Lower School Specialty Classes

Yoga
The goal of yoga practice in the Lower School is to increase body awareness, to improve strength and flexibility, and to increase the ability to find the stillness within.

Science
The focus of science education in the Lower School is to inspire a love of scientific inquiry and discovery through hands-on activities and experimentation. Students study insect, seasons and living things, ecology, and the solar system. Depth of study in each subject increases as students progress to sixth grade.

Music
The goal of music education in the Lower School is the creation of comfort and joy in music for the students, as well as a love for and appreciation of all aspects of musical creation--singing, composing, and making music. In addition to encouraging this love of music--both from within our own rich and varied culture, and from around the world--students are instructed in music theory and technique. Notes, their values, and the structure of music are taught through singing, games, and playing instruments.

Physical Education
The focus of physical education is to establish a love of movement and exercise, healthy social behavios, and an increase of coordination. The basic fundamental f athletics are also taught. This is accomplished through the use of games and activities set to create an enjoyable learning environment that results in the desired outcome.

Library
The goal of library education in the Lower School is to reinforce and encourage a love of reading through active listening and the selection of books for personal reading.  

Creative Dance
The focus of creative dance in the Lower School is to learn basic locomotor skill dance movements including skipping, sliding, galloping, hopping, leaping, and running through the exploration of different dance movements and styles. Students develop whole body coordination and balance, improved music flexibility, expression, interpretation, artistry, and the ability to relate to rhythm and timing.

Art
The goal of art education in the Lower School is 1) to help students develop their artistic talent and learn new skills, 2) to teach the basic concets and elements of art i.e. line, color, light, texture, perspective, etc., 3) to develop a basis for a lifelong appreciation of art, 4) to learn about art history and the work/techniques of the great artists, 5) to create art projects that ehance core curriculum, current events and other life experiences, and 6) to stimulate creativity and have fun!

Foreign language - French or German (1-6)
The goal of foreign language education in the Lower School is to introduce students to the language, building year to year on vocabulary and simple phrases and cultural concepts. Concepts covered include: foods, likes and dislikes, body parts, faces and moods, family members, the clock, and shopping.