Presbyterian Day School Curriculum Guide

We know

boys.

CURRICULUM GUIDE

Boys need something different.

Something better.

At PDS, we know that boys are more than just brains and brawn. They are as comfortable building a website and climbing a rock wall as they are fostering deep friendships and serving others. Combining serious scholarship and deep faith, the PDS curriculum engages the mind, body, and soul for a well-rounded, boy-friendly experience for students two-years-old through sixth grade.

After nearly 70 years of educating young men, PDS knows what works. We hire only the best teachers (most have advanced degrees) and equip them for success in their fields of study.

Boundless energy.

Curious minds.

Tender hearts.

Presbyterian Day School seeks to know, understand, appreciate, and celebrate each boy and the unique talents God has given him. Whether playing the violin, writing poetry, or kicking the soccer ball, we want every boy to discover and develop passions and to experience success. PDS offers balanced programs not only to meet the diverse talents and interests of our boys, but because we also seek to develop the whole boy — heart, soul, mind, and body.

Our academic program builds each year to provide students with a comprehensive, challenging, and boycentered education. With emphasis placed on the development of strong critical and creative thinking skills, our boys will be effective communicators, collaborators, and problem-solvers. Across all subject areas, PDS boys are asked to participate in thinking routines and make their thinking visible by using oral and written language to describe their own thoughts and the thoughts of others. Boys work together to research, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize their ideas. PDS students will know how to think and how to apply knowledge — vital skills that they can use now and in the future.

The PDS learning environment is designed to be a safe space for boys to take risks and try new things. We are intentional about creating learning experiences which push students to wrestle with questions, manage ambiguity, and adapt to change.

With recognition that a student’s path of learning will reflect a cycle of successes and stumbling blocks, our boys are encouraged to bounce back from frustrating experiences and take advantage of these setbacks as opportunities to deepen understanding. In these challenging moments, our students display resilience and demonstrate their learning in flexible ways.

This guide is designed to provide a general understanding of Presbyterian Day School’s schoolwide curriculum. Because the PDS curriculum is ever-changing, this guide does not articulate every skill, topic, concept, or experience but instead serves to illustrate skills that are considered essential for success in each grade.

EDUCATING THE ENTIRE BOY

The PDS mission is to glorify God by developing boys in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man. We define our education broadly as what happens to the heart, soul, mind, and body of each boy.

YK boys work daily through a curriculum that is guided by hands-on exploration and meaningful play.

Young Knights The Young Knight is constantly moving and exploring. It is through both structured and free play that he begins to expand his boundaries and form significant attachments beyond home. He learns to function more independently in a loving classroom environment as teachers model empathy, cooperation, and ways to communicate feelings effectively. His thinking is magical, and his vocabulary is expanding at a tremendous rate. Fine and gross motor skills are strengthened as the Young Knight engages in work and play. Whole and small group instruction is designed to cultivate a sense of wonder and promote the acquisition of self-help skills. Discovery and self-assertion are fundamental achievements for the Young Knight. His day is filled with the excitement of watching the world unfold before him.

Language Arts

Oral and Expressive Skills

• Listen to stories

• Speak in complete sentences

• Understand that words convey a message

• Engage in conversation with teachers and peers

• Simulate reading

• Sing songs and rhymes

• Recognize first and last name in print

• Respond to ‘what’ and ‘why’ questions

Math • Count with help • Match quantity to numerals • Recognize basic shapes

• Identify basic body parts, clothing, shapes, and colors • Follow two-part instructions

Self-Help Skills

• Classify and sort objects into simple groups by attributes

• Be aware of daily routine and follow it independently

• Graph, make predictions

• Take care of personal belongings

Science • Experience the world through the five senses • Learn about plants and harvesting • Learn about camping and animals living in the wilderness • Study weather • Study different cultures and traditions around the world • Learn about ocean animals and landforms • Learn about everyday heroes in our community

Social/Emotional Development • Express emotions appropriately • Communicate needs and wants using words • Share and take turns • Make eye contact when interacting • Initiate and maintain play — independent, parallel, and group • Name some peers

• Use restroom, wash and dry hands independently • Unpack lunch and attempt to open containers • Eat with a spoon and fork

PK boys love to work with their hands — whether forming letters or constructing animals from Play-Doh.

Pre-Kindergarten The Pre-Kindergarten boy has a strong sense of self and thrives when allowed to explore in a well-structured learning environment. His natural curiosity and joy of learning are enhanced through handson discovery, and he actively seeks information through “how” and “why” questions. His understanding of words and language becomes more complex, and he loves to sing and repeat nursery rhymes. He will readily express affection and is active and playful. Self-regulation can be a challenge, but with the help of loving, patient teachers, he learns to express his wants and needs in appropriate ways, as he builds meaningful friendships. Every day is an opportunity to experience the splendor of childhood.

