Lower School: Grade Overviews

View the 2007-2008 Lower School Curriculum Guide

Prekindergarten

This program is carefully integrated into the Lower School and offers four- and five-year old children the warm and caring setting that should be part of a child's first educational experience. The MPH Pre-K is housed in an airy, home-like atmosphere with developmentally appropriate equipment to encourage independence and self-help skills. Recognizing that children at this age are active learners, we give them freedom to explore numerous materials using their own ideas. Ongoing observation by the teachers ensures that appropriate activities are planned to challenge each individual child in all areas. Respect and caring for all is a central theme.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten is a place for children to blossom and grow both socially and academically, where they learn how to be productive members of the class while maintaining their individuality. Developmentally appropriate activities enrich the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth of each child. Free play, art, and singing are as important as learning the ABC's and 1-2-3's. Self-confidence and self-esteem are strengthened in a nurturing environment where children can discover, explore, and grow.

First Grade

First Graders begin their journey toward academic achievement and excellence by increasing their fluency in written and spoken language and by developing good study habits. The positive self-image developed in Kindergarten is nurtured, as is each child's eagerness to learn.

Students participate in integrated units of study intended to stimulate their curiosities and interests. Strong relationships with peers and teachers are encouraged through positive interactions that also foster a sense of community with the entire school.

Second Grade

Second Grade provides a challenging and flexible curriculum with a view to meeting the individual needs of students. Learning to work independently and cooperatively with partners, in groups, and with the whole class, they start to become resourceful and to persevere with the challenges the teachers present them. Developing confidence and self-esteem continue to be important goals. Students are encouraged to grow socially by learning to respect diversity and become socially responsible citizens. Their appreciation for the rights and needs of others develops through the recognition of their own rights and needs.

Third/Fourth Grade Blend

During a two-year journey in the 3/4 Blend classrooms, students get ready to take off with newfound independence. Guided by a team of teachers who support and build on the individual strengths of each child, students discover the powerful excitement of being in the pilot's seat. They learn by doing as they complete projects, collaborate in research, share writing accomplishments, and explore multi-media technology.

Family Meeting is a regular time for students to share and discuss classroom community concerns and brainstorm workable solutions for challenging issues. Opportunities for public speaking are provided through Poet of the Day, news, Lower School assembly shares, and a yearly Long Term Research (LTR) presentation in which students teach other students about a topic of their own choosing. Students are challenged with high expectations and provided with structured steps to help attain them.

Fifth Grade

Fifth Grade is the culmination year in the Lower School and is also a transitional year leading into Middle School. Students are taught the academic and technological skills that allow them to inquire, research, and present findings through various multimedia applications. The academic challenges, both independent and cooperative, are diverse. The goal is to create not only good students, but students who take charge of their learning. When students complete Lower School they are respected as responsible leaders in a variety of functions. Whether acting as Table Heads during lunch or closing weekly assemblies, they meet their responsibilities with great pride and success.