Academics

Lower School

Overview

Lower School is part of the 13-year sequence offering a college preparatory education to students. Our well-rounded program includes skills, strategies, and enriched academics while fostering aesthetic appreciation, moral values, physical development, and sound emotional growth.

Lower School recognizes students as individuals with specific strengths and needs and views learning as taking place on a continuum. Student capabilities, interests, and current knowledge are foundations from which to begin inquiry. Continuous opportunities for student reflection and self-evaluation provide the basis for meaningful applications of learning. Lower School endeavors to create and maintain a community that encourages student ownership of the learning process and strives to develop a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.

 
 
 

The Lower School Curriculum

Curriculum is defined as what we teach and how we teach it. With our firm mission, wonderful resources, talented faculty, and high academic standards, we review our objectives and methods continually. This allows us to make thoughtful curricular decisions to improve the quality of our programs. It is our goal that the program provides opportunities for high academic engagement where students are motivated to think independently, apply information, and synthesize ideas. Teachers work to set up classrooms as communities of learning which nurture inquiry and creativity as well as create a climate of safety where students feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. The curriculum is designed to engage students in challenging enterprises, building their self-confidence and promoting habits of good citizenship while making lifelong friends. In Kindergarten through Class Three, students spend the majority of the school day with their classroom teacher. They receive instruction in language arts, math, and social studies in this homeroom group.

Beginning in Class Four, language arts/social studies, science, and math are taught by content teachers. Specialists in Kindergarten through Class Five teach art, computer, library, music, physical education, science, and Spanish. All students participate in various reading and math enrichment activities. Instructional specialists provide these opportunities and offer additional support in math and reading. Since students need strong bodies to fuel strong minds, all Lower School students have a daily recess period in addition to daily physical education classes. Recess is viewed as an opportunity for instruction, a time for children to practice interaction with peers when adults are present but not actively involved.

Course Descriptions

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  • Language Arts

    Reading, writing, speaking, and listening remain the cornerstones of elementary instruction. Our language arts curriculum combines the best approaches to provide a stimulating learning environment and a balanced, comprehensive literacy program. Our child‐centered philosophy takes into account that young children learn globally. Children learn to read and write by reading, by being read to, and by writing. These activities are used to transfer a child’s developed knowledge of the oral language arts (speaking and listening) to the developing written language arts (reading and writing). In the early grades, all students engage in explicit instruction in phonics. Phonetic elements are taught in the context of a reading selection, in the writing of a story, and in word study. Reading instruction in Classes K and 1 is individualized, matching reading material to the student’s instructional level. Teachers work one-on-one with students to build their reading skills. A full-time reading specialist assists faculty and students directly on an individual and small-group basis. The program transitions from this individualized format to small literature groups as the students progress from learning to read to reading to learn. In the intermediate grades, popular and classic novels are used as the basis of the reading program and provide a springboard for writing. Writing serves as a foundation for much of the thinking and learning that our students do. Our students write in all content areas and for a variety of purposes. They follow the process that real authors follow: pre‐writing, writing, revising, editing, and publishing. Students view themselves as authors as they share their ideas, stories, and facts in written and oral form. Steeped in a print-rich environment, our students develop a love of literature and reading, and a desire to write. Opportunities for developing public speaking are built into each grade level. Speaking and performing experiences are integrated throughout academic and fine arts classes. The repetitive nature of these opportunities creates students who are able to speak with poise and confidence at the conclusion of their Lower School years.

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  • Math

    We strive to develop mathematical strengths within each of our students through a spiraling curriculum that uses an active, hands‐on approach. Concrete experiences and materials provide the foundation for understanding concepts and constructing meaning. Students are encouraged to see mathematics in their own personal life experiences. Problem solving permeates the curriculum and provides contexts in which concepts and skills are learned and applied. Communicating mathematical reasoning is integrated throughout the math curriculum as students discuss their strategies and record their findings in logs and journals. We place a strong emphasis on computation to facilitate the ability to carry out mathematical reasoning fluently. The math curriculum integrates best practices from of variety of sources and focuses on building a student’s depth of conceptual understanding and application of this knowledge.

    St. John’s students are good problem solvers who love to be challenged. Students learn how to reason, make sense, and construct strategies built on numerical concepts and relationships. The Lower School math/science coordinator works closely with teachers to create opportunities for students to develop strong number sense skills, as well as apply their knowledge in creative,  extended exercises and activities. Not only do math exploration activities challenge students and deepen their learning, they also reinforce positive attitudes about mathematics.

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  • Social Studies

    The social studies curriculum supports the goal of preparing students to participate effectively in our community and the larger world. Literature and social studies content frequently interweave to create rich connections in a student’s understanding. Our Kindergarten through Class Four program focuses on cultivating a strong knowledge base of American cultural heritage. Units of study gradually extend from self, family, and school community to a focus on the greater Houston area. Students focus on the impact of significant individuals, their character strengths, and contributions to the state and nation. Beginning in Class Three, students learn about regions of the United States. Class Four students study the founding of our nation from European exploration to the framing of the United States Constitution. In Class Five, students study ancient civilizations. The social studies program uses a variety informational texts to teach nonfiction reading strategies and research skills.

