Pre-K – Grade 4 Curriculum

Learning in first grade becomes more organized and routine-based, but still with a lot of room for children’s creative exploration. First grade marks many, important milestones for young children as they develop into readers, writers and math students. In first grade, students also begin to develop a sense of independence. First graders now have to use the social skills they have developed in preschool and kindergarten in more mature ways. Therefore, knowing how to follow rules and take care of themselves becomes important. Becoming self-sufficient enough to navigate through school’s daily academic and social routines is an important part of first grade. The true magic of first grade happens as children develop the ability to understand what letters and numbers really mean. When they’re ready, they’ll be able to “crack the code” and read words and solve more complex mathematical problems.

Language Arts

First grade is traditionally thought of as the level where children learn to read. Not all children become fluent readers by the end of the first grade, but most master the foundation of skills for reading. Their reading material varies from simple rhymes, to classroom news, to patterned stories and beginner non-fiction books. By the end of the year, most are reading grade-level chapter books and some are reading at even more advanced levels. Writing, like reading, takes a variety of forms in first-grade. With the newfound ability to read and write individual words, children begin combining words in order to form complete sentences and gain further understanding of the written language. Writing activities include journal writing, writing creative stories, or documenting their work in other subject areas.

Math

First graders begin to grasp more abstract mathematical concepts. Children are introduced to time, money, and the meaning of numbers greater than those they can count. Because first graders still learn best by working with physical objects, children are provided with materials to use during math lessons such as number cubes, pattern blocks, and color rods. First graders begin to do simple addition and subtraction problems. They learn to count by 2s, 5s, and 10s, which will help them later when doing math equations. They also work with 2- and 3-dimensional geometric shapes. The Indian Mountain Lower School utilizes an updated Houghton Mifflin math program.

Social Studies

Kindergarten is a year of increasing reading readiness. Students are read aloud to everyday to build listening and comprehension skills. In addition, students are taught foundation language skills such as phonemic awareness, which is an essential part of learning how to read. Students are taught to recognize each letter of the alphabet in correlation with its sound, to know the difference between vowels and consonants, and begin to read short (CVC) consonant-vowel-consonant words (ie. dog). Kindergarten also focuses on the recognition of high-frequency sight words.

Along with reading comes writing. For kindergarten, this includes learning proper letter formation in both upper and lowercase print. At the beginning of the year, a student may dictate a sentence to the teacher and illustrate it. By the end of the school year, however, students will be able to complete entries in a journal of his/her own.

Mathematics focuses on sorting, patterning and comparing data. Students will also learn number representation and formation and begin to learn the basic operations of addition, subtraction, time, money, and fractions.

In science and social studies, the focus in kindergarten is on the world that surrounds us. Discussion and activities related to home, families, holidays, and traditions are central to the curriculum. In addition, kindergarten takes part in the Lower School’s year-long study theme, such as Native American Studies or Outer Space. Throughout kindergarten, the goal is to encourage each student’s interests and abilities, teach basic academic skills, and to foster respect and love for both learning and the school community.

The second grade school year begins with the review and practice of skills presented in earlier grades. Material that may have challenged the students at the end of their first grade experience will now be patiently mastered.

Second grade is a time to apply the children’s understanding of letters and numbers to the development of their independent reading and their analytical, mathematical thinking. Their developing ability to listen and speak clearly supports the growth of their organization, focus, and most importantly, their confident and effective communication skills.

Second grade scholars work to become accurate, fluent, and expressive readers. They process information more rapidly and make connections to new concepts quickly. Each second grader is taught to use an expanding and more sophisticated vocabulary to discuss people, places, actions, ideas, and events. The literal and inferential comprehension of materials is developed through direct instruction. The children’s experience with a wide variety of quality narrative and non-fiction literature, in groups and as individual readers, presents opportunities for the practice of phonics and reading strategies appropriate to their ability. Second grade readers develop an appreciation and an affinity for literature that encourages them to read often and independently from several genres.

