Curriculum > Lower School

Formal reading instruction begins in Grade One and is informed by the Science of Reading. In addition to the dedicated reading block, reading instruction takes place constantly throughout the day. The Reading Specialist co-teaches with the Grade One teachers during the reading block to reduce the student-teacher ratio for small group work and to provide ongoing monitoring and assessment. Instruction is a combination of whole group mini lessons within the Daily 5/Reading Workshop model and targeted, needs-based small group work. Grouping is fluid, flexible, and dependent upon the needs of individual children. Leveled readers, decodable books, and trade books, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, are used. The Heggerty phonemic awareness curriculum and the Sadlier Phonics Into  Reading program also continue to support children’s growing skills. The children are screened throughout the year, and reading material is adjusted to fit their needs. FastBridge assessments are used to monitor student progress and identify students in need of additional support.

Students write daily, for a multitude of purposes. The core of the writing curriculum is the Writing Workshop, in which children create stories, poems, and books of their own. Writer’s craft, along with the mechanics of writing, is taught daily through whole group mini lessons and individual conferencing. Conventions such as capitalization, punctuation, and use of familiar spelling patterns are reinforced in everyday writing. Examples of the Writing Workshop units of study that guide children’s growth as writers are Small Moments: Writing With Focus, Detail, and Dialogue; Nonfiction Chapter Books; Writing Reviews; and From Scenes to Series: Writing Fiction.

Word study includes phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. The Heggerty curriculum is used to continue the development of phonemic awareness. Phonics and spelling patterns are taught and practiced in a developmentally appropriate sequence based on the Sadlier Phonics Into Reading program. Students investigate and understand the patterns in words through a variety of word-building games and activities. Sight words, or frequently occurring words that students should recognize on sight, are taught and tested weekly. As the students’ repertoire of spelling patterns and sight words grow, their everyday spelling more closely resembles conventional adult spelling. Patterns of Wonder is used to teach grammar and writing conventions through an inquiry-based approach. Correct printing, including letter formation and spacing, is taught with the Handwriting Without Tears program.

Grade One students focus intensively on four critical areas:

Four of eight units are devoted to addition and subtraction within 20. They help students gain fluency with facts to 10 and develop increasingly sophisticated strategies for solving addition and subtraction combinations to 20. During these units, students model, solve, and pose a wide variety of word problems to construct meaning for the operations of addition and subtraction, as well as an understanding of how the two are connected.

 

Two of the eight units focus on place value, extending the counting sequence to 120 as students learn to think of whole numbers between 10 and 100 in terms of tens and ones. Much of the work in these units engages first graders in developing, discussing, and using efficient, accurate, and generalizable methods to add within 100 and subtract multiples of 10.

 

The remaining two units revolve around geometry and measurement. The geometry unit challenges children to identify, describe, construct, draw, compare, compose, and sort shapes. Students also learn about fractions in the context of two-dimensional shapes. The measurement unit provides ample opportunity for students to develop an understanding of the meaning and processes of measuring time and length as they conduct duration experiments; construct, fly, and measure the flight distances of paper gliders; and investigate some of the many ways in which they have grown and changed since they were born.

 

Supplemental math activities integrated throughout the curriculum provide reinforcement, enrichment, and experience applying mathematical concepts in diverse contexts. Students are encouraged to recognize math as an integral part of everyday life and to think of themselves as capable, resilient mathematicians.

Science is a hands-on, inquiry-based program of studies that includes Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, and Engineering. The science specialists work with students in the science lab several times each cycle. The students collaborate, question, and discover as they actively engage in scientific exploration and construct an understanding of concepts. They are taught to observe, pose questions, develop thoughtful hypotheses, test their ideas, record and share conclusions, and reflect on their learning. “Windows and mirrors” encourage children to see a place for themselves in science as they learn about the diversity of people around the world who are part of the scientific community. Students use notebooks and apps such as Seesaw and Wixi to record their observations and reflect on their learning. The Grade One curriculum includes topics such as Organisms and Habitats; Animal Classification; Light and Shadows; Balance and Movement; Sink and Float; and Garden Explorations. A highlight is collecting, raising, and studying a variety of organisms, both plants and animals.

All Lower School social studies includes a Global Connections thread that emphasizes the interconnectedness and diversity of our students, our communities, and our world. Social studies is taught through an interdisciplinary approach, integrating science, literature, writing, math, and computer science. In Grade One, students study the meaning of identity and culture. They explore what makes themselves, their families, and their communities both similar and different to others. Other topics include the rights and responsibilities of good citizenship, distribution of resources, and how one’s choices impact others.

All students participate in classes taught by the Lower School specialist teachers in their space on campus. Specialist teachers also collaborate with the homeroom teachers to support classroom projects that integrate multiple disciplines. 