Language Arts • Listen to stories and pretend to read

Social/Emotional Development • Express emotions appropriately

• Understand that words convey a message

• Communicate needs and wants using words

• Recognize capital letters

• Share and take turns

• Communicate and speak effectively

• Make eye contact when interacting

• Contribute to discussions

• Initiate and maintain play — independent, parallel, and group

• Express ideas through conversation

Math • Count to 25 • Identify numerals 1-10 • Identify basic shapes and patterns • Continue and create patterns • Sort by attributes • Understand calendar, measurement, time, and graphing • Demonstrate one-to-one correspondence

• Resolve conflict appropriately and show respect • Take responsibility for actions and belongings • Respond as a first-time listener • Demonstrate self-control • Participate and cooperate

Character Development • Show concern for others and respond in a kind manner • Complete tasks without boasting or bragging

Science

• Show leadership through acts of service

• Identify nocturnal animals

• Show gratitude and seek forgiveness for mistakes

• Explore seasonal changes in weather and temperature

• Fulfill responsibilities

• Explore changing states of water

• Show respect for others

• Examine characteristics of snow and snowflakes

• Display excellent manners

• Study bugs, fossils, and pond life

One highlight of the year for JK boys is a trip to the science lab to dissect sheep hearts.

Junior Kindergarten The Junior Kindergarten boy is capable of almost nonstop mental and physical gymnastics. His tendency to exaggerate is demonstrated by his joyful response to dance, creative movement, and drama. He learns best through play and needs opportunities to move freely from one activity to another, as much of his learning is transmitted through his large muscles. He loves being read to, acting out stories, building with blocks, and manipulating the objects in his environment.

Building relationships is encouraged, as he works in cooperative groups and begins to recognize and appreciate another’s point of view. His enthusiastic participation in all of life makes for an exciting year of emotional and academic growth.

Language Arts

Science

• Listen to stories and respond to books

• Explore weather patterns and temperature

• Use left to right progression

• Learn to read thermometer

• Name letters in first and last name • Hear and create rhymes

• Make predictions and create theories

• Recognize capital and lowercase letters

• Dissect heart • Study migration and adaptation

• Associate sounds with letters

• Explore life on the farm

• Communicate and speak effectively

• Explore plant life

• Contribute to discussion and express ideas through conversation

• Discover fossils, excavation tools, and learn about paleontology

Math

• Identify solids, liquids, and gasses

• Compare living and nonliving organisms • Make comparisons between items that float and sink

• Count to 50 • Identify numerals 1-20 • Form sets of 0-10 objects • Identify coins—penny, nickel, dime, and quarter • Identify geometric shapes • Demonstrate understanding of measurement concepts • Identify and create a pattern

Social Studies • Learn about communities—rural, urban, and suburban • Study and celebrate national holidays • Study American presidents, monuments, and symbols

• Sort by category

• Learn about the history of Memphis

• Demonstrate understanding of graphing, more, less, and equal

• Broaden global awareness— people, communities, and cultures

• Sequence events using time concepts and tell time to the hour

Motor Development • Hold and use scissors correctly • Demonstrate correct pencil grip and maintain pencil control • Color with increasing maturity and control • Print name using correct capital and lowercase letter formation

Social/Emotional Development • Respond as a first-time listener • Respect peers and authority figures • Take responsibility for belongings • Make transitions well • Participate and cooperate in all activities

SK boys have a great time learning to form words through a number of different games and programs — including writing them in shaving cream!

Senior Kindergarten The Senior Kindergarten boy has entered a time of immense social and academic change. It is a time of great happiness as his learning and play are more imaginative and complex. He seeks opportunities to gain knowledge and thrives when instruction is both structured and exploratory, guided by a clear and predictable schedule. The Senior Kindergarten boy is a problem solver and is eager to embrace opportunities for leadership. Often bound by his senses and guided by what he can see, his enthusiasm for life in the classroom translates into a busy and enthusiastic learner.

