Primary School Program

OVERVIEW

The Primary Program at BASIS Independent Brooklyn offers an unmatched learning experience for students as they begin to fully embrace a variety of subjects and their inter-connectivity. This program is uniquely defined by the emphasis on connections between subjects as well as the teaching partnership present in grades 1–4*. Students have different Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) for every core class paired with a Learning Expert Teacher (LET) shepherding the learning environment as they move from each SET‘s classroom to another with their LET. Grade 5 students navigate the building and their classes on their own, learning from discipline-specific SETs for each class, using the independence and self-reliance fostered in grades 1–4.

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In grades 1-3, students take a full schedule in the liberal arts, including advanced, integrated coursework in the humanities, math & science, engineering, Mandarin, the arts, and physical education. In grade 4, the schedule shifts to 50-minute, discipline-specific periods to introduce students to the type of coursework and critical thinking expected in grades 5 and beyond.

With coursework in classics, physical geography, math, English, performing arts, and more, grade 5 bridges the concrete thinking and material in the younger grades with the abstract thinking that will be expected of students in grades 6–8. For example, students’ course in Intro to Science develops their fluency in the scientific method and units of scientific measure, preparing them to excel in disciplinary sciences: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics starting in grade 6.

* The LET in grade 4 is not present with students in every class and is particularly focused on building independence and self-reliance in students as they prepare for grades 5 and up.

The CurriculumConnectionsThe Symbiotic ClassroomProgram Outcomes

The Curriculum

A curriculum designed to inspire connections.

The highly unique curriculum of the Primary Program is rooted in the liberal arts and sciences and emphasizes connections between disciplines. As such, in grades 1–3, math and science are taught together in a daily 85-minute block, a daily 85-minute humanities block covers topics from history, culture, civics, grammar, and more. Students also have a full schedule in the arts, with weekly 85-minute classes in fine arts, music, and performing arts. The curriculum helps students discover new ways of thinking and understanding the world around them through courses such as engineering and Mandarin. A weekly 85-minute course called Connections presents students with scenarios that require them to put their knowledge to work in new, unexpected ways in order to find a solution. See our connections tab for more about this unique class.

Grades 4 and 5, the Bridge Years, are years of transition from making connections in class to building the skills to make connections organically. Classes are no longer taught in integrated 85-minute blocks, but rather follows the shorter class period model seen in upper grades. Instead of the primary Math & Science course, students have separate classes for these disciplines. Similarly, English and history are also taught as distinct subjects, along with engineering*, Classics**, performing arts, visual arts, music, and physical education, among others. Study Hall is introduced, which offers students time to work with teachers on questions, get a start on homework, and review material.

Each major topic within a course is “spiraled,” or readdressed, throughout the grade levels with each re-introduction increasing in complexity and reinforcing what was previously learned. A clear example of this is in mathematics, where, for example, the learning of simple addition and subtraction facts is made more complex by adding multiple digits, then growing into complex multi-step word problems, all the way to the highly advanced math in the High School Program.

Above all, our program in the Primary Years is designed to stoke the fire of a love of learning in students in an exciting period of their educational journey.

*Engineering is taught through grade 4. **Classics is a course taken by grade 5 students. Please refer to our sample course schedules, below, for a full overview of classes taught by grade.

An interdisciplinary opportunity to creatively put knowledge to work.

Initially inspired by the extraordinary work of Apollo 13 astronauts to use meager resources to survive a crisis, Connections presents students with highly creative challenges that test their mental agility, creativity, and content knowledge as they establish links across subjects and gain a deeper understanding of the material they are learning.

In grades 1–3, Connections is a weekly 85-minute class that presents students with scenario-based problems that require the utilization of knowledge and application of skills learned in their other classes. Aside from solving the problem at hand, students learn invaluable skills such as team work, hone their critical thinking skills, and are given the latitude to exercise great creativity.

Here are just a few examples of past Connections scenarios:

