Courses of Study for the Lower School

Prekindergarten has three classrooms, each with a lead teacher and an assistant creating a teacher/student ratio of one to eight. Children attend classes in physical education daily, music twice weekly, Spanish three times a week and art once a week. They also visit the library and computer lab on a weekly basis. Upon entering prekindergarten, students are expected to be fully independent in using the restroom as necessary.

Small Group Instruction

Everyday from 8:30-9:30, eight children go to physical education and eight children remain in the classroom for small group instruction in language arts or math. The low student/teacher ratio during small group time allows each child the opportunity to receive differentiated instruction. 

Language Arts and Math

Daily language arts activities consist of reading to students, shared reading, phonological awareness, handwriting, interactive writing, and many opportunities for discussion and vocabulary development.

Mathematics focuses on developing the child’s concept of number and measurement and includes topics such as simple graphs, estimation,  patterns, shapes, counting and sorting activities.

Workstations

Children rotate between a wide variety of carefully planned activities that integrate language arts and math curriculum, focus work and shared read alouds. Each week students experience purposeful play and practice with previously taught materials. Workstations allow students to experience activities with a partner, offering social interaction, independence and creativity. The stations also allow the lead teacher time to meet with target reading groups in guided reading.

Focus Work

Focus work includes hands-on learning experience that involves children in several weeks of sustained learning on a particular topic. This study includes activities that integrate language arts, math, science and social studies concepts. Topics that relate to the child’s own interests stimulate problem solving as they deepen their understanding of their own experiences and environment.

Pre-Kindergarten Music

The Pre-K music curriculum is built around the child, combining play with the learning of musical concepts and skills. Learning in music class is experiential. This is done through the use of singing, games, movement and playing instruments.  Active participation and social interaction are important skills practiced in every music class. Each class prepares for performances and practices proper performance decorum.

Physical Education

The physical education curriculum is designed to introduce students to the basics of movement. We teach terminology, proper movement form, appropriate group social behavior, and very simple games. Daily class activities include stretching, muscle development exercises, opportunities for cooperative learning through vigorous movement, and challenges requiring the students to listen and follow directions.

Technology  

Each classroom visits the computer lab for thirty minutes each week. The time in the computer lab is designed to introduce the children to basic computer operation and age-appropriate software.

In the classroom, during workstations, children use classroom computers, iPads and the Promethean board along with their  learning activities.

Afternoons

When the full day program begins, children and teachers bring lunches and eat in their classrooms or picnic outside. After lunch, the children have focus activities and/or writing workshop or have outdoor time.

Field Trip

When the pre-kindergarten classes go on a field trip, parents will receive a separate permission form to be filled out and returned for each field trip. Classes travel on school busses with professional drivers. When chaperones are needed, parents will be asked to accompany the class.

A tradition at Kinkaid is the father/child trip to the Houston Livestock Show. In early March, parents will be notified of the exact date.

Birthdays

We like to celebrate each child’s birthday at school. Parents usually arrange to have a treat such as cupcakes for the class to enjoy at lunchtime on that special day. If your child has a summer birthday please pick a day to celebrate a “half birthday.” Please discuss birthday plans, including the date and time with your child’s teacher. Parents may provide a “special lunch” (Happy Meal, Chick-fil-A, etc.) for their child only. 

Communication

Each teacher updates his or her webpage often. Please make sure that you  refer  to the school website and your teacher’s webpage regularly for new information. The pre-kindergarten teachers use velcro folders packed in their denim tote bags  to communicate changes in the schedule, upcoming events, and general correspondence. Please check it daily. 

School Parties

Parents have the opportunity to sign up to work on school parties.  All parties take place at school in the classrooms and/or the playground. Each is a grade level effort with all three classes participating in one party.  The parents must clear party plans with the assigned teacher well in advance of the party date.

Kindergarten has four self-contained classrooms, each with a lead teacher and an assistant teacher, creating a teacher/student ratio of one to nine. Children attend classes in physical education daily, music twice weekly, Spanish three times a week, and art once a week. They visit the computer lab and library on a weekly basis.  