 

Grade One Specialist classes include:

Reading
In Grade Three, the emphasis is on reading comprehension, fluency, and purpose. The Science of Reading continues to guide decoding instruction. Students are increasingly responsible for setting their own goals as readers and for monitoring their own progress. They develop a repertoire of comprehension strategies and learn which strategies are most effective for different types of reading. Lessons are delivered through whole group mini-lessons, small group lessons, and individual conferencing. Reading partners and book clubs encourage thoughtful dialogue and social interaction around reading. The children are screened throughout the year and guided in choosing books that suit their interests and their reading level. FastBridge assessments are used to monitor student progress and identify students in need of additional support. Examples of the Reading Workshop units of study that guide children’s growth as readers are Building a Reading Life; Reading to Learn: Grasping Main Ideas and Text Structures; Character Studies; and Mystery: Foundational Skills in Disguise.

Writing

Grade Three students write daily in the Writing Workshop, as well as within other subject areas. They use the writing process, which includes drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Grade Three students become very aware of tailoring their writing for different purposes; they begin to use written reports to share their learning in social studies and science. Writer’s craft, along with the mechanics of writing, is taught through whole group mini lessons and individual conferencing. Conventions such as capitalization, punctuation, and use of familiar spelling patterns are reinforced in everyday writing. Examples of the Writing Workshop units of study that guide children’s growth as writers are Crafting True Stories; The Art of Information Writing; Changing the World: Persuasive Speeches, Petitions, and Editorials; and Understanding Mystery: Create a Mystery of Your Own.

Word Study
Word study includes phonics, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. Phonics and spelling patterns are taught and practiced in a developmentally appropriate sequence using the Sadlier Phonics Into Reading program. Students investigate and understand the patterns in words through a variety of word-building games and activities. As the students’ repertoire of spelling patterns and sight words grow, students are increasingly held accountable for conventional adult spelling. The Handwriting Without Tears program is used to practice cursive writing. Parts of speech, mechanics, and grammar concepts are taught using the inquiry-based Patterns of Power.

Science is a hands-on, inquiry-based program of studies that includes Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science, and Engineering. The science specialist works with students in the science lab several times each cycle. The students collaborate, question, and discover as they actively engage in scientific exploration and construct an understanding of concepts. They are taught to observe, pose questions, develop thoughtful hypotheses, test their ideas, record and share conclusions, and reflect on their learning. “Windows and mirrors” encourage children to see a place for themselves in science as they learn about the diversity of people around the world who are part of the scientific community. Students use notebooks and apps such as Seesaw and Wixi to record their observations and reflect on their learning. The Grade Three curriculum includes topics such as Plants; Animal Studies; Weather and the Water Cycle; Simple Machines; Matter Matters; and Garden Exploration. A highlight is kicking off the plant unit by harvesting and studying the fruits, vegetables, and flowers they planted in the Secret Garden the previous spring as second graders.

All Lower School social studies includes a Global Connections thread that emphasizes the interconnectedness and diversity of our students, our communities, and our world. Social studies is taught through an interdisciplinary approach, integrating science, literature, writing, math, and computer science. In Grade Three, students extend their knowledge of map skills and then study the cities, states, and regions of the United States. They learn about the climate, resources, products, landmarks, landforms, and historical development of each region as they follow the path of Westward Expansion. The year culminates in a State Fair in which each student presents an in-depth exploration of a particular state.

All students participate in classes taught by the Lower School specialist teachers in their space on campus. Specialist teachers also collaborate with the homeroom teachers to support classroom projects that integrate multiple disciplines. 

 

Grade Three Specialist classes include:

 

Spanish: The Spanish program is an exploratory course in language and culture, emphasizing storytelling, songs, vocabulary routines, cooking, and cultural activities. Students are encouraged to see themselves as world citizens in a global community.

 

Art: The art studio includes media centers such as drawing, painting, fiber arts, architecture, and digital design. Students learn the behaviors and skills of artists as they are guided in exploring their own artistic interests.

 

Music: In grade three, students continue with their general music experience and add the exploration of music through recorders and string instruments.  Students take one trimester of general music, one trimester of recorder lessons, and one trimester of violin lessons. This experience with instrumental music serves as an introduction to next year’s band and orchestra options. Students learn to appreciate music as an expression of culture, emotion, and identity.

 

Library: The librarian collaborates intensively with the homeroom teachers to support research skills, multimedia skills, and reading instruction both in the classroom and in the library. The students visit the library frequently for research and independent book exchange.

 

Dance: Students learn rhythm, movement, and spatial relationships along with dance skills in various genres. They are taught to appreciate dance as an expression of culture, emotion, and identity. Respect for their own bodies and physical abilities, as well as those of others, is emphasized. 

 

Physical education: Topics include age-appropriate team games, sport-specific skills, and physical fitness. Students are taught cooperation, rules, strategies, and creative thinking. Teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship are stressed.

