-based Learning

Bilingual Instruction

Reflective Approach to Assessment

Student Agency

Bilingual Program

ISB’s graduated language immersion model implements the most beneficial practices for acquiring a second language while simultaneously ensuring that students are building a strong academic foundation in English. This unique approach enables students to comfortably navigate two languages in both academic and social settings.

As students progress to the Lower School, the foundation they have built in their target language through Preschool language immersion allows them to progress to more advanced academic work in French or Spanish. Students continue to develop their communication, research, and thinking skills in their target language and in English. English Language Faculty and Target Language Faculty collaborate to design complementary lesson plans that reinforce and solidify key concepts. As students learn unit content in one language, they make connections that support learning in the other.

Our Lower School’s program’s approach to bilingual instruction is focused on equipping students with a solid base in reading, writing, and math in French or Spanish and in English. This foundation allows students to meaningfully engage with more complex subject matter in social studies, science, and art.

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Inquiry-based Learning

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer – both in the classroom and in the world outside. ISB’s Lower School program incorporates local and global perspectives and issues into the curriculum, asking students to look at six related, transdisciplinary themes that provide the breadth of exploration across disciplines. Throughout the curriculum, students engage in six-week long transdisciplinary units of inquiry, focusing on such themes as who we are, where we are in place and time, and how the world works. 

Student Agency

The International Baccalaureate fosters agency and leadership in our students. Our teachers facilitate learning by directing and organizing student-led exploration, allowing students to exercise agency and take ownership in their learning as they move through each unit of study. This approach encourages students to ask questions that develop a better understanding of the world around them. It also allows them to examine their own thought processes and those of their peers, while being exposed to diverse perspectives and experiences. As a result, students develop skills in negotiation, compromise, and problem-solving.

Lower School Curriculum

The Lower School curriculum is designed in accordance with the French National Curriculum, New York State Department of Education standards, International Baccalaureate standards, and benchmarks from Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. Our Program of Inquiry (POI) serves as a robust curriculum framework, adeptly steering instruction within an inquiry-based educational setting.

Across all grades in Lower School, students engage with six units of inquiry, each categorized under one of the following transdisciplinary themes: who we are, how we express ourselves, where we are in time and place, how we organize ourselves, how the world works, and sharing the planet. These overarching themes serve as the foundation for the units of inquiry, granting teachers the flexibility to integrate a diverse array of subjects, including math, social studies, science, and language arts. Each unit revolves around a central idea and is guided by lines of inquiry, which in turn shape the design of projects, excursions, action-taking, and presentations involving external experts in relevant fields. This approach to pedagogy empowers students to cultivate critical thinking, research prowess, effective communication, and collaborative skills, all while acquiring subject-specific knowledge intrinsic to each unit.

The language programs at ISB offer students a rich and immersive language learning experience. With native-speaking teachers, students are exposed to English and French or Spanish through a holistic approach that focuses on the development of their oral and visual language (interpreting visual cues, images, and media in the target language), as well as their written language and literacy skills. The curriculum is designed to benefit a diverse range of language proficiency levels, from beginners to bilingual students, in a positive and supportive language learning environment.

 

Students develop their writing skills by crafting diverse texts in their target language. They learn to read and comprehend a variety of authentic grade-level texts, fostering language acquisition, literacy, and passion for literature. Formal writing projects alternate between the English and target language classrooms so students can explore the craft of writing in both languages. These projects encompass a range of writing forms, including nonfiction, essays, procedural, descriptive, and creative writing, in turn enabling proficiency in various writing styles. Students also practice presenting information and ideas visually, enhancing their communication skills beyond verbal interaction.

 

Cursive handwriting holds an important cultural significance at ISB. Students acquire and apply cursive handwriting in their target language classes and print in their English classes, with the cursive handwriting introduction in late Kindergarten.  As students progress to 5th Grade, they are granted the independence to choose the writing style that suits their individual preferences.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme views mathematics as a vehicle to support inquiry, a process through which we make sense of the world around us. The Lower School math curriculum is focused on solidifying skills and knowledge around number sense, patterns and functions, data handling, shape and spaces, and measurement. These concepts are interwoven with the units of inquiry, promoting a holistic educational experience. Students in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade receive math instruction predominantly in their target language, while 4th and 5th Grade students transition to English as the primary medium of math instruction, complemented by reinforcement in the target languages. 