Upon entering kindergarten, students are expected to be fully independent in using the restroom as necessary.

Literacy Development

The Kindergarten Language/Literacy block consists of guided reading, literacy workstations and Writing Workshop. A combination of phonics instruction as well as a focus on high frequency words supports early literacy development. Teachers assess students frequently to place them at the right level for success in guided reading. Children read in a small group or read individually with a teacher. Take-home readers are sent home beginning in October to support children’s confidence and fluency when reading aloud.

Literacy workstations provide opportunities for students to strengthen their phonological awareness through interactive games, listening and writing activities. Children work collaboratively and are actively involved in activities to practice learned skills. 

Kindergarten students participate in guided and independent writing daily. In Writing Workshop, students study illustrations and text structures in literature. Teachers introduce students to a wide variety of genres throughout the year. Students compose their own books to develop a sense of authorship and desire to share their writing with others.

Mathematical Development

Our emphasis is on the learner, who is active, energetic, and directly engaged in a hands-on approach for daily mathematical learning. Manipulatives are real objects that allow active exploration and cultivate problem-solving skills. Manipulatives create a non-threatening environment where children are more receptive to learning. Students use various manipulatives and activities designated for small groups, the whole group, and/or partner work. Activities in counting, numeration, patterns, measuring, data collecting, and calculator use are provided through mathematical exploration and play as well as in a more structured setting. Few papers come home. These interactive activities, while seeming like play, help children become independent and comfortable thinkers about mathematical ideas. The children construct mathematical concepts through observation and sharing gathered data with their peers. They record their experiences in math journals.

Learning Centers

Centers provide areas for children to participate in a variety of open-ended and structured activities, to promote creative and artistic abilities, and to strengthen social and independent work skills. Children learn to persevere with self-chosen tasks and make decisions about how to utilize their time. Centers include the following: Book Corner, Language, Writing, Math, Science, Technology, Manipulatives, Art, Blocks, Listening, and Dramatic Play.

Focus Work 

Focus Work engages children in several days or weeks of sustained learning on a particular topic. This study includes activities that integrate art, language arts, math, science and social studies concepts. The focus work approach stimulates problem-solving skills and builds collaborative learning.

Technology

Each classroom visits the computer lab for thirty minutes each week. The time in the computer lab is designed to introduce the children to basic computer operation and age-appropriate software. 

The Promethean Board and classroom computers are utilized throughout the day to strengthen and expand our Kindergarten curriculum.

Music

The Kindergarten music curriculum is an extension of the Pre-kindergarten music curriculum. It is built around the child, combining play with learning of musical concepts and skills. Learning in music class is experiential and students begin to consciously name musical skills and concepts. This is done though the use of singing, games, movement and playing instruments. Active participation and social interaction are important skills practiced in every music class. Each class prepares for performances and practices proper performance decorum.  

Physical Education

The physical education curriculum is movement-based and designed to educate each child in three ways: physically, mentally, and socially. In a cooperative learning environment, each child learns skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities (locomotor, non-locomotor, and manipulative), becomes physically fit, learns the benefits of involvement in physical activity, and values physical activity and its contributions to a healthy lifestyle.

Kindergarten Special Events

The kindergarten children, parents, and faculty participate in several special events during the school year. Singing and Sharing is in December and is a time parents gather to hear children sing holiday songs. Our 100th Day of School is celebrated in late January or early February. Each child brings in and shares a collection of 100 items. There is a daily countdown leading up to this event. A very special occasion is our Spring Sing which takes place in May.

Field Trips

Kindergarten will go on a few field trips each year. Parents will receive a separate permission form to be filled out and returned for each field trip. Classes travel on school busses with professional drivers. When chaperones are needed, parents will be asked to accompany the class. 

Birthdays

We like to celebrate each child’s birthday at school. Parents usually arrange to have a treat such as cupcakes for the class to enjoy at snack time or lunch time that special day. If your child has a summer birthday please pick a day to celebrate a “half birthday.” Please discuss birthday plans, including the date and time with your child’s homeroom teacher.

There are four teachers, each with a self-contained classroom of eighteen children, and one support teacher for the grade.

