lower School (grades 1–5)
Education comes alive for our Lower School students through a fully integrated, project-based curriculum and grade-specific themes.
Grade Level Themes
grade 1: relationships
First graders study the complex relationship between environmental habitats and their own families and homes. They use Design Thinking to learn about empathy and mindfulness techniques to understand how to work together with their classmates and how to be their best selves. Jewish values serve as guideposts in teaching students to consider the importance of their own behavior and their relationships at home, at school and in the larger community. Additionally, students ponder the rhythm of the calendar year by tracking the connections between Jewish holidays and the phases of the moon.
grade 2: exploration
In second grade, our theme is exploration. Students take their natural curiosity and growing knowledge to a deeper level through thoughtful questioning, learning, and discovery. We explore the idea of community and the many communities we are part of—at school, at home, and around the world.
Students build geographic skills and dive into non-fiction research and writing as they study countries across the globe. This learning culminates in our beloved Food Truck Project, where each student becomes an expert on a chosen country and shares a recipe connected to their research.
Second grade is truly a special year of exploring who students are as learners, citizens, and members of the Brandeis Marin community and beyond.
grade 3:
communities
Third graders examine the theme of community. The children explore and define the many communities in which they belong. Along the way they create personal “All About Me” newspapers and research leaders who help(ed) guide and strengthen communities. Through service learning and our Buddy programs, students have frequent real-life opportunities to give back to their communities.
grade 4:
perspective
Fourth graders view every area of the curriculum from multiple perspectives. They study the development of the State of California and the modern State of Israel first through their own eyes and subsequently through the lens of contemporary people who migrated to these lands. Hands-on projects, literature studies, numerous field trips, observations and critical thinking bring the lessons to life throughout the year. Fourth graders apply the values learned from each of these units to their own lives, reflecting on the effects of their personal actions and how to use empathy while making decisions.
grade 5:
leadership
Fifth graders are our lower school leaders and role models.They train as recess leaders and help our younger students solve issues on the playground. In their classes, they reflect on the notable leaders of our country and on leaders in the Torah. From the successes of early settlers and political visions of the founding fathers to the moral authority of Moses, fifth graders study what characteristics make a successful leader––and apply them to today’s world.
Lower School in Action!
![Habitat Explorations]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764806717/brandeishillel/wfjscdcejohcvwhdepcr/habitats.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764806717/brandeishillel/wfjscdcejohcvwhdepcr/habitats.png","width":500}])
Our 2nd graders had a wonderful time at the Academy of Sciences last week!
![Space to Grow]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1757612760/brandeishillel/dj1ezffhifbrg3snwuip/5thnature.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1757612760/brandeishillel/dj1ezffhifbrg3snwuip/5thnature.png","width":500}])
Fifth graders launched their year-long Nature Journaling project by choosing their own ‘sit place’ in the nearby open space.
![5th Grade Reflections]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748545062/brandeishillel/jk755qp2ttupgp5qwrkc/5thhatanach.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748545062/brandeishillel/jk755qp2ttupgp5qwrkc/5thhatanach.png","width":500}])
On the cusp of middle school, our 5th graders have reached a significant milestone in their Brandeis journey.
Curriculum
Language Arts - Lower School
Developing confident readers, writers, and communicators through an integrated program.
Mathematics - Lower School
Building a community of confident mathematicians who think flexibly and persevere through challenges.
Science - Lower School
Inspiring curiosity and critical thinking through inquiry-based science.
Jewish Studies - Lower School
Exploring Jewish heritage, values, and the Torah through meaningful, hands-on learning.
Hebrew - Lower School
Bringing Hebrew to life through joyful language learning and cultural connection.
Social Studies - Lower School
Building understanding of self, community, and the world through inquiry-driven social studies.
LOWER SCHOOL TEACHING TEAM
