Saklan Valley School - Moraga Private School

The beginning of formal academics and love of learning is expanded through thematic units. Integrating all subjects facilitates students making connections across the curriculum. This style of interactive learning enhances classroom enthusiasm, involvement between home and school and awareness of subject matter in the real world.

Built upon the foundation laid in the Lower Elementary program, the Upper Elementary utilizes an engaging, integrated approach to honing reading, writing, and arithmetic skills of increasing sophistication. Reading Comprehension, written and oral expression, imaginative and creative development, science and technology, and critical thinking are all emphasized in these important learning years. Students work closely with the their teachers to develop social skills, and to take increasing responsibility for their learning and for their school community and environment.

Curriculum Overview

We will continue to provide strong and demanding academic curriculum that is balanced in its methodology, blending the best of current thinking about learning and brain development with the best of our school's tried-and-true methods. We inspire in our students a life long love of learning; we inspire our students in their confidence and well being, and we inspire their growing respect and responsibility. Our program also enriches students through a wide and diverse assortment of physical education, foreign language, art, and music studies.

Learning how to learn enables students to take charge of their own lives and their own learning process. Students are encouraged to take responsibility as early as possible. Giving students opportunities to ask questions and to discover allows them to be active in the learning process.

Students perform up to the level of expectations set by the environment. It is unfair to students not to expect the best of them. Our students are accountable for these high standards both at home, through the homework connection, and in the classroom. Our high expectations are met and reinforced by our strong parent teacher partnership here at Saklan Valley School .

Mathematics

Our math curriculum connects mental math and logical reasoning skills to mathematical concepts and applications. Curriculum standards are set for each grade level to align and surpass state and national standards. The curriculum developmentally spirals. Integral parts of the program include manipulative, cooperative learning, problem-solving and real-life applications.

Kindegarten: In kindergarten mathematical concepts are learned through very hands-on exploration. Manipulatives are employed in conjunction with the Sadlier-Oxford Progress in Mathematics program. Emphasis is placed on number concept, patterns, counting, addition and subtraction, graphing, classifying, sorting, place value, money, time, number writing, and shapes.

First Grade: Math is integrated throughout the day from morning calendar activities to various projects that require counting, measuring, estimating and other skills. First grade focuses on place value, graphing, algebra, geometry, addition and subtraction facts through double digits up to 99 and problem solving using various strategies. These skills are practiced through the Sadlier Oxford program using manipulatives, group and independent practice.

Second Grade: Students learn place value, computation and regrouping (+/-) up through four digits, graphing, fractions, money, time, and measurements. Single digit multiplication and division up through at least 5 is also taught. Special attention is given to critical thinking and problem solving. The students may start out a unit on money by finding out how much their name is worth. They then add the coins together spelling their name to find a total value.

Third Grade: Third graders focus on problem solving approaches emphasizing strategies, applications and problem formulation. Students learn computation & regrouping, double digit multiplication and division up to 12, decimals and fractions, geometry, fractions, statistics & probability, graphing, estimation and algebraic applications. Students use hands-on activities, mathematical projects & manipulatives that make math fun and memorable.

Fourth Grade: Students work on numeration, computation, and regrouping numbers through the millions. They multiply and divide multiple digits, add and subtract fractions and decimals. Fourth grade math opens students to a greater understanding of measurement techniques, geometry, and algebraic thinking. Students learn the standard and metric measurement units, learn to graph and interpret data using a wide variety of tools.

Fifth Grade: In fifth grade the emphasis is placed on problem solving strategies, where students work independently, as partners, and in groups to develop critical thinking skills. Areas of emphasis include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of whole numbers as well as fractions and decimals, number theory, geometry, measurement, graphs, data, and analysis. Probability, proportion, percentage, and statistics are also studied.

Language Arts

Built around the strong connections between reading and writing through core literature pieces, the purpose of the Language Arts curriculum is to provide students with the language abilities they need to communicate effectively as individuals and as members of society. Both oral and written communications promote a respect for oneself and diversity, as well as strong critical thinking skills.

Kindegarten: In kindergarten students receive a strong foundation in reading. Using the Open Court Reading Program all letters and sounds are introduced with the goal of mastery by the end of the year. A holistic approach is applied within the context of language arts; blending phonics, whole language, sight words, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are daily exposed to all of the preceding components. Students memorize, recite and perform various poems and songs. Students are required to read and/or be read to every night for fifteen minutes.