Language Arts

The First Grade Language Arts block consists of reading, writing, spelling, listening, and speaking. The program is individualized in response to various learning styles. The reading curriculum is implemented through a wide variety of reading materials that facilitate a combination of literature-based and phonic-based approaches. Take-home readers are sent home for each child to read aloud in order to build confidence and improve fluency. In writing, the goal is to develop an easy flow of ideas and an ability to translate thought to print comfortably. The use of correct spelling for frequently used words evolves gradually with experience coupled with explicit instruction. The use of temporary spelling is a natural step in the process. A list of spelling words following a particular pattern is practiced weekly. Numerous opportunities for oral expression and listening are provided throughout each day. 

Mathematics

In our math program, Everyday Mathematics, there is a strong emphasis on the use of manipulatives to enable students to visualize concepts before moving to abstract operations.  Particular emphasis is placed on patterning of numbers. The hundreds chart is central to the concepts presented and is used daily in classroom work. Students explore sets, patterns, graphs, numbers, and numeration. In geometry students learn to recognize plane and solid shapes with relative attributes. Students use various units of measurement, practice counting and exchanging coins, and learn to tell time. Recognition and development of varied math strategies are encouraged for use in problem solving, estimation, operations, and computation. Exposure to all these concepts is an important base for building math knowledge. Memorization of addition facts to twelve is expected by the end of first grade. Students apply subtraction strategies in order to solve subtraction facts. Calculators and computers are used to support the program.

Social Studies

The program is organized into thematic units that are integrated with language arts. Students demonstrate knowledge of themselves as individuals and as responsible members of a larger community, an appreciation for cultural differences, and knowledge of our American heritage. There is an introduction to map and globe skills.

Science

First grade science provides a wide variety of learning experiences emphasizing hands-on activities and taking advantage of the young learner’s enthusiasm. A goal of the program is to foster student curiosity about scientific phenomena. Students are encouraged to be creative, questioning, discovering, and exploring scientific thinkers. Instruction provides opportunities for the student to acquire observational and manipulative skills, to understand concepts and processes, and to attain general factual knowledge. Topics, which include life, earth, and physical science, are based on the people, plants and animals in their own community, as well as the world as a wider community.

Spanish

Spanish opens children’s eyes to other cultures and helps students develop positive feelings about linguistic and cultural differences while studying Spanish.  Most lessons are taught in Spanish, with units organized around meaningful vocabulary.  During each class students participate in games and songs. Cultural lessons focus on Mexico, Central and South America, and the two countries featured in the International Fair.

Technology

Students use the Lower School Computer Lab once a week for instruction in fundamentals of computer use as well as learning to combine graphics and text into an electronic document. All classrooms have a number of student computers that are used on a daily basis. Mobile labs of laptop computers are available for additional computers in the classroom or in the library. Math and language arts software and websites are used to supplement and strengthen basic concepts and observation skills. 

Music

The first grade music curriculum is based on methodologies taught in Kindergarten. Students learn new concepts by participating in a variety of activities utilizing songs, rhymes, games, movement, and instruments. Healthy singing technique is practiced as the students sing alone and with the group. 

Art

First grade students meet once a week for one hour of art. The program introduces art terminology, technique application, supply usage, and care of supplies. The main goal is to encourage an uninhibited confidence in one’s artistic abilities as well as to acquaint the students with a variety of quality art supplies. Students will learn drawing skills using geometric shapes, grid enlargement, tracing techniques, and free-hand creative systems. Color study, form, shading, and drawing skills are incorporated into each project. Students usually complete five main pieces of artwork within the year using a variety of media. 

Physical Education

Physical education is provided daily, with movement-based activities designed to educate each child physically, mentally, and socially.  In a cooperative, occasionally competitive, learning environment, each child learns age-appropriate skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.  

Special Events

Classroom parties for the year are Halloween, Winter Holiday, Valentine and end of the year. Refreshments are served at the end of the day. Parents are invited to enjoy first grade children singing holiday songs in December for Singing and Sharing. In late January or early February, students celebrate the 100th Day of School. On Go Texan Day, children come to school in their western clothes. The First Grade Play is presented in May. Parents, grandparents and special friends are invited to attend the morning performance and reception. 

