Elementary II (4th through 6th grade)
Ages: 9 – 12 years

As children mature, their ability to conceptualize and think abstractly develops as well. Children enjoy learning about the world around them and their place within it. They become increasingly socially aware and it is at this age that their peers begin to be of almost paramount importance. They like to work in groups and socialization is crucial in their daily lives. For this reason, group projects and working with a partner are popular endeavors at EWMS.

As children mature, their ability to conceptualize and think abstractly develops as well. Children enjoy learning about the world around them and their place within it. They become increasingly socially aware and it is at this age that their peers begin to be of almost paramount importance. They like to work in groups and socialization is crucial in their daily lives. For this reason, group projects and working with a partner are popular endeavors at EWMS.

These oldest students at EWMS use reading and writing as tools in their learning. They are no longer learning to read, they are reading to learn. Computer technology is integral to the Upper Elementary classroom. Research on the web, computer-based presentations, and word processing are all in daily use.

Children in the upper elementary level are ever more independent from their teachers. Lessons are given and then children work independently to expand their knowledge, building on prior learning, and making connections to all curricular areas.

Organizational skills are also expanded on at this level. Whereas children at the elementary I level focus on organizing their work over the course of a day, children at this level organize the work over a week or more, thereby learning to prioritize, and gaining even more knowledge about themselves as academic beings.

Hands-on experiences are still crucial and field trips continue to play an important role. These Upper Elementary students at EWMS may present at an International Youth Conference in New York City, adopt a local marsh, and spend three days and nights at Cape Henlopen State Park. These extraordinary experiences broaden the children’s horizons while teaching them public speaking, science, math, and geography, and giving them an opportunity to develop their independence.