Class I begins a more formal systematic acquisition of the fundamental concepts and skills that form the foundation of all learning. Students broaden their knowledge as they continue to explore and investigate the world around them. Taking advantage of the many resources of New York City, students enjoy a variety of field trips which enhance their learning and develop an appreciation for the interconnectedness of the curriculum.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Language arts is central to the Class I curriculum and is woven into many activities throughout the day. It encompasses reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In reading, a literature-based curriculum offers extensive exposure to a variety of genres, from classic fairy tales and folk tales to poetry and contemporary fiction. Literacy elements and reading strategies introduced in Kindergarten are reinforced and enhanced with a variety of skills suited to each individual’s learning style. The goal is to have students become lifelong readers who find satisfaction and pleasure in independent reading.
The Writing Workshop program strives to create a community of writers by providing numerous opportunities for the students to write for authentic purposes. The students write regularly on their chosen topics and explore various genres, such as stories, memoirs, and poetry. The conventions of writing, grammar, and spelling are taught within the context of the students’ own writing. Publishing and sharing of the students’ work are ongoing parts of the classroom program.
Listening and speaking skills are developed through “read-alouds” by the teacher, student discussions, “show and tell,” and storytelling presentations, enhanced by weekly speech and drama class.
MATHEMATICS
The Class I mathematics program seeks to develop an understanding of numbers and their operations. Connections are made between concrete experiences and abstract ideas and their symbolic representations. Major units include numeration and counting, place value, operations, problem solving, and exploration of data, geometry, time, measurement, currency recognition, and patterns and their rules. Probability and strategic thinking are explored through game play.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Class I studies family history and traditions and ethnic New York City neighborhoods. In conjunction with the multi-cultural and interdisciplinary themes, students also learn about national and religious holidays. Students are introduced to maps and globes through a variety of activities, including the tracking of Flat Stanley’s destinations on a worldwide adventure.
SCIENCE
Class I studies plants, sound, weather, magnetism, wind power, birds and flight. Throughout the year, the processes of observing, classifying, measuring, and predicting receive particular emphasis through experimentation in the General Science Laboratory. Small group projects and independent learning activities, such as planting, creating instruments, using computer software, charting, and graphing provide opportunities to investigate a topic in depth. Nature walks and field trips provide opportunities for “hands-on” analysis and observation.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Religious studies in Class I invite the student to grow in her understanding of a loving God, the holiness of God’s creation, the life and teachings of Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Ways in which God’s people can respond to God’s love are investigated in discussions and activities. Students participate in chapel services and liturgies regularly throughout the year.
ART
Class I students explore various art materials and techniques. Art projects are developmentally based and are often integrated with other curriculum areas. As they study arts from diverse cultures and time periods, they practice collage, sculpture, drawing, and painting. Children develop fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination as they manipulate various materials and understand forms in space and positive/negative spatial relationships. Regular visits to the Metropolitan Museum of Art reinforce concepts introduced in class and serve as inspiration for the students’ individual creative growth.
MUSIC
Class I students continue to develop their singing voices and rhythm reading skills. They study various musical cultures each semester through the “Musical Explorers” program sponsored by Carnegie Hall. Students also regularly perform for assemblies, chapel services, masses, and special programs.
CREATIVE MOVEMENT
In movement, students continue to develop dance skills with rhythmic activities. They begin to learn the basic ballet technique and continue to explore ways to communicate ideas, thoughts, and feelings through dance and movement.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
At this level, students explore basic axial and locomotor movements and how they relate to time, space, force, and flow. Climbing and tumbling apparatus are used as well as smaller manipulative equipment. The students also engage in group games, with and without equipment, to encourage team work. Students participate in Lower School Fitness Day in the spring.
HEALTH
This course is designed to help students become more aware of who they are, how they feel, and how they grow. Topics include self-worth, the cycle of life, healthy eating, community and consumer health, and continued study of body functions.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES
The Class I curriculum is enhanced the students’ use of iPads. Students experiment with this multi-media tool, and using a variety of apps, work collaboratively to problem solve, practice math skills, and share their written work.