Grades 1-3
A critical time to master the core academic skills.
In our kindergarten through third grade programs, students attain skills and learn how to effectively apply them. We recognize the importance of helping students to use their skills and knowledge to build higher-order skills such as reasoning, problem solving, and critical thinking.
Our K-3 program is focused on the attainment of three distinct and interrelated skills:
- Language and Literacy
- Mathematics
- Problem Solving
Language and Literacy
By third grade, our students are confident readers and communicators. Using a variety of instructional models including whole and small group instruction, learning centers, student learning teams, and project-based assignments, our teachers reinforce all the key reading and language skills including:
- Analyzing and decoding familiar and unfamiliar language
- Reading with both literal and inferential comprehension
- Writing in a variety of settings and for a variety of audiences
- Communicating thoughts and ideas in an effective way, both orally and in writing
Mathematics
As with language arts, by the end of third grade our students have the foundations for math firmly in place. From kindergarten through third grade, we work daily with the students on:
- Understanding the number system, including computation and math facts
- Building an understanding of patterns, functions, and variables which are the basis of all algebraic concepts
- Creating and analyzing data in various forms, such as tables and graphs
- Describing and designing geometric and spatial concepts
- Measurement of values such as time and money
Problem Solving
By providing students with opportunities to problem solve in kindergarten through third grade, we are enabling them to begin to develop the critical thinking skills that provide the structure to become independent learners in later grades. Early experiences in problem solving include:
- Defining problems
- Generating solutions
- Evaluating the multiple solutions
- Planning the next steps
Click to view our Elementary Curriculum Reference Guide.
How It All Comes Together 
- Examples
After being introduced to new skills, students are given multiple opportunities to manipulate and practice these skills in a variety of
real-world applications. We provide challenging and creative experiences that allow students to work individually and in groups, as they apply their newfound knowledge and skills.
Expanding vocabulary through artistic expression
After learning about vivid verbs and word choice, first grade students are asked to illustrate the vivid verb of their choice. These illustrations are then bound together to create a reference resource of vivid verbs for the classroom.
Using math skills to understand personal history
As part of the third grade study of heredity, students are asked to design and implement an investigation of the frequency of a chosen inherited trait. Using the numerical data gathered, students define range, mean, median, and mode and give an oral presentation on the significance of those numbers.
Recognizing patterns in the real world
To help first grade students develop an understanding of patterns outside of math, they are challenged to recognize patterns in their world and record them in a journal. They find patterns in their homes, nature, music, and art.
Off-campus learning that makes history real
While studying important historical figures from their community, students plan a trip to a local museum. Prior to the field trip, students generate a list of questions that they might have asked of a historical figure. While on the field trip, students make notes about the contributions and characteristics of that individual. Upon returning to the classroom, students use their questions and trip notes to create a mock interview.
