Grades 1-5

In the Calverton Lower School, we provide a nurturing yet challenging environment where young children from First Grade through Fifth Grade can flourish.

Through engaging with grade-appropriate topics, our students are encouraged to explore, discover, and cultivate creative, critical, and independent thinking skills.

Recognizing the diverse developmental needs of children, our approach to learning involves active participation in teacher-directed and student-initiated individual and cooperative activities.

Within the Lower School community, which encompasses teachers, students, and families, we prioritize the holistic development of each child in a values-oriented setting.

Honesty, trust, and mutual respect are upheld as essential personal qualities, fostering an atmosphere where children can practice and appreciate these values.

We recognize the vital importance of collaboration between school and home, as it reinforces the child's worth as an individual and their role as a valued student.

The academic program in the Lower School is designed upon a robust and comprehensive curriculum. Our students engage in a wide range of subjects, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, music, technology, library, physical education, environmental education, art, and foreign language.

This well-rounded approach ensures that our students receive a comprehensive education that nurtures their intellectual growth and fosters a love for learning.

Heidi Merryman
Heidi Merryman
Lower School Head
410-535-0216 ext 1125

 


 

Lower School Curriculum

First Grade

We at The Calverton School know that students learn in different ways. We pride ourselves in providing many different methods to approach learning. Students participate in small group and individualized instruction to help them reach their fullest potential in a safe, respectful, and positive environment. Focusing on the whole child and understanding the developmental social and emotional growth at each grade level is important to us. Students are immersed into an environment where their creativity, problem solving, and thinking skills can flourishIn first grade our focus is on developing the whole child and helping each student gain a strong sense of self-confidence to flourish throughout their career here at Calverton. We recognize that children learn in a variety of ways, so the first grade classroom offers a variety of learning experiences that are aimed to make learning an engaging, hands on experience. We encourage students to try new things, take risks and meet challenges.

The Singapore Math curriculum is used in first grade. Singapore Math is made for mastery, not memorization. Students are given many different ways to solve a problem and are able to determine which way works best for them. The program is designed to cover fewer mathematical concepts at greater detail as well as having students learn these concepts using a three-step learning process. These three steps are: concrete, pictorial, and abstract. In the concrete step, students engage in hands-on learning experiences using concrete objects such as chips, dice, or paper clips. This is followed by drawing pictorial representations of mathematical concepts. Students then solve mathematical problems in an abstract way by using numbers and symbols. The follow topics are main areas of focus during the first grade year: Number bonds and number relationships to 100, addition and subtraction to 100 using mental math strategies, ordinal numbers, comparing numbers to 100, recognizing and naming shapes, measuring and comparing length and weight, creating and interpreting picture graphs, early concepts of multiplication and division, recognizing quarters and halves, telling time to the nearest half hour, recognizing and counting coins to $1.00 and counting bills to $20.00.

Language Arts instruction is an integral part of the daily schedule. Throughout first grade, there is a continued focus on concepts of print, building comprehension skills, expanding vocabulary, phonemic awareness, and phonics. Students will focus on reading fluency, accuracy, and sight words. Students participate in classroom responses, discussions, and presentations. You will regularly see reading and writing interwoven in all areas of study, which allows continued growth and support of grade level skills.

We strive to provide learning opportunities that cover many possible interest areas of our students. First grade students have the opportunity to participate in Physical Education, Art, Music, Science, Library/Technology and Spanish instruction twice per week. We feel that these opportunities will better prepare our students to succeed as global citizens in our society.

Second Grade

We at The Calverton School know that students learn in different ways. We pride ourselves in providing many different methods to approach learning. Students participate in small group and individualized instruction to help them reach their fullest potential in a safe, respectful, and positive environment. Focusing on the whole child and understanding the developmental social and emotional growth at each grade level is important to us. Students are immersed into an environment where their creativity, problem solving, and thinking skills can flourishIn second grade, the goal is to support student growth in the areas of independent thinking and group discussion. Children at this age are naturally developing a sense of autonomy. We want to foster this newfound independence, so that children learn to think as individuals while still respecting the viewpoints of others. It is with this understanding, that our children approach learning opportunities, academic or otherwise.

