Breck Lower School Curriculum Guide

Lower School

Your child: perpetually curious.

What kind of school can engage your child’s developing mind?

A school that is perpetually learning.

In Lower School, it all begins with one teacher and one child. A teacher who has a passion for learning and

teaching builds a relationship with a child who brings curiosity, creativity, and a hungry mind to the door of the classroom. Inside, the magic happens!

As children engage with each other, questions come alive, ideas are launched and discoveries are made. The Lower School curriculum reflects the beginning of the preschool-12 journey! Research-based practices and innovative ideas are seeds for a rich, comprehensive program that takes into account how young children learn best. Careful observations of a child’s learning through play and personal conversations with students at work give teachers the keys to guide and shape learning experiences that challenge and support each child in the classroom. At Breck, we are all part of one campus and one community. Our strength comes from our collective contribution, our diversity and the commitment we make to one another.

Come, explore, discover Breck!

The Breck Lower School Philosophy

In Lower School, our Mission is to foster a love of learning, cultivate independent

thinkers and guide children to reach their full potential. We expect children to take an active role in their learning. We focus on the development of the whole child:

cognitive, social, emotional, physical, aesthetic and spiritual. We believe learning is a social activity that involves exploration, play, communication and collaboration.

As they grow, students increase their understanding of themselves as learners.

We believe children: • are naturally curious, creative, and imaginative;

• thrive when they feel safe, respected and valued, which enables them to take risks as learners, make mistakes and learn from their experiences; • flourish when they have meaningful, authentic relationships at school and in the larger community; • develop and learn at different rates and in a multitude of ways; • take ownership of their learning with choice and autonomy; • build confidence as they share their voice with others;

• benefit from opportunities to develop leadership skills; • develop perspective in a diverse community;

• grow from serving and responding to others; and • succeed within a strong parent–school community.

Recognizing that children are unique individuals, we consider the broad range of

students’ knowledge, interests, strengths, challenges, learning styles and experiences to support their ongoing development. An innovative and integrated curriculum, coupled with a variety of instructional strategies and resources, provides the foundation for learning and growth.

A World-Class Curriculum

Lower School students are learning and living in the 21st century. Our academic

program is a balance of the tradition of a liberal arts education and the innovation of a curriculum that prepares our students for the future. Students engage in a curriculum that is comprehensive and evolves with our continuing knowledge of research-based practices in teaching and learning.

• Literacy

• Library/Media

• Mathematics

• Technology/STEAM

• Science

• Physical Education

• Social Studies

• Religion

• Modern Language

• Service Learning

• Visual Arts

• Social Curriculum/

• Performing Arts

Character Education

Literacy

The Lower School literacy curriculum reflects the belief that literacy begins long

before a child enters a classroom. Our goal is to support students as they develop

powerful communication skills. Cultivating the love of reading, our teachers begin in preschool by making connections from speaking to writing to reading through

language rich, print-filled classrooms. Literacy skills grow and deepen from preschool

through fourth grade. Reading proficiency is nurtured through immersion in quality lit-

erature, as well as explicit teaching of the underlying skills and strategies that promote success as a reader. With comprehension at the core of reading, increasingly complex

ideas are explored through meaningful conversation and instruction. Teachers carefully monitor and support each child’s development as a reader.

Lower School students build their skills as writers as they become increasingly confident. The units of study in the Lucy Calkins writing program serve as a

foundation for writing instruction. Preschoolers begin with telling stories through pictures, gradually adding words and sentences. As children move through Lower

School, they have experiences with the genres of narrative writing, poetry, non-fiction

writing and research. With greater sophistication, they develop voice and style in their writing and expectations increase for greater precision with grammar and writing mechanics. Students are formally taught manuscript and cursive writing. Reading

and writing are integrated within the content areas. Two literacy resource teachers support early literacy development.

Mathematics

Primary goals of the Lower School math curriculum include the development of number sense, the acquisition of

computational skills, the application of problem-solving strategies, the understanding of measurement and the

exploration of numbers in data, patterns and graphs. In

preschool, children have a wide range of experiences where they

see number patterns and use concrete materials to demonstrate number conservation, counting, sorting, classifying, making graphs and one-to-one correspondence. Math skills are

acquired through active engagement with materials and

concrete experiences. The Singapore Math In Focus program is used in kindergarten through fourth grade. Through the

curriculum, students develop skills moving from concrete to

pictorial to abstract, and apply their skills in solving meaningful problems. A focus on mastering a limited number of concepts

helps students develop understanding at a deeper level as they build their mathematical understanding for algebra. Teachers

differentiate instruction within the classroom to meet student’s

abilities/needs. Within the math program, students also develop communication skills and confidence as mathematicians.

In Lower School, a full-time math resource teacher supports and extends student learning.

