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Language
Arts: Reading, writing,
spelling, composition, grammar, vocabulary, and literature...
In compliance with the guidelines of the National Reading
Panel, the Lower School stresses the importance of a reading
program that is consistent, sequential, and systematic. Our
reading program reinforces reading skills through repetition
of phonics skills, fluency practice, and comprehension skills
guided by a teacher. Each student reads aloud individually
with a teacher who keeps anecdotes of skills mastered or skills
needing remediation. Our students are taught phonemic awareness,
phonics skills, the ability to read fluently with accuracy,
speed, and expression, and the application of reading comprehension
strategies. Throughout the Lower School, classic children’s
literature, texts, and non-text trade books, both fiction
and nonfiction, are part of the reading program. In order
to differentiate instruction, a literacy lab has been established
for students in grades 5K through grade two. Through chapter
books and novels, the love of reading continues to bloom at
each grade level.
Mathematics:
Numerical concepts, computational skills, concrete to abstract
progression
Mewbourne Fellowship for Mathematical Enrichment...
Our students receive a solid foundation in mathematics through
a balanced program which offers computation and higher level
thinking skills. In preparation for more abstract work in
subsequent grades, lessons are delivered utilizing manipulatives.
A multisensory approach meets the needs of all learners and
we focus on visual auditory and tactile/kinesthetic instructional
strategies. Students benefit from weekly visits to the Mewbourne
Math Enrichment lab which supports classroom instruction of
concepts through hands on activities. Students at each grade
level who need to be challenged mathematically, are advanced
to the next grade level’s text or an alternate text
which will appropriately meet their needs. Math for Today,
Addison Wesley textbooks, ABEKA, manipulatives, and a variety
of games are used at each grade level to offer students a
balanced, challenging experience in mathematics.
Science:
Life, Physical, Earth Rowland Foundation of Science Enrichment..
Our goal is for all children to love science. Our program
is ever changing to follow the benchmarks of the national
science foundation. Students have the opportunity to visit
the Science lab each week for a lesson taught by our specialist,
Dr. Science. Lessons covering physical, life, and earth sciences
are coordinated with grade-level teachers. Numerous resources,
including FOSS (Full Option Science Systems kits, specialized
equipment, technology, guest speakers, and science-based field
trips enhance science instruction in the Lower School. Science
comes alive through our Aviary, the habitats in the lab, our
outdoor trail, and the butterfly garden. One of the highlights
of science and our math instruction in the Lower School is
our Science and Math Buddy program. Students in 6th, 5th,
and 4th grades are paired with students in 3rd, 2nd, and 1st
grades for special lessons taught by the older students.
Social
Studies: Integrated
thematic approach Texas, U.S. & World History
Spanish
and French: Conversational
Spanish and French taught by a native speakers
Jump Start Spanish and French Computer Programs...
The Lower School endorses the benefit of students being
multilingual. Children are exposed to a daily Spanish lesson
through morning announcements. Weekly visits to the Spanish
teacher increase exposure to the language for learners in
grades 4k– 4th. Students in grades five and six attend
Spanish classes two or three times a week. Because we have
a Teacher Assistant in 4k who is a native speaker of French,
our children at that grade level are receiving instruction
in French two or three times weekly. Vocabulary, aural development,
and cultural appreciation are the main goals of foreign language
programs. Through music, games, and cooking experiences, Spanish
and French are introduced to our children.
Technology :
Integrated across the curriculum areas
Word processing and keyboarding skills, multimedia applications,
telecommunication in Internet applications...
The Lower School technology program serves students in grades
4k through sixth. Utilization of an instructional tool is
the underlying philosophy. Communication between the classroom
teachers and the lab instructor coordinates activities that
support and reinforce classroom instruction. Students attending
full day classes visit the computer lab twice weekly, while
children attending half day programs (4k or 5k) visit the
lab once each week. The Lower School has two computer labs
and teachers are encouraged to schedule times for special
projects and enrichment. Technology is a vital tool utilized
by faculty and administration in producing PowerPoint presentations
for students and parents. Several students who are challenged
with disgraphia perform daily tasks on laptops as an accommodation
for handwriting challenges. The Lower School lab offers numerous
software titles and the faculty is supported by a fantastic
tech team in solving technology problems. Students have access
to computers in the classroom, library, produce morning announcements
on channel 75, and the two labs on our campus.
