The lower school curriculum is sequentially designed with an emphasis on the total development of our students’ academic, social, emotional and physical needs. The curriculum is based on hands-on learning, emphasizing activities that teach the importance of exploring and experimenting. The School values an enriching experience for our children, which promotes self-confidence and a love of learning.

The Bolles Mission The Bolles School prepares students for college and life by inspiring achievement, integrity, confidence and compassion in an academic community dedicated to nurturing mind, body and soul.

Accordingly, Bolles provides an unequaled breadth of opportunities and experiences which enable every student to optimize his or her unique interests, abilities and talents.

Bolles Lower School Curriculum GuideServing Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 5

“”

Our educational philosophy begins

with the belief that great students

become great leaders. We strive to

educate each child within the four

educational quadrants that achieve

maximum growth and potential in

each of our young learners.

— Associate Head of School

Tyler Hodges

The Bolles School is the only internationally recognized school providing the greatest variety of high-quality educational

offerings in Northeast Florida for grades Pre-K to 12. PHONE (904) 256-5030 www.Bolles.org

ACADEMIC PHYSICAL

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL

LANGUAGE ARTS• Develop print awareness, phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge,

oral comprehension strategies and skills, vocabulary and listening strategies

MATH• Explore number awareness, number patterns and relationships,

measurement, geometry, special concepts and algebraic thinking• Group objects according to attributes• Develop an understanding of number meaning through the use of

extensive manipulatives

SCIENCE• Develop an understanding of seasonal pattern and cycles through

exploration of senses and a collection of observational data • Use observations from media and the natural world to describe

patterns about what all living things need in order to live and grow

SOCIAL STUDIES• Develop concepts in the areas of weather, all about me, family, community,

community helpers, holidays and people and places in our world• Develop communication skills by sharing of ideas and thoughts with

the class and develop the skill of waiting their turn

FOREIGN LANGUAGE• Introduce the French language through the use of simple songs,

finger plays, puppets and various hands-on materials• Develop greetings, numbers to 10, family names, colors, nouns,

simple food words, simple phrases• Explore cultural experiences from France

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC• Develop a repertoire of simple songs based on folk and traditional

songs and rhymes• Identify and feel the pulse of a song• Move to the beat of a song and identify the mood of a song

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA• Learn to work in groups to develop and use imagination, public speaking

and critical thinking skills through the use of creative dramatics, readers theatre and vocal interpretation

• Develop and practice public speaking techniques

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART• Develop creative expression using school materials• Participate in imaginary and dramatic play in daily classroom activities

PHYSICAL EDUCATION• Identify body parts, explore different ways to move the body and

different positions the body can take • Develop concepts of space, time and force• Manipulate large- and medium-sized objects• Follow simple verbal directions• Learn to respect one another’s feelings

LIBRARY/CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT• Identify librarian, helpers and location of easy section• Use proper behavior, listening, sitting and enjoying stories and follow

library procedures• Exhibit proper check-out procedures, care of books and return

of materials• Identify parts of a book and use listening skills and viewing skills

while observing different materials• Develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling• Begin to develop skills in self-awareness, relationships, decision making

and safety awareness

TECHNOLOGY• Introduction of computer basics• Recognize and use the letter, number and symbol keys• Introduce word processing through Microsoft Word, Drawing and

graphics, peripherals, presentations, internet, curriculum-based websites and electronic references

• Introduction to internet safety

Pre-Kindergarten

LANGUAGE ARTS• Develop print awareness• Develop phonemic awareness through oral blending, segmentation of

word parts and rhyming, decoding and sight word recognition• Develop emergent reading and writing skills• Begin development of comprehension skills and strategies• Develop study skills, listening and organizational skills• Develop a foundation of independence in reading appropriate level books• Practice communicating using oral and written processes

MATH• Continue to explore number awareness, number patterns, measurement,

geometry, algebraic thinking and relationships• Develop strategies for answering questions, rote counting, count to

tell how many, recording numbers, ordinal numbers, two- and three-dimensional shapes, patterns, logic, measurement, addition and subtraction, place value and positions