Science

Lower School students explore science concepts

through a curriculum that promotes the development

of science research skills. Our Real Science program provides

opportunities for students to explore the natural world through a

year-long immersion into one broad topic. Our 53-acre campus that

includes wetlands, ponds, native prairie grasses, and a wide-range of wild

animals provides the laboratory for observation, data collection, journal writing,

and experimentation. Students also experience science first-hand during field trips into the community where they visit the Minnesota Zoo, send data to the Cornell

Lab of Ornithology, take trips to the Science Museum of Minnesota and travel down

the Mississippi River. Beginning in preschool, our students see themselves as scientists and develop a positive attitude and affinity for science.

Social Studies

The Lower School social studies curriculum develops an understanding of self and one’s relationship to others and to the environment. Through the curriculum, students study and develop an understanding of history, culture, geography,

economics, government and citizenship. Social studies topics are integrated into a variety of curricular areas. Students engage in classroom discussions, research and

project-based learning to deepen their knowledge of our community, state, country and the world. Woven throughout the curriculum is diversity and multicultural

awareness, as we make connections to a broader picture of the world and our place in it. Guest speakers and field trips are used as resources to expand our lessons and ideas beyond the school walls.

Modern Language

The modern language curriculum promotes the development of the effective use of a second language including confidence in speaking, reading, writing and listening.

Through their studies, students enhance their understanding of other cultures. Lower

School students begin the study of either Chinese or Spanish in preschool and continue to study this language through the fourth grade. Students in the early grades focus on speaking, listening and developing vocabulary through singing, dancing and conversation. Third-and fourth-grade students apply their language skills in

conversation, performance and written form. Technology is integrated into the

modern language program. Students entering the fifth grade may choose to continue their Lower School language or choose from other Middle School language offerings.

Visual Arts

The visual arts program encourages personal fulfillment through art experiences as

well as an appreciation of the artistic process and the role of art in society. Process is

stressed equally with product. Concepts, vocabulary and technique are all important.

The child’s experiences, based on sequential and developmental timelines, include

exploring art forms (drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, fibers, jewelry) as well as elements of design such as color, line, shape, form, texture and value. Lower School

students extend their learning about culture and history through field trips to local

museums. The Lower School Art Show is an annual celebration of young Breck artists.

Performing Arts

The Lower School music program introduces students to music’s universal quality

as a common bond in our diverse culture. Each grade level works toward mastery of appropriate learner outcomes within the basic concepts of music: melody, rhythm, harmony, form, dynamics, texture, timbre, tempo and movement. Orff-Schulwerk,

Kodaly and Dalcroze are methodologies used in music instruction. Additionally, fourthgrade students participate in a band/orchestra rotation. Students may take private

string (Suzuki and Traditional), piano, percussion or guitar lessons before/after school or during recess, for an additional fee.

Library/Media

The Lower School library/media program is designed to promote the pleasure of

reading as a life-long activity. Students read aloud, discuss and recommend books to

each other. Each library period provides time to choose books and read independently.

Our library supports both an open and a scheduled system. Students may also come to

the library any time to do research or browse the collection. Technology is becoming an ever-increasing vehicle that supports reading and research. The library/media staff is committed to developing enthusiastic readers and skillful library users.

Technology Education

Technology is used throughout Lower School to enhance and support the academic program. In preschool, kindergarten and first grade, students use iPads to reinforce skills and create work. Second-and third-grade students are engaged with content applications, presentation programs and online research. Fourth graders begin the

one:one laptop initiative and use their computers throughout the day to compose,

research and blog. The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) curriculum offers Lower School students experiences in design, engineering

and technology. STEAM lessons are integrated with classroom content in science

and math to give students opportunities to be innovative, creative problem solvers.

Students are introduced to coding by our STEAM facilitators.

Physical Education

The physical education department aims to develop appropriate skills, an atmosphere of cooperation and respect, personal confidence and a healthy sense of well-being.

The focus is on individual skill development and lifelong fitness. The curriculum is a

carefully planned series of units that rotate from year to year. Lower School students participate in activities in our gyms, swimming pool (grades 1-4), ice arena (K-4), and outdoor fields. Units include ball handling, soccer skills, track, gymnastics, aerobic fitness, swimming, ice skating and rhythms. Health, nutrition and physiology are part of the physical education program.

Religion

The Lower School religion curriculum centers on the student’s relationship to God,

to others and to service. Stories from literature, the Bible and our own lives are shared

in classrooms and in Chapel services, becoming the path to learning about values and religious traditions. In our community, we are enriched as we celebrate many faiths and cultures in the hope that through diverse experiences we might all come to deepen our own spirituality.

