San Francisco Friends School Curriculum

Community Life - All Grades

SFFS places an emphasis on respect for and celebration of individual affinities, while also bringing to light each person’s role in the larger community. Quaker values of service, simplicity, and peaceful problem solving are integrated across the curriculum.
Beginning in first grade, the Quaker decision-making process of consensus is used for social discussions and for classroom or school-wide issues.
Peer relationships are established within and beyond SFFS: reading buddies, tutoring pairs, Meeting for Worship partners, exchanges with neighboring schools, pen-pals with students at other Friends schools.
Service projects within the school, neighborhood and city are ageappropriate, such as:

maintenance of school building, playground, and gardens
donation to school-wide penny drive
sharing of arts projects, meals and performances with community organizations
participation in neighborhood park clean-ups
ongoing service initiatives with Strybing Arboretum, Golden Gate Parks Conservancy, SPCA, and the Coastal Steward Program

Through the AFSC (American Friends Service Committee), students assist in the annual collection and packaging for the Emergency Materials Assistance Program.

Meeting for Worship:
The school community meets for 20- 45 minutes of silent reflection once a week. Monthly queries, concerning friendship, justice, and ethics are posed by teachers and students. Each year, students engage in a school-wide study of an influential individual, such as Cesar Chavez, whose life and work has effected social change.
Assemblies:
A weekly assembly program brings the community together for singalongs, informal sharing of skills and talents, and presentations by local artists and organizations. Some examples include: Taiko drumming, puppet show, recycling and composting, California Academy of Sciences, a storyteller from the San Francisco Friends Meeting, Barbary Coast Cloggers, and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Field Trips:
The school is commited to a rich array of local field trips. Students travel by Muni bus to Crissy Field, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the Strybing Botanical Gardens, Randall Museum, and local libraries, parks and markets.
Extended Day and Enrichment Classes:
Before and after-school care is provided in a play-based extended day program. Children enjoy plenty of time to play outdoors, and a variety of arts, crafts, and games. Supervised quiet study time is provided for older children. Daily Enrichment classes are offered in eight week sessions. Some examples include: Mandarin, Spanish, Chess, Storytelling, Yoga, Community Service, Knitting, Sculpture, Capoeira, and Flag Football.