Lunch 

Menus are sent home monthly and are accessible on the Kinkaid website. All students have the option of bringing a home lunch or charging a lunch to their Kinkaid account.

Birthdays

Birthdays in First Grade are celebrated during lunch in the Big Room. Parents may provide a special lunch (Happy Meal, Chick-fil-A, etc.) for the birthday child only. You may bring dessert birthday treats for 18 children in your child’s classroom to be distributed in the Big Room.  If your child has a summer birthday, pick a day to celebrate a “half-birthday”. Please discuss birthday plans, including date, with the teacher ahead of time to avoid any conflicts in schedule.

Take Home Folder

Folders are sent home daily and are to be returned the following morning.  This is our link between home and school and contains the reader, homework, and any other communication.

First Grade notes

Look for this bi-weekly update of first grade happenings on Mondays. The “First Grade Notes” is a newsletter from the First Grade Team and is sent electronically by e-mail and is available on each teacher’s website. 

The second grade has four classroom teachers, each with a self-contained classroom of eighteen students.  An additional assistant teacher supports the grade level as well. 

Language Arts

The program is a natural integration of reading, writing, spelling, speaking, and listening. Immersion in literacy experiences teaches the children to see themselves as readers and writers.  Reading comprehension skills and decoding strategies are emphasized through guided reading lessons and independent practice.  Through Reading and Writing Workshop, children learn to make meaningful connections to literature.  The five stages of the writing process are the foundation of our writing program.  Children learn to use writing to convey meaning for a variety of purposes. English instruction focuses on capitalization and punctuation rules, editing skills, and a multisensory approach to grammar. The spelling program combines the teaching of both phonics generalizations and high frequency words.  Pattern recognition is reinforced through various multilevel activities.  The review and practice of manuscript handwriting are continued during the first half of second grade, followed by the introduction of cursive handwriting.

Mathematics 

Our math program, Everyday Mathematics, is organized into six mathematical content strands including: operations and computation, numeration, patterns, functions and algebra, data and chance, measurement and reference frames, and geometry.  The program emphasizes strategic thinking, exploration, problem solving, and games in order to develop new connections and to reinforce concepts.  Memorization of addition and subtraction facts to 18 is expected by the end of second grade.

Units of Study

The concept of “change” is presented through three main units of study: weather, habitats and biographies.  Each unit is presented using an integrated, cross-curricular approach that emphasizes the reading of nonfiction text and the beginning stages of research development. Computer skills are applied by using a variety of software programs to create multimedia presentations.

Science

Second grade science provides a wide variety of learning experiences emphasizing hands-on activities and taking advantage of the young learner’s enthusiasm. A goal of the program is to foster student curiosity about scientific phenomena. Instruction provides opportunities for the student to acquire observational and manipulative skills, to understand concepts and processes, and to attain general factual knowledge. Students are encouraged to be creative, questioning, discovering, and exploring scientific thinkers. In second grade, science is integrated into the units of study and further explored. Topics, which include life, earth and physical science, involve the study of matter, weather, and ecosystems in our world, important scientists and inventions. These topics are taught from the perspective of the second grade main theme, change, and how it affects our lives.

Spanish

Spanish opens children’s eyes to other cultures and helps students develop positive feelings about linguistic and cultural differences while studying Spanish. Vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and culture are taught through meaningful dialogues, with most classes taught in Spanish. Students participate in games and songs every week. Cultural lessons focus on Mexico, Central and South America, and the foreign countries featured in the International Fair.

Technology

Students use the Lower School Computer Lab for instruction in keyboarding and the fundamentals of computer use. They also learn to combine graphics, text, and sound into an electronic document. Students are taught and expected to save created documents to network folders. In addition to classroom computers, mobile laptop computer labs are utilized for instruction. Various software and websites are used to support student learning. The second grade technology experience culminates in multi-media presentations such as Podcast, iMovie, VoiceThread, and Keynote. 