GRADE 1
- Theme: Egypt. In Humanities class, students learn about other communities and pinpoint the similarities between ancient peoples and modern cultures. For instance, students study Ancient Egypt, covering topics such as the development of agriculture and early societal structure, mythology, mummification and beliefs in the afterlife, pyramids, temples, and art and hieroglyphics.
- Scenario: Ancient Marketplace. “You are living in ancient Egypt. You must acquire the goods on the list given to you by trading with merchants from other Egyptian cities. Use the materials given to you to create items you can trade with the other cities.” Students are broken up into groups, each representing a different Ancient Egyptian city. Students are then given a list of goods to acquire and a set of materials that they can use to create tradable goods. Ancient Egyptians used a barter system instead of money—students will do the same, exchanging their goods with students from other cities, and learning about economics in the process.
GRADE 2
- Theme: Engineering. Engineering is an exciting and creative field, and the “Engineering Design Process” (EDP) has the potential to help students strengthen their understanding of concepts from their other courses. In their Engineering & Technology class, engineering is taught using a hands-on, trial-and-error methodology. Instead of being instructed on the best way to build a structure, students instead plan and build what they think is best and then test it. They can then brainstorm, rebuild, and retest the structures to improve their creations. The Connections course provides a perfect opportunity for students to use what they have learned about the EDP in conjunction with topics from art, science, and other courses to demonstrate their knowledge in a fun way. The unit below brings together students’ engineering and Mandarin courses.
- Scenario: Three Little Pigs Rebuild. Students begin by watching a Mandarin version of “The Three Little Pigs” to recognize words they have learned in Mandarin class, such as “three,” “pigs,” and “house.” Students are split into groups and given the assignment to create a structure for the pigs to live in that can resist the “huffs and puffs” of the “big bad wolf.” Students construct their houses, which are then tested with a fan. The structures start far from the fan and are gradually moved closer and closer. Students then measure the closest distance to the fan before the house fails. Students brainstorm and rebuild based on their own new ideas and other students’ designs and then test their new structures. They will keep a journal detailing the distances until failure for each structure and information related to how they were able to improve their buildings. Finally, they present their findings to each other using Mandarin vocabulary.

The Symbiotic Classroom

A two-teacher classroom to maximize student learning and growth.

Subject Expert Teachers (SETs) are master teachers with real life expertise in their subject area. SETs only focus on one subject and are truly passionate about the content they teach, allowing them to bring life and vibrancy to the classroom.

Learning Expert Teachers (LETs) are skilled and experienced in pedagogical methods for the primary grades. LETs are responsible for one classroom of students, all day, every day, and lead them to work with a new Subject Expert Teacher in each class period.

Together, these experts focus on building a school culture of social-emotional and academic support, and craft engaging, thought-provoking lessons. They not only help students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn, but work to determine the best ways to deliver material, promote student engagement, and create an environment where students will best understand and retain what they learn in class. The one-on-one attention to students, team-oriented learning techniques, and focus on conceptual understanding helps students build confidence, stay motivated, and learn at an advanced pace.

Students in grades 1 and 2 learn at the BASIS Independent Brooklyn Lower School campus, building their leadership skills and confidence as mentors to our Early Learning students. In grade 3, students make the transition to our Upper School campus in Red Hook, benefiting from the support and guidance of their LETs for two years, until grade 5.

A curriculum designed to inspire connections.

Above all, our program in the Primary Years is designed to stoke the fire of a love of learning in students in an exciting period of their educational journey.

*Engineering is taught through grade 4. **Classics is a course taken by grade 5 students. Please refer to our sample course schedules, below, for a full overview of classes taught by grade.

An interdisciplinary opportunity to creatively put knowledge to work.

Here are just a few examples of past Connections scenarios:

GRADE 1
- Theme: Egypt. In Humanities class, students learn about other communities and pinpoint the similarities between ancient peoples and modern cultures. For instance, students study Ancient Egypt, covering topics such as the development of agriculture and early societal structure, mythology, mummification and beliefs in the afterlife, pyramids, temples, and art and hieroglyphics.
- Scenario: Ancient Marketplace. “You are living in ancient Egypt. You must acquire the goods on the list given to you by trading with merchants from other Egyptian cities. Use the materials given to you to create items you can trade with the other cities.” Students are broken up into groups, each representing a different Ancient Egyptian city. Students are then given a list of goods to acquire and a set of materials that they can use to create tradable goods. Ancient Egyptians used a barter system instead of money—students will do the same, exchanging their goods with students from other cities, and learning about economics in the process.
GRADE 2
- Theme: Engineering. Engineering is an exciting and creative field, and the “Engineering Design Process” (EDP) has the potential to help students strengthen their understanding of concepts from their other courses. In their Engineering & Technology class, engineering is taught using a hands-on, trial-and-error methodology. Instead of being instructed on the best way to build a structure, students instead plan and build what they think is best and then test it. They can then brainstorm, rebuild, and retest the structures to improve their creations. The Connections course provides a perfect opportunity for students to use what they have learned about the EDP in conjunction with topics from art, science, and other courses to demonstrate their knowledge in a fun way. The unit below brings together students’ engineering and Mandarin courses.
- Scenario: Three Little Pigs Rebuild. Students begin by watching a Mandarin version of “The Three Little Pigs” to recognize words they have learned in Mandarin class, such as “three,” “pigs,” and “house.” Students are split into groups and given the assignment to create a structure for the pigs to live in that can resist the “huffs and puffs” of the “big bad wolf.” Students construct their houses, which are then tested with a fan. The structures start far from the fan and are gradually moved closer and closer. Students then measure the closest distance to the fan before the house fails. Students brainstorm and rebuild based on their own new ideas and other students’ designs and then test their new structures. They will keep a journal detailing the distances until failure for each structure and information related to how they were able to improve their buildings. Finally, they present their findings to each other using Mandarin vocabulary.

The Symbiotic Classroom

A two-teacher classroom to maximize student learning and growth.