Language Arts

Science

• Learn phonics through OrtonGillingham based approach

• Begin understanding of predictions, hypothesis, and outcomes

• Demonstrate mastery of letter/ sound association • Reproduce letters from memory • Demonstrate mastery of alphabetical order • Blend words and develop a sight vocabulary

• Explore nutrition and the body • Investigate how fruits and vegetables grow • Learn about the human body, health, and nutrition

• Demonstrate text comprehension

• Learn about the life cycle by hatching butterflies and chicks

• Demonstrate mastery of long and short vowels

Social Studies

• Construct multiple sentences to reflect thinking • Hear and create rhymes

Math • Create sets up to 20

• Attend a class on global studies • Learn about historical Americans • Investigate and celebrate the history of national holidays • Study our country and our place in it through “Me on the Map”

• Count and write to 100+ • Count by 2s, 5s, and 10s • Count back from 15 • Use cardinal and ordinal numbers • Compare order using fewer, more, and less • Identify coins and related values of penny, nickel, dime, and quarter • Write addition and subtraction number sentences • Identify odd and even numbers • Develop an understanding of measurement • Interpret data using tally charts and pictographs

Motor Development • Demonstrate correct pencil grip • Position letters, words, and numerals correctly on lined paper • Maintain pencil control

Social/Emotional Development • Respect opinions and ideas of peers • Play and work cooperatively • Demonstrate self-control • Take responsibility for belongings • Move toward becoming an independent problem solver

First graders build their reading skills through multisensory activities like this one — creating compound words using Duplo bricks.

First Grade PDS first graders, with or without teeth, are ready to take on the world — or at least the elementary division. Building on a firm early childhood foundation, first graders set out to become confident readers, writers, and mathematicians. Daily small group instruction provides an ideal setting for the boys as they take risks and engage in critical and creative thinking skills. Along the way these curious, wide-eyed wonders grow socially and emotionally in a classroom environment that promotes community and collaboration. These boys aren’t just first graders; they are detectives discovering similarities and differences in the world around them.

Language Arts

Math

• Learn phonics through an OrtonGillingham based approach

• Count forward by 2s, 5s, and 10s and backward by 1s

• Use decoding skills to read with accuracy, fluency, and expression

• Count objects accurately and make reasonable estimates

• Recognize sight words in isolation and in context

• Identify even and odd numbers

• Apply comprehension strategies to gain understanding of text • Begin to self-monitor reading and make connections • Demonstrate understanding of spelling rules and patterns • Identify as an author and participate in Writer’s Workshop • Practice narrative, opinion, and informational writing • Begin to understand sentence structure and parts of speech

Social Studies • Answer the question “What is a city?” through inquiry-based investigation • Identify important places and people in a city • Compare/contrast rural vs. urban living • Understand the importance of laws • Research Memphis history and culture • Identify needs in Memphis and discuss ways to serve others • Understand that children can make a difference in Memphis

• Compare and order whole numbers up to 100 • Identify and understand place value to 100s • Learn addition and subtraction facts to 18 • Add and subtract 2-digit numbers with or without regrouping • Identify fractional parts of a whole • Interpret and solve simple word problems • Measure using nonstandard and standard tools • Recognize, compare, and count coins of various values • Tell and show time to the nearest hour and half-hour • Identify geometric shapes and properties of those shapes • Collect, organize, and interpret data using graphs • Apply math skills to real-life situations

Science • Compare and contrast Earth’s materials and how they affect plants • Identify the states of matter and the properties of each state • Begin to understand the water cycle and how each step works together • Identify simple machines and demonstrate how they are used

Science comes to life in second grade. Boys apply their knowledge of animals while playing Zoolandia, a game designed to simulate real-world problems and push students to think critically and creatively to solve the issues.

Second Grade Second graders are feeling confident as they transition to upstairs classrooms for the first time. With expanding vocabularies and strengthened reading skills, second-grade boys begin “reading to learn” rather than “learning to read.” Boys begin to understand the importance of picking a “just right” book, and independent reading time becomes a treasure. Small group instruction provides a strong backbone, as these boys solidify reading, writing, and math skills.

Making connections with the world around them, second-grade boys explore new roles as U.S. presidents, authors, zookeepers, and even worm salesmen.

Language Arts

Math

• Demonstrate understanding of decoding and word recognition skills when reading a variety of texts both silently and orally

• Understand place value concepts through the 1000s place

• Begin to self-monitor and apply comprehension strategies while reading independently • Identify story elements • Explore different genres of literature • Use the writing process to compose grade-appropriate narrative, informational, and opinion writing samples during Writer’s Workshop • Author a grade-appropriate book with developed characters, plot, and setting • Apply appropriate vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and grammar skills effectively • Begin to understand parts of speech and their roles in a sentence • Identify the types and parts of sentences

• Memorize and quickly retrieve addition and subtraction facts to 18 • Add and subtract whole numbers to 1000 with and without regrouping • Solve expressions with missing addends or subtrahends • Divide regions into fractional parts and add or subtract fractions with like denominators • Understand and model repeated addition (multiplication) and equal shares (division) • Multiply and divide with 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 • Tell time to the minute • Identify, describe, and create 2-D and 3-D shapes • Count money amounts above $1.00 and make change up to $1.00 • Use measurement tools to investigate length and weight