	Science and Stewardship	Library/Media Skills	Language Arts	Music and Movement	Mathematics
	While engaging in scientific investigation, students develop an understanding of our responsibility for the earth’s resources. The Outdoor Education program places an emphasis on self-sufficiency, minimum impact, appreciation of aesthetics and silence in nature.	The library media program serves all levels at SFFS—from stories and drama in kindergarten to information literacy in the upper grades.	The Language Arts program encourages students to engage fully in all forms of communication; speaking, listening, reading and writing.	Both Orff and Kodaly techniques are used in music instruction throughout the grades. The Music program brings together the community in small and large group performances, and they are shared with neighborhood organizations.	Students transition from hands-on, concrete representation of mathematical concepts to abstract problem solving, deriving from authentic contexts.
K	Observation, science notebooks, sorting, data collection, introduction to inquiry process, tools of measurement, animal groups, parts of a plant, water cycle, reduce/re-use/recycle. Field trips to farms, farmer’s market, parks. Heifer Project	Introduction to library: choosing and borrowing books, oral storytelling, picture books, early readers, connection between stories and drama. Visits to Public Library.	Pre-reading and reading skills, letter/sound correspondence, sight words, letter formation (Handwriting Without Tears), beginning- middle-end sounds, literature response, developmental spelling, class books, science journals, reflections, chart writing, rhymes, songs, poetry, distinction between questions and statements	Musical exploration with voice and instruments, Concepts: beat, rhythm, high/low pitches, slow/fast tempos, loud/soft dynamics; accurate singing, performing beat with known songs, improvised movement, simple dances, singing games.	Number concepts, patterns, oral counts, number identification to 30, writing 2 digit numbers, concepts of addition and subtraction, estimation, oral problemsolving, graphing, attributes, shape recognition, calendars, nonstandard measurement, beginning formulation of survey questions
1	Observation, sorting, data collection, basic graphing and interpretation, science notebooks, needs of animals: coastal habitat, needs of plants: planting and tending school garden, composting, worm bin. Field trips - farms, city gardens, tide pools, day hike, Coastal Stewardship program	Introduction to library: checking out books independently, non-fiction, fiction; picture books, read-aloud, fairy tales, Natural Sciences (500’s) in support of classroom study - plants and animals, Technology (600’s), classroom software provides reinforcement of basic skills, basic commands with mouse and keyboard.	Reading groups for decoding skills and comprehension, increased sight vocabulary, developmental spelling and weekly phonics, reading with expression, handwriting, basic story structure, fairy tales, poetry, read-aloud, reader’s theater, writer’s workshop, author’s chair, decision- making by consensus	Singing in tune, aural and visual perception of pitch,keeping a steady beat, distinguishing between rhythm and beat, concept of duration of sounds, beginning reading and writing notes, concept of repeated and contrasting phrases, circle and line dances, singing games.	Patterns, place value to 100, read/write numbers through 100, oral counts, odd/even, graphing, estimation, nonstandard and standard measurement, geometric figures, operational symbols, facts to 12, intro to telling time, coin study, problem-solving strategies
2	Observation, data collection, description, prediction skills, evidence-based interpretation, science notebooks, use of scientific instruments, different life cycles, rock composition, simple machines, animal care, research on influential environmentalists. Field trips - farms, Muir Woods, SPCA, day-hikes	Issues of equality, peace, and leadership through biographies, two chapter books with group reader, Poetry (800’s) as a form and as non-fiction area of collection, support of cultural and seasonal celebrations, use of internet as class for reference and some correspondence, skills reinforced with interactive software programs.	Increased comprehension skills, readinginterest groups, syllables, compound words, antonyms, synonyms, identify nouns and verbs, application of spelling patterns in writing, writing process, punctuation, folktales, biography, nonfiction mini-research project, consensus, oral reports	Two part rounds, pentatonic scale, aurally identify steps, skips, and repeated pitches, identify songs from hand signs, reading and writing rhythms and pitches using staff and stick notation, folk dances, singing games.	Patterns, estimation, place value, read/write numbers to 1000’s, oral counts of 3’s, 4’s, geometry, change from .00, money notation, time to 5 minutes, regrouping, addition/subtraction facts to 20, concepts of multiplication and division
3	Observation, data collection and interpretation, classification, prediction skills, inquiry process, lab books, plant biology, adaptations, moon and stars, solar and hydraulic power. Overnight trip – Marin Headlands	Creation myths from several cultures Myths and Religions (200’s), Geography and History (900’s); journals and journaling based on famous Quakers; shared resources and reference books, independent use of online catalog, keyboard skills.	Independent reading, book reviews, comprehend author’s message, sentence structure, proper use of pronouns and adjectives, descriptive paragraphs, expository writing, vocabulary, fundamental research skills, complex word families, dictionary skills, prefixes & suffixes, proofreading, editing, cursive writing, oral presentations; similarity and difference	Sing and play canons and beginning twopart songs, improvise melodic answers to given questions, difference between solfege and letter names, read and write notation using both solfa and letter names, beginning recorder skills, creating ostinati, folk dances, singing games.	Multi-step problem-solving, symbols, operations, practice of multiplication facts, introduction to division, factoring, fractions, decimals, metric/English systems, solidify skills with time and money, elapsed time, 2 and 3 dimensional shapes, data collection, charting and graphing
4	Observation, data collection and analysis, prediction skills, scientific process, skeletons: animal, human, California flora and fauna, earthquakes, and volcanoes, electricity and light, study of scientists: visits to local science labs. Camping trip – Gold Country	Subdivisions of Dewey Decimal system, access to online databases; research on California history supports class work, various non-fiction media (magazines, databases, video), basic word processing for some written work.	Written and oral analysis of class reading, use word structure and origin to determine meaning, thesaurus, irregular verbs, adverbs, prepositions, narrative point of view, character description, interviews, expository writing based on research, poetry, editing, spelling, vocabulary, note-taking	Sing and play canons and two-part songs, create ostinati, further study of recorder, read and write notation using solfa and letter names, improvisation, songs in odd meters, syncopation, folk dances.	Multi-step problem solving, multi-digit multiplication, long division, fact practice in 4 operations, fraction and decimal equivalencies, exploration of probability, exploration of patterns and functions and algebra, area and perimeter, use of geometric and measurement tools for problem solving
5	Observation, data collection and analysis, scientific process, independent project based on hypothesis and testing, sexuality education, planets, stars and satellites, invention and innovation, Investigation Reports. Extended Camping trip – Yosemite	Service learning integrated into Library: study of a problem that is assisted toward resolution through research, online correspondence with students in Spanish-speaking country.	Theme-based literature; non-fiction and historical fiction, independent reading and analysis, word analysis based on Greek and Latin roots, metaphor, symbolism, figurative language, report writing, note-taking and outlining, influential narrative, poetry, persuasive speaking techniques	Sing and play 3-4 voice canons and twopart songs, compose, read and write notation using solfa and letter names, recorder ensembles, improvisation, music history, more advanced work with meters, folk dances.	Emphasis on problem-solving and computation skills, place value, continued skills in fractions and decimals, ratio, percent, recording and graphing data, mean, median, further study in patterns and functions, logic and algebra