Social Curriculum/Character Education

The Lower School guidance curriculum focuses on friendship skills, conflict resolution,

bullying and mindfulness. With the guidance counselor, students develop and practice skills to enable them to live and work in a safe, collaborative community. Our C.A.R.E. (Character Always, Respect Everyday) curriculum promotes a respectful community

and supports children as they demonstrate responsibility, respect, friendship, kindness

and honesty. Teachers use “Morning Meetings” and daily opportunities to integrate the C.A.R.E. curriculum and the Responsive Classroom program. Throughout Lower School, dimensions of good character are practiced and reinforced.

Service

Embedded in Breck’s Mission is the goal of instilling in each student a deep sense of social responsibility. What does this mean for a Lower School student? Within the

school, our third and fourth graders are learning to give back to others by serving lunch to our youngest children each day. “Biddying” gives our older students the opportunity to help and befriend those who are new to our community. In service to our greater

community, we provide students with experiences that will promote an understanding of the needs of others. Kindergartners visit local nursing homes to share stories and

songs, fourth graders prepare food bags at Feed My Starving Children and the entire

Lower School participates in food, clothing and book donation drives for our community.

Our reach has spread nationally and globally as we’ve assisted in stocking a library for a school in California and collected funds to “raise the roof” of a school in Africa. We

want our young children to see the impact they can have on the world ... with one act of kindness, a generous heart and a helping hand.

Student Leadership

In the classroom, Lower School students are engaged in developing leadership skills.

Weekly jobs give young children the opportunity to practice responsible leadership as they fulfill various roles in the classroom. Feeding the birds, checking the weather,

helping at lunch, leading the line and being the class president — all of these instill a sense of leadership. “Leadership” is a year-long theme for our fourth graders. Beyond the classroom, students assume several leadership roles in the school community, including Student Council representative, Chapel Committee, Sustainability Team,

Service Committee and Admissions Ambassadors. Developing the skills of leadership and self-confidence are an important extension of our program.

Meet Our Faculty

There is nothing more significant in a child’s school experience than the relationship he/she has with a teacher! When we listen to adults reflect on their school days, most often we hear memories of a special teacher who made a positive impact on their lives.

Who is the Lower School teacher? She/he is an educator who is dedicated to children and passionate about teaching and learning! Each Lower School teacher brings a depth of knowledge in his/her content area, sparks creativity with his/her questions and works tirelessly on behalf children. Lower School faculty are notable: Master teachers, national conference presenters, published authors, local artists and college-affiliated curriculum developers. Over 65 percent of our teaching faculty have advanced degrees.

Note the professional learning opportunities our faculty have engaged in: year-long sabbaticals in Guatemala, Peru, Mexico, and around the United States; independent school visits to learn about technology and global education; summer learning in Florence, Iceland, and China; and coursework at local universities. Great teachers inspire learning at Breck.

Parents + Teachers = Partnership

“It takes a village to raise a child!” Together, parents and teachers are educating our children. For parents, a plethora of volunteer opportunities await you. Whether you are interested in chaperoning field trips, or perhaps your passion is assisting in the art room, or you’ve longed to publish children’s writing, or you’d love to help at an all-school event ... there’s something for everyone to get involved! We are fortunate to have parents who dedicate themselves to making school a priority – and who value the opportunity to be a partner with us. Like any partnership, ours is built on a foundation of trust. Our mutual interest is the success and well-being of each Lower School child.

In tandem, we work to make this happen.

Routines and Schedules

Routines are important for young children. They provide structure that enables a child to experience success. Each Lower School classroom begins the day with a Morning Meeting, part of the Responsive Classroom program. This gathering gives students

an opportunity to form community with their peers and teachers. Providing time for

students to greet each other, share what’s important to them, build relationships, and engage in conversation is an important way to start the day.

The Lower School is on a six-day schedule. A six-day schedule provides blocks of

instructional time in the classroom for core subjects and affords the opportunity for a comprehensive curriculum that includes modern language, the arts, technology,

religion, library and physical education. Within the schedule is time for community

meetings, grade-level presentations and special activities. The school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and dismisses at 3:15 p.m.

7:1

student teacher

ratio The Lower School Day

Within the classroom, students study core subjects:

Literacy, Mathematics, Science/STEAM, and Social Studies.

In addition to classroom experiences, specialists provide comprehensive learning experiences:

Art:

P K 1-4

30 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 times/cycle 45 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 time/cycle 80 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 time/cycle

Chapel:

P-4 1-4 P-4

Lower-School Chapel . . . . . 1 time/cycle All-School Chapel . . . . . . . . monthly Classroom lesson . . . . . . . . . 1 time/every other cycle

Library:

P K-4

30 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 time/cycle/semester 40 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 time/cycle/semester

Modern Language: P K

1-4

Music:

20 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 times/cycle (small group) 30 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 times/cycle (small group) 30 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 times/cycle (full class) 30 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 times/cycle (small group) 30 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 time/cycle (full class)

P K-4

30 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 times/cycle 30 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 times/cycle

Physical Education: P K 1-4

30 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 times/cycle 30 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 times/cycle 40 minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 times/cycle

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