FRA LS Curriculum Guide

ART	All Lower School students, K-4 attend art class on a rotating schedule, Kindergarten for 30 minutes, Grades 1 - 4 for 45 minutes. Students use a variety of mediums to explore the elements of art: shape, color, line, value, texture, space and form. Art history is incorporated through out the curriculum. Each art level is age appropriate in regards to vocabulary and concepts and is a steppingstone for the next grade level. Media skills explored are painting, drawing, design, clay, textiles, collage, mixed media, sculpture, masks and printmaking.
GUIDANCE COUNSELING	The Pre-K - 4 curriculum includes topics such as character education, anger management, conflict resolution, and lessons created to meet the specific needs of the class at that time. Class lessons are geared toward teaching skills but most importantly, class time allows counselors to develop personal relationships with each student. Counselors meet with students individually when a need arises. Students, parents, and teachers speak with counselors when an individual session is needed. They also develop ways to best serve the child at school and at home. Group sessions are held to address specific group needs. Counselors act as resources to parents and teachers, and make referrals to outside agencies.
FOREIGN LIBRARY	The Pre-K through 4th grade Foreign Language Exploratory Program creates a self-confidence, curiosity and motivation for students to continue learning languages throughout their educational experiences. Students meet regularly on a rotating schedule. The goal is to create a deeper understanding and appreciation of other cultures while also developing the students‘ basic aural comprehension and pronunciation skills. Simple vocabulary and phrases are taught through songs, games and everyday experiences.
LIBRARY	Our library has over 10,000 volumes, including picture books, early reader books, chapter books and non-fiction resources targeted specifically to young readers through Grade 4. All grade levels visit the library on a rotating schedule to check-out books. Students may visit any time for book check-out. Reading aloud to students is emphasized. Annual library special events include a book fair, student read-a-thon, and visits by nationally known authors. Library resources furnish teachers with book selections and material to support classroom curriculum. Ten computer-research stations support Internet research projects which are coordinated with classroom work. All grades learn skills for effective library use. Upper grades learn to use the computerized card catalog.
MUSIC	Study of the 9 Elements of Music which are: rhythm, dynamics, melody, harmony, texture, tone color, form, meter and instruments. Avariety of percussion and melodic instruments are used. Focus is placed on music literacy by the use of sequential methods of composers and pioneer educators Zoltan Kodaly and Carl Orff. Classroom repertoire is based on folk song material from many cultures. Various compositions and their composers are studies. Students are exposed to musical performances by various professional musical groups. Students use what they have learned in the classroom in various performances throughout the year. Different aspects of theater are studied which further prepare students for performances.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION	The program focuses on fitness, movement, motor and team building skills; activities are geared to meet grade-specific benchmarks. Physical education is “movement-based and fitness oriented.” Activities are designed to instill the desire to be active for life, and to help students acquire the skills and confidence they need to participate in a variety of physical activities. Grades 1 - 4 have Physical Education daily; Kindergarten has Physical Education once each week.
SCIENCE	All Lower School students participate in science enrichment labs weekly on a rotating schedule, Kindergarten for 30 minutes, Grades 1 - 4 for 45 minutes. Labs are coordinated to support and enhance grade level science curriculum, and include the study of physical, earth, and life systems. Science labs are inquiry-based, utilizing hands-on and critical thinking skills. Labs utilize the process of scientific inquiry: asking questions, making observations, predicting, identifying what is known, carrying out investigations, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
TECHNOLOGY	All teachers have laptop computers and routinely integrate technology throughout the curriculum. Classrooms have four to eight computers for students. There is a fully equipped, up-to-date computer lab. Electronic research stations are available in the library. First through Fourth Grade teachers bring students to lab on a rotating schedule for curriculum integration using technology resources. Grades 1 - 3 meet with a Technology Specialist once during a six day rotation and Grade 4 meets twice during a six day rotation. Typical usage includes but is not limited to: Internet research, word processing, curriculum related software, multimedia projects and drawing.
WRAT (Writing, Reading and Technology)	The WRAT(Writing, Reading and Technology) program is an integral part of the language arts program. Open Book software is used in conjunction with language arts centers such as writing, listening, making words, etc. As of school year 2005-2006, the WRAT program has been extended from the confines of a computer lab to every Kindergarten and First Grade classroom. This is possible though the availability of COWS (Computers on Wheels). Kindergarten or First Grade students meet daily for WRAT integration. First Grade meets fall semester; Kindergarten meets spring semester. Two certified teachers work with students. The following stations are available to students during their time in the WRAT program: Writing Listening Open Book Word processing Make Words Teachers lead reading groups in the First Grade. The program is designed to meet the individual needs of students.

Lower School

Program Guide