In the first grade, we strengthen students’ foundation for literacy and numeracy. Letters are introduced in terms of both shape and sound through pictorial and phonetic techniques. Our first graders spend a lot of time writing and forming letter shapes while practicing the associated sounds — the basis for reading. The groundwork for math is also established as we introduce the four arithmetic processes — addition, subtraction, multiplication and division — most often through math games.

First grade is filled with fairy tales, folk tales and nature stories, as well as circle games, movement and mental math practice. Every activity is designed to spark imagination and interest. First grade is an important time as students adapt to the structure of an academic curriculum and develop self-discipline, while channeling curiosity and creativity in new ways. To help ease this transition, each first grade student is paired with an eighth grade “buddy.” They’ll have special time together reading and playing games. Students will also enjoy field trips with their buddy — one tradition is to go apple picking together in the autumn.

In the second grade, students continue to focus on reading and writing. As their work gains in complexity, so too do the stories that fill the second grade classroom. Legends, fables and multicultural folklore illustrate examples of moral conduct and parallel the more sophisticated social relationships that second graders form. Nature stories are also an important part of the second grade curriculum, and a foundation for science lessons and nature observations on and around our campus.

In math lesson blocks, second graders build on the numeracy skills learned in first grade. The focus now is on number patterns, forms and values. And, as always, art and movement are part of each learning opportunity. For example, multiplication tables are taught not with repetitive worksheets, but through active, rhythmic games to facilitate memorization and to help develop physical coordination and spatial awareness.

Third graders deepen their literacy skills and delve more deeply into the world of writing. Now is the time for a more intense focus on spelling, composition, grammar, punctuation and parts of speech. Cursive writing is also introduced this year, which recent studies indicate aids in reading, retention and even idea generation. Legends and stories from the Hebrew books of the Bible are the stories shared in the third grade. We also investigate ancient civilizations and their contributions to weights and measures. In math lesson blocks, we progress to multiplication of higher numbers and other more complex processes.

Third-grade students have a better capacity to understand their world, their relationship to the environment, and the natural rhythms that divide days, weeks and seasons. As a result, we introduce main lesson blocks that center on farming, housing and clothing, time and the calendar. There is also a special trip this year as the third grade spends a week together living on a beautiful farm, engaging in hands-on learning about agricultural practices, farm structures and, of course, farm animals. Another important milestone in the third grade is that students begin learning a string instrument and start instruction in either the violin or cello.