Social Studies

• Collect, organize, and interpret data using graphs

• Explore the state of Tennessee as a historian, geographer, and citizen

Science

• Identify and discuss ways in which students are connected to Tennessee communities of the past, present, and future

• Classify living and nonliving things

• Discover the global connections that exist through imported and exported products of Tennessee

• Recognize ways animals adapt to the environment

• Begin to understand the requirements and responsibilities of both a U.S. president and U.S. citizen • Deliver a two-minute speech based on research about a U.S. president • Discover and understand the significance of national landmarks and symbols

• Identify basic needs of all animals • Identify environmental conditions required for plants’ growth

• Identify the five groups of vertebrates and classify animals based on traits • Begin to understand why animals become extinct or endangered • Identify the parts of a plant or seed and explain their purposes • Understand how living things are connected to one another and the environment

Third graders love to cheer on their friends and encourage them to reach a little higher on the climbing wall.

Third Grade Third graders are called upon to dig deep within themselves to connect learning in new and abstract ways. All year long, thirdgrade boys explore various systems and how parts come together to create interconnecting networks. These eight- and nine-year olds are becoming more responsible, learning to manage time and organizational skills, and trying to navigate peer relationships independently. It’s not all serious business, though, as third graders understand language in a new way and become master joke tellers.

The pinnacle of understanding systems is reached at the Father/Son Kickball Game. Watch out for the fierce competition!

Language Arts

Math

• Read grade-appropriate passages independently with fluency and expression

• Understand, memorize, and apply multiplication and division facts to 12

• Deepen understanding of texts by applying self-monitoring and comprehension strategies while reading independently in Reader’s Workshop • Begin to identify the author’s purpose in a reading selection • Understand and apply new vocabulary

• Identify and understand place value to the millions • Read, write, compare, and order numbers to the millions • Process and solve word problems • Understand, read, and write decimals to the hundredths place • Identify and write fractional parts of shaded regions of objects

• Use the writing process to compose grade-appropriate narrative, informational, and opinion writing samples during Writer’s Workshop

• Identify and draw line segments, rays, and angles

• Use grade-appropriate paragraph structure, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and word usage to effectively complete a variety of writing tasks

• Understand and explain how numbers operate as a system

• Identify and create parallel, nonparallel, and intersecting lines • Determine area and perimeter

• Extend, describe, and create numeric patterns

• Apply understanding of types of sentences in student-generated writing samples

• Read, write, and explain number sentences using a variety of mathematical concepts

• Identify parts of speech (noun, pronoun, adjective, and verb) and apply understanding in studentgenerated writing samples

• Use charts, tables, bar graphs, pie graphs, and line plots to ask questions and draw conclusions

Science Social Studies • Understand that geography helps us to understand the world through place and location • Understand and explain how the world and the United States both operate as systems • Identify and locate continents, oceans, and all 50 states by regions • Identify and use cardinal directions • Apply map skills to understand the world in which we live

• Understand and explain how the solar system and its components operate as a system • Compare and contrast characteristics of planets • Understand how the human body operates as a system • Identify the major body systems, organs, and functions • Understand and use the scientific method to conduct experiments, make observations, and draw conclusions

Fourth graders have a blast learning math by digging deep into the statistics of Memphis Grizzlies players.

Fourth Grade In fourth grade, new opportunities abound, and the world seems to be expanding all around. These boys are eager to take laptops home for the first time and switch classes. Fourth graders have a growing sense of self and are also increasingly aware of others. As a result, collaborative learning is more productive than ever, and boys begin to understand that over time collaboration leads to innovation and change in our world. Fourth graders are passionate. Whether taking mad-minute tests or cheering for the Memphis Grizzlies, fourth-grade boys put forth intense effort.

