Lower School Curriculum Overview

SUBJECT	Kindergarten	Grade 1	Grade 5
Reading	The reading program is designed to give students a strong foundation in phonics and decoding, effective comprehension strategies, and a lifelong love for reading. Using McGraw-Hill Letterbooks, Houghton Mifflin Reading, and a variety of novels, the program builds reading skills sequentially, giving students ample opportunities to read literature from a variety of genres and cultures. Lessons develop students' abilities to read independently and think critically about texts. Students respond to literature through writing, oral presentations, art, music, and drama.
Language Arts	Writing instruction occurs throughout the school day in every subject. Students at all levels engage in daily journal writing and receive sequential instruction in grammar, spelling, and the writing process. D'Nealian script is introduced in kindergarten and D'Nealian cursive in grade two. A structured vocabulary program is used in grades two through five.
Math	Numbers, calendar, graphing, place value, patterning	Students in grades 1-5 use the Everyday Math program. Cited for excellence by the US Department of Education, Everyday Math features real life applications, multiple methods of instruction, verbalization of thought processes, and math discovery. A number of strands are developed in each grade level, including algebra, probability, geometry, measurement, numeration, patterns, and operations.
Science	Using a hands-on approach, the lower school science program integrates math and science activities to develop a firm understanding of the scientific method. Lessons focus on life and physical science in grades K-3, and motion and environmental studies in grades 4-5.
Social Studies	To prepare students to become effective citizens, the Lower School social studies curriculum develops knowledge and skills in history, geography, people, economics, government, and culture. Content moves from the familiar of self, family, school, and home in the early grades to the community (Greensboro, Guilford County), state, and country in the later grades. To broaden students' horizons, other countries and cultures are also studied throughout the lower school years.
Foreign Language	Students learn Spanish through concrete, everyday experiences that develop listening comprehension, as well as speaking, reading, and writing skills. Classes are conducted primarily in Spanish. The study of Spanish speaking culture and its similarities to American culture is an essential component of the program.		One semester of Latin, one semester of Spanish
Spiritual Development	Spiritual Development classes are designed to support the students' faith development begun with their families and in their faith centers. Students learn the basic stories of scripture and are encouraged to engage in discussions and in written and artistic activities that will help them understand God's presence in history and their own lives.
PE Health	Canterbury's lower school physical education and health programs are designed to help students acquire a life-long commitment to health and fitness. Classes focus on developing specific motor skills, decision-making skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, physical fitness, and knowledge of the determinants of health. Good sportsmanship and fair play are priorities.
Computer	Technology is fully integrated into the learning experience and used in activities that require students to think, analyze, and create. Lower school classes have access to a 20-computer iMac lab, which they visit for specific skill lessons and for project development. Keyboarding is taught in the second grade.
Art	Lower school art classes empower students to be art-makers by developing specific skills in drawing and a variety of other media. Students learn the elements and principles of design and are exposed to the work of artists throughout history. Each student develops a portfolio that is shared with parents in a student-led conference at the end of the year.
Music	The music program is an experiential, hands-on program in which concepts and skills are presented through movement, improvisation, playing, singing, and listening activities. Students use the Kodaly singing method and learn musical concepts by playing Orff instruments, hand percussion, and African drums, and by engaging in listening activities. Solfeggio is used for ear training and for learning to read music.