Lower School Curriculum

The Bement Lower School (K-5) strives to educate the whole child by challenging each student's intellect, creativity and physical skills in a nurturing environment. Confidence building is a strong part of the Lower School experience. The program's goal is to instill in each student a respect for nature, mankind, and oneself while developing the skills necessary to become a productive and responsible citizen.

SCIENCE

Each year students study life science, physical science, and earth science through hands-on projects, guided discovery, computer software, and exploration activities. A variety of projects and reports accompany these units.

LANGUAGE ARTS

The reading process begins in kindergarten combining a multi-sensory, phonological, and whole language approach to develop pre-reading skills. In grades one through five, a structured reading program combines phonological skills with whole language strategies. Books are read together as a class, and are studied in depth. Books are also read in small independent leveled reading groups. Reading is encouraged as part of homework. The writing process starts in kindergarten, and in second grade keyboarding is introduced. Students edit and complete finished work each year at age appropriate levels. Language arts are project oriented following thematic studies in each grade.

MATHEMATICS

The concepts and computational skills of mathematics are learned through a combination of manipulatives and drill work. The thinking process and problem solving skills receive special attention. Computer work supplements the traditional coursework being pursued. Computers are an integral part of the Lower School curriculum with a weekly computer lab session and computers and Internet connection in each of the classrooms.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The Lower School program aims to develop coordination, game skills, sportsmanship, and a general awareness of the importance of physical fitness. Grades 4 and 5 concentrate on seasonal sports, playing intramural games, and developing sport-specific skills that children will use in the upper school when interscholastic sports begin. All students in kindergarten through fifth grade participate in an instructional swimming program at the beginning of the spring term at the Deerfield Academy pool.

FINE ARTS

Fine arts offerings include art, music, and drama, presented on a rotating basis. Third grade students receive recorder instruction and instrument instruction begins in grade 4. Field trips to area museums and performances supplement classroom studies.

Kindergartners and first graders learn French in their fine arts classes. Students in grades 2 through 5 receive bi-weekly instruction in French and Spanish from the Chair of the Foreign Language Department.

SOCIAL STUDIES

In addition to the annual mini-term social studies theme, annual interdisciplinary studies are: U.S. Geography in 3rd Grade, Historic Deerfield in 4th Grade, and Ancient Civilizations in 5th Grade.

EVALUATIONS

Each student's progress is evaluated in a variety of ways. Formal conferences are scheduled in the fall and spring, and written reports are sent home twice a term. In these evaluations, teachers emphasize each child's academic progress, effort, personal development and work habits. (Please ask us for a Curriculum Brochure for more detailed information about courses.)