Language Arts • Engage in Reader’s Workshop and apply comprehension strategies to heighten conference discussions with peers and teachers

• Identify figurative language

• Understand that story elements provide structure to reading and writing

• Communicate in writing using knowledge of parts of speech (prepositions, pronouns, verbs,

• Begin to apply metacognition marks and self-monitor comprehension while reading

adverbs, conjunctions, and interjections) • Identify complete subjects and predicates • Become familiar with dependent and independent clauses • Use the writing process to compose narrative, informational, and opinion writing samples during Writer’s Workshop • Use grade-appropriate paragraph structure, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and word usage to effectively complete a variety of writing tasks

Social Studies • Understand that advancements in civilizations lead to change • Research ways that ancient, modern, and medical innovations have impacted society • Discuss how innovations were conceived, were used, and have improved over time • Identify and explain the connections between geography and innovations • Explore how culture and innovations are connected in a civilization • Determine ways in which innovations cause a civilization to flourish

• Identify prime and composite numbers and understand their role in multiplication • Understand, memorize, and apply proper divisibility rules • Multiply multi-digit whole numbers, decimals, and fractions • Divide whole numbers, decimals, and fractions using single- and double-digit divisors • Identify properties of polygons • Identify points, lines, line segments, rays, angles, and their symbols • Determine area and perimeter of squares, rectangles, and circles • Demonstrate an understanding of patterns, relationships, and elementary algebraic representations • Identify mean, median, mode, and range in a set of data

Science • Identify plants and animals as living organisms • Identify parts and observe functions of plants and flowers • Recognize characteristics of invertebrate phyla • Classify invertebrates • Understand the difference between static and current electricity

Math

• Test, repair, draw, and construct circuits from diagrams

• Read, write, identify, order, and compare whole numbers, decimals, and fractions

• Construct circuits in which the batteries are connected in series and parallel fashion

• Round whole numbers and decimals

• Construct a switch and place it in a circuit

• Add and subtract whole numbers, decimals, and fractions • Identify factors, multiples, and exponents as they relate to multiplication

The opportunities for fifth graders expand critically and creatively as they explore some advance ideas in art, design thinking, and more.

Fifth Grade Fifth grade is a year of stepping outside one’s own perspective and viewing topics through different lenses. Students have the opportunity to investigate ruptured relationships that have existed throughout American history since the settlement of Paleo-Indians. With an opportunity to delve deeply into culture, fifth graders learn that they are not only historians, but they also have the opportunity and responsibility to make a positive, personal history. Practicing wearing others’ shoes, our fifth-grade boys spend time reading memoirs and writing their own. Fifth grade is a great time to try something new.

Many fifth graders choose to do just that by joining the PDS Band or participating on the Lego Robotics team.

Language Arts • Appreciate and respond to literature during Reader’s Workshop • Integrate comprehension strategies while reading to gain understanding of text

• Understand literary elements as conventions in reading and writing • Apply metacognitive skills while reading • Examine word choice to develop accuracy and precision of language

• Complete analogies and state their relationships • Use figurative language to gain understanding while reading • Apply the six traits of writing to all Writer’s Workshop narrative, informational, and opinion texts • Use MLA format to write an evaluative, research-based essay on topic of choice • Analyze sentence structure and edit writing samples for proper use of parts of speech, phrases, subject-verb agreement, clauses, mechanics, and spelling rules

Math • Perform calculations with multidigit whole numbers, fractions, and decimals • Process and solve word problems using all operations • Explain prime and composite numbers • Convert fractions to percents and percents to fractions • Convert fractions to ratios • Explore geometric properties and relationships of lines, angles, polygons, and circles • Discover different types of angles, polygons, and triangles • Use formulas to find area, perimeter, volume, circumference, and diameter

Social Studies • Survey and examine events in U.S. history from pre-contact America through the Civil War • Make connections from the past to the present and possibly the future • Read for understanding and summarize historical events • Conduct internet research • Determine main ideas and worthy conclusions within texts and take informative notes • State a claim and support it with historical data • Apply understanding of vocabulary and sentence structure to write an essay featuring content and opinions of American history • Use critical and creative-thinking skills to write a reflection on historical topics

Science • Observe, investigate, and describe Newton’s Laws of Motion • Understand the impact of friction on a moving object • Relate potential energy to kinetic energy • Describe the action and reaction forces involved in motion • Discover and demonstrate the properties of air

• Demonstrate an understanding of elementary algebraic patterns and relationships

• Build and launch parachutes; observe how the shape and size of parachutes affect flight

• Construct various graphs to communicate data appropriately

• Investigate and construct model airplanes

• Analyze data using basic statistical terms

• Relate an increase in power to an increase in thrust • Build a model rocket complete with internal fuel source • Observe how air pressure provides thrust needed to launch a spacecraft into orbit

Sixth graders, as the leaders of the school, engage with early childhood students as mentors.

Sixth Grade Sixth grade is the year that every PDS boy has waited for — to be the king of the castle. Now the oldest students, sixth-grade boys are called to synthesize all of their experiences and emerge as the leaders of the school. Giving speeches, acting as tour guides, and serving as buddies to our younger students are all ways our sixth graders lead by example.