First Grade: First graders read and write a variety of texts. Emphasis is placed on phonemic awareness, sight words and spelling patterns in reading and writing. Editing for grammar, punctuation and sentence structure in informational and creative writing increases throughout the year. Students present oral reports and memorize, recite, and perform poetry frequently. The Open Court language arts program incorporates all of these skills in whole group and independent practice lessons.

Second Grade: Students learn reliable spelling strategies that they can apply to both familiar and unfamiliar words, and are expected to be accurate and precise in spelling and grammar. The students learn to read and write a variety of texts, and write and “publish” many multiple page stories, book reports, and books. Public speaking is a major emphasis, with many oral reports and poetry recitals being a feature of this year. Cursive is also introduced in second grade.

Third Grade: Through a variety of literature, students learn to read for comprehension, explore word meanings, write using correct grammar and mechanics, and use their listening and speaking skills. Students learn to use resources such as dictionaries, thesauruses, and the internet for their writing. Well organized, appropriately structured paragraph writing is emphasized. Students learn and master cursive handwriting.

Fourth Grade: In fourth grade students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Students read a lot of non-fiction text to collect information. Content related literature is integrated into the social studies and science curriculum. The focus is on reading comprehension. Students are exposed to various kinds of literature and continue to write letters, responses, essays, fictional pieces, and poems. Students write several research reports, and increasingly use laptop computers to word process their reports and prepare graphical extensions of their reports.

Fifth Grade: Writing emphasizes the succinct development of a paragraph, and the combining of paragraphs to create a multi-paragraph effort. Grammar instruction, proper use of conventions, vocabulary contextual study, creative exploration, implementation of both self and peer editing, and purpose of audience are combined for developing strength in writing. Reading comprehension through fiction and non-fiction works emphasizes plot recognition, character development, inferences, main ideas, and critical thinking.

Science

Kindegarten: In kindergarten science is integrated throughout the curriculum. Some major areas of study include the ocean, bugs and insects, the farm, weather and seasons (including harvest, winter, apples, etc.). Other areas which are introduced include the five senses, life cycles, non-living versus living things, dinosaurs, and colors. Inquiry-based and hands-on methodologies are employed. Students are taught to question and explore to find the answers to their questions about the world around them.

First Grade: Science is taught through thematic units and is integrated into other parts of the curriculum. Units include space, simple machines, penguins, plants, weather, earth materials and pond life. Students sort, classify, compare, investigate and observe as they use the scientific method. First graders make three-dimensional constellations and inventions as well as many hands-on experiments during these units.

Second Grade: This integrated curriculum not only develops students’ ability to understand scientific concepts but also enables them to do creative writing, computer assignments, mathematical equation, etc. They learn about dinosaurs and fossils, mammal and animal classification, inherited characteristics, natural resources, sound and hearing, light and colors, vision, whales, ocean animals, magnets, motion, gravity, and force. Students do many hands-on experiences in the science lab. They go on many field trips such as the Museum of Paleontology and the Oakland Zoo.

Third Grade: In third grade emphasis is also placed on hands-on activities including numerous experiments using the scientific method. Students are involved in various research projects during each unit of study. With each unit students are given the freedom to choose the subject, within a given framework, that they wish to research thereby promoting interest and encouraging responsibility. Plants, animal life, solar system, and rain forest are some of the units of study.

Fourth Grade: Students learn to formulate predictions and justify them based on cause and effect relationships. Topics covered are: changing earth (rocks and minerals), matter, electromagnetism, plant and animal adaptations (visit to the Science Gallery at the Oakland Museum), the human skeleton, and nutrition. Within each unit the students have the opportunity to learn and observe from experiments.

Fifth Grade: Students analyze, interpret, evaluate and comprehend the world around them. They continue to work with the scientific method and develop further their reasoning skills. Classes are taught by a science specialist and focus on the following topics: weather, plants and animals, solar system, water, and the scientific method. The classes are inquiry based and thematically focused. Students’ assessment consists of projects, portfolios, class participation, homework, labs, and tests.

Foreign Languages

Kindegarten: In Kindergarten, the program is largely oral-based, though written words are introduced, and associated with meaning through images. Children learn French and Mandarin vocabulary (including parts of the body, clothing, family members, colors, counting, etc.) through songs and games, and conversational French through simplified dialogues and by learning French stories from picture books.