• Be able to communicate mathematical ideas, work in cooperative learning groups and understand mathematical terms

SCIENCE• Develop an understanding of forces and interactions by building and

manipulating simple machines• Develop awareness of objects through floating, sinking and magnetism• Explore the interdependent relationships in ecosystems: animals, plants

and their environment

SOCIAL STUDIES• Develop concepts on how people grow and change, communities,

holidays, black history, U.S. Presidents and U.S. flag• Develop ways to communicate thoughts, show independence, organization

and responsibility and working in a classroom community

FOREIGN LANGUAGE• Continue to introduce the French language through the use of songs,

finger plays, puppets and various hands-on materials• Develop greetings, numbers to 20, family names, colors, nouns,

simple food words, weather expressions and simple phrases• Explore cultural experiences from France

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC• Experience and label the beat and sing songs with a steady beat• Experience and label melodic direction and respond to hand signals• Experience major and minor music• Use expression to show the meaning of a song• Perform singing games and simple dances from a variety of cultures

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA• Learn to work in groups to develop and use imagination and

critical thinking skills through the use of creative dramatics, readers and vocal interpretation

• Use vocal and facial expressions for characterization• Develop stage presence• Develop and practice public speaking techniques

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART• Recognize the different styles and periods of art• Use appropriate art vocabulary• Identify and recognize two- and three-dimensional forms,

forms and styles of art• Apply elements of art to their work• Use a variety of media to create art projects

PHYSICAL EDUCATION• Identify body parts, explore different ways to move the body

and different positions the body can take• Develop concepts of space, time and force• Manipulate large- and medium-sized objects• Follow simple verbal directions• Learn to respect one another’s feelings and practice good

sportsmanship

LIBRARY/CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT• Identify librarian, helpers and location of easy section• Use proper behavior, listening, sitting/enjoying stories and follow

library procedures• Exhibit proper check-out procedures, care of books and return

of materials• Identify parts of the book and use listening skills and

viewing skills while observing different materials• Develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling• Develop skills in self-awareness, relationships, decision making and

safety awareness

TECHNOLOGY• Introduction of computer basics• Recognize and use the letter, number and symbol keys• Introduce and develop skills using word processing,

drawing and graphics, peripherals, presentations, electronic references, curriculum based websites and internet

• Introduction and development of internet safety

Kindergarten

LANGUAGE ARTS• Read a variety of genres of literature, and develop decoding and

encoding skills• Develop and practice spelling words and begin to develop

understanding of words used in context• Develop and practice the writing process using a variety of styles• Introduce and practice writing concepts, writing mechanics, DeNealian,

sentence structure, and grammar and usage• Develop and practice a variety of comprehension skills and strategies• Continue to develop and practice listening, organizational and study skills• Develop fluent execution and coordination of independence in reading

appropriate level books

MATH• Develop skills in number awareness, place value, money, adding and

subtracting and measurement• Begin to develop quick recall of addition and subtraction facts

practicing number bonds daily• Estimate time, calendar as part of daily number routine• Introduce model drawing• Introduce concept of multiplication and division• Learn to communicate mathematical ideas, work in cooperative groups

and understand mathematical terms

SCIENCE• Engage in the exploration of waves, light, sound, properties of matter,

weather, seasons and climate• Use of engineering design model to test solutions and answer questions• Use appropriate tools to gather information about the patterns

and cycles that might impact weather and change states of matter• Explore and observe the characteristics, diversity and life cycles of insects• Develop a scientific vocabulary

SOCIAL STUDIES• Explore the areas of school life, family life, shelter, work, neighborhoods

and communities, map skills, holidays, and our country• Engage in discussions on citizenship and values, and being

respectful to workers from all walks of life• Develop ways to communicate ideas orally, in written expressions

and through presentations

FOREIGN LANGUAGE• Continue to develop and practice previously learned

French vocabulary and skills• Introduce a more extensive vocabulary using simple

dialogues and numbers to 100• Emphasize expressions as they develop and grow vocabulary• Explore cultural experiences and customs from France