As writers, the students work with lessons that explore writing for different purposes and specific audiences. The second graders craft expository pieces and narratives that are guided by the steps of the writing process; plan, draft, conference, revise, edit, and publish. At the second grade level, the students master the conventions of language usage and grammar through direct instruction, lessons that are integrated in their writing across the curriculum. The writing instruction cultivates the second grader’s confidence as authors of clear, concise, coherent, and creative self-expression.

Mathematics in the second grade emphasizes place value, word problems, reasonable thinking, patterns, estimation, probability, measurement, time, and money. The students practice addition and subtraction facts to become more proficient with their computational skills. The second grade students extend that understanding to develop their number sense and the ways in which mathematics works in their world. The students come to see and understand the meaning behind the symbols and algorithms. Moving from the concrete to the abstract, they make connections between complex concepts, articulating their process as they work with numbers far greater than those they can physically count.

In both science and social studies the second graders utilize research and observation to increase their knowledge of their world. Students study the people and places that come together to make the State of Connecticut unique. They build upon their earlier studies of family and community and apply that understanding towards a deeper appreciation of the rules and obligations of citizenship and the responsible use of regional resources.

Some of the materials used over the course of the second grade school year are; Houghton Mifflin Math, Wordly Wise Book A, Curriculum Associates’ Language Skills Book B, Steck-Vaughn Spelling, and from Great Source, Write Away.

Third grade is a year of very visible academic and individual growth. Third graders make great strides acquiring new skills and learning how to apply and incorporate their prior knowledge in new ways. Throughout the year they gain increased confidence in themselves and their abilities. They are expected to do more independent work and to make productive contributions when working in a group.

Most lessons in third grade teach to a variety of learning modalities. When possible, hands-on exercises and games are part of learning a skill. This is particularly true in math, where great emphasis is placed on children learning the multiplication facts. We also cover place value, money, time, addition and subtraction with regrouping, word-problem strategies, and number sense.

Reading groups generally begin with a skill lesson, either phonics and/or a literacy skill such as predicting outcomes or identifying main idea. We read chapter books in a variety of genres. Third graders work on comprehension questions and projects, have discussions, practice oral reading fluency and expression by reading aloud round robin style, and sometimes also present a dramatic reading at our Morning Circle.

In our language arts block we work on grammar basics, structured spelling and phonics exercises, proper formation and practice of cursive writing, editing skills, and writing. The focus of writing is to combine these skills to produce a complete piece of writing. Writing topics cover a wide variety of genres. With teacher guidance, students move through the writing process, starting with generating and organizing ideas, then editing the first draft for spelling, grammar and mechanics, on to revising their work, and lastly producing a final copy.

Our social studies units include: map skills, geography and characteristics of the eastern United States, early explorers (1000-1600’s), and U.S. history from the Pilgrims to the Revolutionary War. In addition, each year we choose a Lower School study theme around which many cross-curricular units are developed. Topics have included The Circus, Native American Studies, China, Medieval Times, Maritime Studies, and Space.

Fourth grade is a time of dramatic growth. During this pivotal year, students take on increased responsibility as leaders of the lower school. They enjoy acting as role models for the rest of the student body. They lead by example, showing how best to act in the hallways and on the playground, as well as leading the Pledge of Allegiance at Morning Circle. They are responsible for the daily raising and lowering of the flag, as well as our school’s classroom recycling program. Additionally, fourth graders take on more independent work in the classroom than they did in the lower grades, achieving in both individual and group endeavors. This greater role that fourth graders play within the lower school community assists them in transitioning to the more significant level of personal and community responsibilities they will have when they move on to middle school.

Our math curriculum is a skill-based program from Houghton Mifflin in which we concentrate on the mastery of basic computational skills. These include advanced addition and subtraction, multiplication and two-digit long division. We use games and manipulative materials to reinforce and expand upon concepts such as place value, money, fractions, decimals and situational problem solving. Fourth graders are also introduced to basic algebra.

In reading, we explore several different genres, including historical fiction, biography, mystery and fantasy. In small, reading groups, we concentrate on oral reading with good voicing and expression, comprehension, character and plot development. At least one of the chapter books that the students read relates to the current All-School Theme. We also foster and develop confident presentation skills, such as speaking with expression and fluency, by reading aloud in both small groups and for the entire student body at morning Circle. Students also work on Spelling and the study of vocabulary is enhanced through the use of Wordly Wise.