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  • Science

    Young children are naturally excited and curious about their world and eager to explore it. The science program captures and extends this enthusiasm by providing opportunities to experience the world through a hands‐on, activity‐based approach. Thinking skills for investigating, solving problems, making decisions, and learning scientific procedures make up the program as students develop an understanding of the nature, limits, and possibilities of science and technology. Process and content are emphasized as students become scientifically literate through the inquiry‐based, constructivist approach. Three science labs provide enriching, engaging environments for young scientists to explore. A K-3 science specialist works with students three times a rotation cycle. In Classes Four and Five, science becomes a core subject within our departmentalized framework. Class Four and Five science teachers extend students’ understanding of the scientific process and use technology to support data analysis. Units of study include content from physical, earth, and life sciences, as well as an introduction to engineering.

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  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

    Lower School is dedicated to providing pathways to fulfill the St. John’s mission to “develop the whole person in preparation for a lifetime of personal fulfillment and contribution to society.” SEL is the process through which children acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. We believe that a systematic framework for SEL programming is an essential component of educating the whole child. The Lower School program dedicates time for students to practice these skills. Gathering in Sharing Circles each week provides the climate for students to develop self-awareness, regulate emotions, foster empathy, and strengthen care and compassion. As students participate in Sharing Circle,
    they practice the skills necessary to cultivate social and emotional competence. They also develop a sense of responsiveness to  others’ feelings and opinions, and deepen their capacity to open their hearts and minds to needs of others. Morning and Afternoon Connections, Chapel themes, and community service projects also
    help create a culture that exemplifies respect for self, for others, and for the wider community.

Specialty Classes

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  • Kindergarten

    Kindergarten7-Day Rotation (Classes per rotation)
    Art3
    Tech Lab1
    Library1.5
    Music3
    Physical Education7
    Scienceintegrated
    Spanish3

  • Classes 1-3

    Classes 1-37-Day Rotation (Classes per rotation)
    Art3
    Tech Lab1
    Library1.5
    Music3
    Physical Education7
    Science3
    Spanish3

  • Classes 4-5

    Classes 4-57-Day Rotation (Classes per rotation)
    Art3
    Tech Lab1
    Library1
    Music3
    Physical Education7
    Science7
    Spanish3

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  • Art

    The Lower School art program offers students a rich variety of opportunities to explore, solve problems, collaborate, and develop individual voices through creative expression. In the K-2 and 3-5 art studios, classes work with many different materials as they study drawing, painting, printmaking, clay sculpture, and mixed-media processes, along with relevant art 2 St. John’s School Lower School Curriculum 3 exemplars from a wide breadth of contemporary, historical, and cultural backgrounds. There are also several cross-curricular opportunities where art teachers  collaborate with teachers of core content areas. Students are first introduced to the elements and principles of art starting in Kindergarten, and they continue to revisit and expand upon these concepts in greater depth throughout their time in Lower School. Learning to draw real objects from observation and developing a solid and sophisticated understanding of color are especially important building blocks of our program. These two components, in combination with individual interests and points of view, help each student to make thoughtful, informed choices that lead to unique, authentic artwork. Student artwork from each grade level is celebrated and displayed around campus throughout the school year. The art studios are child-centered, joyful environments where
    students are safe to take risks, learn, and grow through experiences in art-making.

  • Library

    Our librarian and staff support the development of life-time readers and learners through exposure to good literature and a variety of activities. We encourage students to take responsibility for becoming lifelong learners who contribute to the learning community. The Lower School library, with a collection of over 30,000 books and other resources, serves to support the curriculum in each grade level. Weekly classes focus on authors and illustrators, book selection, research, information retrieval, and evaluation of information. The librarians also support the Lunch Bunch read-aloud program, the Books and Breakfast program, and other experiences to foster a love of reading.

  • Music

    The music curriculum is organized around the philosophy of Zoltán Kodály. Students discover literary elements in a scaffolded manner through singing games, folk songs and dances, and art music. Through classroom play and joyful music-making, they develop a lifelong love of singing. K-5 students have ample opportunities for showcasing instrumental and singing skills. Every child participates in grade-level and school-wide programs. Students play various percussion instruments, including xylophones, drums, and tone chimes, beginning in Kindergarten and continuing through their time in Lower School. They learn recorder beginning in Class 4, refining their musical skills to prepare them for further study in Middle School. Performing groups such as St. John’s Singers offer enriching performance opportunities beyond the classroom. All of these opportunities contribute to a positive, enriching experience for young musicians.

