Lower School Curriculum
Lower School lessons are integrated around central themes that span all major disciplines, including math, social studies, science, language arts, and health, as well as many specialty topics. World language instruction begins with Spanish and French in kindergarten; music and art classes are on alternating days; physical education classes are daily; and technology once per week.
Every Lower School classroom is designed to meet students where they are and help them grow. Teachers differentiate instruction daily through flexible grouping, personalized supports, and meaningful challenges.
As students master skills and grow intellectually, the curriculum becomes more complex. For example, kindergarteners explore a myriad of topics as they learn the alphabet and take the first steps in a long journey of public speaking by sharing what they know at a CHAMP Assembly. Building on these skills, the second-grade “Traveling Teddies” program teaches students about world geography and cultures as the students’ small stuffed animals are mailed around the world to acquaintances who return postcards from each stop.
By fourth grade, students are combining writing, history, art, and debate to study current and historical civil rights issues.
| PREK THROUGH FIRST GRADE | SECOND GRADE THROUGH FOURTH GRADE |
|
Subject |
PreKindergarten |
Kindergarten |
First Grade |
|
Language Arts |
Letter recognition Exposure to letter sounds Introduction to rhyme and alliteration Left-to-right progression Journal writing (drawing) Begin letter and number writing New vocabulary Retelling stories Match words to the picture |
Letter Recognition Letter Sounds Phonemic Awareness Identify Vowels and Consonants Rhyming/Word Families Digraphs Blends Comprehension Writing letters Writing sight words Writing sentences using temporary spelling |
Reading – phonics, sight words, decoding Reading Comprehension Read Aloud Skills – fluency: expression, pace, and pauses Writing – D’Nealian handwriting, grammar, poetry, sentence writing, story writing, conventions (punctuation and capitalization) Spelling |
|
Math |
Counting using 1-1 correspondence to 10 and 20 Identify one-dimensional geometric shapes Patterns Number identification Sorting Measurement (standard and non-standard) |
Sorting Shapes Concepts of time Graphing Patterns Number Sense Cooking and Baking Skip counting Writing Numbers 1-100 Geometric Shapes Estimating Number Bonds Number Sentences Money Awareness |
Math Number Sense (numbers to 120) Math Patterns Graphing Math Geometric Shapes Math Operations: Addition and Subtraction (within 40) Time Concepts Place Value Problem Solving Skills |
|
Science |
Observation Prediction Exploration Cause and effect Living vs. Non-living Weather and seasons Plants Animals |
Body Care Inquiring Observations Predictions Weather Seasons Plants/Gardening Animals Cooking and Baking |
Life Science: Frogs and Toads/Insects Physical Science: Balance and Motion Earth Science: Sand, Silt and Pebbles Nutrition and Dental Health |
|
Social Studies |
Diversity Families Shelter around the World Understand four basic emotions Conflict resolution/problem solving guidance |
Self-Awareness CHAMP and Diversity Awareness Families Neighborhoods Community Members Maps State Countries Continents/Oceans |
U.S. Symbols Communities and Mapping |
|
World Languages |
Begins in Kindergarten |
Listening and speaking Language acquisition through songs, games, poems, stories, and TPR Thematic units reflect the National Foreign Language Standards. Examples of thematic units: colors, numbers, food, and greetings. |
Listening and speaking Language acquisition through songs, games, poems, stories, TPR, and TPRS. Thematic units reflect the National Foreign Language Standards. Examples of thematic units: calendar, seasons, food, and cultural topics |
|
Health and Physical Education |
Gross motor coordination Cooperative games Ball skills Spatial awareness Movement exploration |
Fitness Activities Locomotor and Non-locomotor Skills Spatial Awareness Ball Skills Cooperative Activities Movement Exploration |
Fitness Activities Locomotor and Non-locomotor Skills Spatial Awareness Ball Skills Cooperative Activities Movement Exploration |
|
Music |
Singing Play instruments Create music Respond to music Internalize music Movement to music |
Children actively engage in music making through the Orff-Schulwerk process Songs, dances, and singing games are drawn from world cultures and the diverse music of the United States Children share music and movement they’ve learned at informal and formal performances throughout the school year |
Children actively engage in music making through the Orff-Schulwerk process Songs, dances, and singing games are drawn from world cultures and the diverse music of the United States Children share music and movement they’ve learned at informal and formal performances throughout the school year Music literacy begins with the separation of rhythmic and melodic notation |
|
Visual Arts |
Experience art in classroom setting Express creativity Use different art mediums Artist study |
Articulate/know the elements of art Experience use of elements in art expression Understand how art tells a story (expresses ideas) Learn that art has many answers Learn to look at and talk about art Learn to look at and talk about art of other artists/cultures etc. Participate in “sharing our work” Practice using art tools and materials |
Articulate/know the elements of art Use the elements of art in art expressions Understand how art shows our ideas Learn that art has many answers Participate in looking at and talking about art Learn to look at and talk about art of other artists/cultures etc. Participate in “sharing our work” Practice using art tools and materials Learn new art skills |
|
Drama |
Drama instruction begins in Kindergarten. |
