Curriculum

In classrooms across campus, Canterbury's lower school curriculum comes alive in the hands of experienced teachers who use both traditional and innovative methods to foster creative and critical thinking and a life-long joy of learning. Canterbury's curriculum is designed to develop the whole child.

Beginning with Explode the Code, a strong developmentally appropriate, research-based phonics program, teachers continue with Houghton Mifflin Reading and a variety of novels throughout the lower school years. They provide grammar, spelling, vocabulary and the writing process in every subject throughout the school day. By the end of the fifth grade, Canterbury students are strong readers and writers.

Our lower school math and science programs use a hands-on approach. Lessons focus on real life applications, multiple methods of instruction, verbalization of thought processes, and discovery. In the lower grades children study algebra, probability, geometry, measurement, numeration, patterns, and operations; life and physical science; and motion and environmental studies.

The social studies curriculum develops content and skills in history, geography, economics, government, and culture. Students expand their knowledge of other cultures through their study of Spanish, through which they develop listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Latin is introduced to all students in the fifth grade.

In spiritual development, students learn the basic stories of scripture and engage in discussions and activities designed to help them understand God's presence in history and their own lives.

Art, music, physical education, health, and outdoor education classes round out the Canterbury student's lower school experience. Art classes develop specific skills in drawing and a variety of other media. The music program engages students in movement, improvisation, playing, singing, and listening activities. Lessons in art and music are grounded in art and music history. The physical education, health and outdoor education classes develop decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, physical fitness, and knowledge of the determinants of good health.

CURRICULUM

SUBJECT	Kindergarten	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 of reading. Using easy readers, manipulatives, Explode the Code, 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. Students at all levels engage in daily journal writing and receive sequential instruction in grammar, spelling, and the writing process. Handwriting Without Tears is introduced in kindergarten and cursive writing in grade two. A structured vocabulary program is used in grades two through five.
Math	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 kindergarten through grade three, and expand to include motion and environmental studies in grades four and five.
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 responsible citizens, the lower school social studies curriculum develops knowledge and skills in history, geography, 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' global awareness, other countries and cultures are also studied throughout the lower school years.
Foreign Language	Students in grades 1-4 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.	Grade 5: 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. Teachers employ interactive SMART Boards throughout the day, and all lower school classes have access to two mobile iBook carts for in-class instruction. Keyboarding is taught beginning 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	Children in kindergarten through grade two develop their musical abilities through singing, playing instruments, creating, moving, guided listening, and other experiential involvement. They learn about melody, rhythm, harmony, texture, tempo, dynamics, timbre, and form. In grades three through five, playing instruments, singing, composing, improvising, and listening are supported by discussion and reflection to enhance musical understanding. In the fifth grade, students begin specialized study in band or chorus.