LITERACY AND LANGUAGE ARTS • Reading and Writing Workshop

The early years of Language Arts in the Lower School are devoted to supporting and developing literacy. At all levels, sessions are designed to cultivate a culture of reading and an understanding of writing as a process. The workshop approach encourages students to regard reading and writing as interrelated; they learn to use their reading to develop their writing skills, and their writing as an avenue for understanding and appreciating the books they read. Handwriting is supported through the Handwriting without Tears curriculum. Faculty literacy specialists are available to consult with teachers and support their classroom work.

MATHEMATICS • Investigations

We use Investigations, a research-based, best-practice curriculum developed with multi-year funding from the National Science Foundation. The curriculum emphasizes computational fluency, reasoning about mathematical ideas, and strategic mathematical thinking. Students gain experience with important areas of mathematics, including rational numbers, geometry, measurement, data, and early algebra. Teachers’ work is supported by regular consultation with our resident math specialist. Expectations for students at each grade level are defined by the standards set forth by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, to which the Investigations curriculum is directly linked.

INVESTIGATIVE RESEARCH • Authentic inquiry and problem-solving

Students have many opportunities to pursue ideas and interests through authentic scientific, social, and other inquiries within the framework of Investigative Research. Time and resources are dedicated to work on collaborative projects that students design with guidance from teachers. Grades K-5 work on a particular science topic each year, and social studies topics for grades 2-5 correspond to grade level. Recent projects have included an original musical composition to illustrate a book read in class; exploration and creation of water filtration systems; mapping the creek in the Larus Park; and researching a life through the study of possessions.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE • Spanish

Beginning in 3rd grade, students study Spanish language for 90 minutes per week, with maximal exposure to spoken Spanish and many opportunities for conversational practice. Language learning is contextualized and made relevant through a hands-on approach incorporating culture, the arts, games, and projects.

VISUAL ARTS, PERFORMING ARTS, AND MUSIC

In the Lower School, work in the arts is routinely supported in the context of classroom projects. The Studio Teacher serves as an important resource, available as needed to help small groups of students represent their thinking through music, art, and performance. The Studio provides space for student investigations and offers a wide variety of media and materials. Music is also taught through weekly song circles for the entire Lower School. In addition, 4th and 5th graders participate in Minds in Motion, a Richmond Ballet program teaching discipline, self-awareness, and the benefits of engaging in tasks that involve both mental and physical challenges.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTH

At all grade levels, we approach physical fitness as a lifelong endeavor, where the goal is to cultivate skills, habits, interests, and an intrinsic motivation for physical activity that students will carry with them into adulthood. Students have opportunities to try a range of sports and non-competitive activities that get them outdoors, moving, and having fun.

UMBRELLA PROJECT

Every year, the Sabot at Stony Point community undertakes an "Umbrella Project," a school-wide exploration of a particular topic, with opportunities for cross-grade collaboration. The Studio Teacher provides support in conceptualizing and realizing students’ and faculty’s endeavors, bringing their ideas to fruition. She also helps to identify shared interests and to promote cross-grade communication and collaboration.