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC• Create rhythm patterns and invent melodies• Distinguish between beat and rhythm and read and

write patterns• Accompany songs using instruments• Develop a singing voice• Integrate music with literature by creating

accompaniments

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA• Learn to work in groups to develop and use imagination and critical

thinking skills through the use of creative dramatics, readers theatre and vocal interpretation

• Use vocal and facial expressions for characterization• Develop stage presence• Develop and practice public speaking techniques

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART• Understand basic art terms• Apply basic principles of design• Gain an understanding of warm and cool colors, similarities, and

differences, line structure and recognize textural qualities• Use a variety of media to create art projects

PHYSICAL EDUCATION• Continue competency in managing body• Explore different ways to move body and different positions the

body can take• Develop concepts in space, time, force, eye-hand and eye-hand-feet

coordination and follow simple verbal directions• Show good sportsmanship and teamwork in games and activities

LIBRARY/CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT• Continue to review skills learned in previous grades• Identify and locate collection of materials• Identify, re-shelf, alphabetize and organize books and other library materials• Continue to develop an appreciation for literature and story telling• Develop skills in self-awareness, relationships, decision-making and

safety awareness

TECHNOLOGY• Introduction and review of computer basics and keyboarding• Continue to develop skills using word processing, drawing and graphics,

peripherals, presentations, electronic references, internet and spreadsheets• Continue to use the computer as a tool to enhance learning through

curriculum integration in the classroom• Understand the importance of internet safety

Grade 1

LANGUAGE ARTS• Read a variety of genres of literature centered on specific topics• Develop and practice spelling words and vocabulary words• Continue to develop and practice the writing process using a variety of styles• Introduce and practice writing concepts, writing mechanics, DeNealian,

sentence structure, and grammar and usage• Develop and practice a variety of comprehension skills and strategies• Continue to develop listening, organizational and study skills• Continue to build independent fluent execution of appropriate

level reading

MATH• Mastery of addition and subtraction facts as well as multiplication

by 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10• Develop skills in place value, money, adding and subtracting with and

without regrouping, measurement, geometric and fractional concepts • Number routines that include time, calendar and estimation • Use models to solve word problems• Be able to communicate mathematical ideas, work in cooperative learning

groups and understand mathematical terms

SCIENCE• Plan and carry out investigations to answer questions or test

solutions by using both the scientific method and the engineering design model

• Develop an awareness and understanding of Earth’s place in the universe using models, text and media

• Develop a scientific vocabulary• Use appropriate tools and scientific instruments to gather information

about land, water and plants• Engage in the study of minerals and rocks

SOCIAL STUDIES• Develop an understanding about the Earth using map and

globe skills• Engage in discussions on the continent, country, state, county

and community• Explore the areas of governing bodies, America today versus

years ago• Develop ways to communicate ideas orally, in written expressions and

through presentations

FOREIGN LANGUAGE• Continue to develop French speaking skills introducing some written skills• Continue to develop previously learned vocabulary also involving

dialogues and songs • Develop written journals about family, hobbies and preferences• Explore cultural experiences and customs from France

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC• Identify accented beats and group beats• Sing high, middle and low in music• Identify and play unpitched instruments• Create/improvise rhythm patterns and melodies using known symbols• Perform and/or listen to a variety of songs from different cultures and

historical periods

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA• Develop critical thinking, character development, structure concepts,

line interpretation and imagery by using creative dramatics, mime, poetry-reading and interpretations and small in-class scenes

• Use vocal and facial expressions for characterization• Develop stage presence• Develop and practice public speaking techniques

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART• Understand the use of basic art terms• Apply basic principles of design• Gain an understanding of warm and cool colors, similarities and differences,

line structures and recognize textural qualities• Use a variety of media to create art projects

