FOR T WOR TH COUNTR Y DAY
2025-26 LOWER SCHOOL CURRICULUM fwcd.org/admission
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grade 3
Grade 4
LANGUAGE ARTS Structured literacy approach that emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics-word study, high-frequency word study, fluency, vocabulary, handwriting and spelling, combined with strategies on comprehension, accuracy, fluency, and activating prior background knowledge.
LANGUAGE ARTS Structured literacy approach with emphasis on phonemic awareness, phonics, high-frequency word study, handwriting and spelling. Focus on accuracy, fluency, vocabulary development/comprehension. Grammar/ Spelling incorporated into various forms of writing.
LANGUAGE ARTS Phonetic/Integrated language approach with emphasis on reading comprehension/mechanics of writing, spelling, grammar, journal and creative writing; introduction to cursive writing.
LANGUAGE ARTS Literature-based approach to reading emphasizing comprehension and literary genre; mechanics of writing emphasized with parts of speech, development of cursive, phonics and creative writing.
LANGUAGE ARTS Literature-based program that emphasizes the synthesis of all previously learned comprehension skills; writing process model incorporated to include mechanics, grammar and spelling.
SOCIAL STUDIES All about me, ecology, holiday concept, geography, cultural awareness and diversity, Texas.
SOCIAL STUDIES Self, family, community and economics, holidays and traditions around the world, geography, polar zones, rainforests, map skills/calendar skills, research skills. Experiential learning and interdisciplinary connections are also emphasized.
SOCIAL STUDIES Our Communities—a thematic approach to the history, geography, economic, government, citizenship and culture social studies threads. Research and technology skills, experiential learning and interdisciplinary connections are also emphasized.
SOCIAL STUDIES Texas, Our Texas—a thematic approach to the history, geography, economic, government, citizenship and culture social studies threads. Research and technology skills, experiential learning and interdisciplinary connections are also emphasized.
SOCIAL STUDIES The United States, Our Nation and Regions—A thematic approach to the history, geography, economic, government, citizenship and culture social studies threads. Research and technology skills, experiential learning and interdisciplinary connections also emphasized.
MATHEMATICS Hands-on experience, study of patterns/numbers, development of number concepts, real-life application of concrete mathematics, graphing estimate, measurement.
MATHEMATICS Discovery with hands-on explorations, problem solving through applied knowledge, practice of basic skills through ongoing routines and math games.
MATHEMATICS Investigations through geometry/ money, problem solving, prediction of outcomes, justification of answers, practice of basic facts/ algorithms, addition/subtraction of whole numbers with re-grouping. Introduction to multiplication, mental computation and estimation.
MATHEMATICS Bridge between concrete and abstract concepts, estimation and mental computation, development of multiplication/division, fraction/ decimals, geometry, problem solving, extension of addition and subtraction concepts.
MATHEMATICS Problem-solving strategies, multiplication/division extended, operations with fractions, factoring, exploration of graphic/basic operations with decimals, further exploration of geometry.
SCIENCE Hands-on program emphasizes practices and skills, including observing, classifying, measuring, estimating, designing experiments, collecting data, comparing and generalizing. Each grade studies and uses the Habitat Garden and Star Lab planetarium. Comparing and contrasting, forming science questions, making predictions, measuring.
Animal habitats, life cycles, plants, seeds, leaves, solids and liquids, soil.
Animal Adaptations: classification, plants, seeds, matter, air, rocks, balance and motion.
Animal and plant diversity, adaptations, weather and climate, forces and nature.
Animal and plant structures, rock formations, Earth’s land features, energy, wave properties.
FRENCH OR SPANISH These courses emphasize response to comprehensible commands, proper pronunciation and expansion of vocabulary and grammar concepts in an immersion environment that builds skills through reading, songs, listening activities, conversations, written activities, games and cultural celebrations. Students begin to transfer skills learned in English to another language and begin exploring the written nature of their second language as well. TECHNOLOGY FWCD supports a robust technical platform. All indoor areas and many outdoor spaces are covered by Wi-Fi access for constituents and guests. A professional staff provides support for informational and educational technology. The Lower School features interactive flat-panel displays in every classroom and class sets of teacher-controlled iPads in grades 2-4. Instruction in Middle School is enhanced by a 1:1 student iPad program. Upper School students are required to bring their own laptop every day. FWCD utilizes Google products, as well as Microsoft Office, Adobe, Blackbaud and more. The TEAM Room, a fully equipped makerspace, provides opportunities for teachers to integrate engaging hands-on activities into their curriculum. The space is designed for use by all students and teachers grades JK through 12. LIBRARY Library classes help students find, evaluate and select appropriate sources to answer questions as well as learn to find books for pleasure and personal growth. Students are exposed to a variety of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry. The wide variety of literature and nonfiction located in both libraries support FWCD’s philosophy that the library resources are created for a variety of purposes that are meaningful throughout one’s life. VISUAL ARTS Experiential learning of the elements of art and principles of design with focus on fine motor development, skills of observation, critical thinking and creativity. Appreciation of artists and different cultures from around the world. Introduction of art materials and techniques of drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, ceramics and fiber arts.
VISUAL ARTS Builds on knowledge of art media, techniques and further develops appreciation of processes, products and art history. Creativity, critical thinking and imaginative responses, self-expression, and ability to articulate personal artwork and the work of other artists continue to develop.
MUSIC First Steps in Music curriculum creates a foundation for singing, listening, movement and music literacy.
MUSIC Extends Conversational Solfege music literacy curriculum, World Music Drumming, singing, listening and movement.
MUSIC First Steps in Music curriculum extends singing, listening, movement and music literacy.
MUSIC Transitions into Conversational Solfege music literacy curriculum and extends musicianship skills.
DYNAMIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION Developmentally appropriate introductory activity, mental and physical warm-up. Fitness development exercising all regions of the body. Lesson focus on coordination, body management and specialized skills. Games applying skills in lesson focus. Health-related fitness evaluation. GRADE 4 BALLET (OPTIONAL) Basic barre and center exercises, emphasis on posture, strength, coordination and grace. Winter demonstration and spring recital