Beyond leadership, our sixth-grade boys are focused on learning how to be a godly man. Taking time away from school to attend mentor retreats at Victory Ranch and attending the annual St. Louis trip are highlights of the sixth-grade year. The sixth-grade boys are able to choose elective courses based on their personal interests. While the courses vary year to year, cooking, woodshop, Model UN, and ceramics always seem to be favorites. PDS sixth graders graduate with a great sense of accomplishment knowing they are well-prepared for whatever academic or personal challenge comes their way.

Language Arts • Appreciate and respond to literature during Reader’s Workshop • Integrate comprehension strategies while reading to gain understanding of text • Analyze and apply literary elements and techniques • Apply metacognitive skills while reading independently • Apply the six traits of writing to all written texts

• Use the writing process effectively to write an organized story narrative, expository paper, MLAformatted literary essay, and personal speech • Rehearse and deliver a speech focusing on voice control and stage presence • Identify the eight parts of speech, understand their functions, and use them effectively when writing

• Analyze sentence structure and edit writing samples for proper use of clauses, complements, prepositional and verbal phrases • Examine word choice to develop accuracy and precision of language • Complete analogies and state their relationships

• Explore history through controversial concepts such as Isolationism vs. Expansionism, Neutrality vs. Involvement, Cold War vs. Hot War, and Values and Morals vs. Violence and Terrorism • Read for understanding and summarize historical events • Conduct internet research

Math

• Determine main ideas and worthy conclusions within texts and take informative notes

• Solve operations with decimals, fractions, percentages, and integers

• State a claim and support it with historical data

• Compute using order of operations

• Apply understanding of vocabulary and sentence structure to write an essay featuring content and opinions of American history

• Identify perfect squares and their roots and estimate the root of nonperfect squares

• Use critical and creative-thinking skills to write a reflection on historical topics

• Identify rational and irrational numbers

Science

• Convert fractions, decimals, and percentages

• Understand and solve ratios, rates, and proportions • Differentiate between algebraic expressions and equations • Solve 1-step and 2-step equations and 1-step inequalities • Interpret the slope of a line • Investigate geometric concepts such as Pythagorean Theorem, planes, transformations, angles, figures, and polygons • Understand the Metric measurement system and use formulas to find perimeter, area, circumference, and volume • Collect data and use dataanalysis skills to relate data to real-life situations

• Explore chemistry by studying the characteristics of matter, atomic structure, the periodic table, and formation of compounds • Balance chemical equations • Recognize the difference between an acid and a base • Understand that cells are the smallest structural unit of plants and animals • Observe that most cells share similar structures and have organelles that perform important functions within the cell • Identify the parts of the cell • Understand the role genetics plays in determining personal features

Social Studies

• Identify the components of a DNA molecule

• Investigate diplomatic relationships with countries today

• Compare characteristics of personal features

• Make connections from the past to the present and possibly the future

• Correctly complete a Punnett Square

Design Thinking How might we push boys to new heights of thinking? Send them to the EDGE! In the EDGE Design Thinking Studio, boys use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to generate usable solutions to real problems, issues, or dilemmas. At PDS, we have a deep desire for our boys to become capable contributors to the world’s needs. Using our customized design thinking framework, PDS boys become need-finders and collaborate together to create products, services, experiences, or systems that fit the end-user’s needs. We call our framework EDGE and use each letter to guide the design process.

Explore the Problem Students determine a problem that needs attention. The need could be that of students at PDS or a large scale global issue.

Develop Empathy Developing empathy is critical to understanding the human elements of a problem and a good solution. The empathy stage helps students find a connection between the need at hand and their own experiences.

Grow Your Ideas Students use creativity, ingenuity, inference, and collaboration skills to generate ideas for solutions. Special emphasis is placed on students understanding that “wild ideas are okay” and that they are a valuable part of the idea growth phase. One wild idea could be the opening pathway to a perfect solution.

Evaluate Prototypes Prototypes may be grand three-dimensional objects or a simple sketch, experience, or service. Regardless of the size or structure, students spend time evaluating their own work. They look critically at the prototype and ask, “Is this the best that we can do?” Reflection is a key component of the design process and a necessary step in reaching the ultimate goal of a meaningful solution.

Physical Education Boys need to move. A lot. PDS coaches are more than happy to meet that need by providing ample opportunities to exercise and enhance strength.

Introducing boys to physical education exercises, sports, and recreational games not only improves basic gross motor skills, but also promotes a foundation of overall health and fitness. Fun games such as Dodgeball, Flag Tag, and Alligator Charge are chosen by the coaches to focus on building strength, speed, flexibility, agility, and endurance.