PHYSICAL EDUCATION• Continue competency in managing body• Demonstrate teamwork in the performance of group activities• Show good sportsmanship and teamwork in games and activities• Demonstrate flexibility, strength, speed and agility• Develop eye-hand and eye-hand-feet, skip alternating legs, hop, run

backwards and gallop

LIBRARY/CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT• Continue to review skills learned in previous grades• Identify and locate collection of materials• Locate information using the automated card catalog• Identify, re-shelf, alphabetize and organize books and other library materials• Continue to develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling• Continue to develop skills in self-awareness, relationships, decision-making

and safety awareness

TECHNOLOGY• Continue to review computer basics and keyboarding skills• Continue to develop proficiency in word processing, drawing and graphics,

peripherals, presentations, electronic references, internet and spreadsheets• Introduce digital photography and Adobe Photoshop• Continue to use the computer as a tool to enhance learning through

curriculum integration in the classroom• Understand the importance of internet safety

Grade2

LANGUAGE ARTS• Read a variety of genres and make age-appropriate level selections• Practice and develop a variety of comprehension skills and strategies• Practice writing concepts, writing mechanics, cursive,

sentence structure, and grammar and usage• Develop and practice spelling words and vocabulary, and sight words• Continue to develop and practice the writing process using a variety of styles• Continue to develop listening, organizational and study skills• Develop higher level of reasoning skills through shared inquiry of

rich literature

MATH• Mastery of addition and subtraction skills using multi-digit numbers• Quick recall of multiplication skills (0-12)• Develop skills with multiplication and division skills whole numbers,

place value, develop fractional understanding and use measurement skills to define two-dimensional shapes

• Number routines that include time, calendar, estimation and temperature• Be able to communicate mathematical ideas, work in cooperative

learning groups and understand mathematical terms

SCIENCE• Plan and carry out investigations to answer questions or test solutions

by using both the scientific method and the engineering design method• Develop scientific vocabulary• Develop ways to communicate findings both orally and in written expressions• Use appropriate tools to collect quantitative and qualitative information

on animal behaviors, adaptions, habitats and role in ecosystems• Engage in a study of motion, designs, magnets and chemical tests

SOCIAL STUDIES• Explore Jacksonville’s history both past and present• Engage in discussions about communities, geography, manufacturing,

U.S. government, map skills and large cities in America• Learn the 50 states and their abbreviations using a U.S. map• Develop ways to communicate ideas orally, in written expressions

and through presentations• Develop strategies to work effectively and efficiently in small groups

FOREIGN LANGUAGE• Continue to develop French speaking skills with a greater emphasis on

reading and writing• Continue to develop vocabulary in the areas of greetings, colors,

manners, numbers to 100, weather, simple sentences, personal belongings, food, days, rooms in the house and animals

• Explore cultural experiences and customs from France with a “trip” to France to view monuments, visit cafes and hotspots.

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC• Identify music with two, three and four beats• Reproduce melodies alone and sing in harmony with a group• Play unpitched percussion instruments correctly• Create new verses to songs• Identify the tempo of a piece of music as largo, andante, moderato,

allegro or presto• Listen to orchestral music and identify instruments• Integrate cultures and curriculum

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA• Develop critical thinking, character development, structure concepts,

line interpretation and imagery by using creative dramatics, mime, poetry-reading and interpretations and small in-class scenes

• Use vocal and facial expressions for characterization• Develop stage presence• Develop and practice public speaking techniques

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART• Understand basic art terms• Apply basic principals of design• Recognize all primary and secondary colors, intermediate hues, changes

in value and intensity, textures and patterns, likenesses and differences and characteristics of art

• Use a variety of media to create art projects

PHYSICAL EDUCATION• Continue competency in managing body• Demonstrate teamwork in the performance of group activities• Show good sportsmanship and teamwork in games and activities• Demonstrate flexibility, strength speed and agility• Continue to develop in the areas of catching, kicking, striking,

dribbling and rolling

LIBRARY/CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT• Continue to review skills learned in previous grades• Identify and locate collection of materials• Locate information using the automated card catalog and begin basic

research skills using a variety of references• Use parts of a book to locate information, use appropriate reference

sources and identify numerical arrangement of library materials• Continue to develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling• Continue to develop and demonstrate skills in self awareness,

relationships, decision-making and safety awareness

TECHNOLOGY• Continue to review computer basics and keyboarding skills• Continue developing skills in word processing, drawing and graphics,

peripherals, presentations with an emphasis on PowerPoint, electronic references, digital photography, Adobe Photoshop and internet use

