Lower School

Kindergarten

•   One-to-One Correspondence
   •   Counting and Counting Strategies (counting on, skip counting, and counting by 5's and 10's
   •   More and Less
   •   Number recognition 0-20
   •   Numeral formation 0-20
   •   Place value to 20
   •   Geometry
   •   Patterns, Sorting and Classifying
   •   Non-standard measurement
   •   Composing and decomposing sets to 10
   •   Calendar Concepts
   •   Graphing
   •   Estimating 

Science

Social Studies

Grade 1

Language Arts

Language Arts instruction in first grade focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, reading and comprehension, grammar, writing, and spelling. These focuses are supported by Open Court Reading. Both whole group and small group differentiated learning opportunities are key in a successful literacy program.

Reading/Phonics:

Consonants, short vowels, digraphs, long vowels, complex vowel and consonants, base words, prefixes and word endings, high frequency words

Comprehension strategies:

Summarizing
Clarifying
Asking/Answering questions
Predicting/Confirming predictions
Making Connections
Visualizing
Sequence
Main Idea and Details
Compare/Contrast
Cause/Effect
Classify/Categorize
Make Inferences
Fact/Opinion

Grammar:

Parts of Speech
- Nouns (common, proper, singular, plural)
- Verbs (action and helping)
- Adjectives
- Adverbs
- Pronouns
- Prepositions
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Contractions
Capitalization and types of punctuation
Sentence Types
- Declarative
- Interrogative
- Exclamatory
- imperative

Writing:

Concepts:
- Autobiographies
- Descriptions
- Narratives
- Instructions
- Opinion
- Informative Summary
Writer’s Craft:
- Point of View
- Author’s Purpose
- Genre Knowledge
- Language Use
- Character
- Plot
- Setting
- Text Features
Handwriting: D’Nealian Letter Formation

Mathematics

Math In Focus builds understanding using a concrete-pictorial-abstract method of learning. As they begin to make meaning of the numbers and symbols they encounter, their understanding, confidence, and love of math grows. This method of learning creates problem solvers that make connections to the world around them.

Number Bonds
Numbers to 120
Addition and Subtraction to 100
Shapes and Patterns
Ordinal Numbers and Position Words
Measurement: Length and Weight
Picture Graphs and Bar Graphs
Calendar and Time
Money

Science

Social Studies

Grade 2

Language Arts

Reading:

Phonemic awareness and phonics
Self-correction and self-monitoring while reading
Fluency and expression
Vocabulary development
Accuracy within texts of increasing complexity
Predicting
Visualizing
Summarizing
Sequencing
Comparing and contrasting
Making connections (text-to-self, text-to-text, text-to-world)
Drawing conclusions
Inferencing
Identifying main ideas and supporting details
Story structure and story elements
Nonfiction text features

Writing:

Conventions and Mechanics: spelling, capitalization, punctuation, types of sentences, organization
Composition: descriptive, narrative, persuasive, informative, friendly letters
Handwriting: D’Nealian review, D’Nealian cursive
Writing Process: planning, drafting, revising/editing, publishing

Grammar:

Parts of speech: nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs
Suffixes and prefixes
Contractions
Compound words
Singular/Plural
Subjects and predicates
Identifying and writing complete sentences
Punctuation/Capitalization
Simple and compound sentences

Mathematics

Fact families
Mental math and estimation
Place value up to 1,000
Adding and subtracting 2 and 3 digit numbers within 1,000
Adding and subtracting with regrouping within 1,000
Fractions (introduction)
Multiplication (introduction) / Division (introduction)
Time
Money
Measurement
Graphs, charts and line plots
Problem solving strategies with 1- and 2-step word problems
Math tools: bar models, picture representations, manipulatives

Science

Social Studies

Grade 3

Language Arts

The third grade reading program provides in depth study of both fiction and nonfiction texts.
Students are immersed in novel studies that promote and build independent readers. A variety of comprehension strategies are explored to build strong comprehension skills and enable students to make deeper connections to their reading.

Predicting
Visualizing
Summarizing
Sequencing
Classifying and categorize
Making connections (text-to-self, text-to-text, text-to-world)
Drawing conclusions
Inferencing
Comparing and contrasting
Identifying:
Main ideas and supporting details
Cause and effect
Author’s purpose
Point of view
Story elements
Genres: fiction, fantasy, biographies, historical fiction, non-fiction, myths, legends, fables, poetry
Reading accuracy, fluency and expression
Vocabulary

Writing

Conventions:

phonetic and spelling pattern study
writing mechanics

Structure:

Identify audience and purpose
Personal voice, writer’s viewpoint
Organizing information
Effective sentences (opening, closing, combining sentences, sentence variety)
Elaboration (reasons and details, developing ideas, staying on the topic)
Paragraphing (topic sentence and details)
Word choice (vivid words, sensory details, description, figurative language)
Writing process

