Elementary School

En Route to Algebra 1

Mathematics are way more than memorization of facts and techniques. Most importantly, it’s about having children engaged in inquiry, proving their thinking, and communicating it to their peers. In order to achieve this, we set up activities and routines in every classroom that build number sense and encourage students to take different paths to solve problems.

Ultimately, our goal is to have our students take Algebra 1 in 8th grade.

Math Success

Our students in grades 3 through 6 compete in Math League competitions in NJ and win prizes!

About Mathleague

Mathleague.org runs the largest network of local and state math competitions at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in the United States and abroad. Students can participate in local contests challenging their mathematical abilities in four rounds of competition including Number Sense, Sprints, Target Problems, and a Team Round. These timed rounds allow students from various local schools to compete with one another for a number of individual, team, and school prizes based on their number of correct answers. Winners can then advance into the State Championships and eventually a National Championship.

Singapore Math

Starting in elementary school, we start teaching mathematics using the Singapore Math pedagogical method. Click here to learn more. 

We want our students to become confident readers and writers.In both French and English class, we choose the Readers and Writers workshop approach. In this case, each session begins with a mini-lesson. Then, teachers work with small groups or with individual students to explicitly teach strategies that address each child’s learning needs.

Click here to learn more about how we teach reading & writing. 

Elementary school’s French and English teachers teach together to help students build bridges between the two languages. Through the method MAK developed by Marianne Verbuyt students will take the time to study the structure of each language and compare them. Marianne Verbuyt has included visual tools in her method to make that learning easier, funnier and more efficient. With this well-designed and thoughtful approach for syntax, punctuation, and prosody the students develop a stronger mastery of each language.

Oral language is still really important in the elementary curriculum. So it is fundamental for children to develop their oral language skills to enrich their reading and writing. During their time at the French American Academy, students have different opportunities to improve these competencies.

For instance, here is a quick overview of moments when they practice, but also show all their talent as speakers.

• • French language workshop to target specific oral language skills.
  • Bilingual oral presentation starting in 1st grade
  • Plays performed at the “End of the Year show”
  • Student council : students are encouraged to convey ideas effectively so they can have an impact on their school community.

The Science curriculum focuses on the three branches of science: physical, life, and earth sciences. We provide students with bilingual co-teaching classes, where there is both a French science teacher & an english science teacher instructing the class in a bilingual fashion.

Our French and English teachers work together to strengthen students’ analytical thinking skills. We want students to be able to come up with different solutions and introduce research and analytical thinking. We expect students to become better writers who analyze reports.

Project-Based Method used in teaching Science The science curriculum aims to foster excitement and enthusiasm for learning science concepts through inquiry-based and student-active experiences.

For example: FAA’s seventh graders drew upon their knowledge of science, coding, and math to create hypothetical models showing how human behavior can affect a disease’s path through the general population. Drawing on real-world data, the students applied what epidemiologists have learned about the effects of masking, vaccination, and isolation. They created computer programs that would forecast a disease’s severity based on those different controls. Beyond requiring students to synthesize science, coding, and mathematical knowledge, this project showed students how proper data science can be used to combat misinformation and lead to better practices in public health. 

The French American Academy has STEM teachers and programs for both middle and elementary school. While we have dedicated classes and curriculum for science and math, STEM is a separate class that focuses on collaborative projects and frequently includes coding. These projects frequently call upon students to reinvest knowledge from their science and math classes, using critical thinking skills in order to solve a problem or meet a challenge. In middle school, students are at a critical stage in their development, and they are starting to think more seriously about their future academic and career paths. This is why it is crucial to expose them to STEM subjects early on, so they can develop an interest in these fields and build a foundation for their future studies and career choices. Let’s look at a few of the STEM projects that our middle school students have recently undertaken.

Click here to learn about the STEM class & the STEM projects.

The French American Academy started offering coding classes to its Elementary and Middle School students in 2018. As the years have passed, coding has been integrated into our STEM curriculum for younger and younger grades, and this year, for the first time, even our kindergarten students are learning the basics of analytical thinking and problem solving in coding class. Coding classes are an opportunity to engage all learning styles and ability levels, activating multiple skill sets and establishing the base for continuously developing digital literacy.

To learn more about how we teach coding for kindergarten & elementary, click here.