Elementary

Shattuck-St. Mary’s International School Vietnam (SSM Vietnam) takes pride in ensuring that students develop a solid academic foundation while encouraging them to explore their passions in a range of areas, from science to the arts, from engineering to athletics. Students are encouraged in all elementary grades to ask questions, pursue individual paths of curiosity, and work collaboratively with their peers. A caring and dedicated faculty work to ensure that these young students become confident readers and mathematical thinkers who share their thoughts and ideas in a variety of ways, from creative writing to presentations. SSM Vietnam’s aim is to inspire young problem-solvers who bring innovative thinking and an open mind not only to their studies in grades 1-5 but throughout their entire education at our school.

In keeping with SSM Vietnam’s whole school weCreate and ScholarShift philosophies, all specialist classes help the youngest students develop a willingness to try something new, work as part of a team, perform in front of others, fail, and try again, discover personal interests and passions, and develop their own creativity.

MORNING MEETING

Morning meetings serve as an essential element to foster community and set a positive tone for the day. During morning meetings, students and teachers come together to share announcements, celebrate achievements, and engage in interactive activities that promote social skills and cooperation. This time allows for building relationships and encourages open communication, creating a supportive environment where students feel valued and connected. By starting the day with a morning meeting, schools cultivate a sense of belonging and readiness for learning.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS

English Language Arts (ELA) focuses on developing communication and literacy skills through reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening. Our ELA class emphasizes skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension to strengthen students’ ability to read and understand texts. SSM applies the Science of Reading to connect sounds and letters, fostering fluency in reading. As students engage with diverse texts, they expand their vocabulary and improve comprehension. Writing is directly tied to our core curriculum and progress is documented in Writing Portfolios.

MATHEMATICS

Math develops a strong foundation in key concepts through interactive and engaging activities. Students build number sense by understanding numbers, operations, and their relationships. They practice problem-solving by exploring real-world math problems and strategies. Geometry is taught through shapes, patterns, and spatial reasoning, while data and measurement are explored using charts, graphs, and measuring tools. Students also learn algebraic thinking by identifying patterns and using variables. Manipulatives like fraction pies, counting blocks, technology, and other tools help develop mathematical thinking and foster critical thinking, collaboration, and a positive attitude toward math.

SCIENCE

The Science program focuses on developing foundational science skills through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Students engage in activities that encourage observation, experimentation, and critical thinking, fostering a deep understanding of scientific concepts. The curriculum integrates various scientific disciplines, allowing learners to explore topics such as life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences. By emphasizing exploration and discovery, the program helps students build confidence in their scientific abilities and prepares them for more advanced studies in the future.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies provides essential knowledge and skills for students to understand their world. They emphasize inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to ask questions and analyze information about cultures, geography, and historical events. The ideas promote critical thinking, fostering an appreciation for diverse perspectives. By connecting local, regional, and global contexts, students develop the ability to participate thoughtfully in their communities and the wider world.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

After-school activities provide students with valuable opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build friendships beyond the classroom. From sports teams and clubs to arts and music programs, these activities encourage teamwork, creativity, and personal growth. Participating in after-school programs helps students unwind, boosts their confidence, and fosters a sense of belonging within the school community. Overall, these enriching experiences play a crucial role in promoting well-rounded development and enhancing the overall school experience.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education (PE) class is essential for promoting students’ physical fitness and overall well-being. It provides a structured environment where students engage in various activities, including team sports, fitness training, and swimming. Swimming lessons not only enhance water safety skills but also improve strength, coordination, and endurance. Through PE, students learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and maintaining an active lifestyle, fostering healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Overall, PE class encourages students to enjoy physical activity while developing important life skills.

VISUAL ART

Visual Arts programs introduce students to a world of creativity and self-expression through various artistic mediums. Students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, allowing them to experiment with colors, shapes, and composition. These classes not only enhance artistic skills but also encourage critical thinking and problem-solving as students learn to express their ideas and emotions visually. By fostering an appreciation for art and developing their unique styles, elementary visual arts empower young learners to build confidence and explore their creativity in a supportive environment.

MUSIC

Elementary music programs introduce young students to the basics of music through fun, engaging activities. Children learn rhythm, melody, and musical notation, often through singing, clapping, and simple instruments like tambourines, xylophones, or drums. They explore musical concepts by listening to songs, moving to music, and creating sounds. Lessons often include games, stories, and group activities to help students develop listening skills, coordination, and a love for music. The class encourages creativity and collaboration while building foundational musical knowledge in an enjoyable, age-appropriate way.

ENGLISH STUDIES

English Studies offers tiers of support to cater to different students’ needs. Foundational Support emphasizes building essential skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening, which helps students strengthen their overall literacy foundation. Enhanced Support is tailored for advanced learners, providing opportunities for enrichment, further skill development, and deeper engagement with more complex language tasks and concepts, enabling them to reach their full potential in English language studies.

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

The SEL Program, rooted in the CASEL framework, enhances students’ social and emotional skills, supporting their overall well-being and academic success. It develops key competencies such as self-awareness, helping students recognize their emotions; self-management, which focuses on stress management and goal-setting; and social awareness, promoting empathy for diverse perspectives. Additionally, it improves relationship skills through effective communication and teamwork, while fostering responsible decision-making by encouraging thoughtful choices and reflection on their consequences.

DIGITAL WECREATE

Digital weCreate®️ integrates technology and creativity, fostering problem-solving, collaboration, and design-thinking skills. Students explore coding with Scratch, build robotic projects, and design prototypes using 3D modeling and crafting materials. The class also  emphasizes digital citizenship, internet safety, and creating art, stories, and projects with Google Workspace tools. Through hands-on activities, students develop critical thinking, responsible innovation, and the ability to become forward-thinking creators, equipped to navigate and shape the ever-evolving digital world.