 

The foundation of the Singapore Math program underpins our teaching methodology. In the early elementary grades, students engage with concrete materials before advancing to more abstract numerical concepts. The math curriculum is rooted in the spirit of inquiry for both teachers and students, encouraging a growth-oriented and constructive mindset toward numbers. Our approach centers on nurturing a profound grasp of mathematical concepts and fostering the awareness and ability to apply them to real-life situations. Students are empowered to ask questions, using their curiosity to guide their trial-and-error approach to problem-solving. 

At ISB, we believe in nurturing curious minds and fostering an appreciation for the wonders of the natural and built world. Our Lower School science program is designed to ignite our students’ curiosity through hands-on exploration, inquiry-based learning, and active engagement with the scientific method. Scientific concepts are seamlessly integrated into the units of inquiry, enriching students’ understanding and experience of the world around them. Science class meets weekly with a dedicated teacher, and core classroom teachers also allocate time within the daily routine to foster the practice, introduction, and direct instruction of essential science skills and concepts. As students progress through the Lower School years, they learn to formulate and test hypotheses, design experiments, manipulate variables, and control conditions. They also learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data to uncover patterns and trends, using the evidence they find to make observations and construct meaningful explanations about the world’s phenomena. 

The physical education curriculum program is designed to promote self-awareness, physical activity, health literacy, safety, movement skills, language integration, and decision-making. Physical education class places an emphasis on self-respect and respect for others, boosting empathy and cooperation through team-building activities and discussions.  To promote physical activity and encourage an active lifestyle, we introduce a wide range of age-appropriate physical activities, including sports, dance, yoga, and basic exercises. In participating, students experience the joy of movement and gain an understanding of the benefits of regular physical activity for their overall health and well-being. They learn about factors influencing personal health choices and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition, hydration, and sleep. Students also explore the effects of screen time and technology on health, as well as how concepts such as mindfulness can support mental well-being. We empower students to make informed decisions about their health, from choosing nutritious snacks to understanding the consequences of various behaviors. By practicing fundamental motor skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing, students develop basic movement patterns and coordination. Additionally, games and challenges are designed to incorporate target language vocabulary and concepts from the current PYP unit, facilitating a deeper connection between subjects. 

Visual arts classes are dedicated to nurturing our students’ creative spirit. We believe that artistic expression is essential for holistic development and fosters a deeper understanding of the world. Through the exploration of various mediums and concepts, we empower students to see themselves as imaginative, skilled, and inventive individuals. Our program and nurturing environment encourages students to explore their artistic voices and develop creative behaviors, drawing on a diversity of materials and techniques. Throughout the year, students engage with a range of mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and printmaking. This hands-on experience allows them to discover their preferences and strengths while gaining proficiency across various artistic techniques. Students are also encouraged to refine their art-related vocabulary while observing and discussing artworks. By participating in analysis and interpretation, students develop critical thinking skills and broaden their artistic perspectives.

The Lower School music program is rooted in the four fundamental music strands of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum: performing, creating and composing, notation, and listening and appreciation. Throughout the Lower School music journey, students engage in a dynamic array of activities. These include singing, instrumental exploration, movement, composition, active listening, and analytical thinking, all within a rich cultural and global music context. Central to our philosophy is the integration of music into the broader curriculum, as our music classes foster risk-taking, collaboration, and creative expression. By way of various events, including music shares and thoughtfully curated concerts held throughout the academic year, our music program enhances school life and the strong sense of community here at ISB.

 

From 1st to 2nd Grade, students refine echo-singing techniques and pitch-matching skills, and cultivate rhythmic awareness through simple beat-keeping activities as they gain hands-on experience with non-pitched instruments. They are also introduced to Solfeggio as an initiation into music reading principles and explore Orff instruments, including bells, chimes, glockenspiels, metallophones, xylophones, and timpani.

 

From 3rd to 5th Grade, students work on skill refinement, which includes mastery of music theory, encompassing reading, writing, and melodic notation using solfege. Students also learn about the connections between music and historical and cultural events as they deepen their understanding of musical terminology. In 5th Grade, students have the option to further their musical engagement and focus on instrument learning by joining the ISB Band program.

