lower school curriculum (prek-1)

  prekindergarten kindergarten first grade
language arts

1. letter recognition
2. exposure to letter sounds
3. introduction to rhyme and alliteration
4. left to right progression
5. writing
6. vocabulary expansion
math

1. counting with 1:1 correspondence
2. geometric shapes in 1 dimension
3. patterns
science

1. growing cycles
2. animals and habitats
3. healthy bodies
4. weather
5. germs
social studies

1. diversity
2. families
3. shelter around the world
4. understand four basic emotions
5. conflict resolution/problem solving guidance

world languages
(french or spanish)

 
health and physical education

1. gross motor coordination
2. cooperative games

 1. fitness activities
2. locomotor and non-locomotor skills
3. spatial awareness
4. ball skills
5. cooperative activities
6. movement exploration		 1. fitness activities
2. locomotor and non-locomotor skills
3. spatial awareness
4. ball skills
5. cooperative activities
6. movement exploration
music

1. sing and play instruments
2. create music
3. respond to music
4. internalize music

 1. children actively engage in music making through the orff-schulwerk process
2. songs, dances, and singing games are drawn from world cultures and the diverse music of the united states
3. children share music and movement they’ve learned at informal and formal performances throughout the school year		 1. children actively engage in music making through the orff-schulwerk process
2. songs, dances, and singing games are drawn from world cultures and the diverse music of the united states
3. children share music and movement they’ve learned at informal and formal performances throughout the school year
4. music literacy begins with the separation of rhythmic and melodic notation
visual arts

1. experience art in classroom setting

2. express creativity
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 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

1. read for enjoyment

2. book selection and checkout process
technology

1. introduction to simple computer operations

2. using age-appropriate education programs

 1. students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.
2. students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.
3. students use digital media and environments to communicate and work collaboratively.
4. students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.
5. students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.
6. students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.