Lower School Creative Dramatics Outcomes Creative drama is an integrative process that develops imaginative thought and creative expression in children. Through the use of movement, pantomime, story dramatization, improvisation, and group discussion, children acquire language and communication skills, social awareness, problem-solving abilities, self-concept enhancement, an understanding of theatre, and life skills. The principal goal of creative dramatics is to guide a child to self-fulfillment through theatre techniques, not to nurture professional child actors. |
|
|
Library |
Read for enjoyment Book selection and checkout process |
Research Skills Critical Thinking Skills Ethical Development and Literacy |
|
|
Technology |
Introduction to simple computer operations Using age-appropriate education programs |
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively. Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. |
|
|
Subject |
Second Grade |
Third Grade |
Fourth Grade |
|
Language Arts |
Reading Writing Grammar Spelling Listening and Speaking Phonics and Word Recognition Skills Reading Fluency and Comprehension Research |
Phonics and Word Recognition Skills Reading Fluency and Understanding Written Text Study Skills Literature Skills Spelling Grammar Writing Research |
Grammar Skills Literary Devices Poetic Devices Form of Writing Spelling Reading |
|
Math |
Number Sense Addition Facts Subtraction Facts Graphing Money Time and Temperature Fractions Geometry Measurement Problem Solving Place Value |
Problem Solving Graphing Place Value Basic Operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division Multiplication Concepts Division Concepts Fractions Measurement Geometry |
Number Sense Basic Operations Geometry Fractions Decimals Percent Vocabulary Problem solving Enrichment topics |
|
Science |
Solar System States of Matter Plants |
Human Body Kitchen Chemistry Weather Related to Natural Disasters Health and Safety |
Variables Chemistry Rocks and Minerals Nutrition Lab Procedures |
|
Social Studies |
Immigration Grandparents/ Elderly Traveling Teddies Minnesota History Biographies |
Region Map Reading Study of Native American Culture Research Writing: A State Report Regions of the USA |
Maps Early Humans Mesopotamia Ancient Egypt Ancient Greece |
|
World Languages |
Listening and speaking Language acquisition through songs, games, poems, stories, TPR, and TPRS. Thematic units reflect the National Foreign Language Standards. (Examples of thematic units: calendar, seasons, food, and cultural topics.) |
Listening, speaking, and writing Language acquisition through songs, games, poems, stories, TPR, and TPRS. Thematic units reflect the National Foreign Language Standards. Examples of thematic units: seasons, food, geography, school, basic conversation, city, and cultural topics. |
Listening, speaking, reading, and writing Language acquisition through songs, games, poems, stories, TPR, and TPRS. Thematic units reflect the National Foreign Language Standards. Examples of thematic units: seasons, food, geography, school, basic conversation, family, and cultural topics. |
|
Physical Education |
Fitness Activities Locomotor Skills/Spatial Awareness Ball Skills Cooperative Games/Activities Hand-Eye Coordination/Striking Skills Tumbling/Stunts Throwing & Catching Specific Sports Lead-Up Activities |
Fitness Activities Locomotor Skills/Spatial Awareness Ball Skills Cooperative Games/Activities Tumbling/Stunts Throwing & Catching Individual Sports Lead-Up Activities Team Sports Lead-Up Activities |
Fitness Activities Locomotor Skills/Spatial Awareness Ball Skills Cooperative Games/Activities Tumbling/Stunts Throwing & Catching Individual Sports Lead-Up Activities Team Sports Lead-Up Activities |
|
Music |
Children actively engage in music-making through the Orff-Schulwerk process Songs, dances, and singing games are drawn from world cultures and the diverse music of the United States Children share music and movement they’ve learned at informal and formal performances throughout the school year Music literacy begins with the separation of rhythmic and melodic notation |
Children actively engage in music-making through the Orff-Schulwerk process Songs, dances, and singing games are drawn from world cultures and the diverse music of the United States Children share music and movement they’ve learned at informal and formal performances throughout the school year Soprano recorder is integrated in the Orff-Schulwerk process Students notate their own compositions on the 5-line staff Reading music from the 5-line staff on the treble clef |
Children actively engage in music-making through the Orff-Schulwerk process Songs, dances, and singing games are drawn from world cultures and the diverse music of the United States Children share music and movement they’ve learned at informal and formal performances throughout the school year Soprano recorder is integrated in the Orff-Schulwerk process Students notate their own compositions on the 5-line staff Reading music from the 5-line staff on the treble clef |
|
Visual Arts |
Articulate/know and identify the elements of art within artwork Organize elements of art within art expression Express our ideas in our art Know and understand that art has many answers and some questions (problems to solve) Think about (reflecting) and talk about art Look at and talk about art Learn to look at and talk about art of other artists/cultures etc. Share our work Learn to use new art tools and materials Learn new art skills |
Articulate/know and identify the elements of art within artwork Organize elements of art within art expression Learn about the principles of art as they apply to each lesson Learn how to include our ideas within each art expression Solve visual questions/ problems using art concepts and ideas Think about (reflect) and talk about art Look at and talk about art Learn to look at and talk about art of other artists/cultures etc. Share our work Learn to use new art tools and materials Learn new art skills |
