LITERACY

SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Study units follow a specified sequence from grade to grade and employ an inter-disciplinary approach, an in-depth study of a particular topic involving many areas of the curriculum (art, science, music, reading, writing). Topics are selected based upon appropriateness for the age-level, children’s interest and richness of content. Through hands-on activities, trips, simulations, read-alouds, assigned reading, research inquiry projects and various media presentations, students learn about the history of our country from the earliest Native Americans through Vietnam, from the Celts through the Middle Ages in Europe, the continent of Africa, China, how communities function, world geography, comparative religions and current events. Space is left in the curriculum for topics of interest to emerge, such as a national election or our 175th year celebration, and for students to engage in a variety of self-selected and teacher-assigned inquiry research projects.

MATHEMATICS

The Mathematics program includes systematic instruction in computation, as well as studies of geometry, statistics, probability, fractions and decimals, pre-algebra and algebra. Mathematical thinking, application and problem solving are at the core of the program that includes discovery activities, the use of a textbook, math games and centers, teacher-made materials and inquiry projects.

The goal of the program is to excite students about the beauty of our mathematical system and to help them see applications of theory in the real world. There is a Math and Science Camp each summer for students who can never get enough of either subject during the school year.

ART

OVERVIEW:

The art curriculum at Frankford Friends School is guided by three overarching concepts (described in detail below):

Each year, a series of themes guide the selection of projects. Often these themes will be explored by students in many or all grades in varying ways that are age appropriate. This approach allows certain projects to become school-wide collaborations and gives students in lower grades the benefit of seeing similar subjects dealt with in more complex ways by their older school mates. Within these concepts and themes, students in each grade engage in a mixture of personal and group projects in varying 2 and 3 dimensional media.

Skill instruction in visual art techniques and materials is an integral part of the curriculum and is viewed as a component of exploring the above concepts. This is to say that specific skills such as drawing, painting, and working with sculptural materials are imbedded within conceptual projects rather than being the driving force behind them. In this way students learn to use the tools and materials of the visual arts naturally while exploring thematic projects.

Students are encouraged to find their own personal ways of envisioning, communicating and creating within the projects.

Overarching Concepts:

Exploring the images that stories create in students’ minds:
Everyday, we are told stories. Sometimes verbally, sometimes by reading, etc. These stories tend to help us to formulate images in our minds. Often we overlook these images, focusing instead on creating pictures of things that we see in the physical world. However, exploring the images that students’ own minds create can deepen their own understanding of the story and help them to develop their personal ways of expressing themselves artistically. These personal means of expression can be useful to them in connecting to other parts of their lives.

Creating community-based art in collaboration with students’ peers and teachers:
Community-based art comprises a significant portion of the art that artists create. It is art that is often created by a group and is almost always intended for a large, public audience. Creating art in collaboration with others gives students the chance to share their personal vision in helping to create a community vision. It requires them to be mindful of others’ perceptions, desires and ideas; and thus it reinforces many of the values of Quakerism.

Using artistic expression as a way of learning about and interacting with the world:
As artists, we create within the atmosphere in which we live. Students are encouraged to explore what they see in the physical world through drawing from life. Students are also given project challenges that tie in with the curriculum in other subject areas. Art is seen as a cultural phenomenon that cannot be separated from the other disciplines and serves as a learning vehicle for all kinds of knowledge.

MUSIC

Music opportunities at Frankford Friends School are rich, varied, and fun. From the youngest grades, children enjoy a wide variety of music by singing, moving, and using hand held percussion instruments. As they progress, their musical understanding is enhanced by the use of tonal and rhythm patterns and structured activities drawn from the methods of Gordon, Kodaly, and Orff.

Metallophones and xylophones provide early experiences in tonal instruments and enhance the curriculum throughout the grades. In the third grade, children learn to play the soprano recorder. As part of a new initiative in instrumental music, 4th graders receive instruction in stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello). In the 5th and 6th grades, they play hand chimes and handbells. Seventh and eighth grades have the opportunity to learn guitar. The instrumental program will expand over the next few years, resulting in a middle school orchestra.

Singing is an ever-present part of music class as well as assemblies and Meeting for Worship. Interested students may also choose to join the Frankford School Choir which has performed at Liberty Place and the National Constitution Center.

All children have the opportunity to perform at two yearly concerts for parents and the community. Assemblies and in-class activities provide additional opportunities for more informal performance.

SPANISH

An introduction to the Spanish language and culture begins at the prekindergarten level with songs, poems, and games - sometimes tied to seasonal subjects. A more formal approach in reading and writing occurs in the grades. Conversation is emphasized in the middle school classes.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Regular physical education is provided from pre-kindergarten through the sixth grade and swimming 1st through 8th grade, encouraging teamwork and cooperation through non-competitive activities. Swimming classes are taught from the first through sixth grades on a trimester basis at the nearby New Frankford Community Y. Recesses provide much needed time away from studies and an opportunity to play and are supervised by a rotating schedule of teachers.

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