Elementary School (Grades K-6)

Reading Workshop and Writing Workshop provide a balanced approach to literacy that allow us to differentiate curriculum to meet each student’s individual needs. A collaborative teaching approach allows for small group instruction and individualized support.

The Singapore Math program emphasizes the mastery of math topics through problem solving, computational skills, mental math, word problems, and pictorial solutions. Math in Focus builds on the framework of Singapore Math to scaffold instruction to meet the needs of individual learners. Students work in flexible math groups to extend and enrich their learning based on their needs. Interactive, multi-model resources create inquiry based exploration and pictorial representations that lead to abstract computation. Students apply their knowledge to novel problems that strengthen their problem solving skills.

The elementary school uses the Social Justice Standards as a roadmap for anti-bias education. The standards are organized into four domains: Identity, Diversity, Justice, and Action (IDJA). The IDJA domains originated from Louise Derman-Sparks’ four goals for anti-bias education in early childhood. As we prepare our students for today’s world we must not merely educate, but demonstrate and proclaim the unique worth and beauty of all human beings as creations of a loving, empowering God. Students will express pride, confidence, and healthy self-esteem without denying the value and dignity of other people. Students learn to approach diversity with respect, understanding, empathy, and connection. Students are taught to recognize unfairness on the individual level, and injustice at the systemic level. Students will learn how to speak up with courage and respect when they or someone else has been hurt or wronged by bias.

The elementary school program serves to meet the developmental needs of all students through strengthening students’ emotional intelligence skills with particular focus on mindfulness, self-awareness, emotional management, responsible decision-making, and healthy interpersonal relationships. Students in grades K-6 meet with Human Development faculty, along with their classroom teachers, to practice these skills using a variety of techniques including small group conversation and activities. Students also engage in Council Practice during which they share personal experiences and stories, fostering attentive listening and authentic expression.

The TOOLBOX© program introduces students to 12 tools that further support social emotional learning by building resilience, self-mastery, and empathy.

Mindfulness instruction is also offered in elementary school through high school to help students reduce stress, strengthen attention, deepen self-awareness, and increase compassion for self and others.

We have a commitment to STEAM subjects as drivers of innovation. In order for students to explore STEAM, it is important to focus on the underlying scientific process skills; investigating, analyzing and reporting, observing and questioning, and reflecting on broader concepts. These skills empower children to articulate thoughts into questions and solve complex problems. They also help make the connection between scientific (“let’s find out”) and innovative (“what if”) thinking with the arts. Our technology and science labs, as well as our art and dance studios, are just a few of the spaces that offer students opportunities to explore and integrate practices across disciplines.

The elementary school science lab curriculum engages children in joyful discovery and experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develops foundational skills, and sparks a lifelong love of learning. We promote and believe in the fundamental value of play, encouraging and connecting children to inspirational experiences and ideas in science, technology, mathematics, art, and engineering. This comprehensive and collaborative approach helps to promote critical thinking and problem solving, to think ethically and empathically, and to generate innovative reasoning and ideas.

The technology program is supported by a robust curriculum that enhances classroom instruction while preparing students for the 21st century learning environment. Each grade level thoughtfully integrates technology with projects, curriculum, and a variety of activities to enrich learning. Students utilize various technology tools and devices throughout their day such as iPads and laptops. Interactive “SMART” technology is extensively employed in the elementary grades. Classroom sets of iPads are used in grades K-2, while grades 3-6 have a 1:1 iPad program.

Areas of focus include:

• Animation and moviemaking
• Coding and programming
• Computer science
• Computer skills
• Design
• Digital art
• Digital citizenship and online safety
• Keyboarding
• Systems thinking

The goal of the elementary school visual arts program at Campbell Hall is to expose our students to as many different styles, media, and aesthetic concepts as possible; to introduce them to the language of art and to encourage their personal creative interpretations. A variety of studio art projects are closely integrated into classroom units of study, and others are focused on art as a personal expressive medium. Basic elements such as color, line, shape, form, and visual unity are introduced and emphasized throughout.

The integrated and sequential music curriculum throughout the elementary school years combines music literacy, appreciation, participation, and performance. All children learn the basics of rhythm, melody, harmony, note-reading, and composition. Children participate in a rich variety of musical experiences which include singing and exploring instruments. The Campbell Hall Elementary School Chorus is a strong part of our music curriculum for grades 3-6. It affords young singers the opportunity to learn good vocal production and performance skills.

The elementary school Spanish program provides culturally responsive pedagogy to further develop an appreciation for cultural diversity and the Spanish language. The Spanish language teacher collaborates with the secondary school world language department and direct instruction in the Spanish language begins weekly with grade 3 while students in grades 4, 5, 6 have Spanish instruction twice a week.

The Ahmanson Library maintains a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books as well as periodicals and online resources. Librarians work in conjunction with the classroom teachers to provide materials that support and enhance classroom programs. Students are introduced to databases, online resources, research skills, and information and media literacy.

Campbell Hall values the connection between mind and body. Physical education develops wellness and helps students understand the relationship between human movement and cognitive learning. Physical education classes embody carefully sequenced and developmentally appropriate games, fitness, sports, and health curriculum.

All students in grades 4-6 are welcome to participate in the following interscholastic competitive team sports. Students are placed on teams depending on their skill level in order to be appropriately challenged.

• Co-ed flag football
• Boys' and Girls' basketball
• Boys' and Girls' soccer
• Co-ed baseball
• Co-ed volleyball

Movement education is offered to students in grades K-2 as a part of the physical education curriculum. It helps students understand, learn, and develop basic dance skills as well as basic dance terminology in several forms and styles of dance. Students are exposed to dance combinations and movement in ballet, jazz, hip hop, musical theater, Latin, folk/world dance, and ballroom.

Class presentations are based on the curriculum studied in grades 1-6 and are presented annually. They underscore curricular themes and provide opportunities for performing arts, visual arts, and creative writing. Writing celebrations allow students to showcase their writing portfolio to their families and friends.

Campbell Hall recognizes that in order to educate students both intellectually and emotionally, the school must explore those areas of learning which stimulate the processes of self-discovery. The Experiential Education program, which begins in grade 4, nurtures values of cooperative learning, individual and group responsibility, and security in a natural environment.

Student Council initiates an experience in self-government beginning with elected 4th and 5th grade representa-tives and culminating with 6th grade students in leadership roles. The Student Council provides opportunities for students to develop leadership and communication skills, to personally invest themselves in programs in the elementary school, and to serve in their school and local community.