In 4th grade we utilize the Collins Writing Program, which helps students to improve their writing fluency, organizational and editing skills. This program strives to help students become better writers through the use of five types of writing. The students will be given times to be “totally creative” (Type One,) times when they will move through a process of creative and critical thought (Types Two through Four,) and finally a time when the use of critical thinking and style is paramount (Type Five.) The progression of this program helps to remove obstacles that many people face when writing, such as fear of evaluation and fear of failure. We will use this program across all content areas.

In social studies, the fourth grade focuses on four different units. We begin the year with the study of Map Skills, which leads to our second unit, Landforms. This unit culminates in a project that is shared with the school. Our third unit concentrates on United States History with a focus on Westward Expansion, including the Oregon Trail, Pioneer Life and Lewis and Clark. Our final unit, which we explore throughout the year, includes various aspects of our yearly Lower School Study Theme. In past years we have explored themes such as, the Circus, Medieval Times, China, Maritime studies, Native American studies and Space. When working on projects, students learn to use many research tools including books in the library and the Internet.

The Lower School fitness program offers students in grades pre-kindergarten through four the opportunity to experience physical education in a structured and supportive atmosphere. The classes participate in a wide variety of activities designed to encourage the development of fundamental motor skills, manipulative skills and movement experience. The students focus on basic ball handling skills, the value of being physically fit and the ability to display appropriate behaviors during class and sports situations. Classes are held both outside on our beautiful fields (when weather permits), as well as in our Lower School multi-purpose room, complete with gym floor, high ceiling and climbing wall. All Lower School classes have fitness class three times per week.

The Lower School fitness program offers students in grades pre-kindergarten through four the opportunity to experience physical education in a structured and supportive atmosphere. The classes participate in a wide variety of activities designed to encourage the development of fundamental motor skills, manipulative skills and movement experience. The students focus on basic ball handling skills, the value of being physically fit and the ability to display appropriate behaviors during class and sports situations. Classes are held both outside on our beautiful fields (when weather permits), as well as in our Lower School multi-purpose room, complete with gym floor, high ceiling and climbing wall. All Lower School classes have fitness class three times per week.

The Lower School fitness program offers students in grades pre-kindergarten through four the opportunity to experience physical education in a structured and supportive atmosphere. The classes participate in a wide variety of activities designed to encourage the development of fundamental motor skills, manipulative skills and movement experience. The students focus on basic ball handling skills, the value of being physically fit and the ability to display appropriate behaviors during class and sports situations. Classes are held both outside on our beautiful fields (when weather permits), as well as in our Lower School multi-purpose room, complete with gym floor, high ceiling and climbing wall. All Lower School classes have fitness class three times per week.

The Lower School fitness program offers students in grades pre-kindergarten through four the opportunity to experience physical education in a structured and supportive atmosphere. The classes participate in a wide variety of activities designed to encourage the development of fundamental motor skills, manipulative skills and movement experience. The students focus on basic ball handling skills, the value of being physically fit and the ability to display appropriate behaviors during class and sports situations. Classes are held both outside on our beautiful fields (when weather permits), as well as in our Lower School multi-purpose room, complete with gym floor, high ceiling and climbing wall. All Lower School classes have fitness class three times per week.

The Lower School fitness program offers students in grades pre-kindergarten through four the opportunity to experience physical education in a structured and supportive atmosphere. The classes participate in a wide variety of activities designed to encourage the development of fundamental motor skills, manipulative skills and movement experience. The students focus on basic ball handling skills, the value of being physically fit and the ability to display appropriate behaviors during class and sports situations. Classes are held both outside on our beautiful fields (when weather permits), as well as in our Lower School multi-purpose room, complete with gym floor, high ceiling and climbing wall. All Lower School classes have fitness class three times per week.