First Grade: Children expand their French vocabulary, begin more independent and small-group activities, and begin writing activities. They begin to apply learned vocabulary to speaking and writing so that they can communicate ideas and answer questions incorporating individual differences. Specifically, they learn new aspects of French culture (Paris Monuments); identification of the day/date in complete sentences; respond to basic questions such as “Qu’est-ce que c’est?”

Second Grade: Students continue to study conversational French, songs, poems and games, with an introduction to French composition. While the emphasis is on conversation, the curriculum also includes in-class writing assignments on various topics, using books and other materials to independently locate and learn vocabulary and in-class cultural projects. Themes are integrated into more written and conversation projects that reinforce the use of complete sentences.

Third Grade: Students are introduced to a French text/workbook that provides structure for their oral and written learning. This text uses music, culture, art, drama, math, poetry, and movement to teach active/communicative (speaking, writing) and passive/comprehension (listening, reading) skills. The year culminates with the class performing an original play written by the students themselves. They write long paragraphs and are able to sustain longer conversation.

Fourth Grade: Fourth graders begin to hone in on the four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing in French, with the expectation that students will be able to derive meaning from context, apply knowledge/vocabulary to generate new thought, and communicate simple ideas effectively. Thematically, it is largely centered on French-speaking countries around the world. Students write long paragraphs and stories.

Fifth Grade: By the time grammar-based instruction is introduced in fifth grade, students have already had natural exposure to the sight and sound of the French. The year’s work is structured with a textbook and workbook, with supplemental reading and exercises to integrate grammar concepts into a real-life context. Thematic projects are based around famous authors, cities, chateaux, etc. The year culminates with a projects based around the French-Canadian Voyageurs.

Social Studies

The social studies program follows a specific continuum. In the elementary grades, an integrated approach is used to connect with all the academic areas that are being taught. In the middle school, history and geography are taught with a reliance upon source documents, artifacts, personal involvement and the use of technology. The program also seeks to develop a respect and understanding for individual differences and commonalities.

Kindegarten: Emphasis rests heavily upon the understanding and creation of community. Students learn about the school community as well as their immediate community and those of the world around them. Students learn about friends, families, transportation and safety, as well as sharing, taking care of the environment and animals. Various celebrations from around the world are studied in conjunction with fairy and folk tales.

First Grade: Students develop an understanding of their place in space and time. Students learn about their place in the community and compare rural, urban and suburban communities. They also learn about our North American neighbors: Canada and Mexico. Global emphasis is placed on multicultural folktales and homes around the world units. Students apply what they’ve learned about natural resources, climate/weather and cultural traditions by making a home from a different country.

Second Grade: Students progress from learning about where they live to where they are from doing their “Family and Heritage” unit. In class the students become immigrants, passports included, and write stories about coming to America. Other units include continents/maps, Native Americans and pilgrims, presidents, and people who made a difference (biographies). Students often create research reports that are presented to their classmates.

Third Grade: Students study the geography of the United States and the world, westward movement, local Native American tribes, and pioneer life. These units are enriched through various arts, crafts, writing, literature, drama and technology projects. Students design PowerPoint presentations and write reports using laptops. Students also enjoy an overnight pioneer camp where they live as pioneers. Children keep a journal, draw maps and construct a covered wagon. Students often create research reports that are presented to their classmates.

Fourth Grade: Students study California’s geography and history. They start with Native Californian tribes and recognize how various geographic regions determine the Natives’ resources. They study explorers who sailed to the Americas, look at the mission and rancho period, and experience the prospector’s adventurous life in the Foothills on a three day trip to Coloma. Field trips are fully integrated into the social studies curriculum. Students visit the Anthropology Museum at Berkeley, Mission Dolores in San Francisco, and the state capitol in Sacramento.

Fifth Grade: “Who Are we as Americans?” Students focus on the relationship of the American people to their nation with emphasis on the history and geography of the US from the earliest times. Instruction emphasizes the cultural diversity of our nation and its impact on our individual and national identity. Students pursue this inquiry by reading fiction and non-fiction works and incorporating skills in writing, vocabulary, research, and critical thinking, as well as study skills thus enhancing the thematic content.

The Gold Rush at Saklan: we have got the maps!