The Singapore Math curriculum is used in second grade. Singapore Math is made for mastery, not memorization. Students are given many different ways to solve a problem and are able to determine which way works best for them. The program is designed to cover fewer mathematical concepts at greater detail as well as having students learn these concepts using a three-step learning process. These three steps are: concrete, pictorial, and abstract. In the concrete step, students engage in hands-on learning experiences using concrete objects such as chips, dice, or paper clips. This is followed by drawing pictorial representations of mathematical concepts. Students then solve mathematical problems in an abstract way by using numbers and symbols. The follow topics are main areas of focus during the second grade year: Numbers to 1000, addition and subtraction to 1000 with and without renaming, measuring length, multiplication and division strategies and facts, adding and subtracting money, determining and writing fractions, telling time to 5 minute time intervals.

Language Arts instruction is an integral part of the daily schedule. Students build comprehension skills through the use of a variety of texts. Support is given to improve reading fluency, accuracy, and expanding vocabulary. Students participate in discussion, writing responses, and presentations. You will regularly see reading and writing interwoven in all areas of study, which allows continued growth and support of grade level skills.

We strive to provide learning opportunities that cover many possible interest areas of our students. Second grade students have the opportunity to participate in Physical Education, Art, Music, Science, Library/Technology and Spanish instruction twice per week. We feel that these opportunities will better prepare our students to succeed as global citizens in our society.

Third Grade

We at The Calverton School know that students learn in different ways. We pride ourselves in providing many different methods to approach learning. Students participate in small group and individualized instruction to help them reach their fullest potential in a safe, respectful, and positive environment. Focusing on the whole child and understanding the developmental social and emotional growth at each grade level is important to us. Students are immersed into an environment where their creativity, problem solving, and thinking skills can flourishIn third grade, students learn the value and merit of responsibility. They explore strategies to succeed academically, including being responsible for their preparedness and performance. They practice using good judgement and being trustworthy in their relationships with others. They also explore what it means to be a responsible citizen on a local and global level

The Singapore Math curriculum is used in third grade. Singapore Math is made for mastery, not memorization. Students are given many different ways to solve a problem and are able to determine which way works best for them. The program is designed to cover fewer mathematical concepts at greater detail as well as having students learn these concepts using a three-step learning process. These three steps are: concrete, pictorial, and abstract. In the concrete step, students engage in hands-on learning experiences using concrete objects such as chips, dice, or paper clips. This is followed by drawing pictorial representations of mathematical concepts. Students then solve mathematical problems in an abstract way by using numbers and symbols. The follow topics are main areas of focus during the third grade year: Numbers to 10,000, addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, multiplication tables of 6, 7, 8 and 9, money, mental calculation, length, weight, capacity, graphs, fractions, time, geometry, area and perimeter.

Language Arts instruction is an integral part of the daily schedule. Main areas of concentration include: reading fluently with meaning and purpose, applying comprehension and vocabulary strategies to a wide variety of literary genres and informational texts, and making global connections. Students will examine story and character development while using textual evidence to support thinking in written work and oral presentations. Discussions regarding content and student response will take place in both small and whole-class groups. You will regularly see reading and writing interwoven in all areas of study, which allows continued growth and support of grade level skills.

We strive to provide learning opportunities that cover many possible interest areas of our students. Third grade students have the opportunity to participate in Physical Education, Art, Music, Science, Library/Technology and Spanish instruction twice per week. We feel that these opportunities will better prepare our students to succeed as global citizens in our society.

Fourth Grade

We at The Calverton School know that students learn in different ways. We pride ourselves in providing many different methods to approach learning. Students participate in small group and individualized instruction to help them reach their fullest potential in a safe, respectful, and positive environment. Focusing on the whole child and understanding the developmental social and emotional growth at each grade level is important to us. Students are immersed into an environment where their creativity, problem solving, and thinking skills can flourishIn fourth grade we will be working on self-advocacy. We focus on each student's ability to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert his or her own interests, desires, needs, and rights. We want the students making informed decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions.