• Continue to use the computer as a tool to enhance learning through curriculum integration in the classroom

• Understand the importance of internet safety

Grade 3

Grade 4LANGUAGE ARTS• Read a variety of genres of literature focusing on specific topics and

make level-appropriate selections• Develop a variety of comprehension skills and strategies• Master spelling and vocabulary words• Thoroughly practice the writing process and written skills using a variety of styles• Continue to introduce and identify parts of speech, usage and mechanics• Continue to refine and develop listening, organizational and study skills• Continue to develop a higher level of reasoning skills through shared

inquiry of rich literature• Develop strong independent readers and critical thinkers

MATH• Expect quick recall of addition, subtraction and multiplication skills• Continue to develop and have quick recall on division skills• Understand the systems of: units of measure in relationship to area and

perimeter, place value to the millions, linking money with decimals, division, multiplying by two digits, and connecting decimals and fraction concepts

• Be able to communicate mathematical ideas, work in cooperative learning groups, collect and analyze data, and use and understand mathematical terms

SCIENCE• Plan and carry out investigations to answer questions or test solutions

by using both the scientific method and the engineering design model• Develop ways to communicate findings both orally and in written

expressions• Develop scientific vocabulary• Develop models to observe and investigate movements of matter among

plants, animals, decomposers and the environment• Apply scientific ideas to design, test and refine devises that convert

energy from one form to another using electrical circuits• Develop models that allow students to ask questions and predict

outcomes relating to Newton’s Laws of Motion

SOCIAL STUDIES• Develop a true understanding of Florida and its history• Investigate and explore Florida’s Native American tribes, colonization of

Florida, Statehood, wars, economic changes, tourism and railroad• Communicate ideas orally, in written expression and through presentations• Continue to develop map skills• Learn to work effectively and efficiently in small groups

FOREIGN LANGUAGE• Introduce Spanish greetings, colors, classroom objects, family,

commands, number to 100, days, months, weather, body parts, food words, clothing, animals, songs and action verbs

• Explore cultural experiences from various Hispanic countries

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC• Identify strong/weak beats• Compose and arrange music within specific guidelines• Listen to, analyze and describe music• Identify and perform the dynamics of a piece using correct terms• Develop a deeper understanding of music and how it relates to

different cultures, historical eras and curriculum

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA• Develop critical thinking, character development, structure concepts,

line interpretation and imagery by using creative dramatics, mime, poetry-reading and interpretations and small in-class scenes

• Use vocal and facial expressions for characterization• Develop stage presence• Develop and practice public speaking techniques

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART• Understand basic art terms• Apply basic principles of design• Gain an understanding of human proportion in renderings• Identify colors with regard to emotional effect, using warm

and cool colors• Use different viewpoints in creating work• Use a variety of media to create art projects

PHYSICAL EDUCATION• Continue competency in managing body• Demonstrate teamwork in the performance of group activities• Show good sportsmanship and teamwork in games and activities• Demonstrate improvement in flexibility, strength, speed and agility• Follow more complex rules and instruction

LIBRARY/CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT• Continue to review skills learned in previous grades• Identify and locate collection of materials• Locate information using the automated card catalog• Use parts of a book to locate information, use appropriate reference

sources and identify numerical arrangement of library materials• Continue to develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling• Continue to develop and demonstrate skills in self-awareness, relationships,

decision-making and safety awareness

TECHNOLOGY• Continue to review computer basics and keyboarding skills• Develop proficiency in word processing, drawing and graphics,

peripherals, presentations, internet, spreadsheets and databases• Continue to use the computer as a tool to enhance learning through

curriculum integration in the classroom• Understand the importance of internet safety

