Elementary School at Dostyk American International School is a place where the groundwork of learning takes place and where we have the valuable job of nurturing and challenging students to cultivate their inquisitiveness and ingenuity.

Curriculum
The course of studies at DAIS includes Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, STEAM, Physical Education and Health, Music, World Languages, and Technology.

Curriculum Integration
When reading about the various learning areas, it should be kept in mind that learning in the school continually moves across discipline boundaries. When children focus on a particular topic, they may discuss, interview, read, write, study graphs, measure, or make models; they may inquire, test ideas, calculate, paint, sing, or do any number of learning activities that are not narrowly tied to one specific subject area. We use the term “integration” to describe our commitment to this principle of “bringing things together and making meaningful and real connections in learning”. This approach is valued and planned for on a continual basis. This approach does not exclude or diminish the need for teaching explicit and discrete skills and concepts.

Language Arts
Reader’s Workshop: Reader’s Workshop consists of three components that work together to allow children to develop skills, strategies, and behaviors that will help them grow as readers. Its structure supports children’s development because it incorporates demonstration, guided practice, and individual practice. The three components are the mini-lesson, reading time, and sharing. 

Writer’s Workshop: Each week students are given opportunities to work on developing their writing in Writer’s Workshop. Students write for a variety of purposes (narrative, persuasive, informative) and a variety of lengths. This period generally begins with a mini-lesson focused on a specific skill. Students then spend 30-40 minutes working on their writing. During this time, teachers have one-on-one conferences with students to discuss where they are in the writing process. The students work through the entire writing process, beginning with pre-writing and ending with publishing.

Word Study: The focus of the word study program is for students to develop an understanding of many of the common spelling patterns in the English language. A word study program is a cohesive approach that addresses word recognition, vocabulary, and phonics as well as spelling (Zutell, 1992). Students work with a variety of words in a given pattern throughout the week. They become familiar with these words and are expected to use them correctly in their writing. After sorting words, hunting for words that fit the given pattern, and playing games students will be assessed on their ability to properly use the specific pattern that we have studied during the week. For more information about Word Study instruction, go to https://www.readingrockets.org/article/word-study-learning-word-patterns.  

Mathematics
EngageNY/Eureka Math was developed based on the mathematical strategies outlined in the Common Core Standards. This is our main mathematics program. Students watch videos of the content, have opportunities to use their skills in class, and practice those skills at home.

We use a variety of projects, tech tools, and apps to practice skills and provide opportunities for each student to learn at their own level regardless of whether or not they need extra support or enrichment opportunities. 

Science
The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) are put into practice by integrating all three dimensions: Disciplinary Core Ideas, Science and Engineering Practices, and Crosscutting Concepts. They all use classroom-proven tools and strategies that engage students and teachers in enduring experiences that lead to a deeper understanding of the natural and designed world.

Social Studies
The objective of Social Studies is to nurture and inform literate and cognizant citizens who industriously participate in a constitutional society. The inclusion of Social Studies in the curriculum in elementary classes signifies the importance of the subject and the role it plays in a student’s life. Social Studies is incorporated in the school curriculum through a combination of subjects such as History, Geography, Cultural Studies, Economics, and Anthropology.