Field Trips

Saklan believes that children learn in more depth and breadth when the real world and the classroom are connected, when they see and experience the things they are studying. Field trips expose children to people from varying backgrounds who are passionate about what they do. This, in turn, helps them understand that learning is not limited to the classroom or a certain time of life - it can happen anywhere, anytime.

Kindegarten:
Smith Family Farms Pumpkin Patch – Harvest Unit
Moraga Fire Station – Community Around Us Unit
Lawrence Hall of Science – Insects Unit
Lindsay Wildlife Museum – Native Wildlife Unit
Museum of Children’s Art Oakland – Spice Painting for the Plant Unit
Bedford Gallery – Art Appreciation

First Grade:
Guest Speaker – Communities Unit
Chabot Space & Science Center – Solar System Unit
Museum of Children’s Art – Thanksgiving Unit
Fairy Tale Theater St. Mary’s College – Literature
Lawrence Hall of Science – Unit on Rocks & Minerals
Crepes-A-Go-Go Restaurant (French Specialist) – French Language & Culture
Lawrence Hall of Science – Pond Life Unit

Second Grade:
UC Museum of Paleontology in Berkeley – Dinosaurs Unit
Oakland Zoo – Mammals Unit
Storyteller in Lafayette – National Children’s Book Week
Shinn Historical House – Family Heritage Unit
Fairy Tale Theater St. Mary’s College – Fairy Tale Unit
Chef Chao Restaurant in Moraga – Chinese New Year Celebration
Guide Dogs for the Blind Campus in San Rafael – Community Service & Unit on Sight
Museum of Children’s Art in Oakland – Whale Unit

Third Grade:
EBMUD Creek Restoration Project – Science & Environmental Studies
Chabot Space & Science Center: “Moonstruck” Class & Planetarium – Solar System Unit
Museum of Children’s Art: Native American Spice Paintings – Bay Miwok Unit
Black Diamond Mines Reserve – Westward Migration Study
Old Sierra Historical Ranch – Pioneer Unit (2 Days)

Fourth Grade:
Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, UCB – Native Californian Study
Oakland Museum – Science: Adaptations for Survival
Mission San Francisco de Asís & Lunch at Taquería – Missions Unit
Coloma Outdoor Discovery – Gold Rush Unit (3 Days)
Dinner at a Moroccan Restaurant – French Speaking Countries Around the World
Sacramento: State Capitol - Sutter’s Fort – State & Government Study

Fifth Grade:
Marin Headlands – California Science (3 days)
Oakland Museum – African American Art of Story-Telling
Capay Farms –Nutrition & Food Preparation
Angel Island – American History and West Coast Immigration
Lunch at a Traditional French Restaurant – French Language & Culture
Mosaic Project – Community Building & Diversity (5 days)

Arts

The art curriculum is in two parts. First, it is an academic approach to learning the fundamentals of drawing, painting, how to use the materials, etc. Second, it is an arena for exploration with the materials and self-expression.

The practice segment of the class allows children the opportunity to try out the new perspectives and ideas they have seen in the work of the day. The lessons encompass everything from the basic elements of art: color, line, texture, shape, movement, etc. and the principals of design. The children not only learn how to use the materials to express themselves, but they learn how to build an effective composition for their finished art works. The assessment component of the art curriculum includes judging the students’ ability to follow instructions, cooperate within the class, grasp a basic understanding of the individual lessons, as well as judging the effort put forth and the creativity and individuality of each piece.

Computers

We teach students how to use computers creatively and responsibly while we prepare them for the technological challenges of the 21st century. Technology is integrated in the classes starting in third grade with the use of laptops. Digital art is also an integral part of our program.

With “Read, Write and Type” and “Mavis Beacon,” the first and second graders familiarize themselves with the keyboard and the mouse. They also learn the names and the use of all the computer parts. The second graders gradually start using Microsoft Office and the Internet during very structured class projects that are linked with the classroom curriculum. They prepare PowerPoint for their mammal research (multimedia), look at Fairy Tales on animated websites (use of browsers), they type and write about their family heritage (spell check, clip art, and network usage) etc.

Students still working on their speed and accuracy with the keyboard. Students are taught more advance use of “Microsoft Office” (mainly Word, Power Point, and Excel). Class projects are continued in the computer science class. Furthermore, the fourth and fifth graders start learning HTML to create a personal website. They use NotePad to code their web pages. They also start using a digital camera and learn how to upload, crop, cut and paste pictures. The use of Windows OS is integrated through all the units (manage folders, moving files, etc.) Basic digital art techniques are introduced with Adobe Photoshop and ImageReady. The isafe.org curriculum also starts in third grade and continues onto Middle School. Students are taught cyber safety. The Parent Association is also involved with this program.