Recognize and apply art elements and principles to art expression Understand art as a means of communication Solve visual questions and problems Learn how to include our ideas within each art expression Solve visual questions/ problems using art concepts and ideas Think about (reflect) and talk about art Look at and talk about art Learn to look at and talk about art of other artists/cultures etc. Learn from other artists Share our work Refine skills with tools and materials Learn to use new art tools and materials Learn new art skills |
|
Drama |
Language and communication: Enhancement of language practice, and awareness of communication choices and how they affect those around us. Problem-solving skills: A safe environment to explore solving conflicts with the ability to propose and try several solutions. Creativity: An outlet for fostering and developing creative thinking and interactions through dramatic play and visual art. Positive self-concept: A perspective change to see where you fit in and how your life can, has, or may change. An opportunity to fail without repercussions. Social awareness: Exploring the how and why of different cultures, practices, and backgrounds to embrace our differences. Empathy: A chance to deepen understanding of why people feel the way they often do, and how we can experience similar emotions and situations. A sense of "feeling with." Values and attitudes: Consciously, or subconsciously, examining how your beliefs, or a character's beliefs, mesh or clash with others. An explanation of how norms influence our world. An understanding of the art of theatre: A basic opportunity to experience the facets of the art of theatre through simple performance, pride, production, process and product. |
||
|
Library |
Research Skills Critical Thinking Skills Ethical Development and Literacy |
||
|
Technology |
Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively. Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources. Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior. |
||
Lower School Curriculum
Lower School lessons are integrated around central themes that span all major disciplines, including math, social studies, science, language arts, and health, as well as many specialty topics. World language instruction begins with Spanish and French in kindergarten; music and art classes are on alternating days; physical education classes are daily; and technology once per week.
Every Lower School classroom is designed to meet students where they are and help them grow. Teachers differentiate instruction daily through flexible grouping, personalized supports, and meaningful challenges.
As students master skills and grow intellectually, the curriculum becomes more complex. For example, kindergarteners explore a myriad of topics as they learn the alphabet and take the first steps in a long journey of public speaking by sharing what they know at a CHAMP Assembly. Building on these skills, the second-grade “Traveling Teddies” program teaches students about world geography and cultures as the students’ small stuffed animals are mailed around the world to acquaintances who return postcards from each stop.
By fourth grade, students are combining writing, history, art, and debate to study current and historical civil rights issues.
| PreKindergarten |
|---|
|
Language Arts:
Math (Singapore Math):
Science:
Social Studies:
World Languages (French or Spanish): Begins in Kindergarten
Health and Physical Education:
Music:
Visual Arts:
Drama: Drama instruction begins in Kindergarten.
Library:
Technology:
|
| Kindergarten |
|
Language Arts:
Math (Singapore Math):
Science:
Social Studies:
World Languages (French or Spanish):
Health and Physical Education:
Music: Children actively engage in music making through the Orff-Schulwerk process Songs, dances, and singing games are drawn from world cultures and the diverse music of the United States Children share music and movement they’ve learned at informal and formal performances throughout the school year
Visual Arts:
Drama: Lower School Creative Dramatics Outcomes Creative drama is an integrative process that develops imaginative thought and creative expression in children. Through the use of movement, pantomime, story dramatization, improvisation, and group discussion, children acquire language and communication skills, social awareness, problem-solving abilities, self-concept enhancement, an understanding of theatre, and life skills. The principal goal of creative dramatics is to guide a child to self-fulfillment through theatre techniques, not to nurture professional child actors.
Library:
Technology:
|
| First Grade |
|
Language Arts:
Math (Singapore Math):
Science:
Social Studies:
World Languages (French or Spanish):
Health and Physical Education:
Music:
Visual Arts:
Drama: Lower School Creative Dramatics Outcomes Creative drama is an integrative process that develops imaginative thought and creative expression in children. Through the use of movement, pantomime, story dramatization, improvisation, and group discussion, children acquire language and communication skills, social awareness, problem-solving abilities, self-concept enhancement, an understanding of theatre, and life skills. The principal goal of creative dramatics is to guide a child to self-fulfillment through theatre techniques, not to nurture professional child actors.
Library:
Technology:
|
| Second Grade |
|
Language Arts:
Math (Singapore Math):
Science:
Social Studies:
World Languages (French or Spanish):
Physical Education:
Music:
Visual Arts:
Drama:
Library:
Technology:
|
| Third Grade |
|
Language Arts:
Drama:
Library:
Technology:
|
| Fourth Grade |
|
Language Arts:
Drama:
Library:
Technology:
|
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