Enrichment (Part of Core Curriculum)

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Chinese:

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The MBMA Chinese Language Program is an immersive study of both language and culture integrated into the weekly curriculum ranging from The Children's House all the way through the Primary Grades. Our children learn to listen, speak, read and write in Mandarin. In the Children's House, students understand and speak basic Chinese vocabulary through Chinese songs, games, rhymes, flashcards, and stories. At the Primary Level, students continue vocabulary study, speak in simple sentences, and write characters in Chinese pinyin. Pinyin is the pronunciation of Chinese characters. MBMA's elementary students c

ontinue their study with higher level verbal communication, auditory comprehension, reading comprehension, and written Chinese. Textbooks and computer programs are used to enhance the educational experience. 

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Computer Technology:

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MBMA recognizes the importance of preparing our students for a successful future through technological growth. At the Primary level, students are taught computer basics including; computer parts, mouse use, home-row key location, navigating to age-appropriate websites, and learning about being a responsible digital citizen. The students also explore computer science while learning to code using basic block coding, coding games, and unplugged activities. MBMA Elementary students build upon these skills with a continued focus on proper keyboarding use in a variety of programs. They are taught to safely and effectively research using the Internet for grade-level projects and complete assignments using the Google Apps for Education which include: Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drawings, Forms, and Google Classroom. These applications are used consistently in student project work. Additionally, our students become adept in research skills and use websites within their grade-level curriculum to find new information and learn from it. All students are taught how to be safe, responsible, and respectful while communicating online through our digital citizenship lessons. Our students' computer skills are exhibited as a cumulative experience best seen in the creation of their grade-level reports, Personal Science Fair projects, STEM projects, and more!

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Fine Art:

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The Fine Art program gives MBMA students a unique opportunity to be exposed to a strong classical artistic foundation. Starting with basic drawing fundamentals children work on their ability to "see" objects and the world around them. The medium study includes pastel, charcoal, watercolor, pen and ink, marker, colored pencil, mixed media and more. Each class demonstration includes a "How to" use the media component as well as a "How to" practice artist session. Learning objectives include lessons in value, line study, composition, perspective, movement and more. Each year, MBMA exhibits student work in a schoolwide Gallery Exhibit.

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Music:

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Our MBMA Music program allows students to explore musical experiences in a stress-free atmosphere. Based on the Orff Approach, the goal of the curriculum is to develop a sense of rhythm and musical independence through movement, dance, exploration, improvisation, composition, and performance. Many of these are done with body percussion, percussion instruments, Orff instruments, and a recorder. Strummed string instruments may be added in the later grades. New concepts are introduced with a progression of experiences to assist in the learning and mastery of the technique or idea: observation, imitation, exploration/experimentation, improvisation/creation, independence, and literacy. Music appreciation is also incorporated with composer study, music, and literature units. School-wide performances throughout the year provide guided rehearsal techniques and applied performance experience.

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Physical Education:

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Developing an appreciation of health, wellness, fitness, and physical activity is a priority for MBMA. Our students exhibit the benefits of a strong physical education class as they partake physical activities outside school, show improved grades/test scores, and have heightened focus. Our Physical Education program is built on a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program based on both state and national standards. Our classes provide cognitive content and instruction designed to develop motor skills, knowledge, and behaviors for physical activity and physical fitness. All students enrolled at MBMA (Children’s House, Primary , Elementary) attend weekly classes. Students begin their physical awareness with a focus on locomotor skills: walking, running, hopping, jogging, skipping, jumping, and sliding. Next, students work on non-locomotor skills ( i.e. balancing, twisting, bending, swaying, turning, and stretching) and manipulative movements (i.e. kicking, grasping, rolling, throwing, and catching). All are taught the value of cooperative team play and group activities. This approach develops improved communication, understanding the value of different roles (followers and leaders), and the importance of good sportsmanship. Sport specific skills and fitness concepts vary with age, but aim to teach all students the importance of regular physical activity both in school and outside the campus. Annually, our Elementary students participate in The Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge which allow students the opportunity to focus on increasing strength, flexibility and endurance to achieve top performance.

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Science:

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MBMA believes in teaching our students the love of learning. As we are a STEM/STEAM school, each year, a general topic of study is selected utilizing all the sciences throughout the school year. A depth of study is developed to meet the academic levels of each grade. Students are introduced to the metric system, scientific terminology, and the scientific method. Scientific tools, such as microscopes, scales, metric rulers, beakers, Erlenmeyer flasks, and thermometers, are taught with practice. The curriculum includes a dissection lesson tailored to all grade levels. Following the scientific method, the 3rd through 6th grade students participate in an annual Science Fair, completing an extensive project that is judged in May.

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Spanish: 

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As diversity and cultural sensitivity are values of MBMA, our students continue their love of learning and linguistic appreciation of Spanish. Spanish is taught as part of the classroom curriculum for both Children's House and Primary. Our students learn the basics including numbers, months, days of the week, seasons, colors, greetings, songs, and games. All MBMA students work on pronunciation through songs and exercises that encourage authentic enunciation. For our Upper Division, grammar, conversation, oral communication, and written expression are a large part of the curriculum. Additionally, art, poetry, dance, and drama using Spanish enhance the linguistic experience, while strengthening a lifelong foundation for Foreign Language learning.