The Lower School fitness program offers students in grades pre-kindergarten through four the opportunity to experience physical education in a structured and supportive atmosphere. The classes participate in a wide variety of activities designed to encourage the development of fundamental motor skills, manipulative skills and movement experience. The students focus on basic ball handling skills, the value of being physically fit and the ability to display appropriate behaviors during class and sports situations. Classes are held both outside on our beautiful fields (when weather permits), as well as in our Lower School multi-purpose room, complete with gym floor, high ceiling and climbing wall. All Lower School classes have fitness class three times per week.

The kindergarten year at IMS is a year of great academic and social development. Building upon the skills developed in pre-K, kindergarteners continue to learn the patience, problem solving, and listening skills needed to succeed in school through play, guided activities, and direct instruction.

Kindergarten is a year of increasing reading readiness. Students are read aloud to everyday to build listening and comprehension skills. In addition, students are taught foundation language skills such as phonemic awareness, which is an essential part of learning how to read. Students are taught to recognize each letter of the alphabet in correlation with its sound, to know the difference between vowels and consonants, and begin to read short (CVC) consonant-vowel-consonant words (ie. dog). Kindergarten also focuses on the recognition of high-frequency sight words.

Along with reading comes writing. For kindergarten, this includes learning proper letter formation in both upper and lowercase print. At the beginning of the year, a student may dictate a sentence to the teacher and illustrate it. By the end of the school year, however, students will be able to complete entries in a journal of his/her own.

Mathematics focuses on sorting, patterning and comparing data. Students will also learn number representation and formation and begin to learn the basic operations of addition, subtraction, time, money, and fractions.

In science and social studies, the focus in kindergarten is on the world that surrounds us. Discussion and activities related to home, families, holidays, and traditions are central to the curriculum. In addition, kindergarten takes part in the Lower School’s year-long study theme, such as Native American Studies or Outer Space. Throughout kindergarten, the goal is to encourage each student’s interests and abilities, teach basic academic skills, and to foster respect and love for both learning and the school community.

The Art Program at the Lower Campus of Indian Mountain School has many goals for our students in grades pre-kindergarten through four.

Key objectives include:

* Developing core artistic skills, techniques, and discipline
* Laying a strong base of vocabulary and knowledge of art terms for each student
* Creating an environment that fosters creativity and risk taking in each child
* Delivering a balanced and positive experience of individual and collaborative projects for each child
* Encouraging the use of imagination, artistic skills, and time management to create work that satisfies the imagination and vision of each student

On a weekly basis, one-hour art classes are held with grades pre-kindergarten through four. Our goal is to create a vibrant and engaging environment for every child. Each class creates art projects of many genres that are both age appropriate and challenging. Throughout the year, all grade levels will study past and present artists, multicultural art techniques, watercolor, pastels, printmaking, sculpture, collaborative work, self portraiture, still life drawing, large sculpture, collage, and many other mediums and techniques. The classroom environment puts a high value on respect, community, problem solving, and independent responsibility. Art class is a place where all children can explore and be challenged and where all children can enjoy a great level of success and satisfaction. We support and applaud resilience, accepting differences in peers, resisting negative peer pressure, taking artistic risks, and working with focus and diligence.

In the spring of each school year, the Lower School has a wonderful Art Show Reception. Projects are collected throughout the year and put up all over the school on display for this grand event. Parents and friends are invited to come and enjoy a lovely evening that celebrates our community of young artists.

The Indian Mountain Lower School Library was completed in 2006. The architect, Sam Posey, created a space using traditional and modern materials that welcome the beauty of the outdoor environment. Natural light pours in through the large windows creating a warm and inviting space that is both functional and very pleasant.

The Lower School Library houses an ever-growing collection of both fiction and non-fiction books appropriate for children in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. Traditional reference materials including, dictionaries and child appropriate encyclopedias, are supplemented with instruction in the use of electronic reference. There are four Mac computers available for student use in the library.

Students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade attend a weekly library class. During this time students receive instruction in the functions of a library. Students learn the difference between fiction and non-fiction and how the Dewey Decimal System serves to organize materials within the library. Most importantly, the students learn how to find appropriate books and the process for checking out their selected books.

During library class, the librarian reads aloud to students from specially selected books and kids are invited to explore the library, searching for a book to check out each week. A visitor to the library during class time will find that the Lower School Library is not your “traditional” library. It is a peaceful but also a lively place for children to learn the joys that reading brings and to generate excitement about reading books and sharing that joy with others.

