Language Arts

Lower School students develop an understanding and appreciation of aural, visual and written language. Working individually and in groups, they sharpen their ability to listen, follow directions, work collaboratively and express themselves.

In Kindergarten, phonemic awareness is developed through a wide variety of methods, including songs, rhymes, word games and magnetic letters and boards. Students write poems and stories that are compiled into class books. Grade One students build on simple sentences and develop their handwriting skills by following the “Handwriting Without Tears” approach. Guided reading, literacy stations and interactive writing develop skill and encourage creativity.

In grades two and three, students master written content, grammatical conventions and spelling at a higher level. They learn to appreciate fiction and non-fiction. Choral and group reading adds diversity, as do patterned writing, journal writing and other innovative programs. Grade three also introduces the interpretive reading program “Junior Great Books” and the Headmaster’s Reading Program. The “Poem of the Week” provides the basis for weekly spelling principles.