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  • Physical Education

    The Lower School physical education program instills the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and social interaction. Experiences are designed to provide students with the skills, understanding, and confidence to  participate in a variety of sports and activities. Lower School students have daily physical education classes which focus on movement, skill development, and cooperative dynamics. In Kindergarten, classes focus on movement and fundamental motor skills. In Classes One and Two, students further develop their motor skills with an emphasis on technique and consistent practice. Students are able to combine and apply these skills in dynamic game situations in Classes Three and Four. Sport tournaments, fitness activities, and comprehensive games in Class Five provide authentic opportunities for students to refine and strategically apply skills in developmentally appropriate experiences. Students in Kindergarten through Class Four also participate in a dedicated creative movement class which enhances coordination, artistic movement, and creative exploration. Throughout the Lower School physical education experience, there is an emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, and cooperation.

  • Spanish

    In Spanish class, children have the opportunity to acquire the language in a natural way, through stories, books, songs, games, technology, movements, role-playing, and routines. We utilize Acquisition-Driven Instruction (ADI) to help children enrich their knowledge of the target language. The idea is that students receive input in Spanish and begin to acquire the language. This input allows plenty of varied opportunities for diverse learning styles. In the lower elementary classes, The Storyteller’s Corner is a program based on stories that build on each other. In upper elementary classes, stories and novels are also used to assist students in acquisition of the language. The Spanish program fosters a deep appreciation for Spanish-speaking countries and stimulates interest in learning world languages.

  • Technology

    Integrating technology in the learning experience is a vital part of the 21st century education. Through our 1:1 infrastructure, all students have a device for their exclusive use during each school day. With guidance and modeling, students develop innovative products, work collaboratively to publish through a variety of media and formats, locate information, conduct research, practice digital citizenship, and troubleshoot systems and applications.

    Teachers integrate technology into their daily lessons. Students in Kindergarten through Class Five attend technology class once a rotation to work with an instructional technology specialist on programs such as Google suite. They learn to use technology for research and publishing. In Classes Three through Five, students
    continue to build on their foundation, and technology is seamlessly integrated throughout their day. Students conduct research, collaborate with others, and showcase their learning. Students are empowered to become innovators by using hardware and software tools that make the design thinking experience come to life. Through making and constructing a variety of products with tools like Cublets, even our youngest learners experience the thrill of creating and altering their designs.

Counseling Program

The Lower School years are a time when students are developing and acquiring knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors that serve as the foundation for future success in school and life. As students advance in
our program, they develop skills in decision-making, communication, empathy and care for others, and character values. The Lower School counselor understands and responds to the developing academic and social-emotional needs of students. The school counselor works with the school staff, parents, and community to create a caring atmosphere for the development of the whole child.

Organizational and Study Skills

Organizational and study skills are explicitly taught to aid students to effectively manage their academic lives. Beginning with classroom routines and take‐home folders in Kindergarten, students develop responsibility through organization. Reading for a variety of purposes,
note taking, homework practices, time management skills, and study habits are addressed on a continuing basis.

Community Service

Lower School students are engaged in meaningful projects that develop a habit of service and foster an awareness of needs outside the confines of St. John’s. Projects are planned and coordinated through faculty sponsors, Student Council representatives, and Lower School parents. We strive to plan as many opportunities as possible for our young children to have direct contact with the people we serve. Parents are encouraged to engage their children in selecting items for our various collection drives, such as Christmas gifts, medical supplies, pet food for the Humane Society, art supplies, and weekly canned food. Through an association with Communities in Schools, we visit inner city schools and read to their students, plan parties and activities for them, and donate clothing and books to the families. Some grade levels visit assisted living centers and entertain residents with musical performances.

Students are educated about various community outreach projects through Chapel speakers, and new ideas are often suggested by Student Council representatives, faculty, and parents. The willingness to give is evident in the response throughout each year.

Activities Offerings

Once each rotation cycle students in Classes Four and Five participate in an activity class of their choice. These classes are extra-curricular and are not graded. Offerings include activities such as model building, chess club, book club, board games, cooking, origami, yoga, digital photography, weaving, puppetry, painting, ecology, and St. John's Singers Choir.

Tutorials

All Lower School teachers offer tutorials from 3:15 to 3:40 p.m. Monday through Friday on an as-needed basis. Tutorials are considered valuable opportunities for children to receive extra help or to make up work they have missed. As students progress through Lower School, they are encouraged to assume greater ownership of their learning, and as part of this growth process, older students are encouraged to independently ask their teachers for a tutorial if help is needed.

Student Support Resources

  • Counselor
  • K-8 Academic Support Coordinator
  • Literary/Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator
  • Reading Specialist
  • Math/Science Curriculum Coordinator

Lower School Honor Code

Our Honor Code states that each Lower School student should be honest, respectful, and responsible. Students deserve to be in a school environment in which their peers follow this code.
 
  • Honesty means being truthful to others and to oneself.
  • Respect includes a regard for other people’s belongings and feelings including respect for school property.
  • Responsibility for one’s actions involves being dependable.

St. John's School

|   2401 Claremont Lane Houston, TX 77019   |   713-850-0222
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