A Day in the Life
Upper Elementary
The Upper Elementary program at Riverbend features unique three-grade classrooms (grades 4-6). This multi-age environment allows students to learn together, benefiting from the diverse perspectives and experiences across a three-year age span. Students participate in History, Science, Math, Art, Music, Reading, World Languages, and Physical Education in this collaborative setting, fostering a strong sense of community and shared learning.
Extended work blocks in core academic subjects as well as the arts make up the bulk of the Upper Elementary daily routine. The schedule includes free time for lunch and recess, and weekly events often include assemblies and field trips.
Sample Upper Elementary Schedule
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8:10-8:25am |
Arrival and Settle In |
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8:25-8:45am |
Morning Meeting |
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8:45-10:45am |
Morning Work Cycle |
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10:45-11:30am |
Art, Music, Design Lab, PE |
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11:30-12:00pm |
Recess |
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12:00-12:30pm |
Lunch |
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12:45-1:00pm |
Mindfulness or Read Aloud |
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1:00-3:00pm |
Afternoon Work Cycle & World Language |
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3:00-3:15pm |
Closing Circle |
Arrival & Morning Meeting
After students arrive at school, they gather to greet their community, connecting through games and sharing and getting a preview of what’s on the schedule for the day. This is a place for practicing grace and courtesy, building social skills, and creating a predictable rhythm for the school day. The 6th grade students take turns leading Morning Meeting.
Work Cycles
Each day, Upper Elementary students have at least one uninterrupted 2-hour work cycle. During this time, teachers present lessons in subjects across the curriculum in a variety of settings, including small groups and grade-level groupings. Students select their own work and use a two-week work plan to keep track of the activities they are going to do, checking off their accomplishments as they go. During independent work time, students make their own choices about the order of work they will complete, where they will sit to do their work, and whether they will work independently or with a partner.
Work Cycle Subject Areas
Art, Music, Design Lab, PE
Students enjoy classes each week in Art, Music, Design Lab, and Physical Education. These classes are 45 minutes to an hour, and students rotate through these special subjects throughout the week. Students work both independently and collaboratively as they improve their skills and embrace creativity in each subject area.
Recess
Upper Elementary students have 30 minutes for recess every day. They make choices about how to spend their time, generating spontaneous games on our large playing field or our engaging climbing structure. Recess is a time for making social connections and finding gross motor activities that they engage with independently and in small groups.
Lunch & Open Studio
Students enjoy 30 minutes for lunch in their classrooms with their teachers and peers. This time is not only about feeding the body, but also engaging in conversation, cleaning up after themselves, and helping peers clean up. During lunch and recess, students also have the opportunity to choose an Open Studio time in the art studio, design lab, or music room. They bring their lunch with them, and they use their time in these spaces to explore, complete new projects, or practice skills they’ve learned in class.
World Language
Upper Elementary students have the choice to study either Spanish or Mandarin Chinese. Classes are held in small groups for 45 minutes twice each week. Students explore the culture of Spanish and Chinese speaking countries as they learn beginning conversational language as well as written language.
After School Enrichments
After the end of the regular school day, many students head off to Enrichments. Enrichment classes range from capture the flag and basketball to ceramics and chorus. Many students participate in travel sports teams, competing against other schools as well. There are new opportunities every trimester that run after school from 3:15-4:15pm.
Spotlight: Outdoor Education
Upper Elementary students visit our nature property, the Magullion Center, several times throughout the year. They enjoy cross-curricular outdoor learning projects that feature everything from science and math to history, art, mindfulness, and literacy! Each spring, Upper Elementary students also take a trip to the Hulbert Center in Vermont, where they participate in hiking and team-building activities. It’s a highlight of the program for our students!