Elementary Program (K-4)

In Kindergarten, we discover the fun of doing mathematics. We have a balanced curriculum that is rich in real-world problem solving activities. We are busy counting, measuring, discovering similarities and differences, and solving problems. Our program relies on discussion, exploration, experimentation and discovery.

During their Kindergarten year, students explore and develop language arts skills through a theme-based program. They embark on their literary exploration engaged in explicit phonics and comprehension skills instruction. This journey is balanced with extensive reading of both decodable texts and authentic, quality literature. Students are encouraged to share their newly acquired knowledge through Readers’ Theater, partner reading, story-telling time and classroom performances.

Our Science program is integrated with our Language Arts and Math curriculums. Through hands-on experiments, students learn about comparing and measuring, wind and weather, butterflies, human anatomy with the five senses, space and animal studies. We emphasize skills such as: observing, comparing, describing and classifying. Kindergarten students also participate in a weekly Outdoor Classroom program.

During Social Studies, Kindergarten students focus on learning about themselves and their place in their community and the world. Students study the topics of home, family, classroom and community, and they learn about issues of safety. We learn about our state and national heritage. Areas of interest include culture, geography, and government. Students are introduced to a school-wide monthly virtue study.

Mental math continues to keep our problem-solving abilities sharp. First graders are introduced to many different concepts, beginning with patterning, skip-counting, graphing, telling time, counting money, place value, addition and subtraction, number stories, 3-dimensional shapes and more. The beauty of our program, Everyday Math, is that we re-visit concepts, such as addition, subtraction and measurement, taught through-out the year, so it is reinforced and strengthened as the year progresses.

The children are introduced to variety of subject matter that expands their knowledge of the world around them. The children blend and build words as they learn how to read. As the children strengthen their reading skills they begin reading decodable books and rich thematic literature at school and home. They are encouraged to use their imagination and new skills in writing as they learn the basic structure of written text.

Minds are expanded when science is taught through hands-on experiments! The students learn the scientific method in this exciting class. They will ask questions, predict, gather information while making their own investigations, then draw a conclusion to their findings. Our first graders enjoy the subjects of solids and liquids, simple machines, the body, and organisms. Children love these educational and sometimes messy science themes.

First grade Social Studies develops your child’s understanding of relationships in communities, rules and why we need them, land forms, and the world around us. The children are introduced to famous leaders such as Thomas Edison, Rachel Carson, and Mary McLeod Bethune, to name a few.

Math games, group activities, mental math questions, critical thinking skills and written problems are all part of the Everyday Math program. Students learn the fundamentals and second grade math concepts, such as subtraction, addition, introductory multiplication and division, fractions, and measurement, through a variety of approaches. Skills are taught and practiced daily. The Kumon math program is also used to strengthen basic facts and allow students to work at their own pace and level.

Engaging thematic units are the focus in second grade Language Arts. Students learn about a variety of topics through literature, writing, art and projects. Some of the study units are Australia, Bats, Holiday Traditions, Canada and Chocolate! The students have opportunities to practice public speaking with their classmates, as well as in front of a larger audience during the annual class play. Spelling, phonics, vocabulary and handwriting skills are also taught and practiced regularly.

Hands-on experiments and observations are part of each science lesson! Students work in pairs or small groups to hypothesize, classify, organize, identify and draw conclusions. Second grade science includes topics such as balancing and weighing, magnets, changes, bats and body systems. Once a week, the children have a hands-on, outdoor class to learn about nature, earth, gardening and composting.

Geography and history come to life in second grade social studies! Lessons and concepts are taught using a variety of sources such as textbooks, photos, books, videos, guest speakers, projects, songs and artifacts. Study and thinking skills, along with citizenship skills, are practiced and incorporated into thematic study units and daily classroom activities.

Third grade math is all about building a solid foundation through hands-on and relevant activities and experiences. We focus on conceptual understanding as well as procedural knowledge, such as in multiplication, division, decimals and fractions, so that children know the “whys” as well as the “hows” of math. In addition, we incorporate the Kumon program to further support and nurture each child’s numerical fluency.

Third grade language arts is all about authentic experiences with authentic texts – classic as well as contemporary books, poetry, and plays. The children also write on a daily basis as they learn to see themselves as capable, creative authors. Their understanding of the richness and color of language is deepened through learning new vocabulary, which is pulled from the literature the class reads as well as from the multiple cross-curricular units we explore throughout the year. Grammar is taught through a structured program that is supplemented with a wide array of games, hands-on activities, and writing projects.

Third grade science is all about nurturing each child’s curiosity about the world and instilling a sense of wonder. This is achieved through questioning, experimenting, analyzing, and evaluating what students observe in their world. The science program also includes field trips to further enrich the children’s understanding of the marvels of the world around them.

Social Studies: Third grade social studies is all about helping children to see themselves as important members of a local, national, and global community. We learn about social and civic duties by creating and implementing our own government within the classroom. Furthermore, children learn about economics through first-hand experience by using classroom money they have earned to buy, sell, and auction items in a variety of situations.

The Everyday Math program nurtures young mathematicians through an active cycle of concepts, including advanced operations. This program is carried out with a combination of individual and cooperative ability-appropriate activities, hands-on games, and computer games. Fourth graders are becoming higher-level problem-solvers, and gaining this confidence folds over into other subject areas, as well as “everyday” life. The Kumon math program is a supplement to reinforce math concepts at the individual student’s level.

Fourth grade Language Arts develops an appreciation for the art of spoken and written language in the minds of adolescents. Fourth grade L.A. builds on the foundation of a basic understanding of reading, writing and grammar skills, and continues to broaden to a deeper, more critical thought of text. This program recognizes that learners learn with manipulatives and interactive elements to supplement good books.

What are we doing in science class today, teacher? Our investigation into science class encourages us to “think like scientists.” The fourth graders are eager to ask why something is, so to strengthen thought and practice, students are invited to complete activities in earth, life and physical sciences as a cooperative group of learners.

Fourth grade brings to life the history of Texas. History, culture and citizenship are brought to the classroom through literature, interactive manipulatives, and performances. Geography and economics gain the attention of fourth graders as we travel the globe practicing our use of money in the classroom, our community and state; these concepts are frequently integrated into our Everyday Math program.