LANGUAGE ARTS• Read a variety of genres of literature while making

level-appropriate selections• Master spelling and vocabulary words and use multiple

strategies to develop vocabulary • Utilize a variety of comprehension strategies• Thoroughly practice the writing process using a variety of styles• Continue to introduce, identify, connect and apply parts of

speech and their correct use to the writing process• Continue to refine and develop listening, organizational and study skills• Continue to develop a higher level of reasoning skills through shared

inquiry and collaboration• Continue to develop independent readers and critical thinkers

MATH• Mastery of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills

with quick recall• Fluent in addition and subtraction with fractions and decimals and

long division procedures• Understand place value to the billions, units of measure in relating

two-dimensional to three- dimensional shapes and properties• Be able to communicate mathematical ideas, work in cooperative learning

groups, collect and analyze data and use and understand mathematical terms

SCIENCE• Plan and carry-out investigations to answer questions or test solutions

by using both the scientific method and the engineering design method• Develop ways to communicate findings both orally and in written expressions• Develop scientific vocabulary• Engage in experiences that explore the chemical process within

human nutrition• Apply scientific ideas to design, test and refine devises that convert

energy from one form to another using electrical circuits• Engage in the study of microscopic organisms using the appropriate

tools to collect observational information• Conduct investigations that make observations and generate

measurements that identify materials based on their properties

SOCIAL STUDIES• Explore the American expansion• Investigate and explore the origins and purpose of the original

colonies, and how they influenced current life.• Understand the framework of the Constitution, the war to independence,

geographical expansion, and the various wars in our country• Communicate ideas both orally and in written expression and

through presentations• Continue to develop map skills • Learn to work effectively in a group situation• Engage students in complex lessons via The World Peace Games

FOREIGN LANGUAGE• Increase vocabulary and expressions in Spanish• Develop conversational skills in the areas of: likes and dislikes,

personal opinions, school subjects, favorite pastimes, personalities, physical characteristics, months, and weather expressions and express time

• Expand ability to conjugate simple Spanish verbs• Explore cultural experiences from various Spanish countries• Develop reading simple sentences in paragraphs

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — MUSIC• Practice recognizing from soft to loud, allegro, presto, lento,

legato and staccato• Read and notate rhythms from flashcards and charts• Sing expressively• Listen to, analyze and describe music• Study relationships between music and other arts and disciplines

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — DRAMA• Familiar with parts of stage, stage terminology, character development

and analysis• Develop stage presence• Use improvisational skills, mime techniques, class scenes, creative

dramatics and trade games• Use vocal and facial expression for characterization• Develop and practice public speaking techniques

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS — STUDIO ART• Understand the use of basic art terms• Apply basic principles of design• Gain an understanding of human proportion in renderings• Identify colors with regard to emotional effect, using warm and

cool colors• Use different view points in creating work• Use a variety of media to create art projects

PHYSICAL EDUCATION• Continue competency in managing body• Demonstrate proficiency in non-locomotor and locomotor skills• Show good sportsmanship and teamwork in games and activities• Demonstrate improvement in flexibility, strength, speed and agility• Follow more complex rules and instruction

LIBRARY/CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT• Continue to review skills learned in previous grades• Identify and use information found on automated card catalog• Identify cross-references and locate materials• Develop an understanding of plagiarism, copyright and validity of

information and apply while using a variety of reference materials• Continue to develop an appreciation for literature and storytelling• Continue to develop and demonstrate skills in self-awareness, relationships,

decision-making, safety awareness and chemical use in society

TECHNOLOGY• Continue to review computer basics and keyboarding• Develop proficiency in word processing skills, drawing and graphics,

peripherals, presentations, electronic references, Internet, spreadsheets, digital photography, Adobe Photoshop and databases

• Continue to use the computer as a tool to enhance learning through curriculum integration in the classroom

• Understand the importance of internet safety

Grade 5