	Spanish	Art	Social Studies	Physical Education
	Spanish is taught in immersion and with Total Physical Response teaching techniques. Spanish is integrated into the classrooms and across disciplines through collaboration among classroom teachers and specialists.	All students employ a variety of materials and techniques in the art studio, creating both two and three-dimensional works. Individual sketchbooks are an integral part of the program. Each year students participate in a communal art project, learning that many hands joined together can create a significant visual statement.	Study is based on conceptual development: children first understand the community within their school, eventually expanding to a more global understanding of civilizations and the impact of their interactions.	The Physical Education program develops in each child a positive self-image, cooperative attitude, social and emotional skills through teamwork and good sportsmanship, leadership traits, powers of analysis, judgment, and decision, a knowledge of rules, fundamentals, and strategies as well as and an interest in healthy recreational activities.
K	Emphasis on simple conversation and basic vocabulary: greetings, requests, colors, numbers, foods, parts of body. Call and response, songs, art projects and simple games help children learn and remember new words.	Students create portfolios that they keep throughout their elementary and middle school art classes. Basic art skills and vocabulary are introduced; play and experimentation are encouraged. Various media including markers, watercolor, tempera, and collage are used.	Classroom community and communication, individual rights and responsibilities in a group, cultural aspects of selected major holidays, annual Peacemaker study, farmer’s market, Heifer Project, introduction to Meeting for Worship	Fundamental motor skills are developed through a sequence of non-competitive activities and group games. The principles of sportsmanship and teamwork are introduced.
1	Dialogues and expressions: weather, time of day, days of the week, opposites, families. Cultural activities include folktales, plays, cooking and celebrations.	Color and composition are formally introduced. Subjects include portraits, still life, landscape, abstracts. Media and skills-building experiments expand to include wire, plaster, and clay and additional painting and drawing techniques.	Celebration of individual identities and families, school employees’ interviews, introduction to group decision making, introduction to basic map and globe skills, continents and oceans, weather reports and impact of climate, introduction to Meeting for Business	Skills are further developed for coordination, balance, flexibility, strength, agility and endurance. Individual exercises for the development of discrete skills are supplemented with large group activities and games that promote teamwork.
2	Expanded conversations: favorites, feelings, months of the year, sports and hobbies, animals. Children learn customs of the Spanish speaking world, and continue with cultural activities such as cooking and holiday celebrations.	Children learn to discuss their own work and the work of others in short classroom critiques. Varied approaches to composition are explored, and children work together to create programs, sets and costumes for school drama productions. Children are introduced to the principles of design	SFFS neighborhood, personal timeline, countries, basic map elements (legend, direction), geography of North America, compare land use of urban, suburban, rural California, biographies of influential individuals, current events	Sportsmanship and respect are emphasized in a sequence of exercises and games that continue to build skills and fitness. Children learn about the broad variety of individual and team sports that are available for lifelong pleasure.
3	Vocabulary and dialogues: school and community, professions, roles. More complex language structures added, including verb tenses and article agreement (el, los.) Guests from the Spanish-speaking community. Cultural celebrations and field trips.	Students create independent projects based on a common theme. In 3rd through 5th grade students present their work in a portfolio review. Media additions encourage individual choice and personal expression. Recording observations in nature encourages students to connect science and art.	Introduction to basic skills of collecting and organizing information, historical timelines, regional Native Americans, states and capitals, field trips to sites of historical significance, current events	More complex motor skills are introduced as children are developmentally ready. Children learn to plan, strategize and review games and exercises they’ve completed in class. Team leadership is encouraged and developed.
4	Grammar, reading and writing supplement spoken language skills-building. Geography study includes the introduction of pen-pals with students from a Spanish speaking country. Continued expansion of dialogue, expressions and vocabulary, more complex language construction	Students learn perspective and play with scale and point of view. Drawing skills now include gesture, contour and sustained drawings in a variety of media. Sculpture projects increase in scale and craft. Art history plays a greater role in discussions of style and artistic voice. Photography introduced.	Individual research projects, study of government structure, California history, San Francisco Missions and Latino- American culture, Quaker history, further exploration of geography, mapreading skills and map-making skills, current events	In 4th and 5th grades, students have more opportunities to explore individual and team sports while continuing to develop the skills of body management and the concepts of respect and sportsmanship. Students learn how to maintain cardio-respiratory fitness and sustain personal habits of health and nutrition.
5	Focused study of Latin American countries, including Mayan and Incan civilizations, study of historical and cultural heroes and heroines, older students tutor and role-play with younger students, pen-pal program continues. Service initiatives within local community requiring use of Spanish.	Students keep sketchbooks detailing their daily lives and exploring common themes. Students learn how to use caricature, exaggeration and visual drama in their work, and how artists make political statements through visual expression. Fifth graders choose and hang art works in a school-wide exhibition.	Individual and team research projects, American Revolution, US Constitution, Westward Expansion, study of leadership, Quaker testimonies, catalysts for change: resistance, protest, social movements, individual leaders	Class skills include throwing, catching, striking/implements. Sports offered at SFFS include basketball, soccer, volleyball, hiking, softball, Ultimate Frisbee, tennis, and dance. Fifth graders join school-sponsored sports through the San Francisco Athletic League (SFAL): basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, softball, futsol (indoor soccer).