Music

Second grade music curriculum is based on concepts and skills acquired the previous year. Students learn by doing as they participate in a variety of activities utilizing songs, rhymes, games, movement, and instruments. These activities are especially designed to prepare, present, and practice music concepts. 

Art

Second grade students meet once a week for an hour of art. The program introduces new art terminology, technique application, supply usage, and care of supplies as well as revisiting information from the first grade. The main study is to learn how to visually create depth using atmospheric perspective, size, color, texture, and placement on the paper. Value and form are incorporated into these studies. Techniques using wash application, dry brush, and underpainting are used in several projects. Students usually complete five major pieces of artwork per year using high-grade supplies on museum quality paper. 

Physical Education

Physical education is provided daily with movement-based activities designed to educate each child physically, mentally, and socially. In a cooperative, occasionally competitive, learning environment, each child learns age appropriate skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. 

Special Events

For Halloween, the children have a short party at the end of the day with cookies and juice brought in by the mothers. Singing and Sharing is in December and is a time when parents join their second grade children in singing holiday songs. Second grade students will present an informal Music Program utilizing musical activities and songs learned in class. The program is designed as an educational forum in which parents can become acquainted with their child’s musical progress. On Valentine’s Day we have a small class celebration with juice and cookies provided by the principal at the end of the day. On Go Texan Day, children come to school in their western clothes. 

Binders 

A three-ring binder is the tool second grade children use for organizing homework, class work, and communications between home and school. The front pocket of the binder is the “Take Home/Return” pocket for information such as signed tests and all other signed papers that need to be returned to school. The back pocket is the “Take Home/Leave” pocket. Papers in this pocket should be removed nightly.  The weekly homework assignment sheet, found in the plastic sleeve in the front of the binder, should be read nightly by both children and parents. Important dates and upcoming events are often listed as weekly reminders. We ask that if a new binder is needed during the year it be replaced with a similar white binder from the School Store.

School-a-Gram

Look for this official second grade communication in the back pocket of the binder. It is sent home as needed.

Money Sent to School

All money brought to school should be sent in a labeled envelope or zip lock bag to include child’s name, homeroom teacher’s name, and amount enclosed. It should be brought to school in the front pocket of the student’s binder.

Personality of the Week

A special bulletin board usually goes home with the designated student on Friday and comes back to the classroom on Monday. Your child displays favorite pictures, ribbons, awards, etc., that tell about his or her life. Your child tells the homeroom class about the bulletin board sometime during that week.

There are four teachers, each with a self-contained classroom of eighteen students. Learning activities are designed for whole groups of eighteen, small groups of various sizes, and individual participation.

Language Arts

The integrated language arts and literacy program offers a wealth of literature experiences to help young readers and writers grow in confidence and ability.  Instruction is meaning-based and integrates listening, speaking, reading, writing, spelling and critical thinking skills.  A pattern-based weekly spelling list may be supplemented with words from other content areas.  Spelling instruction focuses on regular patterns and reliable rules.  High frequency irregular sight words are learned along with necessary content vocabulary.  Reading comprehension skills and decoding strategies are taught and practiced through guided reading lessons, read aloud, book clubs and independent reading. Students continue to practice the five stages of the writing process through the several specific Writing Workshop Units of Study such as Personal Narrative and Historical Fiction Journal Writing. Both Reading and Writing Workshops provide a structure and routine for students to develop skills collaboratively and share new insights. 

Mathematics

Our math program’s centerpiece Everyday Mathematics follows the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards. The goals of the NCTM are for all children to learn to value mathematics, communicate mathematically, reason mathematically, be confident in their ability to do mathematics, and to become mathematical problem solvers. In order to meet these goals, Everyday Mathematics encourages partner and small group activities and games, and utilizes hands-on projects and explorations in order to focus on higher level thinking and problem solving.  Small group work allows students the opportunity to work through problems collaboratively and develop and communicate original strategies.  Students are expected to learn basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts at specific points during the year. 

