2024-25 LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Kindergarten Grade 1 Grade 2
LANGUAGE ARTS
Structured literacy approach that emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics-word study, high-frequency word study, fluency, vocabulary, handwriting and spelling, combined with strategies on comprehension, accuracy, fluency, and activating prior background knowledge.
SOCIAL STUDIES
All about me, ecology, holiday concept, geography, cultural awareness and diversity, Texas.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Structured, literacy approach with an emphasis on phonemic awareness, phonics, high-frequency word study, handwriting and spelling. Focus on comprehension, fluency, accuracy and vocabulary development. Grammar and spelling are incorporated into narrative, opinion and nonfiction writing.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Self, family, community and economics, holidays and traditions around the world, geography, polar zones, rainforests, map skills/calendar skills, research skills. Experiential learning and interdisciplinary connections are also emphasized.
MATHEMATICS
Hands-on experience, study of patterns/numbers, development of number concepts, real-life application of concrete mathematics, graphing estimate, measurement.
SCIENCE
MATHEMATICS
Discovery with hands-on explorations, problem solving through applied knowledge, practice of basic skills through ongoing routines and math games.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Phonetic/Integrated language approach with emphasis on reading comprehension/mechanics of writing, spelling, grammar, journal and creative writing; introduction to cursive writing.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Our Communities—a thematic approach to the history, geography, economic, government, citizenship and culture social studies threads. Research and technology skills, experiential learning and interdisciplinary connections are also emphasized.
MATHEMATICS
Investigations through geometry/ money, problem solving, prediction of outcomes, justification of answers, practice of basic facts/ algorithms, addition/subtraction of whole numbers with re-grouping. Introduction to multiplication, mental computation and estimation.
Grade 3
LANGUAGE ARTS
Literature-based approach to reading with emphasizing comprehension and literary genre; mechanics of writing emphasized with parts of speech, development of cursive, phonics and creative writing.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Texas, Our Texas—a thematic approach to the history, geography, economic, government, citizenship and culture social studies threads. Research and technology skills, experiential learning and interdisciplinary connections are also emphasized.
MATHEMATICS
Bridge between concrete and abstract concepts, estimation and mental computation, development of multiplication/division, fraction/ decimals, geometry, problem solving, extension of addition and subtraction concepts.
Grade 4
LANGUAGE ARTS
Literature-based program that emphasizes the synthesis of all previously learned comprehension skills; writing process model incorporated to include mechanics, grammar and spelling.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The United States, Our Nation and Regions—A thematic approach to the history, geography, economic, government, citizenship and culture social studies threads. Research and technology skills, experiential learning and interdisciplinary connections also emphasized.
MATHEMATICS
Problem-solving strategies, multiplication/division extended, operations with fractions, factoring, exploration of graphic/basic operations with decimals, further exploration of geometry.
Hands-on program emphasizes practices and skills, including observing, classifying, measuring, estimating, designing experiments, collecting data, comparing and generalizing. Each grade studies and uses the Habitat Garden and Star Lab planetarium.
Comparing and contrasting, forming science questions, making predictions, measuring.
FRENCH OR SPANISH
Animal habitats, life cycles, plants, seeds, leaves, solids and liquids, soil.
Animal Adaptations: classification, plants, seeds, matter, air, rocks, balance and motion.
Animal and plant diversity, adaptations, weather and climate, forces and nature.
Animal and plant structures, rock formations, Earth’s land features, energy, wave properties.
These courses emphasize response to comprehensible commands, proper pronunciation and expansion of vocabulary and grammar concepts in an immersion environment that builds skills through reading, songs, listening activities, conversations, written activities, games and cultural celebrations. Students begin to transfer skills learned in English to another language and begin exploring the written nature of their second language as well.
TECHNOLOGY
The campus is connected by both wired and wireless networks. Desktops are located in the Moncrief Library, Lower School, Middle School, Visual Arts Department and also in the Journalism/Yearbook classroom. Every classroom features state-of-the-art audio visual equipment and interactive technology. Computer skills are integrated into instruction at every level. A 1:1 iPad program in the Middle School promotes the development of personal technology skills and enhances the instructional experience for every student. The TEAM Room, a fully equipped STEM makerspace, provides opportunities for teachers to implement engaging hands-on, project-based learning activities. The space is suited for all grades, JK-12
LIBRARY
Library classes help students find, evaluate and select appropriate sources to answer questions as well as learn to find books for pleasure and personal growth. Students are exposed to a variety of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry. The wide variety of literature and nonfiction located in both libraries support FWCD’s philosophy that the library resources are created for a variety of purposes that are meaningful throughout one’s life.
VISUAL ARTS
Experiential learning of the elements of art and principles of design with focus on fine motor development, skills of observation, critical thinking and creativity. Appreciation of artists and different cultures from around the world. Introduction of art materials and techniques of drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, ceramics and fiber arts.
MUSIC
First Steps in Music curriculum creates a foundation for singing, listening, movement and music literacy.
DYNAMIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION
MUSIC
First Steps in Music curriculum extends singing, listening, movement and music literacy.
MUSIC
Transitions into Conversational Solfege music literacy curriculum and extends musicianship skills.
VISUAL ARTS
Builds on knowledge of art media, techniques and further develops appreciation of processes, products and art history. Creativity, critical thinking and imaginative responses, self-expression, and ability to articulate personal artwork and the work of other artists continue to develop.
MUSIC
Extends Conversational Solfege music literacy curriculum, World Music Drumming, singing, listening and movement.
Developmentally appropriate introductory activity, mental and physical warm-up. Fitness development exercising all regions of the body. Lesson focus on coordination, body management and specialized skills. Games applying skills in lesson focus. Health-related fitness evaluation.
GRADE 4 BALLET (OPTIONAL)
Basic barre and center exercises, emphasis on posture, strength, coordination and grace. Winter demonstration and spring recital