An increasing number of laptops are regularly utilized by students in grades 3 through 8 for research, writing, and digital media creation. This also enables teachers to diversify student learning experiences through technology integration.

Information and technology literacy are essential skills for the 21st century learners. Our students’ ability to seamlessly use advanced software tools is central to our technology curriculum. We call it Education 2.0!

Library

The mission of the school library program is to ensure that all students become life-long learners and effective and responsible users of ideas and information. Information literacy skills are developed at each grade level and promote exploration and autonomy.

In the elementary grades, students visit the library weekly, where they are taught library skills and the librarian shares a story. Students learn to identify parts of book, how the automated system works to look for a particular book or subject and then where to locate the book in the library. They are taught how to identify whether a book is fiction or non-fiction, which will also identify what section of the library the book can be found. Students learn about reference books and how to find facts, using different types of non-fiction material. They are encouraged to use visual and textual cues to solve information problems. The librarian also uses sequencing to retell stories as students learn to connect new ideas to prior knowledge, make predictions, and identify additional information that is needed. With the support of the librarian and their teacher, children select their own books for enjoyment, personal interest, and enrichment.

During library, students participate in activities that encourage the appreciation of literature. They learn to evaluate and respond to literature using the facts from a particular story or article as well as their own personal perspective. They develop an understanding of different genres; fiction and non-fiction books, fairy tales, poetry, story collections, folk tales, and literary elements. Each year, more elements are added to continue to build on their library skills as they progress through elementary school. The Saklan library is open to students during lunch and after school. In collaboration with the classroom teachers we have available a wide variety of literature. The librarian seeks to develop a sense of personal responsibility as well as fostering awareness to others by returning materials on time, keeping materials in order and using correct checkout procedures.

Music

The music program at Saklan Valley is based on the philosophy and practices of Orff-Schulwerk, Kodaly, as well as the teaching and learning of folk songs. The Orff approach is characterized by active involvement in music making through the body, voice, movement, and work on specially designed Orff instruments. Knowledge of tonality and learning musical notation is developed with Kodaly hand symbols for scale degrees and learning to sing or play songs on the recorder. This Kodaly approach to echoing pitches and melodies helps students learn traditional folk songs. Students also learn to recognize musical notation via a process created by the specialist.

The nurturing of the whole musician who can hear, feel, understand, and physically express music contributes to the child’s ability to synthesize the intellect, senses, emotions and physical body in ways that have important implications in their total educational experience. The social dimension of group music making is also a central quality of the music program.

Students perform folk songs as a school at every Friday all-school assembly, in addition to presenting special class projects. Much work and preparation goes into the Annual Winter Concert, which is performed at a professional theater. Each grade is also involved in learning different general music topics, such as learning about the orchestra, world music, Blues and Jazz, and science and music.

Physical Education

The main focus of the physical education program is to achieve the following:
• to build up the stamina and energy of each and every student;
• to teach all the students the correct way to do physical exercise;
• to learn sportsmanship and teamwork; and
• to have fun doing all these things.

The major sports introduced during the year include: baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball, The elementary school classes are involved in skill development and game play. For instance, students play soccer for a two-week course; they break down individual parts of the game of soccer and work on them. These parts include dribbling drills, striking drills, goalie drills, etc. Once these skills are acquired, a formal game is played. There are many organized games as well as individual skills and building stamina throughout the course of the year. Students run a timed mile run each month, so students can measure their personal stamina throughout the school year. Obstacle courses are designed on the play structure to aid in upper body strength as well as push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups. Students also work on the lower body by doing wall-sits, jumping jacks, and squats. Saklan students also participate annually in the President’s Physical Fitness Award to its program, wherein their performance is measured against national standards for fitness. The intention of the P.E. class is to have fun, first and foremost, and also to work hard every single time a physical activity is performed.

Textbooks and Workbooks

This list only includes the textbooks and workbooks used at each grade level. This list is in no way complete as teachers enhance their curriculum with new books and material on an ongoing basis. For more information about books, communicate with the elementary school director or directly with the teachers.

elementary school

Philosophy

Curriculum Overview

Mathematics

Language Arts

Science

Foreign Languages