The Elementary School has mixed age classrooms covering learning materials for the mid-elementary ages. Children here gain independence as learners with independent self-determination. Teams within the larger group of Cherries work at different levels to address the their diverse learning needs.
MATHEMATICS
When students begin to comprehend numbers, patterns, and mathematical operations, they learn to observe the world around them in its quantitative detail and geometry. They measure the world of time, space and matter. Through independent workbooks in Singapore-style Math, children learn to encounter mathematical problems, concepts, and principles in a system that cultivates their developmental readiness.
LIFE SCIENCE
As children mature and employ new tools of investigation, the Sciences magnify the world exponentially. Guided by the awareness of Trilok House Heroes, Einstein and Curie, students embark upon their scientific studies, guided by the humane mission of contributing to the Earth and to Life.
At Trilok, Science compels learning from Nature, as students learn to wonder thoughtfully, to think logically, to research and experiment imaginatively, and to solve problems. Trilok’s beautiful garden creates seasonal opportunities to nurture nature, as children establish strong connections between the processes of the earth and its materials, the clothes they wear, and of course, the food they eat.
LITERACY
While students’ ideas expand, they express themselves in increasingly complex ways and gain a voracious hunger for literacy. Students present their work regularly to their peers, and they gain immense confidence with reading and writing across genres, and in their handwriting and fine motor skills.
As students add new dimensions to the research of self, they dig up familial history, and begin to chart their lives as a road between past and future.
SOCIAL and PEACE STUDIES
Food Studies engages children in a deeper understanding of the diverse story behind all they eat. Cooking as sous-chefs, they study the cultural diversity of food practices and the historical migrations of humans, which have lead to the particular cuisines of cultures. Students manifest their learning as they gather produce from the garden and learn to cook a variety of dishes, then take notes in cultural cooking books.
Social Studies grounds teaches learners about how to create a peacemaking world, as they make agreements, solve problems, and develop comprehension of their feelings and others. Students weave together a maturing inner world with an ever-expanding outer world.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Trilok offers continued development in various tongues. World-wide cultures become areas of mind-travel, and NYC reflects so much of this learning back instantly. Spanish studies develop alongside the social studies of foods from the vast Latin diaspora, at this level. The goal of Spanish studies is bilingualism.
MOVEMENT AND MINDFULNESS
Body and Mind are supported toward deep integration through various practices, including yoga, meditation, gym, dance and theater. Breath awareness links them all, which bridges the wellbeing of body and mind for the maturing learner. While gross motor skills develop and fine motor skills are honed, concentration and self-awareness are strengthened.
At Trilok, children explore embodied expression on many levels, from play to art to sport. Children learn to identify their feelings and soothe their woes, both personal and interpersonal, through skills of compassion, self-regulation and conflict resolution.
VISUAL ART
The class values the exploration of visual arts both as a vehicle to learn and express various fields of study, from weaving class to technology, which offers children a wide palate tools for creative expression. Also, children learn to recycle and reuse materials, which brings a unique and powerful “green” consciousness to creativity. Children learn to explore the creative power of their inner voice, as they dive more independently into diverse artistic materials.
PERFORMING ARTS
Within each season, Trilok children study a wide range of performing arts from Music and Dance, to Theater and Circus. They participate in artistic processes with professional artists through Trilok School’s collaboration with Trilok Fusion Arts. While gaining skills of motion, presence, and participation, they collaborate with their class to create performance works. They create ensemble theater, music and dance works each season to show to their families.