The Indian Mountain Lower School Library was completed in 2006. The architect, Sam Posey, created a space using traditional and modern materials that welcome the beauty of the outdoor environment. Natural light pours in through the large windows creating a warm and inviting space that is both functional and very pleasant.

The Lower School Library houses an ever-growing collection of both fiction and non-fiction books appropriate for children in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. Traditional reference materials including, dictionaries and child appropriate encyclopedias, are supplemented with instruction in the use of electronic reference. There are four Mac computers available for student use in the library.

Students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade attend a weekly library class. During this time students receive instruction in the functions of a library. Students learn the difference between fiction and non-fiction and how the Dewey Decimal System serves to organize materials within the library. Most importantly, the students learn how to find appropriate books and the process for checking out their selected books.

During library class, the librarian reads aloud to students from specially selected books and kids are invited to explore the library, searching for a book to check out each week. A visitor to the library during class time will find that the Lower School Library is not your “traditional” library. It is a peaceful but also a lively place for children to learn the joys that reading brings and to generate excitement about reading books and sharing that joy with others.

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
In music class, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students engage in a variety of musical activities. They learn to match pitch and echo lyrics while singing. Recognizing and playing rhythms on percussion is an important activity as well. Students work as a group to develop cooperation, consideration, sharing, and performance skills. They experience musical elements: fast/slow, loud/soft, steady beat, and blending of louder and softer voices. They listen to examples of classical music, identifying instruments and melodic contour. For performance in our concerts, students learn songs in several different styles. In class, they dance and play musical games, which develop fine- and gross-motor skills, self-expression, and a sense of fair play.

Grade One and Grade Two
In music class, first and second grade students engage in a variety of activities. They develop more independence in singing, and continue to expand their melodic range and linguistic abilities. They enjoy singing rounds. Students work together as a group to develop cooperation, consideration, and problem-solving skills. They improve their ability to blend louder and softer voices within the group. Students recognize and perform rhythmic notation. They can play simple accompaniments on the xylophone. They listen to examples of classical music, identifying instruments and melodic contour. For performance in our concerts, students learn songs in several styles and play percussion instruments. First graders know how to follow cues and demonstrate good performance comportment. They enjoy musical games and dances; these enhance self-expression, music skills, and a sense of fair play. Students are very interested in our new computer software program, “Music Maestro,” which contains lessons and games for aural skills and music theory.

Grade Three
In music class, Third grade students learn to play the soprano recorder and engage in a variety of activities. They become more sophisticated in singing and continue to expand their melodic range, intonation, and linguistic ability; reading lyrics and enunciating clearly. They improve their ability to project their voices and to blend louder and softer voices in the class. Students work together as a group to develop cooperation, consideration, and problem solving skills. Third graders recognize and perform rhythmic and melodic notation. They develop fine-motor coordination.

While listening to examples of classical music, students focus on identifying instruments, melodic contour, and expressive elements. For performance in our concerts, students learn pieces in a variety of musical styles. Songs may include unusual rhythms and mixed meters. Third graders learn to follow a musical score. Students follow performance cues and demonstrate good concert comportment. They are very interested in our new computer software program, “Music Maestro,” which has lessons and games for enhancing music theory and aural skills.

Grade Four
In music class Fourth graders take part in a variety of musical activities. They continue recorder playing, learning new notes and more difficult songs. They develop fine-motor coordination. They learn about articulation, dynamics (loud and soft), and playing in tune. They become more sophisticated in singing and continue to expand their melodic range, intonation, and linguistic ability while reading lyrics and enunciating clearly. They improve their ability to project their voices and to blend louder and softer voices in the class. Students work together as a group to develop cooperation, consideration, and problem-solving skills. Fourth graders recognize and perform rhythmic and melodic notation.

While listening to examples of classical music, students focus on identifying instruments, melodic contour, and expressive elements. For performance in our holiday concert, students learn pieces in a variety of musical styles. Songs may include unusual rhythms and mixed meters. The fourth graders follow performance cues and demonstrate good concert comportment. They are very interested in our new computer software program, “Music Maestro,” which has lessons and games for enhancing music theory and aural skills.

