First Grade At a Glance Below are a few of the exciting experiences that await your first-grader in Langley’s Lower School: • STEAM classes that continue to develop skills in collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication • Combined first- and second-grade musical that builds confidence and stage presence The Langley School’s Arc of Development recognizes that the steepest part of a child’s development comes early, and that while every child’s path is unique, there are predictable cognitive, emotional, and social milestones. With this model, our students receive age-appropriate, inquiry-based instruction.
• Buddy program with fifth-graders that fosters friendships across grade levels • Lower School service learning projects that promote a greater awareness of the world • Field Day and weekly Lower School assemblies that build community and foster teamwork with older students
Learning in Action “As part of Reader’s Theater, students choose scripts and practice how to bring a story to life by reading fluently. They learn the aspects of fluency, including accuracy, speed, attention to punctuation, and expression. After practicing, students enthusiastically and confidently perform their Reader’s Theater plays as their fellow first-graders cheer them on!” -Grade 1 Teacher “As they reflect on their work using audio recordings on iPads throughout the year, first-graders discover that background noise can interfere. While studying sound waves and amplification, students create recording booths and test the effectiveness of their design at reducing noise.” -STEAM Teacher “First-graders take an imaginary trip to the tropical rainforest of ‘El Yunque’ in Puerto Rico where they immerse themselves in the Spanish language as tourists. They ask and answer questions about what they hear, see, and do. Using a variety of resources, they speak and listen through paired practice, small group work, and role plays, developing communication skills and cultural awareness.” -Spanish Teacher