Genres:

Descriptive writing
Narrative writing
Expository writing
Persuasive writing
Writing a friendly letter
Poetry
Expository writing

Grammar

Parts of Speech: Nouns, Adjectives, Verbs, Adverbs, Pronouns, Prepositions
Suffixes and prefixes
Analogies
Contractions
Compound words
Singular/Plural
Subjects and predicates
Identifying and writing complete sentences
Punctuation/Capitalization
Prepositional phrases
Clauses

Mathematics

Science

Social Studies

Grade 4

Language Arts

Reading Skills

Making Predictions
Expressing Opinions
Visualization
Summarizing
Text-to-text, Text-to-world, and Text-to-Self Connections
Making inferences
Asking Questions
Fact and opinion
Author’s viewpoint
Character Development

Genres

Non-Fiction
Biography
Historical Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Poetry
Graphic Novels

Writing Skills

Spelling rules (suffixes, prefixes, base words, contractions, compound words)
Types of sentences
Punctuating sentences
Titles and quotation marks
Compound sentences
Compound subjects
Compound predicates
Conjunctions
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Adverbs
Pronouns
Prepositions
Subject-Verb Agreement
Editing/Revising

Styles

Informational
Poetry
Friendly Letter
Narrative
Summary
Creative
Persuasive

Mathematics

Numerical sequence
Basic addition and subtraction facts
Multi-digit addition and subtraction
Detecting obviously wrong answers
Basic multiplication facts
Common multiples and common factors
Multiplying multi-digit numbers
Basic division facts, including remainders
Dividing by one and two digit divisors
Mean, median, mode and range
Adding and subtracting fractions
Understanding decimals
Adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing decimals
Measuring length, weight, and volume
Converting metric units
Perimeter and area
Lines, angles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons
Congruence and similarity
Symmetry
Calculating area
Measuring and calculating perimeter
Problem-solving

Science

The fourth grade curriculum is an inquiry-based science program utilizing varied hands on activities to strengthen the student’s ability to use the scientific process. Students work together in cooperative groups to explore open-ended challenges in developing science knowledge. Projects are assigned to enhance research skills and target the multiple intelligences.

Force and Motion: exploring Newton’s Laws of Motion, identifying forces on objects, measuring the effects of force
Rocks and Minerals: classification of rocks and minerals through geological tests
Earth’s Surface: classifying types of volcanoes, examining earthquakes, comparing the layers of the earth, investigating plate tectonics

Social Studies

Grade 5

Language Arts

Reading/Literature

The fifth grade Language Arts program focuses on building a community of readers. Through teacher-guided read alouds and student-led literature circles, students explore and process the significance of characters’ actions and feelings, relevance of main events, and common themes while applying strategies and skills to make deeper connections through oral and written opportunities. Students master strategies for improving content and learn the mechanics of writing and grammar, as they explore different styles of writing and publish their work.

Predicting
Visualizing
Summarizing
Sequencing
Classifying and categorize
Making connections (text-to-self, text-to-text, text-to-world)
Drawing conclusions
Inferencing
Comparing and contrasting
Identifying:
- Main ideas and supporting details
- Cause and effect
- Author’s purpose
- Point of view
- Story elements
Genres: fiction, fantasy, biographies, historical fiction, non-fiction, myths, legends, fables, poetry
Reading accuracy, fluency and expression
Vocabulary

Writing

Conventions:

phonetic and spelling pattern study
writing mechanics

Structure:

Identify audience and purpose
Personal voice, writer’s viewpoint
Organizing information
Effective sentences (opening, closing, combining sentences, sentence variety)
Elaboration (reasons and details, developing ideas, staying on the topic)
Paragraphing (topic sentence and details)
Word choice (vivid words, sensory details, description, figurative language)
Writing process

Genres:

Descriptive writing
Narrative writing
Expository writing
Persuasive writing
Literary Analysis
Poetry

Grammar

Parts of Speech: Nouns, Adjectives, Verbs, Adverbs, Pronouns, Prepositions
Suffixes and prefixes
Analogies
Contractions
Compound words
Singular/Plural
Subjects and predicates
Identifying and writing complete sentences
Punctuation/Capitalization
Prepositional phrases
Clauses

Mathematics

Science

Social Studies

Learn more about our Lower School Specials and teachers by reading "A Team of Experts" from the Spring 2017 issue of Latin Magazine.

