findyourself in Sanford’s Lower School
Creativity, Collaboration, and Enthusiasm
What will you find
when you step inside Sanford’s Lower School?
As you enter the Lower School you might find our preschoolers doing a shape scavenger hunt, a kindergarten class working with their friends to write an original fairytale, or first graders researching an African animal for an upcoming Safari. Around the hall, you may come upon a Star Spangled luncheon in second grade where students present their state of choice to an audience of proud parents. Third graders are busy creating products, setting prices, and considering the economics of marketing their merchandise to the school community in anticipation of Chocolate Market Day. Fourth graders will be happy to show you their sustainable home designs in the front hallway. Kindness sets the tone in the Lower School. The social and emotional journey that grounds our learners helps each student flourish and contribute with confidence. Children are comfortable transitioning from their classroom academic work to their “specials” in art, physical education, music, library, science, and technology. The Lower School buzzes with happy, purposeful children who are proud of their accomplishments. No matter what you find on any given day in our Lower School, you will recognize Sanford students finding themselves—discovering who they are, learning to express their opinions, and taking on new challenges. Here, we build a foundation for success, a love of learning, and deep trust between school, student and family that will last throughout the Sanford years.
Welcome to Lower School.
As a student, Sanford Lower School is where you begin to...
challenge yourself • Language
arts and literacy
programs encourage a love of reading and creative written expression. • Mathematics instruction uses
the Math in Focus program to ensure a solid foundation in number sense and problem-solving. • Social
Studies is the thematic study of a specific topic where children are immersed in their learning. Examples include community helpers in kindergarten, chocolate economics in third grade, and Sanford Cities in fourth grade.
express yourself “Specials” courses in science, technology, library, art, music, physical education, health and world language inspire natural curiosity and collaboration while building academic concepts and skills. • World
language encourages not only
listening and speaking in French and Spanish, but also cultural exploration, comparison, and celebration. • Science instruction happens both in
the science lab—where students take part in hands-on experimentation—and in the ponds, streams, and gardens of our 85-acre campus. • Technology class gives students exposure
to coding, robotics, engineering, and age-appropriate digital citizenship. • Music abounds in Lower School,
from formal classes to private lessons to impressive student performances each year that showcase student skill and development. • Physical
education encourages students to have fun through movement and physical activity while giving students the opportunity to work as part of a team.
• Visual
arts help students develop their own style of visual expression, using a myriad of media, techniques, and styles.
be yourself • Community is central to
the Lower School experience as students gain a positive sense of self, feel like they belong, and learn to work together. • Kindness is the core of Sanford’s
Lower School. Character education is woven into the fabric of our students’ daily lives. • Communication
and partnership between teachers and families help develop each child’s self-esteem, acceptance of others, and love of learning.
Live, Laugh, Learn:
A Day in Sanford’s 7:00–7:55 Arrival All students enjoy a jump start to their day with morning recess. Research shows that children benefit from physical activity at the start of each school day.
8:00 Morning Meeting In circle time, students have a chance to settle in with their friends and teacher to set the tone for the day.
8:15 Math
Students develop mathematical understanding through small group instruction and learning centers. Manipulatives are often used to help develop number sense, math facts, and numerical relationships.
9:00 Snack
9:20 “Specials” Children have fun learning new games, how to be (Physical Education) a good teammate and the importance of sportsmanship in the Sanford Sports Center.
Kindergarten indergarten 10:25 Journals/Guided Reading Each child’s journal reflects individualized, self-expression at their own level. These treasures track student growth and are wonderful keepsakes of the year. Our early readers benefit from small, leveled reading groups to ensure their decoding skills, phonetic awareness, fluidity, and comprehension continue to improve. Reading teachers reassess student progress throughout the year to ensure groupings are fluid and each student is challenged appropriately.
11:25 Lunch and Recess Children enjoy lunch brought from home or provided by Sanford’s Dining Service.
12:25 “Specials” Children travel to the technology room, art studio, library, the performing arts center, and our science lab to work with their “specials” teachers in these disciplines. Our homeroom and specialty faculty members collaborate to promote interdisciplinary learning.
1:15 Theme Study Thematic-based social studies units help students discover their world in a holistic manner. “Specials” teachers support these thematic units with relevant, supplementary lessons.
1:45 World Language Students are introduced to Spanish and French through songs and games.
2:05 Free Choice Legos? Imaginary play in the loft? Quiet time with a book? Another chance to be outside? Free play is an opportunity for students to independently learn and socialize.
3:00 Dismissal Off to carline or our Extended Day Program. Another busy Kindergarten day is over—more fun tomorrow!
Live, Laugh, Learn:
A Day in Sanford’s
7:00–7:55 Arrival Students start their day in the library or on the playground.
8:00 Theme Third-grade homerooms come together for thematic Social Studies units. Chocolate Economics kicks off the year as a fun way to learn about economics and civics.
9:00 Book Exchange Pick up your favorite book or try out something new at the library.
9:30 Math Students learn number sense through the research-based Math in Focus Program, an American version of Singapore Math.
10:35 Reading Children explore literature independently and in groups. Our third and fourth grade reading teacher assists homeroom teachers by working with leveled, individualized small groups. 11:25 Lunch and Recess Third and fourth graders enjoy lunch in the Sanford Dining Hall each day. Lunch can be brought from home or purchased at school.
12:25 “Specials” (Music) All Lower School students are introduced to music theory, exposed to age-appropriate instruments, and learn to sing both for practice and performance.
3rd Grade 1:15 “Specials” (Science) Students explore the world around them using the classroom laboratory and our extensive, outdoor campus. Children are taught to work independently and in groups to problem-solve utilizing the scientific method while tracking their discoveries in journals. Other “specials” include art, physical education, health, technology, and library.
2:05 Research Sanford introduces research at an early age. Our children use both classroom and library resources to prepare for projects and presentations.
3:00 Dismissal Grab your homework folder and say good-bye to your friends and teacher! Time to head out to carline or join our Extended Day Program. Tomorrow will be another fun day of learning and exploring.
“Perhaps the most important reason we chose Sanford for our two boys is that, while Sanford does an amazing job at finding and cultivating each student’s unique abilities, they also teach students to be kind through their words, acts and deeds.” – Susan & Chris, Sanford parents
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Preschool to 12 . College Prep 6900 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707-0888 302.235.6503 www.sanfordschool.org
FIND YOURSELF
SANFORD SCHOOL