Grades 3-5

Academic Foundations in Grade 3-5

Students deepen their bilingual learning through:

• Strong reading comprehension in Spanish and English

• Expanded vocabulary, grammar, and structured writing

• Multi-step math problem solving using Singapore Math

• Inquiry-based science and hands-on investigations

• Content-rich social studies units in geography, history, and civics

• Growing executive functioning skills (organization, note-taking, planning)

Engaged Learning

Whether exploring history, conducting science experiments, or presenting research, our upper-grade students apply their bilingual skills in real, engaging ways.

What Makes Grades 3–5 Distinct at SWS

Beginning in third grade, students experience a meaningful shift in both their academic responsibilities and the way they apply their bilingual skills. While Kindergarten through second grade focus on foundational literacy, numeracy, and immersion fluency, Grades 3–5 are a period of significant academic growth, independence, and intellectual challenge.

Here are a few ways the experience changes in the upper grades:

A Jump in Academic Application

Students begin using all the decoding, vocabulary, grammar, and math foundations they built in earlier years to read longer texts, write multi-paragraph pieces, solve multi-step math problems, and engage in deeper discussions — in both languages.

Greater Independence and Executive Functioning

Students grow into confident, self-directed learners by:

• Managing materials, routines, and deadlines

• Completing multi-step assignments

• Organizing notebooks and long-term projects

• Practicing perseverance and flexible problem-solving

These skills are intentionally scaffolded to prepare students for middle school.

Home–School Connection Through Meaningful Assignments

Grades 3–5 introduce age-appropriate home practice that supports academic routines and strengthens independence:

• 3rd Grade: Occasional short assignments for reading, writing, or math that reinforce class learning and begin building homework habits

• 4th Grade: Weekly math packets and daily Spanish sentences (10–15 minutes total), building consistency and bilingual writing fluency

• 5th Grade: Continues the Grade 4 structure, helping students transition smoothly into middle school expectations

This gradual increase in responsibility helps students learn to manage time, complete work independently, and take ownership of their learning — all while keeping the workload developmentally appropriate.

Expanding Academic Language in Both Languages

Students encounter more specialized vocabulary in science, social studies, math explanations, and literature discussions. They practice explaining their thinking orally and in writing in Spanish and English, strengthening bilingual academic communication.

Developing Strong Learners and Leaders

By the end of 5th grade, students demonstrate:

• Confidence speaking publicly

• Strong study habits

• Academic stamina

• The ability to collaborate and self-advocate

• Readiness for the rigor of middle school