LOWER SCHOOL
Our students love learning, and that’s by design. The curriculum for students in grades K – 4 is flexibly scaffolded so teachers can meet students where they are and stretch them to the next level. As a result, our students grow into deep thinkers and creative problem-solvers, clear communicators and collaborative teammates, bold upstanders and humble Christ-followers. Our students grow to be the example of lifelong learning.
LOWER SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS MORNING MEETINGS Whole-class, interactive meetings first thing every day—setting the tone for deeper learning and stronger social connection. Research-informed and kid approved. RECESS EVERY DAY Because time to rest, play, imagine, think, move, and socialize is fundamental to holistic learning. RESPONSIVE CLASSROOMS® Evidence-based practices that build joyful classroom communities and deepen learning—a proven foundation for student success.
CORE SUBJECTS Language Arts Math Science Social Studies SPECIAL AREA SUBJECTS Art Bible Digital Lab Library Makerspace Music Spanish Theatre
P.E. EVERY DAY Improves cognitive function, teamwork, physical health, emotional regulation, and academic performance. CHAPEL EVERY WEEK Where we sing, reflect, pray, and study God’s word to know who He is and how much He loves us.
Lower School
Who
will your child
become?
READER Print-rich learning spaces set the stage for phonological and phonemic awareness and direct reading instruction throughout the day. Our approach to reading includes whole group teaching, peer-to-peer discussions, differentiated small groups, 1-on-1 conferencing, and dedicated time for students to practice their skills. This approach yields strong and, more importantly, delighted readers. WRITER Students write copiously and often, first by sound-spelling and gradually with the composure of skilled authors. Frequent practice and revision support their growth in punctuation, grammar, idea synthesis, and creativity. MATHEMATICIAN Hands-on is brains-on. Using the innovative Everyday Math curriculum, teachers turn abstract concepts into intuitive problem-solving strategies. Games and interactive activities strengthen skills, build confidence, and encourage students to approach mathematics with curiosity, persistence, and excitement. SCIENTIST Next Generation Science Standards serve as a foundation for the curriculum, which embraces science literacy as a life skill. Science lessons are part of the core curriculum, with additional lab time each week in grades 1-2. In grades 3-4, all science lessons occur in the science lab on a twice weekly schedule. GLOBAL CITIZEN Social studies is an interdisciplinary exploration of cultures, customs, geography, history, and economics. Reflections on family traditions, cultural heritage, and personal identity are layered into reading and writing assignments for age-appropriate lessons that promote empathy and appreciation for other cultures. PROBLEM SOLVER Building on the foundation from grades K-2, students in grades 3-4 tackle complex, real-world challenges, learning skills and gaining knowledge through Project-Based Learning.
ARTIST The art curriculum melds the study of great artists with art lessons that mimic their process. When studying Henri Matisse’s revolutionary ‘cut-out,’ for example, students make collages using nothing but scissors and colored paper to create Matisse-inspired works of art. All Lower School students attend class in the dedicated art studio. SONGBIRD The music curriculum incorporates elements of both Kodaly and Orff, along with movement, singing, and musical instruments. Students play and sing daily, using drums and various percussion instruments, including the introduction of recorders and ukuleles in older elementary grades. Students attend music class weekly and perform at either Grandparent & Special Friends Day or in their grade level musical. SPANISH SPEAKER Research shows that to achieve the fluency level of a native speaker, children must begin learning a new language by age 10. Lower School students attend Spanish weekly, establishing a foundation in greetings, key phrases, and vocabulary units that build on themselves each year. PERFORMER Using the National Core Arts Standards as a foundation, the theatre curriculum prepares students for life on the big stage. The open-ended nature of drama makes it a unique learning space for communication, imagination, empathy, cooperation, and even problem-solving. All Lower School students attend theatre class as part of their special area rotation. CHRIST FOLLOWER ROBS students learn about God and Jesus in weekly Bible class and Chapel. They study the major people, places, and events in the Old and New Testaments, and they gain a perspective on how God wants us to live by listening to daily devotionals extrapolated from scripture. Character lessons based on the biblical “fruit of the Spirit” infuse classroom lessons throughout the day.
INNOVATOR Students in grades 1–4 attend Makerspace as part of their special area rotation, where they are given the tools and freedom to dream up creative solutions with real-world applications. Our Kindergarten students also get a taste of Makerspace magic through periodic visits to the lab as well as in-class lessons. The problem-based learning curriculum reinforces skills in critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and innovation. INFORMATION SEEKER Home to more than 25,000 books specially curated for children younger than 12, the Huffington Library Media Center welcomes Lower School classes on a weekly basis. Educators with master’s degrees in library science lead lessons on information literacy. That is, navigating credible sources both in the library and the digital lab. HEALTHY KID Growing brains crave nutritious food and lots of movement. Our students get both. Daily recess and P.E., supplemented by lots of active learning throughout the day, keeps minds alert. And nutrient-dense, locally sourced meals keep them fed. The best part? You don’t have to make it. All Lower School students enjoy lunch made on campus, every day. SUPPORTED LEARNER One size does NOT fit all when it comes to learning. That’s why we have a team of learning and reading specialists, instructional coaches, and a counselor dedicated to the Lower School. Whether it’s helping classroom teachers differentiate lessons for neurodiverse learners, meeting with students individually or in small groups to address social-emotional needs, or conducting regular character lessons, we pour into the academic, social, and emotional wellbeing of each child. GOOD NEIGHBOR Loving God means serving others. Our service learning curriculum connects service projects to lessons on deeper social issues. The three-fold approach means students 1) learn about an issue; 2) participate in a hands-on project to address the issue; and 3) reflect on their experience in a structured way, like journaling.
STAY YOUNGER LONGER
BETTER ACADEMIC RESULTS
DEVELOP MIDDLE SCHOOL LEADERS
READY FOR CHANGE
ALL RESOURCES FOR PS-EIGHTH GRADE
GREATER SENSE OF BELONGING
SOLIDIFY STUDENTS’ FAITH
CHOOSE THE BEST FIT FOR HIGH SCHOOL
2300 WILLOWICK HOUSTON, TEXAS 77027 713.623.6938 | WWW.ROBS.ORG
GUIDANCE DURING TRANSITION