Elementary School - Benjamin Franklin International School

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Holistic Learning Approach

Our educational program is designed for whole-child development, encompassing academic, social, and emotional growth. Our faculty is dedicated to nurturing each child's unique passions and interests, truly honoring their individual qualities. We strive to help children gain a profound understanding of concepts and skills, empowering them to express, practice, and apply this knowledge every day.

Elementary School Program

We deliver a comprehensive American International education, where critical thinking flourishes within a balanced approach to learning that encompasses academic learning with social and emotional growth. Our curriculum is crafted to build strong foundational skills in areas like literacy and mathematics, while recognizing that true success also includes social and emotional intelligence, physical well-being, and rich engagement with the arts.

Literacy

Our literacy program is built on strong foundations, using US Common Core Standards to focus on key areas like reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

In Kindergarten, students boost their language skills through Story Workshop, which encourages them to express themselves orally. Students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 receive direct, systematic phonics instruction to help them decode and encode words, with word work continuing through Grade 5 to examine word morphology. Vocabulary building, reading aloud, shared reading and interactive writing, and independent reading and writing are additional components of our literacy program.

Additionally, Kindergarten - Grade 5 students participate in reading and writing workshop experiences, often as part of their Unit of Inquiry. The workshop model offers all students explicit instruction, an opportunity to work at their independent levels, timely feedback, and collaborative interactions.

Mathematics

Our elementary math program focuses on helping students build a strong understanding of concepts, develop essential skills, and practice mathematical thinking. Students learn by using hands-on tools and models, exploring various ways to solve problems, and explaining their reasoning verbally and in writing.

Students work both on their own and with others to develop their abilities and extend their learning based on their individual needs. Teachers guide this process by providing challenging prompts, demonstrating strategies, and asking questions that lead students to clear, effective, and efficient problem-solving methods.

Social Studies

Our Elementary School social studies curriculum uses the C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards. Through engaging, inquiry-based units, students dive into hands-on investigations of compelling questions across history, geography, civics, and economics. These units often link with our reading and writing lessons, helping students build understanding across different subjects.

Additionally, social studies is integrated into our Spanish program as part of "Ciencias Sociales." Students learn through interactive projects, research, reading, simulations, and field trips.

Science

Our Elementary School science curriculum is built on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These standards focus on three key areas: how scientists and engineers work, the big ideas in science, and concepts that cut across different scientific fields. Through this approach, students learn to think and work like real scientists and engineers. They develop essential skills such as:

Asking questions and solving problems
Planning and conducting investigations
Analyzing and interpreting data
Creating explanations and designing solutions
Developing models and communicating information

All of our Units of Inquiry are developed using these NGSS standards and their key dimensions.

Art

Our goal is to give children the chance to explore a wide variety of artistic materials and develop a strong grasp of key artistic concepts. These include understanding line, shape, color, contrast, space, texture, perspective, narrative, portraiture, and symmetry.

Students also discover the work of renowned artists and how they use different techniques to express themselves. This helps them build a deep appreciation for visual arts, both as creators of their own work and as thoughtful consumers of visual culture.

Students alternate between Art and Music units throughout the year.

Music

Our elementary music program helps children develop a love for music through creating, responding to, performing, and connecting with music and musical concepts.

Classes offer a balanced blend of music-making and theory, ensuring an enjoyable and enriching experience. Students explore various instruments, including the ukulele, recorder, drums, and bar instruments. They also learn about the work of international musicians throughout their musical journey.

Students alternate between Art and Music units throughout the year.

Spanish & Catalan

National Students

Spanish students take Spanish and Catalan classes starting from Grade 1.

International Students

International students receive Spanish as an Additional Language (SAL) instruction throughout the week. They are placed in classes that best match their current Spanish language development. Additionally, international students participate in Spanish Catalan Studies, an age-appropriate class taught in Spanish that explores the history, culture, and geography of Spain, Catalonia, and Barcelona.

Physical Education

Our Elementary PE program aims to develop physically literate individuals who have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to enjoy a lifetime of healthful physical activity.

Guided by SHAPE, America's National Standards, our program ensures skills develop progressively each year. Students engage in skill-building activities and play small-sided games, allowing them to transfer their learning effectively. Popular units include hockey, tennis, basketball, dodgeball, and football/soccer.

Library

Our Elementary School Library aims to foster lifelong readers. Our librarian provides weekly lessons for students from Kindergarten to Grade 5, designed to enhance their literacy skills. These lessons align with both the Common Core Reading Standards and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Standards for the 21st Century Learner. Students can visit and check out books from the library throughout the week.

Additionally, our school libraries are accessible to families at various times during the week, and parents are welcome to check out books and materials.

Social-Emotional Learning

A distinguishing characteristic of our Elementary School is our strong emphasis on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Our SEL program weaves together daily routines, like our Morning Meeting where every child is greeted by name, with specific units of study. These units cover important topics such as celebrating individual differences, child protection and safeguarding, and our core values. We firmly believe that strengthening social-emotional skills -like forming friendships, managing emotions, and solving problems constructively - sets children on a path for long-term success in all areas of life.

Technology and Innovation

Technology is a cornerstone of our modern world, and we ensure our students have opportunities to learn using digital tools and robotics for collaboration, communication, and creation. iPads are available in all Elementary School classrooms, with a 1:1 program for students in Grades 3-5.

Our teachers thoughtfully integrate technology, considering both its benefits and potential impacts on growing children. Students engage in digital citizenship lessons and apply technology across all subjects. They also learn and practice coding, using various micro-bits and robots to develop new ideas.

Maker-centered learning is also a core part of the Elementary School experience. Students learn to closely examine systems, understand their components, and then improve or design new ideas.

Outdoor Learning and Forest School

We're committed to providing our students with regular opportunities to learn and explore in their environment. Currently, all students engage in outdoor learning and play experiences every day.

Our Kindergarten and Grade 1 students regularly enjoy Forest School in local parks and the Collserola Natural Park. This experience is a core part of their learning program, happening regardless of the weather. Forest School gives young learners the time and space to develop independent skills, resilience, and a deep understanding of the natural world.

For students in Grades 2 through 5, outdoor education lessons are integrated into various Units of Inquiry throughout the school year. This provides ongoing opportunities to explore concepts and skills within natural environments.

Student Services

Two first grade Elementary School girls laughing in the classroom

Family Connections

Exhibitions of Learning

Throughout the year, parents are invited into their children's classrooms to learn alongide their children, celebrate their progress, provide feedback, or hear all about their learning adventures.

Talk Tuesdays Sessions

On select Tuesday mornings throughout the year, our school hosts seminars and workshops for parents. These sessions are designed to provide insights into teaching, learning, child development, and other compelling educational and parenting topics.

Parent Speakers

Parents can help our students make deeper connections to their learning when they visit the classrooms as experts who share their passion, professional careers, interests, and skills.

Coffee and Catch-Up

On Friday mornings, families are invited to join BFIS School Leadership for a cup of coffee and informal conversation. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with school leaders, ask questions, and meet other parents.

A Kinder Girl exploring the grounds during a Forest School class