Lower School Curriculum
In classrooms across campus, Canterbury's lower school curriculum comes alive in the hands of experienced teachers who use both innovative and traditional methods to foster creative and critical thinking, as well as a life-long joy of learning. Canterbury's curriculum is designed to develop the whole child academically, physically, spiritually, and socially.
Art:
Lower school art classes empower students to be art-makers by developing specific skills in drawing and a variety of other media. Students learn the elements and principles of design and are exposed to the work of artists throughout history. Each student develops a portfolio that is shared with parents in a student-led conference at the end of the year.
Foreign Language
Students in grades PreK-4 learn Spanish through concrete, everyday experiences that develop listening comprehension, as well as speaking, reading, and writing skills. Classes are conducted primarily in Spanish. The study of Spanish-speaking culture and its similarities to American culture is an essential component of the program.
Math
The lower school uses Math in Focus: Singapore Math, a program developed in Singapore in the 1980s that is based on behavioral science and focused on problem solving rather than rote learning. Teachers present concepts in detail in three steps: concrete, pictorial, and abstract. Students begin learning a concept using concrete, hand-on materials, like blocks or balls. Next, students draw or look at pictorial representations of a concept such a bar graph or place value chart. Problem solving allows students to apply math knowledge to abstract concepts, making them more flexible math learners.
Music
Students in kindergarten through 2nd grade develop their musical abilities through singing, playing instruments, creating, moving, guided listening, and other experiential involvement. They learn about melody, rhythm, harmony, texture, tempo, dynamics, timbre, and form. In 3rd and 4th grades, playing instruments, singing, composing, improvising, and listening are supported by discussion and reflection to enhance musical understanding.
PE and Health
Canterbury's lower school physical education and health programs are designed to help students acquire a life-long commitment to health and fitness. Classes focus on developing specific motor skills, decision-making skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, physical fitness, and knowledge of the determinants of health. Good sportsmanship and fair play are priorities.
Reading and Language Arts
We are currently working on revamping and updating this section of the website. Please refer questions to Lower School Director Hunter Smothers: smothersh@canterburygso.org.
Science
Students are actively involved in asking questions about the world around them and designing meaningful and engaging experiments and investigations. Lessons focus on life and physical science in grades K-3 and motion and environmental studies in 4th grade. Each grade has fun with engineering and robotics.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum prepares students to become responsible citizens. Students develop knowledge and skills in history, geography, economics, government, and culture. Content moves from the familiarity of self, family, school, and home in the early grades, to the community, state, and country in later grades. Students expand their global awareness by studying other cultures throughout their lower school years.
Spiritual Development
Spiritual development classes support the students’ faith development beginning with their families and in their faith communities. Students learn the basic stories of scripture and are encouraged to engage in discussions and in written and artistic activities that will help them understand God's presence in history and their own lives.
Technology
Technology is fully integrated into the learning experience and used in activities that require students to think, analyze, and create. Beginning in PreK, students use iPads in learning stations for reading, math, and problem-solving. 1st through 3rd graders have 1:1 access to iPads, and 4th graders graduate to using Chromebook laptops at school. Teachers employ interactive SMART boards throughout the day. Keyboarding is taught beginning in second grade.