The Lower School social studies curriculum fosters a deep understanding of the self, others, and our global society. It encourages objective and sensitive exploration of human behavior and real-world activities. Social studies in our Lower School program goes beyond subject boundaries, aligning with transdisciplinary themes to enrich inquiries into life and learning. This context-driven approach, combined with transdisciplinary themes, enhances both knowledge and its real-world application. The curriculum emphasizes concepts and skills over content yet ensures a breadth and balance of social studies content through units of inquiry. The social studies curriculum examines human systems and economic activities, social organization and culture, continuity and change through time, human and natural environments, and resources and the environment. Through various cultural awareness initiatives, students learn to appreciate other cultures and respect different points of view. 

The library program is designed to ignite a lifelong love of learning and reading. Through a carefully crafted blend of engaging activities and diverse literary resources, we aim to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of wonder within our young readers. The first part of students’ weekly library class is dedicated to captivating storytelling sessions. These story times cultivate a love for narrative and lay the foundation for essential literacy skills. The second part of our library period offers an exciting opportunity to develop independence and personalize a passion for reading. During their weekly book selection, students are given the time to explore our diverse collection of books in Spanish, French, and English. Our library’s shelves contain a rich tapestry of literature that reflects all ages, genders, cultures, races, religions, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and abilities. This emphasis on diversity and inclusivity allows every child to find stories that resonate with their own experiences and broaden their horizons. Whether in their target language or in English, each child selects books to take home, creating a personal connection with literature beyond the classroom. In addition to their weekly library time, students also benefit from a variety of engaging library programs, such as author visits, book clubs, and more.



Technology plays an important role in the Lower School classroom. In 1st and 2nd Grade, digital tools are used primarily by teachers to enhance learning: connecting with the larger world, broadening unit-related research, and enlivening students’ learning experiences. From 3rd to 5th Grade, the Lower School Digital Skills curriculum fosters a positive and informed digital culture, integrating essential digital citizenship education into its framework. 

 

Recognizing the evolving technological landscape, in weekly digital skills lessons using shared Chromebooks, technology classes equip young learners with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely. Rooted in the principles of responsible technology use, our digital skills curriculum, developed in partnership with Common Sense’s Digital Citizenship program, empowers students to think critically and develop essential skills that enable them to navigate the complex digital landscape confidently.

  • Units of Inquiry

    Across all grades in Lower School, students engage with six units of inquiry, each categorized under one of the following transdisciplinary themes: who we are, how we express ourselves, where we are in time and place, how we organize ourselves, how the world works, and sharing the planet. These overarching themes serve as the foundation for the units of inquiry, granting teachers the flexibility to integrate a diverse array of subjects, including math, social studies, science, and language arts. Each unit revolves around a central idea and is guided by lines of inquiry, which in turn shape the design of projects, excursions, action-taking, and presentations involving external experts in relevant fields. This approach to pedagogy empowers students to cultivate critical thinking, research prowess, effective communication, and collaborative skills, all while acquiring subject-specific knowledge intrinsic to each unit.

  • Reading & Writing

    The language programs at ISB offer students a rich and immersive language learning experience. With native-speaking teachers, students are exposed to English and French or Spanish through a holistic approach that focuses on the development of their oral and visual language (interpreting visual cues, images, and media in the target language), as well as their written language and literacy skills. The curriculum is designed to benefit a diverse range of language proficiency levels, from beginners to bilingual students, in a positive and supportive language learning environment.

     

    Students develop their writing skills by crafting diverse texts in their target language. They learn to read and comprehend a variety of authentic grade-level texts, fostering language acquisition, literacy, and passion for literature. Formal writing projects alternate between the English and target language classrooms so students can explore the craft of writing in both languages. These projects encompass a range of writing forms, including nonfiction, essays, procedural, descriptive, and creative writing, in turn enabling proficiency in various writing styles. Students also practice presenting information and ideas visually, enhancing their communication skills beyond verbal interaction.

     

    Cursive handwriting holds an important cultural significance at ISB. Students acquire and apply cursive handwriting in their target language classes and print in their English classes, with the cursive handwriting introduction in late Kindergarten.  As students progress to 5th Grade, they are granted the independence to choose the writing style that suits their individual preferences.

