Broad Brook Elementary School Curriculum

Social Studies:

Our elementary social studies curriculum in grades Kindergarten–4 uses an inquiry-based approach to help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic understanding through meaningful exploration of social studies concepts and topics.

Using the inquirED program, students engage in collaborative discussions, analysis of primary and secondary sources, questioning, and hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity and active participation. Instruction is designed to help students build an understanding of communities, history, geography, economics, and citizenship while making connections between past and present events.

Through inquiry-driven learning, students are encouraged to ask questions, investigate ideas, communicate their thinking, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Connecticut Elementary and Secondary Social Studies Standards

inquireED scope and sequence here

Our elementary math program is designed to build strong problem-solving skills, conceptual understanding, and mathematical thinking in all students.

In grades K–4, students use the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum, which encourages students to think deeply about mathematics through discussion, collaboration, and real-world problem solving. Lessons focus on developing number sense, fluency, reasoning, and multiple strategies while promoting student discourse and perseverance. Teachers support students through hands-on learning, visual models, and opportunities to explain their thinking.

In Pre-K, students use the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum to build a strong foundation in early numeracy and mathematical understanding. Through engaging activities, games, manipulatives, and exploration, students develop counting skills, number recognition, patterns, shapes, and early problem-solving abilities in a developmentally appropriate way.

Together, these programs create a cohesive learning experience that supports students in becoming confident and capable mathematicians.

Mathematics Standards | Common Core State Standards Initiative

Our elementary science program for grades K–4 uses Mystery Science to inspire curiosity, inquiry, and hands-on exploration. Through engaging lessons and investigations, students develop an understanding of life, physical, Earth, and space sciences while learning to think and work like scientists.

Mystery Science encourages students to ask questions, make observations, solve problems, and explain their thinking through interactive discussions and experiments. Lessons are designed to connect science concepts to real-world experiences, helping students build critical thinking skills and a love of scientific discovery.

Next Generation Science Standards

Our elementary music program is formatted to teach students the fundamentals of music, including the utilization of movement, games, instrument play, and discussion into daily lessons. Through engaging, informative, and interactive lessons students can gain a greater understanding of the music they hear in their everyday lives. 

Students in PreK use a combination of “First Steps in Music”, “Musicplay” as a structured curriculum to help students feel and demonstrate beat, move to music, and find their singing voices. Students are able to gain confidence in their voice, grow their fine motor skills with purposeful movement and instrument play, and receive a structured foundation for future learning. 

Students in K-4 utilize “Musicplay” as a general music curriculum, assisting students to read rhythmic and pitch notation, learn how to discuss elements of music such as dynamics, pitch, and mood, and begin exploring more instrument play. 3rd grade utilizes “Recorder Karate”, a reorder curriculum that encourages student individual growth while learning an instrument, and 4th grade uses a simple structured format to learn basic chords on the ukulele. Students of all grade levels cumulate their learning to help them prepare for a winter concert, where they present their musical growth in a vocal performance setting. 

National Core Arts Standards

Our elementary STEM program is a project-based curriculum that extends and supports the science concepts explored through Mystery Science and classroom instruction. Through hands-on investigations, inquiry-based learning, and the Engineering Design Process, students apply scientific knowledge to solve authentic, real-world challenges.

Students engage in designing, testing, analyzing, and refining solutions while integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Technology-rich experiences include digital tools, coding, robotics, and Gizmos interactive simulations, allowing students to model phenomena, analyze data, and explore solutions in both virtual and hands-on environments.

Through collaborative STEM challenges, students develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, computational thinking, and perseverance. The program fosters curiosity, innovation, and problem-solving skills while preparing students to become confident, lifelong learners.

Next Generation Science Standards

The Elementary Physical Education program provides students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead healthy, active lives. Through engaging and developmentally appropriate activities, students build fundamental movement skills, physical fitness, teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship.

In PreK and Kindergarten, students focus on body awareness, locomotor skills, balance, coordination, and following directions through movement and play. In Grades 1 and 2, students continue to refine movement skills while participating in activities that promote fitness, teamwork, and problem-solving. In Grades 3 and 4, students apply these skills in more structured games and activities, developing strategic thinking, leadership, and personal responsibility.

Throughout all grade levels, students learn the importance of physical activity, goal setting, perseverance, and respect for themselves and others. The curriculum supports students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being while fostering a lifelong appreciation for health and fitness.

Physical Education

Healthy and Balanced living curriculum framework

The elementary art program provides students with opportunities to explore, create, and respond to art while developing creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation for the visual arts. Through hands-on experiences with a variety of materials and techniques, students build artistic skills, critical thinking, and confidence as creative learners.

In PreK and Kindergarten, students explore basic artistic elements such as color, shape, line, texture, and form while developing fine motor skills. In Grades 1 and 2, students expand their understanding of artistic concepts and experiment with a variety of media and techniques. In Grades 3 and 4, students create more complex works of art, reflect on their creative process, and explore artistic styles and cultures.

Throughout all grade levels, students learn to communicate ideas visually, solve problems creatively, and appreciate diverse artistic perspectives. The curriculum fosters curiosity, imagination, and self-expression while helping students make connections between art, culture, history, and everyday life.

National Core Arts Standards