Lower School: Grade Overviews
Prekindergarten
The Prekindergarten program is carefully integrated into the Lower School. For a child to be successful in school, the transition from home to classroom is critical. The love and warmth of home should be a primary part of the first educational experience. The MPH Prekindergarten program is housed in the new Laurie Mezzalingua Center for Early Learning, a light, airy, and cheerful environment that has been equipped with developmentally appropriate equipment to encourage independence and self-help skills. 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 others, students begin to become resourceful problem solvers and learn to persevere with the challenges presented them. Helping students develop confidence as learners and self-esteem as people are important goals in the Second Grade classroom. We challenge students to begin to respect diversity through learning about others within an academic setting and also within the social structure of the classroom. Inquisitiveness, curiosity and a passion for making new discoveries are valued traits in Second Grade.
Third/Fourth Grade Blend
The third and fourth grade environment provided at MPH is truly unique. The Blend is facilitated by a team of passionate teachers who embrace the many philosophies of experiential learning. Students quickly realize that learning in the Blend is an exciting and edifying adventure. Students participate in all aspects of their learning process and contribute to the nature and direction of subject matter. It is a core belief in the Blend that the intellectual process must be mixed with enthusiasm, curiosity and imagination. Students learn through hands on activities as they create exploratory project plans, share writing accomplishments, subsume literature and manipulate multi-media technology. The Corner Stage Share is a regular time for students to share and discuss classroom community concerns, brainstorm workable solutions for challenging issues, make announcements, and present daily learning and weekly performances. The Blend is truly a place where students develop the balance of a healthy mind, body and spirit.
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.
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