  • Math

    The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme views mathematics as a vehicle to support inquiry, a process through which we make sense of the world around us. The Lower School math curriculum is focused on solidifying skills and knowledge around number sense, patterns and functions, data handling, shape and spaces, and measurement. These concepts are interwoven with the units of inquiry, promoting a holistic educational experience. Students in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade receive math instruction predominantly in their target language, while 4th and 5th Grade students transition to English as the primary medium of math instruction, complemented by reinforcement in the target languages. 

     

    The foundation of the Singapore Math program underpins our teaching methodology. In the early elementary grades, students engage with concrete materials before advancing to more abstract numerical concepts. The math curriculum is rooted in the spirit of inquiry for both teachers and students, encouraging a growth-oriented and constructive mindset toward numbers. Our approach centers on nurturing a profound grasp of mathematical concepts and fostering the awareness and ability to apply them to real-life situations. Students are empowered to ask questions, using their curiosity to guide their trial-and-error approach to problem-solving. 

  • Science

    At ISB, we believe in nurturing curious minds and fostering an appreciation for the wonders of the natural and built world. Our Lower School science program is designed to ignite our students’ curiosity through hands-on exploration, inquiry-based learning, and active engagement with the scientific method. Scientific concepts are seamlessly integrated into the units of inquiry, enriching students’ understanding and experience of the world around them. Science class meets weekly with a dedicated teacher, and core classroom teachers also allocate time within the daily routine to foster the practice, introduction, and direct instruction of essential science skills and concepts. As students progress through the Lower School years, they learn to formulate and test hypotheses, design experiments, manipulate variables, and control conditions. They also learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data to uncover patterns and trends, using the evidence they find to make observations and construct meaningful explanations about the world’s phenomena. 

  • Physical Education

    The physical education curriculum program is designed to promote self-awareness, physical activity, health literacy, safety, movement skills, language integration, and decision-making. Physical education class places an emphasis on self-respect and respect for others, boosting empathy and cooperation through team-building activities and discussions.  To promote physical activity and encourage an active lifestyle, we introduce a wide range of age-appropriate physical activities, including sports, dance, yoga, and basic exercises. In participating, students experience the joy of movement and gain an understanding of the benefits of regular physical activity for their overall health and well-being. They learn about factors influencing personal health choices and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition, hydration, and sleep. Students also explore the effects of screen time and technology on health, as well as how concepts such as mindfulness can support mental well-being. We empower students to make informed decisions about their health, from choosing nutritious snacks to understanding the consequences of various behaviors. By practicing fundamental motor skills such as running, jumping, throwing, catching, and balancing, students develop basic movement patterns and coordination. Additionally, games and challenges are designed to incorporate target language vocabulary and concepts from the current PYP unit, facilitating a deeper connection between subjects. 

  • Art

    Visual arts classes are dedicated to nurturing our students’ creative spirit. We believe that artistic expression is essential for holistic development and fosters a deeper understanding of the world. Through the exploration of various mediums and concepts, we empower students to see themselves as imaginative, skilled, and inventive individuals. Our program and nurturing environment encourages students to explore their artistic voices and develop creative behaviors, drawing on a diversity of materials and techniques. Throughout the year, students engage with a range of mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and printmaking. This hands-on experience allows them to discover their preferences and strengths while gaining proficiency across various artistic techniques. Students are also encouraged to refine their art-related vocabulary while observing and discussing artworks. By participating in analysis and interpretation, students develop critical thinking skills and broaden their artistic perspectives.

  • Music

    The Lower School music program is rooted in the four fundamental music strands of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum: performing, creating and composing, notation, and listening and appreciation. Throughout the Lower School music journey, students engage in a dynamic array of activities. These include singing, instrumental exploration, movement, composition, active listening, and analytical thinking, all within a rich cultural and global music context. Central to our philosophy is the integration of music into the broader curriculum, as our music classes foster risk-taking, collaboration, and creative expression. By way of various events, including music shares and thoughtfully curated concerts held throughout the academic year, our music program enhances school life and the strong sense of community here at ISB.