Social Studies

The program centers around two major, cross-curricular units of study: Native Americans and Westward Expansion.  Nonfiction reading and research skills are taught as students explore books, articles, online databases, websites and more. To culminate their study and share new knowledge, students create their own content using Web 2.0 tools such as wikis, VoiceThread and Glogster. 

Science

Third grade science provides a wide variety of learning experiences emphasizing hands-on activities and taking advantage of the young learner’s enthusiasm. The program is designed to foster student curiosity about scientific phenomena and encourage a love of science. Instruction provides opportunities for the student to acquire observational and manipulative skills, to understand concepts and processes, and to attain general factual knowledge. Students are encouraged to be creative, questioning, discovering, and exploring scientific thinkers. Topics, which include life, earth and physical science, incorporate units such as nutrition, geology, measurement, scale and structure, and electricity. 

Spanish

Spanish opens children’s eyes to other cultures and helps students develop positive feelings about linguistic and cultural differences while studying Spanish. Vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and culture are taught through meaningful dialogues, with most classes taught in Spanish.  Students participate in games and songs every week. Cultural lessons focus on Mexico, Central and South America, and the foreign countries featured in the International Fair.

Technology

Students use the Lower School Computer Lab once a week for instruction in fundamentals of computer use as well as learn to combine graphics, text, and sound into an electronic document. Students are expected to save documents to network folders. Word processing and presentation documents are created to support classroom studies. All classrooms have student computers. Mobile labs of laptop computers are available for additional computers in the classroom. Software and websites are used to supplement and strengthen basic concepts and skills in various curriculum areas. Proper usage of the Internet and evaluation of websites for research are topics presented during the school year. Students will participate in online class blogs and a variety of web projects.

Music

Music curriculum in third grade is based on concepts and skills previously learned. Students participate in a variety of activities designed to prepare, present and practice music concepts. Students learn valuable skills as they read, write, and perform music, enabling them to move toward fluency in the universal language of music. 

Art

Third grade students meet once a week for an hour of art. The program has a strong focus on texture, shape, and unity. Students revisit studies from first and second grade for reinforcement of art terminology, technique application, and supply care. One art project involves a visiting author or illustrator. Students usually complete four to five major projects per year.

Physical Education

The physical education curriculum provides daily movement-based activities designed to educate each child physically, mentally, and socially.  In a cooperative, occasionally competitive, learning environment, each child learns age appropriate skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Special Events

Throughout the year there are events and projects that will need help from home. The first event is the Halloween Party where the children enjoy juice and cookies at the end of the school day.
In December, each class will have a short Winter Holiday party. The Valentine Party is a low-key affair, with cookies and a drink.  The children enjoy opening the bags they made in art class and looking at their cards. On Go Texan Day the children wear western dress to school. 

The Third Grade Play is presented just before Thanksgiving. Parents, grandparents and special friends are invited to attend the morning performance and reception. 

The fourth grade has four classrooms of eighteen students. Each has a homeroom teacher who is responsible for teaching language arts, math and social studies. Learning activities are designed for whole groups of eighteen, small groups of various sizes, and individual participation.

The theme of courage connects our units of study in language arts and social studies. Using non-fiction sources in social studies along with historical fiction in language arts, courage and diversity are stressed through the study of the Lewis & Clark Voyage of Discovery. We also study the westward expansion into Texas and the fight for independence. Independent research at the end of the year culminates with a presentation of the Living History Museum.

Learning to be responsible and organized is an integral part of the fourth grade curriculum. Students are expected to complete and return homework on a daily basis, to bring needed supplies to class, and to maintain a neat and well-organized workspace.

Language Arts

The program integrates the study of literature, vocabulary, writing, spelling, and grammar. Novels and nonfiction books are studied in the fourth grade. Students are required to read and are held responsible for certain aspects of the content of several novels. Several writing genres are introduced and practiced. Spelling patterns are pre-tested, reviewed and studied. Spelling instruction focuses on regular patterns and reliable rules. High frequency irregular sight words are learned along with necessary content vocabulary. Grammar is reviewed and practiced for mastery. Neatness of work, correct spelling, and cursive handwriting are stressed on most assignments in all subject areas. Sustained reading time allows students quiet time to concentrate and enjoy a book of one’s own choosing.