Writing
Grade Five students write daily in the Writing Workshop, as well as within other subject areas. Writing Workshop follows the structure of a whole class mini-lesson followed by independent writing time. During this independent time, teachers confer with individual students or groups of students giving feedback and teaching strategies which students use to strengthen their writing.  Students learn to write well in different genres, tailoring their writing to the purpose and audience. Within these genres, students are encouraged to choose topics about which they are passionate. Examples of the Writing Workshop units of study that guide children’s growth as writers are Narrative Craft; The Lens of History: Research Reports; Shaping Texts: From Essay and Narrative to Memoir; and The Research-Based Argument Essay.

Word Study
Word study includes phonics, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary. As the students’ repertoire of spelling patterns and sight words grow, they are increasingly held accountable for conventional adult spelling. Editing as a final step in producing written work is emphasized. Patterns of Power is used to teach grammar and writing conventions through an inquiry-based approach. Conventions, mechanics, and grammar are approached not as stand-alone exercises, but as tools for effective writing; they are a courtesy to one’s reader and a strategy for adding meaning to written work. Spelling, grammar, and mechanics are taught through minilessons and individual conferencing during the Writing Workshop. Vocabulary development is woven throughout the curriculum, particularly within the Reading Workshop. Students learn to investigate the etymology of words, looking for patterns in root words, prefixes, and suffixes.

The Lower School math program, Bridges in Mathematics, fosters the development of mathematical thinking and sets the foundation for mathematical learning throughout the Lower School. The program consists of three main components: Number Corner, math games, and Bridges lessons. Number Corner, a skill building program that revolves around the classroom calendar, provides continual exposure to broad mathematical concepts that will be explicitly taught in future lessons. Bridges lessons provide direct instruction in mathematical skills with an emphasis on problem solving and mental fluency. Number games encourage repeated practice and application of the skills learned. Each component employs a hands-on approach to learning and uses materials that allow children to use observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. 

 

Grade Five students focus intensively on four critical areas:

The first unit is focused on volume, and includes a review of multiplication facts and multi-digit multiplication strategies. In Unit 2, students use what they know about equivalent fractions to add and subtract fractions. Unit 3 extends students’ understandings of place value and the properties of operations to help students develop powerful strategies for computing fluently with decimals. In Unit 4 they refine powerful multiplication and division strategies, including the array model and the standard algorithm for multiplication.

 

In Unit 5 students learn to multiply and divide fractions. Unit 6 introduces new geometric concepts, including coordinate graphing and the use of hierarchies to classify two-dimensional shapes by their properties.

 

In Unit 7 students develop accurate and efficient strategies for dividing whole numbers, decimals, and fractions (unit fractions by whole numbers, and whole numbers by unit fractions). 

 

Unit 8 integrates science, engineering, and math. In this final unit, students apply the understanding and skills they have developed over the year as they study solar energy and designing solar homes.

 

Supplemental math activities integrated throughout the curriculum provide reinforcement, enrichment, and experience applying mathematical concepts in diverse contexts. Students are encouraged to recognize math as an integral part of everyday life and to think of themselves as capable, resilient mathematicians.

All Lower School social studies includes a Global Connections thread that emphasizes the interconnectedness and diversity of our students, our communities, and our world. Social studies is taught through an interdisciplinary approach, integrating science, literature, writing, math, and computer science. In Grade Five, students study a series of global issues from an interdisciplinary perspective. Topics include population trends, energy resources, and habitat preservation. Case studies and examples from around the world are used to illustrate issues and potential solutions.

All students participate in classes taught by the Lower School specialist teachers in their space on campus. Specialist teachers also collaborate with the homeroom teachers to support classroom projects that integrate multiple disciplines. 

 

Grade Five Specialist classes include:

 

Spanish: The Spanish program is an exploratory course in language and culture which prepares them to begin high school level Spanish in Middle School. Emphasizing storytelling, songs, vocabulary routines, cooking, and cultural activities through comprehensible input strategies strengthens their oral language skills. Students are encouraged to see themselves as world citizens in a global community.

 

Art: The art studio includes media centers such as drawing, painting, fiber arts, architecture, and digital design. Students learn the behaviors and skills of artists as they are guided in exploring their own artistic interests.

 

Theater Arts: Grade Five students take an integrated course that includes dance, music, acting, and stage performance. The course culminates in the performance of a spring musical in which all Grade Five students participate.

 

Music: All students elect either band, orchestra, or vocal music ensemble. Instrument lessons and ensembles take place during the school day. In addition to developing instrumental and general music skills, students learn to appreciate music as an expression of culture, emotion, and identity.

 

Library: The librarian collaborates intensively with the homeroom teachers to support research skills, multimedia skills, and reading instruction both in the classroom and in the library. The students visit the library frequently for research and independent book exchange.

 

Physical education: Topics include age-appropriate team games, sport-specific skills, and physical fitness. Students are taught cooperation, rules, strategies, and creative thinking. Teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship are stressed.