     

    From 1st to 2nd Grade, students refine echo-singing techniques and pitch-matching skills, and cultivate rhythmic awareness through simple beat-keeping activities as they gain hands-on experience with non-pitched instruments. They are also introduced to Solfeggio as an initiation into music reading principles and explore Orff instruments, including bells, chimes, glockenspiels, metallophones, xylophones, and timpani.

     

    From 3rd to 5th Grade, students work on skill refinement, which includes mastery of music theory, encompassing reading, writing, and melodic notation using solfege. Students also learn about the connections between music and historical and cultural events as they deepen their understanding of musical terminology. In 5th Grade, students have the option to further their musical engagement and focus on instrument learning by joining the ISB Band program.

  • Social Studies

    The Lower School social studies curriculum fosters a deep understanding of the self, others, and our global society. It encourages objective and sensitive exploration of human behavior and real-world activities. Social studies in our Lower School program goes beyond subject boundaries, aligning with transdisciplinary themes to enrich inquiries into life and learning. This context-driven approach, combined with transdisciplinary themes, enhances both knowledge and its real-world application. The curriculum emphasizes concepts and skills over content yet ensures a breadth and balance of social studies content through units of inquiry. The social studies curriculum examines human systems and economic activities, social organization and culture, continuity and change through time, human and natural environments, and resources and the environment. Through various cultural awareness initiatives, students learn to appreciate other cultures and respect different points of view. 

  • Library

    The library program is designed to ignite a lifelong love of learning and reading. Through a carefully crafted blend of engaging activities and diverse literary resources, we aim to foster intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of wonder within our young readers. The first part of students’ weekly library class is dedicated to captivating storytelling sessions. These story times cultivate a love for narrative and lay the foundation for essential literacy skills. The second part of our library period offers an exciting opportunity to develop independence and personalize a passion for reading. During their weekly book selection, students are given the time to explore our diverse collection of books in Spanish, French, and English. Our library’s shelves contain a rich tapestry of literature that reflects all ages, genders, cultures, races, religions, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and abilities. This emphasis on diversity and inclusivity allows every child to find stories that resonate with their own experiences and broaden their horizons. Whether in their target language or in English, each child selects books to take home, creating a personal connection with literature beyond the classroom. In addition to their weekly library time, students also benefit from a variety of engaging library programs, such as author visits, book clubs, and more.



  • Digital Skills

    Technology plays an important role in the Lower School classroom. In 1st and 2nd Grade, digital tools are used primarily by teachers to enhance learning: connecting with the larger world, broadening unit-related research, and enlivening students’ learning experiences. From 3rd to 5th Grade, the Lower School Digital Skills curriculum fosters a positive and informed digital culture, integrating essential digital citizenship education into its framework. 

     

    Recognizing the evolving technological landscape, in weekly digital skills lessons using shared Chromebooks, technology classes equip young learners with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world safely. Rooted in the principles of responsible technology use, our digital skills curriculum, developed in partnership with Common Sense’s Digital Citizenship program, empowers students to think critically and develop essential skills that enable them to navigate the complex digital landscape confidently.

A Reflective Approach to Assessment

Reflection is an essential component of the inquiry cycle, in which students are prompted to contemplate their self-management, social, communication, research, and critical thinking skills. Various resources, such as rubrics and student portfolios, are utilized to support this process. At the end of each academic year, ISB students engage in Student-Led Conferences as their final grade assessment. The Student-Led Conference model is an approach to parent-teacher conferences in which students take an active role in leading and facilitating the conference. In this model, the student takes responsibility for their learning by preparing for the conference, reflecting on their strengths and areas for growth, and sharing their progress with their parents or guardians. The student drives the conversation, discussing their academic achievements, goals, and challenges while showcasing their work and demonstrating their learning. The teacher acts as a facilitator, providing guidance and support as needed. This model promotes student agency and ownership of learning, and fosters communication and collaboration between students, parents, and teachers. By being involved in conferences, students are  empowered to take ownership of their learning, resulting in a more active educational journey. 

Lower School Leadership

Rosa Torres
Director of Lower School

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Selena Lynn
Assistant Director of Preschool and Lower School Pedagogy

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Laetitia Gabriel Caldwell
Assistant Director of Preschool and Lower School Student Life

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