Social Studies

Courage is a concept that is emphasized in each of our units of study. Our students will investigate the following themes:

• Courage is doing the right thing even when others are not.

• Courage is meeting a challenge without giving into fear.

• Courage is attempting difficult things. 

• Courage is overcoming obstacles in order to persevere toward your goal. 

Mathematics

The Everyday Mathematics program emphasizes exploration, problem solving, and games in order to teach high-order thinking skills. The program interweaves mathematical content strands throughout the grades. The Everyday Mathematics program is both rigorous and balanced. It emphasizes conceptual understanding while building mastery of basic skills. The full math spectrum is explored, not just arithmetic. The fourth grade teachers supplement the program with additional challenging problems in which the students gain computation practice and memorize basic facts. In addition, the curriculum is based on learning styles of students, and the future for which they must be prepared.

Science

Fourth grade science provides a wide variety of learning experiences emphasizing hands-on activities and taking advantage of the young learner’s enthusiasm. A goal of the program is to foster student curiosity about scientific phenomena and to encourage a love of science. Instruction provides opportunities for the student to acquire observational and manipulative skills, to understand concepts and processes, and to attain general factual knowledge. Students are encouraged to be creative, questioning, discovering and exploring scientific thinkers. Topics, which include life, earth and physical science, incorporate units of study such as microbiology, LEGO robotics, flight, and environmental science. 

Spanish

Spanish opens children’s eyes to other cultures and helps students develop positive feelings about the linguistic and cultural differences encountered while studying Spanish. Vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and culture are taught through meaningful dialogues, with most classes taught in Spanish. Students participate in games and songs every week. Cultural lessons focus on Mexico, Central and South America, and the two countries featured in the International Fair.

Technology

Students use the Lower School Computer Lab once a week for instruction in fundamentals of computer use as well as learning to combine graphics, text, and sound into an electronic document. Students are expected to save documents to network folders. Word processing and presentation documents are created to support classroom studies. All classrooms have student computers. Mobile labs of laptop computers are available for additional computers in the classroom. Math and language arts software and websites are used to supplement and strengthen basic concepts and observation skills. Proper usage of the Internet and evaluation of websites for research are topics presented during the school year. 

Music

Students in fourth grade participate in a variety of activities designed to prepare, present and practice music concepts. Fourth grade music curriculum is a continuum of knowledge from previous years, with more complex concepts added, appropriate to the age level. Students gain confidence with singing and playing instruments as they are given opportunities to perform throughout the year. 

Art

Fourth grade students meet once a week for an hour of art. The art program continues to revisit studies from previous years. There are introductions to new terminology, techniques, and supplies. Monarch Butterfly paintings are created in reference to academic science studies. The fourth grade participates in The International Fair, a study of two different countries, in which representational art from each country is developed. Four to five major projects are completed each year with quality supplies on museum quality paper.

Physical Education

Physical education is provided daily, with an introduction to activities designed to educate each child physically, mentally, and socially. In a cooperative, occasionally competitive, learning environment, each child learns age appropriate skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities that contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Special Events

For Halloween, the children have a short party at the end of the day with cookies and juice brought in by the mothers.  In February, the fourth grade dads or special guests join their children for Breakfast in the Big Room. Singing and Sharing is in December and is a time for singing holiday songs. For Go Texan Day in February, the children dress in western attire. For Valentine’s Day, the children exchange Valentines at a short party at the end of the day.

In the spring, fourth grade students will present a mini-concert of music that may include two-part songs, recorder music, and songs accompanied by percussion instruments. In preparation, students will learn valuable ensemble, rehearsal, and performance techniques.  The program will be a collection of music learned within the school year that demonstrates a culmination of skills gained throughout Lower School.

The children take several field trips during the year related to our units of study. Parents are invited to join us for lunch on our Taste of Texas field trip. Students have an opportunity to learn more about immigration and naturalization by attending a Naturalizing on Ceremony. At Washington on the Brazos State Park, we observe how early settlers of Texas lived in 1836 by visiting the Barrington Farm and Star of Texas Museum.