Indoor
and Outdoor Play
Art:
Lower School Art
Curriculum
As you walk through the Lower School, your eyes will
be treated to the creativity of our students as you enjoy
the visual art displayed on bulletin boards and in display
cases throughout our buildings. Students in 5k through grade
four are offered weekly sessions with our Art teacher. Our
5th and 6th graders have an opportunity to attend Art classes
two to three times each week. At the 5th and 6th grade level,
the art is integrated with units of study in Social Studies
and Language Arts. Students at each grade level are recognized
monthly through our “Artist of the Month” program.
One student’s art work at each grade level is chosen
each month to be exhibited in frames which are hung in a hallway
of the Lower School. Although the art work of the children
is shared throughout the year, the Fine Arts Festival in the
spring is a showcase to celebrate and appreciate student’s
artwork.
5k- The elements of art. Students will learn
about line, color, shape and texture, through the art of Georgia
O’Keefe, Matisse, Cezanne and others.
Primer- Art lessons will reinforce the themes
of the classroom. Students will make art that goes along with
forest animals, bears, penguins, zoo animals, holidays, kings
and queens, and the ocean.
1st grade – Portraits, portraits and more
portraits. Students will learn about the art of the portrait
through different artists. Some of the art and artists we
will study are Andy Warhol, Cezanne, The Scream, Pinky and
Blue Boy
2nd grade – The Impressionists, students
will learn about these great artists and make beautiful Impressionistic
art that will correspond with each one.
3rd grade – Art of America. Students will
learn about the many arts and crafts of the American Indian
and some of the early American Artists like, John James Audubon,
Gilbert Stuart, and Thomas Cole.
4th Grade - Modern Art – Students will
study art from the last 100 years. Some of the artists the
students will learn about are, Norman Rockwell, Picasso, Grant
Wood, and Georgia O’Keefe.
5th Grade – Art from around the World.
Students will learn about arts and crafts from Japan, Africa,
Mexico and Australia.
6th Grade- Art
History Students will study the art from the earliest cave
paintings of Europe to the Renaissance, with a special emphasis
on the human figure.
Music:
Rhythm instruments, voice, recorder, band, handbells
The Fine Arts pillar is also a focus through our exceptional
music program. Music choices include weekly instruction in
singing, rhythm, beat, and music reading by the Lower School
music teacher in grades K4 through grade four. All children
participate in stage productions for our Fine Arts Festival,
Grandfriends Day, and the Celebration of Christmas. The Intermediate
grades five and six have a choice between Choir and Band.
We have a fifth grade choir and a sixth grade choir. The band
classes are divided into a Beginner Band and Intermediate
Band. A Handbell class is offered twice each week before school.
The Choirs and Bands provide programs and concerts for the
All Saints Episcopal School family and for the Tyler community.
A strings program is offered after school through the generosity
of a community foundation teaming with our school.
Physical
Education: Gross and
fine motor skills
The development of gross motor skills is emphasized
for children in the Lower School. Students in Primer through
grade six enjoy daily Physical Education classes. Although
children in 4k and 5k attend PE with the Physical Education
teacher once each week, they have recess twice daily for motor
skills enhancement in an unstructured play environment. In
grades four through six, girls and boys attend separate P.E.
classes and the focus of instruction is on mastery of athletic
skills. Field Day is a grand culmination of skills acquired
through the school year.
Spiritual
Development
Spiritual development
is a key component of daily life on the Lower School campus.
The school chaplain leads four chapel services for Lower School
each week. Each class enjoys a weekly session for spiritual
development with a lay leader from the Episcopal Church. A
spiritual curriculum is taught and prayer requests are taken.
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