The Singapore Math curriculum is used in fourth grade. Singapore Math is made for mastery, not memorization. Students are given many different ways to solve a problem and are able to determine which way works best for them. The program is designed to cover fewer mathematical concepts at greater detail as well as having students learn these concepts using a three-step learning process. These three steps are: concrete, pictorial, and abstract. In the concrete step, students engage in hands-on learning experiences using concrete objects such as chips, dice, or paper clips. This is followed by drawing pictorial representations of mathematical concepts. Students then solve mathematical problems in an abstract way by using numbers and symbols. The follow topics are main areas of focus during the fourth grade year: whole numbers, multiplication and division of whole numbers, fractions, tables and graphs, angles, perpendicular and parallel lines, area and perimeter, decimals, the four operations of decimals, measures, symmetry, solid figures, and volume.

Language Arts instruction is an integral part of the daily schedule. Fourth grade students continue to focus on reading with fluency and purpose. By making connection and using multiple comprehension strategies, students will successfully apply these skills to gain a deeper knowledge of the reading content. In addition, these skills will nurture the critical thinking thought process and the ability of expression in written form, participation in discussions, and presentations. You will regularly see reading and writing interwoven in all areas of study, which allows continued growth and support of grade level skills.

We strive to provide learning opportunities that cover many possible interest areas of our students. Fourth grade students have the opportunity to participate in Physical Education, Art, Music, Science, Library/Technology and Spanish instruction twice per week. We feel that these opportunities will better prepare our students to succeed as global citizens in our society.

Fifth Grade

We at The Calverton School know that students learn in different ways. We pride ourselves in providing many different methods to approach learning. Students participate in small group and individualized instruction to help them reach their fullest potential in a safe, respectful, and positive environment. Focusing on the whole child and understanding the developmental social and emotional growth at each grade level is important to us. Students are immersed into an environment where their creativity, problem solving, and thinking skills can flourish. As the oldest class in Lower School, the fifth grade students take on the position of leaders and role models. Throughout the year, the fifth grade students lead the Lower School Assemblies and teach their fellow students about topics that range from defining leadership, as well as leadership traits such as teamwork, responsibility, setting goals, and community work.

The Singapore Math curriculum is used in fifth grade. Singapore Math is made for mastery, not memorization. Students are given many different ways to solve a problem and are able to determine which way works best for them. The program is designed to cover fewer mathematical concepts at greater detail as well as having students learn these concepts using a three-step learning process. These three steps are: concrete, pictorial, and abstract. In the concrete step, students engage in hands-on learning experiences using concrete objects such as chips, dice, or paper clips. This is followed by drawing pictorial representations of mathematical concepts. Students then solve mathematical problems in an abstract way by using numbers and symbols. The follow topics are main areas of focus during the fifth grade year: Whole Numbers:place value, comparing numbers, multiplying & dividing by tens/hundreds/ thousands, order of operation, multiplication and division: multiply 2,3,4 digit numbers, divide by 2 digit numbers, factors and multiples, fractions: relationship between fractions and division, add and subtract unlike fractions or mix fractions, multiplying & dividing fractions, geometry: finding area of triangles or figures with triangles using a formula, properties of Angles, measuring angles, ratios: finding ratios, identifying equivalent rations, comparing quantities using ratios.

Language Arts instruction is an integral part of the daily schedule. Fifth grade students continue to focus on reading with fluency and purpose. Main areas of focus include developing awareness of author’s craft, vocabulary development, and drawing inferences supported through textual evidence. Students will determine a purpose for reading and will use appropriate comprehension strategies, dependent on the type of text, to build a deeper understanding of literature. Students will actively participate in discussions, reflections, and presentations. You will regularly see reading and writing interwoven in all areas of study, which allows continued growth and support of grade level skills.

We strive to provide learning opportunities that cover many possible interest areas of our students. Fifth grade students have the opportunity to participate in Physical Education, Art, Music, Science, Library/Technology and Spanish instruction twice per week. We feel that these opportunities will better prepare our students to succeed as global citizens in our society.

lower school curriculum guide cover
2022-2023
Lower School Curriculum Guide
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After School Enrichment Clubs

The Lower School offers enrichment clubs after school from 3:30-4:30 on a seasonal basis - fall, winter and spring. Clubs run for 6-8 weeks and provide a safe, educational environment for your little ones after the school day ends. PreK clubs run in the winter and spring to give the students time to adjust to their school schedule in the fall. There is a fee for club participation.

