Our Upper Elementary School students refine their literacy skills through integrated units of study. Underpinned by a reading and writing workshop model, students collaborate, enquire, and critically analyze fictional and non-fictional texts. They do this across a range of themes and Social Studies topics, in line with Common Core State Standards and American Education Reaches Out Standards.

Math is taught through an analytical approach and exploratory units of study, which align with Common Core Math Standards. Students strive to solve real-world problems, demonstrate perseverance, and find new ways to overcome challenges. Collaboration is a key element of our interdisciplinary program, which develops creative and critical thinkers.

Our Upper Elementary Science program is hands-on and collaborative, filled with investigative experiences that nurture 21st century learners. We take an inquiry-based approach, which requires creative thinking to solve real-world problems. Students explore topics including Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences, and then apply their learning through an engineering and design process. Progression is monitored through Next Generation Science Standards.

In line with American Education Reaches Out Standards, our Social Studies program is taught through integrated, project-based units of study that encourage research and inquiry, and have both a local and global focus. Students develop their presentation and research skills as they delve into topics including economics, citizenship, government, culture, and technology.

Our Upper Elementary School Art program nurtures learners’ creative understanding and expression through exploration, practice and reflection. Creative young minds discover different techniques and mediums, building a knowledge base by experiencing different materials and resources.The creative process also cultivates relationships between children, whilst simultaneously developing fine motor skills, concentration, coordination, sensibility, and freedom. Art provides new and rich experiences, too, which increase our learners’ cultural panorama and encourage artistic expression.

Host Country Language

Our Host Country Language program develops an understanding of and appreciation for the Mandarin language and Chinese culture. Students explore their daily experiences of living in China, which supports their entry into local culture and everyday life. These experiences also grow their vocabulary and language fluency.

Our Upper Elementary curriculum develops our students’ musical skills through vocal and movement exploration, games, and by playing instruments, including the recorder, xylophone, and ukulele. Students also hone their musical literacy, including their familiarity with the conventions of written music. Our program covers a variety of musical traditions and cultures, too. Through experiences that require focused and sustained practice, our children develop discipline and confidence.

Technology is integrated across the curriculum at DAIS. Technology lessons are collaboratively planned, and students use a variety of tools to create, produce, and present their learning. We encourage our learners to develop the thinking skills they need to harness the power of technological tools, ensuring they’re prepared for 21st century life. These include effective internet research skills, the use of Microsoft suite to create reports and presentations, and digital communication methods. We also support our students to become global collaborators, creative communicators, and responsible digital citizens.

Physical Education (PE)

Our PE program encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. In Upper Elementary at Dalian American International School, students refine their skills, playing tennis, table tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer, and more. We also encourage fitness and dance. PE is divided into three strands – Affective, Psychomotor, and Cognitive – which our teachers deliver in line with National Physical Education Standards.

Upper Elementary Curriculum | Dalian American International School

UPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Learning at our Upper Elementary School in Dalian is challenging, exciting, and rewarding, as students explore a breadth of subjects and develop their intellect, character, and wellbeing. Our learners make outstanding progress in line with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and American Education Reaches Out (AERO) Standards.

OUR AMERICAN UPPER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN DALIAN

In Upper Elementary School at Dalian American International School (DAIS), our students enjoy a breadth of truly authentic learning experiences that span the subjects. These inspire our learners to explore our interconnected world, identify and solve problems, and be creative.

We want our children to take responsibility for their learning, too, and encourage them to be reflective, set personal goals, and meet agreed targets. Our exceptional teachers structure lessons around the unique needs of each child, delivering ongoing assessment strategies and timely feedback that support their progress.

A GUIDE TO OUR UPPER ELEMENTARY SUBJECTS

Literacy

Our Upper Elementary School students refine their literacy skills through integrated units of study. Underpinned by a reading and writing workshop model, students collaborate, enquire, and critically analyze fictional and non-fictional texts. They do this across a range of themes and Social Studies topics, in line with Common Core State Standards and American Education Reaches Out Standards.
Mathematics

Math is taught through an analytical approach and exploratory units of study, which align with Common Core Math Standards. Students strive to solve real-world problems, demonstrate perseverance, and find new ways to overcome challenges. Collaboration is a key element of our interdisciplinary program, which develops creative and critical thinkers.
Science

Our Upper Elementary Science program is hands-on and collaborative, filled with investigative experiences that nurture 21st century learners. We take an inquiry-based approach, which requires creative thinking to solve real-world problems. Students explore topics including Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences, and then apply their learning through an engineering and design process. Progression is monitored through Next Generation Science Standards.
Social Studies

In line with American Education Reaches Out Standards, our Social Studies program is taught through integrated, project-based units of study that encourage research and inquiry, and have both a local and global focus. Students develop their presentation and research skills as they delve into topics including economics, citizenship, government, culture, and technology.
Art

Our Upper Elementary School Art program nurtures learners’ creative understanding and expression through exploration, practice and reflection. Creative young minds discover different techniques and mediums, building a knowledge base by experiencing different materials and resources.

The creative process also cultivates relationships between children, whilst simultaneously developing fine motor skills, concentration, coordination, sensibility, and freedom. Art provides new and rich experiences, too, which increase our learners’ cultural panorama and encourage artistic expression.
Host Country Language

Our Host Country Language program develops an understanding of and appreciation for the Mandarin language and Chinese culture. Students explore their daily experiences of living in China, which supports their entry into local culture and everyday life. These experiences also grow their vocabulary and language fluency.
Music

Our Upper Elementary curriculum develops our students’ musical skills through vocal and movement exploration, games, and by playing instruments, including the recorder, xylophone, and ukulele. Students also hone their musical literacy, including their familiarity with the conventions of written music. Our program covers a variety of musical traditions and cultures, too. Through experiences that require focused and sustained practice, our children develop discipline and confidence.
Technology

Technology is integrated across the curriculum at DAIS. Technology lessons are collaboratively planned, and students use a variety of tools to create, produce, and present their learning. We encourage our learners to develop the thinking skills they need to harness the power of technological tools, ensuring they’re prepared for 21st century life. These include effective internet research skills, the use of Microsoft suite to create reports and presentations, and digital communication methods. We also support our students to become global collaborators, creative communicators, and responsible digital citizens.
Physical Education (PE)

Our PE program encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. In Upper Elementary at Dalian American International School, students refine their skills, playing tennis, table tennis, basketball, baseball, soccer, and more. We also encourage fitness and dance. PE is divided into three strands – Affective, Psychomotor, and Cognitive – which our teachers deliver in line with National Physical Education Standards.