In addition to our regular music classes, fourth graders have the option of taking up a band/orchestral instrument. Members of the Fourth Grade Ensemble learn basic care and assembly of their instruments. They learn to play major scales as well as chromatic notes. They learn pieces for enjoyment and for performance in school concerts while gaining the ability to play in a group and follow cues. Private and semi-private lessons are offered after school, and students participate in a weekly rehearsal. Students may choose among the following instruments:
Violin
Cello
Flute
Clarinet
Saxophone (alto)
Trumpet
Trombone
Baritone

Science is introduced to the Lower School students through hands-on investigations in the classroom and in our schoolyard. This curriculum is based on the Teaching for Understanding framework. The students build their understanding of fundamental scientific ideas through exploring, hypothesizing, investigating, researching, concluding, and generating new questions. The skills required for scientific inquiry, which include measurement, data collection, close observation, problem solving, collaboration, and participation, are developed progressively from one year to the next.
The content of the curriculum covered during the Lower School grades introduces the students to topics in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science: the wonders of water,air, sound and light; the ecosystem and biodiversity; magnetism and electricity; simple machines and motion; force and structures; rocks and minerals; plants and trees; vertebrates and invertebrates; kitchen chemistry; design technology and engineering.

The goal of the Spanish curriculum at the Lower School is to expose students in grades pre-kindergarten through fourth to the process of learning a language while becoming more proficient in a language that is more and more prevalent in our country. Twice each week, students receive instruction and exposure to Hispanic culture, language, and history. The curriculum is designed to build upon what was learned in prior years, while still offering review and support, especially for those who are new to the school. Students learn by mastering sets of nouns, such as colors, clothing, food, family members, classroom objects, etc. Those nouns are then used by the students to play games, sing songs, and talk about their environment and themselves. Each grade uses similar categories of vocabulary words to reinforce what has been learned from year to year, but the amount of words increases as students get older. In second, third and fourth grades, grammar components and terms, such as noun, verb, adjective, article, and gender are introduced. Not only is this important to understanding how Spanish is spoken and written, it also reinforces grammar concepts taught in the regular Language Arts curriculum. All written work is carefully planned to be developmentally appropriate so that pre-reading, phonemic awareness, and fine-motor skills continue to be developed and reinforced. Pronunciation is key to learning and understanding any language and is a major component of the Spanish curriculum. Students participate in many cultural celebrations, too, such as El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Cinco de Mayo. Practicing at home is made easy with the use of educational computer games that are linked through the school’s Web site. Overall, the Spanish program at the Lower School is built upon the belief that language is best learned at the youngest age possible and can be an enriching and fun experience.

In the Indian Mountain School pre-kindergarten class, 4-year-old children join together to learn, work, and play. Problem-solving skills develop through play, as classmates learn to share and take turns. They make new friends–not only among their peers but also with older children in the school, ranging from kindergarten playmates to third-grade “Reading Buddies” and fourth grade friends too. Pre-kindergarteners grow in habits of mind required for independent learning: the readiness to try new activities and the patience to follow a project through to completion. The children develop phonemic awareness skills, learning to identify letters and sounds as they study topics related to the alphabet. (“Aa” is for apples, so we might make apple pies; “Dd” is for dogs, so we create our own stuffed, sock dogs.) All of the stories we read–fiction and non-fiction alike–are the subject of lively discussion, developing the children’s listening and comprehension skills. Block building, drawing, painting, modeling with clay, and manipulating toys provide enjoyable ways for class members to improve their fine-motor skills. In mathematics, we build number and counting skills and learn about sorting and patterns. The children measure objects and compare their sizes, graph the weather, and learn about place value in numbers as we keep track of the number of days we are at school with our “straw box.” We study topics in science and social studies and we participate in the Lower School’s year-long study theme, such as Native American or Maritime studies. Consistent throughout pre-k, the goal is to nurture each child’s desire to learn, teach them the routines and responsibilities of the beginning school world, and foster their ability to put new skills and knowledge into action.