Special Subjects

The Arts

Visual Art

The Lower School Visual Arts program strives to create independent thinking, creativity, resilience, positive self-reflection, fine craftsmanship, and the ability for students to communicate understanding of the world around them through the visual arts. Students are purposefully engaged in an environment that develops visual literacy skills and meaning through interpretation, employing personal response to both historic and contemporary artworks. The curriculum, which emphasizes joyful exploration and discovery, is based on the art elements, principles of design, art history, and aesthetics. Intentionally, the program fosters each student’s sensory, cognitive, emotional, and motor capabilities. Moving intuitively through the stages of the creative process, the teachers challenge students with hands on materials to explore concepts from the concrete to the abstract. Student work is influenced by world cultures, contemporary trends, and common childhood experiences. Fine motor and problem-solving skills are progressed sequentially, encompassing a variety of media and techniques including collage, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, clay, and fine crafts. Students are encouraged to use their imagination, generate visual ideas, to tell stories, and express thoughts.

Music and Drama

The Lower School performing arts program is experiential, interactive, and designed to introduce concepts through singing, playing, improvising, listening, moving to music and stories of diverse genres. Students will study essential concepts, including melody, rhythm, expression, and creative dramatics. Younger students will focus on developing pre-reading skills and internalizing these concepts, while developing fine and gross motor skills for playing and moving. Older students will develop music and drama vocabulary and learn to read musical notation by singing and playing on many types of instruments, including the recorder. Every class includes movement, song, story and instruments. Emphasis will be placed on integrating concepts across curriculum areas. Students will participate in age-appropriate performances, from informal informances to full-scale productions.
The Grade 5 music curriculum is a bridge to Middle School Ensembles. All students participate in Chorus and choose a band or string instrument to study. Vocal music focuses on healthy vocal technique, music theory and history, sight singing, and the rehearsal of music. Band and Strings courses expose students to a variety of instruments and further develop music notation fluency. The year-end concert showcases the growth of our students.
Grade 4 and 5 students are eligible to participate in the Lower School Musical. This full-scale, ensemble-based production focuses on building skills and confidence.

Library

Students have frequent access to a well-cultivated collection of print and digital resources through our Lower School Library. The library has open circulation throughout the day, providing students with the opportunity to explore the collection based on their personal interests and academic needs.

Students in grades TK-4 visit the library weekly for regularly scheduled classes. Fifth grade classes visit the library on a flexible schedule based on the curriculum and research needs of the students. Library lessons engage students with meaningful, high quality literature and teach them how to effectively and independently use the library. Students are instructed in the use of credible sources for academic research and taught how to properly give credit.

Physical Education

The Lower School Physical Education program helps students begin to understand the physical skills necessary to ensure the proper development of their mind, body and spirit. Enjoyment, cooperation, and good sportsmanship are stressed at all grade levels.

The TK-3 curriculum consists of movement exploration and locomotor and non-locomotor skills mixed with play activities. The emphasis is on body control, coordination, cooperative play as well as fitness. Lead-up games and manipulative skills are also a focus in second and third grades. Fourth and fifth graders continue to improve their motor patterns, sports skills, and personal fitness levels during our sports units.

STEAM Lab

The Lower School science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) lab exposes students to the natural world using age-appropriate activities. In addition to their classroom science program, students come to the STEAM lab weekly. STEAM lab lessons are developed to encourage each child to use creative and higher-level thinking skills to solve real-world problems. Labs are periodically designed to supplement and enhance classroom learning. In addition to numerous science investigations, students explore robotics, learn to code, and work collaboratively to complete several engineering projects throughout the year.

Spanish

All students in TK through fifth grade participate in the Lower School Spanish program. In our program, students build their interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills. Teachers frequently use authentic texts and media, games, songs, and movement to enhance understanding, provide cultural insight, and engage the students in active communication. At the novice level, students are expected to be able to recognize, identify, copy, and speak in simple words and memorized phrases, and much focus is placed on the importance of putting forth their best effort versus seeking grammatical perfection. The use of authentic resources also fosters a better understanding of cultural products, practices, and perspectives of the Spanish-speaking world.

Technology

Technology in the Lower School is integrated within grade level classrooms and special area subjects to engage students in their learning process, enhance their individual development, and extend their learning with life experiences and global connections. Students begin using iPads as early as Kindergarten, and Grades 1-5 are part of Latin’s 1:1 iPad program that extends through Grade 12. Apps and digital platforms are curated by grade level, providing developmentally appropriate tools to find and evaluate information, communicate knowledge, create and explore media, connect and share, design and develop solutions, and pursue individual learning needs and interests. Keyboarding skills are introduced in Grade 3 and steadily developed in Grades 4 and 5 through the use of an online typing program.

Digital Citizenship lessons are taught from Transitional Kindergarten through Grade 5, teaching students strategies to navigate their digital lives. TK through Grade 1 lessons focus on practicing media balance, well being, and safety. Grades 2 through 5 deepen their understanding of those same practices, and extend their learning with lessons focused on digital footprint and identity, relationships and communication, and being an upstander in instances of cyberbullying. The lessons reinforce Latin’s core values of exemplifying Personal Responsibility, Respect for Oneself and Others, and Moral Courage.