As boys age, it is important that they develop an understanding of sportsmanship and teamwork. Given various opportunities to play team sports such as football, basketball, and soccer, the boys learn the rules of each game. The most important lesson, however, is that a solid effort and positive attitude are fundamental to any team sport.

In the Lifetime Fitness Room, boys are challenged to continuously improve their physical condition by strapping on harnesses and helmets and scaling the rock wall. Each time a boy attempts to ascend the wall, he is cheered on by classmates eagerly awaiting their turn. This camaraderie is often what encourages a boy to reach a little higher or hang in there a little longer.

PDS coaches work to ensure that boys graduate with an overall lifetime fitness mindset. By teaching skills that transfer to physical activity outside of PE, the boys will enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle beyond the walls of PDS.

Building Boys, Making Men.

Sixth-grade boys meet in mentor groups every week, learning to understand the Seven Virtues of Manhood.

Guiding the Journey to Manhood When a boy graduates from PDS, it is our goal that he has a clear definition of what it means to be a Christ-like man in the 21st century. The training and lessons a boy receives during his formative years at PDS will have an impact not only on his character but also on the choices he makes in middle school, high school, and beyond. As a school, we care deeply about our boys’ character and their choices long after they have left our hallways and classrooms.

Shaping our program are seven virtues of manhood — a synthesis of Christ’s wisdom and Biblical truth. Boys begin learning about these virtues and truths early in their PDS careers by attending chapel and Bible classes; weekly grade-level meetings and class devotions also reflect the virtues and allow teachers to purposefully connect student behavior in positive ways. As boys mature to fifth and sixth graders, they attend seminar classes, meet weekly in mentor groups, and retreat once a year with gradelevel peers. Sixth-grade boys also participate in a special class designed specifically to answer the question, "What does it mean to be a godly man?" During this class, sixth-grade boys are able to discuss and digest tough topics that they will face in coming years.

Our prayer is that PDS boys will not just remember the Seven Virtues of Manhood, but draw upon and apply them both at PDS and beyond.

The Seven Virtues of Manhood

TRUE FRIEND

HUMBLE HERO

SERVANT LEADER

PACESETTER

VIRTUE

VIRTUE

VIRTUE

VIRTUE

1

2

4

3

BOLD ADVENTURER

NOBLE KNIGHT

FAITHFUL FOLLOWER

VIRTUE

VIRTUE

VIRTUE

5

6

7

Bible PDS boys learn very early through Old and New Testament scripture that God has a great story to tell. Whether putting on a puppet show, singing songs, or focused in learning centers, the early childhood students are introduced to Bible people and places in fun and active ways. As the boys grow older, they learn to read from their Bibles and engage in discussions about what they have read. All beliefs are heard and respected in Bible class, and students are encouraged to apply the teachings of Jesus to their lives.

Throughout early childhood and the younger elementary years, PDS boys attend Bible class weekly. Beginning in fourth grade, boys participate in Bible class every other day. By the end of sixth grade, the goal is that every boy can identify and explain all the major characters and storylines from Genesis through Revelation, with an emphasis on the “Big Picture” of God’s work through redemptive history shared throughout the Bible. The Seven Virtues of Manhood are woven throughout the curriculum to help students apply biblical principles to their lives.

Technology At PDS, technology is seamlessly integrated into the classroom to support and enhance student learning. With technology, students are given a choice in how they demonstrate and apply their knowledge. As educators we ask, “Can technology enhance the learning in some way?� If it can't, then technology would just be used for technology’s sake. But if the learning can take on more relevance and meaning with technology and lead to real-world tasks, then various forms of technology are available at the moment so that students can build a deeper understanding of content. That is seamless integration.

In 2001, we were among the first elementary schools in the nation to launch a 1:1 laptop program. Today, every boy in senior kindergarten through sixth grade has a laptop.

Nine carts of iPads are also available for student use. Laptops, iPads, and iPods - in centers and individually are available for the younger students.

During a boy's years at PDS, a boy will come to understand what it means to be a citizen in a digital world. Topics such as internet safety, digital footprints, creative credit, and copyright infringement are just a few of the lessons discussed with boys through grade-level seminars.

Robotics is always a popular class at PDS. Boys use their coding skills to program robots to carry out specific tasks.

Coding and Robotics We believe it is important to prepare our students for a future workplace — one that most likely requires problem solving, project design, and exceptional communication skills. For this reason, boys in first through fifth grade spend time each year participating in a coding class. Boys learn the programming concepts of sequencing, loops, conditionals, functions, and variables. Most importantly, boys see themselves as creators and designers of interactive stories, games, animations, and simulations. All this work isn’t easy; coding helps develop perseverance, a great quality which can lead to future success.

