• Identify lower-case letters and produce consonant and vowel sounds
• Read text, process it, and understand its meaning while engaging in group reading activities
• Accurately spell grade-appropriate words and apply spelling rules to unknown words
• Contribute ideas topically and communicate those ideas and thoughts clearly
• Actively listen for information and understanding when others are speaking
• Write for different purposes using standard conventions and grade-appropriate processes

• Count by 10s to 100, and rote count to 100 from 0 or any other starting number
• Write two-digit numbers to 20 or beyond
• Identify, describe, draw, create, and compare attributes of 2D and 3D shapes
• Sort, categorize, and count objects in categories and create and discuss graphs and data
• Describe and compare lengths and weights of various objects
• Identify, represent, and solve addition and subtraction story problems

• Use observations to describe patterns of what plant and animals need to survive
• Plan and construct investigations of different strengths or directions of pushes and pulls on objects
• Analyze data to determine if a design solution works as intended
• Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on the Earth’s surface
• Use and share observations of local weather conditions to describe patterns over time
• Share solutions to reduce human impact on the land, water, and air in the local environment

• Say hello and goodbye, answer “how are you?” and “what is your name?”, and count to 10
• Recognize and say the basic color words, along with the days and months
• Begin to recognize the names of letters of the alphabet and the sounds they make
• Identify the words for the basic parts of the body through songs and games
• Answer either/or questions distinguishing between colors, numbers, and other subjects
• Understand basic movement commands

• Develop an understanding that objects can be arranged together in an order
• Recognize that visual shapes are able to express thoughts and feelings
• Identify and create different types of lines, shapes, and patterns
• Recognize the qualities of various drawing materials (crayon, oil pastel, colored pencil, marker)
• Understand art relates to everyday life and activities, as well as the purposes of making art
• Describe how artists express themselves in different ways, including realistic and abstract art

• Demonstrate age-appropriate motor skills and movement patters (locomotor movements, throwing and catching, striking with and without implements, dribbling with hands and feet, jumping rope, gymnastics, ice skating)
• Meets age-appropriate benchmarks to maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness
• Applies basic concepts and knowledge as it relates to movement and performance
• Exhibits responsible personal and social behaviors that respects self and others
• Values physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, and social interaction

Our Lower School features a dedicated counselor who works with all students during class time and is available to meet with individual children on an as-needed basis. The focus of the guidance curriculum helps children achieve social-emotional competence and self-regulation. Guidance classes teach skills that strengthen their ability to learn, manage their emotions, show empathy and compassion, get along with others, and solve problems. More information can be found on the Lower School Counseling page.

Lower School students work hard in class during the school day and have two recess periods each day when they are able to unwind, play with friends, and get some exercise, while giving young brains a break and allowing children to better focus their attention while in class. Research also shows that this unstructured, free-play time is important for social-emotional health and development in children. Recess is held outdoors throughout the entire school year, as weather allows, with each grade level having time to themselves on the playground, the blacktop—for activities like basketball, kickball, foursquare, and other games—or the grass fields— for touch football, and fun in the snow in winter.