Sample Schedules
& Curriculum Detail

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Download All Course Schedules

Meet Our
Teachers

Ms. Bennett

Engineering

Ms. Bennett

Subject Expert Teacher Engineering

Ms. Bennett was born in Manhattan and raised in Southeastern Tennessee. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate in leadership and innovation in education at Arizona State’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, her dissertation concerning building virtual community between and among multi-site educators who lack singular physical geography to connect with one another.

Previously Ms. Bennett attended both Title I and private, independent schools in her youth and adolescence. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology and a minor in dance performance, and earned a Master of Fine Arts in dance choreography from the University of Iowa in Iowa City where she was also an Iowa Arts Fellow and a Graduate Teaching Assistant, earned a Master of Science in Education in early childhood education at Hunter College, and most recently was awarded a fellowship by the Klingenstein Institute at Teachers College, Columbia University.

The 2022-2023 school year will be her seventh teaching at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, and as a proud Red Hook resident, she is honored to feel so deeply connected to her local community.

Ms. Bunkers

Science

Ms. Bunkers

Subject Expert Teacher Science

Ms. Bunkers is excited to return to BASIS Independent Brooklyn team as a Subject Expert Teacher in our Science Department, and she looks forward to nurturing an environment for students where curiosity and creativity in all subjects can flourish.

In 2012, Ms. Bunkers graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Oberlin College. During her undergraduate career, Ms. Bunkers worked in laboratories both in Ohio and Chicago, participating in research in subjects varying from invasive species to oral cancer. In 2011, Ms. Bunkers had the opportunity to travel to Australia where she worked with Landcare Australia, rehabilitating natural habitats and providing botanical illustrations for their book about native Australian plants. Ms. Bunkers joined BASIS Independent Brooklyn in 2017.

Ms. Bunkers was drawn to the beauty of BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s facilities, but more importantly, the dedication of its teaching faculty and staff. She is thrilled to work amongst such impressive colleagues.

In her free time, Ms. Bunkers can be found playing the piano, working on illustrations, or enjoying time out at the movies.

Ms. Weathers

Art

Ms. Weathers

Subject Expert Teacher Art

Ms. Weathers is a Visual Arts instructor at BASIS Independent Brooklyn. Since joining the school in 2016, she’s held roles as a second and fourth-grade Learning Expert Teacher. She has played a critical in helping to expand, aid, and assist our Primary Program.

Prior to teaching at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, Ms. Weathers had experience in public, charter, and New York State testing settings. When she is not in the classroom, Ms. Weathers focuses on her functional art brand, elementsbydw.com! She specializes in Live Edge Woodcuts, homeware encapsulations, and refurbishments.

Ms. Weathers’ educational background includes a master’s degree in General and Special Education for grades 1-6. Majoring in Human Development and Family Studies with a Life Perspectives option from Penn State University.

Ms. Weathers’ teaching philosophy is that all children are unique and must have a stimulating educational environment to reach their full potential. She strives to create a safe space where students can share their ideas and take risks.

Ms. Weathers shared: “I choose BASIS Independent because the institution trusts their teachers. They give their teachers the opportunity to use their own life experiences, educational philosophies, and expertise to educate their students. BASIS Independent classrooms are magical worlds created by intellectuals; eager to spread knowledge, make learning fun and spontaneous.”

Ms. Ye

Mandarin

Ms. Ye

Subject Expert Teacher Mandarin

Ms. Ye is a Mandarin Subject Expert Teacher. She attended Brooklyn College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in early childhood education with a concentration in mathematics. She is currently enrolled in a master’s program in adolescent Chinese education at Hunter College.

As a Mandarin Subject Expert Teacher, Ms. Ye’s goal is to motivate students to learn how to converse fluently in the language. “I strive to create a learning environment where my students feel excited and empowered when they are able to express their thoughts and talk about themselves in Mandarin,” says Ms. Ye.

Ms. Ye is thrilled to join the BASIS Independent Brooklyn community. She is passionate about teaching and enjoys working with students from multiple backgrounds, as well as discussing various topics.

In her free time, Ms. Ye spends time baking, since it is one of her passions. One of her favorite desserts to make is cheese cake. Also, Ms. Ye enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures with her family.

View All Teachers

OVERVIEW

The Curriculum

A curriculum designed to inspire connections.

Connections

An interdisciplinary opportunity to creatively put knowledge to work.

The Symbiotic Classroom

A two-teacher classroom to maximize student learning and growth.

Program Outcomes

The Curriculum

A curriculum designed to inspire connections.

Connections

An interdisciplinary opportunity to creatively put knowledge to work.

The Symbiotic Classroom

A two-teacher classroom to maximize student learning and growth.

Program Outcomes

Sample Schedules & Curriculum Detail

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Meet Our Teachers

Ms. Bennett

Ms. Bennett

Ms. Bunkers

Ms. Bunkers

Ms. Weathers

Ms. Weathers

Ms. Ye

Ms. Ye

Sample Schedules
& Curriculum Detail

Meet Our
Teachers