Club instructors make each week exciting, engaging, and unique. New clubs are introduced each season and provide a variety of possible options to choose from. Parents can register their children for clubs through the online link emailed in advance by Mrs. Burkhardt.  Seats often fill quickly, so grab them while you can. For additional details or questions regarding Lower School clubs, please contact Mrs. Burkhardt at [email protected].

Harry Potter Club with Ms. Goodnough: $120 (4K-1st)

Congratulations on receiving your Hogwarts invitation. This club will sit under the sorting hat, enter the dark forest, decorate wands, and even create mandrakes. Hopefully we will encounter Dobby and other house elves.

Nursing Club with Ms. King: $120 (3rd-5th)

This club is meant to inspire youth who have the high calling of becoming nurses and to give any child a general sense of basic first aid and caring techniques. In this club we will learn the history of nursing, CPR training, and so much more!

Storytime & Sing Along Club with Ms. Fox: $120 (3K-4K)

Does your child enjoy stories and music? Have them come to the storytime and sing along club “Fox Tales and Tunes” with Julie Fox. Each week we’ll hear several classic children’s stories and then sing them and learn finger plays to go along with them. This is a fun way to boost your child’s memory, practice following directions, and grow vocabulary. Please pack a snack for your child to enjoy at the beginning of each club session.

Lacrosse Club with Mr. Coffin and Upper School Students, Chris Shove and Thomas McCourt: $120 (3rd-5th)

This club will help teach your child the fundamentals of lacrosse. Each session will offer your child the opportunity to hone their lacrosse skills through drills and fun games! A lacrosse stick is required to participate in this club, and helmets and goggles are recommended. Please pack athletic attire for your child to change into as well as a water bottle.

Book Club with Mrs. Parsons: $120 (3rd-5th)

Join Mrs. Parsons on an adventure into the world of Edward Tulane. In this spring book club, we will be reading The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, a story about a stuffed rabbit that gets lost from his owner and proceeds to get passed from person to person in a series of life-altering situations. Will Edward ever find his real home again? What will happen to him now that he is lost? Join us as we discover Edward's journey.

Movement and Yoga Club with Shine Yoga: $155 (3K-4K)

This Club offers an empowerment program where your child can grow in confidence as they practice yoga, engage in exploratory activities, and play games. Additional fees were applied according to the outside vendor's cost.

Improv Club with Ms. Fox: $120 (3rd-5th)

Do you want to learn how to think quickly on your feet while expressing your creativity and having a lot of fun? Then come join the improv club in this introduction to improvisational comedy. We’ll use several different, easy, interactive group exercises and games which often turn out to be hilarious! During the last session, there will be an optional opportunity to perform a showcase for invited guests.

Soccer Club with Mr. Mirillo: $120 (K-2nd)

This soccer club will either teach you the fundamentals of soccer for those who have not played before or help improve upon the skills you already have. Each day we will learn a new skill along with having fun playing the wonderful game.

Math, Art, & Games Club with Ms. Hanscom: $120 (2nd-5th)

Come hang out with Ms. Hanscom and have a blast with math. Each week we will introduce a new math game or craft and have time to play favorites from past weeks. Join us for puzzles, pattern art, Rubik’s Cubes, and math challenges all spring!

Surprise Club with a surprise Calverton teacher each week: $120 (3K-4K)

Come join in on some surprising Calverton fun! Each week a different Calverton teacher will lead the club in new, fun, and exciting activities.

sign up for clubs here

The deadline to sign up is April 14. Spots are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment for clubs will be due no later than Friday, April 21 to Mrs. Burkhardt in the lower school office.

Club Schedule
MondayNursing Club: 3rd-5th
TuesdayStorytime & Sing Along Club: 3K-4K, Lacrosse Club: 3rd-5th, Book Club: 3rd-5th
WednesdayMovement and Yoga Club: 3K-4K Soccer Club: K-2nd, Improv Club: 3rd-5th
Thursday3K-4K, Harry Potter Club: 4K-1st, Math, Art, & Games Club: 2nd-5th

All clubs begin the week of April 17 and run until May 22. There will  be a makeup week on May 29 in case of any missed club sessions.

Questions?

As always please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Burkhardt with any questions.

410-535-0216 ext:1117

email Mrs. Burkhardt