PDS sixth graders take their coding skills and actively apply them in robotics class. This highly engaging class asks the boys to build a robot from a Lego set and program it to complete various tasks. It doesn’t take long for the boys to realize that even the simplest task requires the integration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. But, the boys don’t view this as work; they enthusiastically partake in this multimodal curriculum.

Creative and imaginative... artists.

Starting in fifth grade, boys have the opportunity to join the band.

Visual Arts A quick peek into the art studio will reveal imaginations running wild. Can insects wear tennis shoes? Why not?

What happens if paint colors mix? Let’s try it. Boys in senior kindergarten through sixth grade will discover that imagination is the most powerful tool they can develop as they work to express themselves artistically. While exploring various tools, processes, and media, boys embrace their sense of wonder and coordinate their hands and mind to produce visual works of art.

The visual arts curriculum exposes students to elements of art (e.g., color, line, and shape) and principles of design (e.g., pattern, movement, and proportion) in artworks and in the surrounding environment. Through these activities, PDS boys develop essential knowledge and skills which empower them to apply their learning and create their own masterpieces.

Vocal Music From “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to the “Star-Spangled Banner,” PDS boys love to sing and share music with others. Early Childhood students begin to develop an appreciation for music as an art form in their Music and Movement class. They explore ways to move their bodies in response to sounds and rhythm. These early childhood boys learn ways to focus their attention and demonstrate self-control in response to verbal cues — a very important task for success in school!

As boys enter the elementary division, opportunities to participate in both group and solo singing emerge.

With goals to match pitch and sing “in-tune” with others, boys continue to enjoy musical experiences through songs, games, and stories. Every year, students learn to respond appropriately to the cues of a conductor and develop confidence in their ability to perform in front of large audiences. Students become familiar with musical terms and theory while also developing an appreciation for various genres of music. A favorite activity is learning to play ostinatos (repeated patterns) on unpitched instruments such as buckets and body parts!

Global Education Our framework for global education at PDS is based on the belief that God has created our world and everything in it. We have a responsibility to care for the earth and its resources. It is our desire for PDS boys to become globally competent citizens— feeling empowered to investigate the world around them and willing to communicate with a diverse audience about issues of global significance.

The PDS curriculum is centered on teaching for understanding and is aligned with the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that are required to be citizens in the diverse, dynamic global world of the 21st century.

PDS teachers intentionally weave grade appropriate global content and competencies into all subject areas. Cross-curricularly, students are encouraged to think deeply about global issues and seek solutions to real world problems.

Throughout their years at PDS, students are encouraged to “see a need and meet that need”. As the future leaders of not just Memphis, but the global community, it is our hope to develop during these early years the boys’ desire and disposition to become godly men who take action ethically, critically, and creatively.

World Language The World Language program at PDS initially exposes our boys to both Mandarin and Spanish during the early childhood years. Through meaningful, enthusiastic instruction, boys learn to appreciate both languages and their cultures. Beginning in first grade, parents choose a language path for their son based on his desire for continued language study. Knowing that a second language must be acquired, world language classes are presented in the target language a majority of the time, and activities in class are based around vocabulary acquisition, through the recycling of words used in a variety of contexts.

All Mandarin and Spanish classes are designed to encourage students’ thinking about the following essential questions: • How can the study of Mandarin or Spanish help me investigate the world in a new way?

• How can Mandarin or Spanish help me recognize perspectives and show me how my view of the world is similar to and different from others?

• How can I communicate ideas in Mandarin or Spanish to others around the world?

• How can developing skills in Mandarin or Spanish help me take action to improve conditions in the world?

All language instruction at PDS is centered upon the National Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century, set forth by the American Council for Teaching of Foreign Language. Widely known as the “Five Cs,” these standards overlap with our essential questions by asking students to communicate in “real-life” situations, understand culture, connect language with other subject areas, compare languages and culture, and extend learning to outside communities.

Still have questions?

Apply For more questions about applying to PDS or the application process, please visit pdsmemphis.org/apply or contact Rachel Bishop, Director of Admission.

Call: 901-842-4695 Email: rbishop@pdsmemphis.org Apply: pdsmemphis.org/apply

Financial Aid For more information about financing a PDS education, please visit pdsmemphis.org/aid or contact Rachel Bishop, Director of Admission.

Call: 901-842-4695 Email: rbishop@pdsmemphis.org Apply: pdsmemphis.org/aid

4025 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN 38111 901-842-4600 info@pdsmemphis.org pds.school

PDS does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious affiliation, color, national or ethnic origin, and physical handicap/disability in any of its admission policies and practices.