Project-Based Curriculum

List of 11 items.

• Health

  Health Services staff present topics to the various ages spanning Pre-K through Grade 5.  The classes are tailored to each specific grade. Topics include: maintaining a healthy lifestyle, preventing the spread of germs, food allergies and respecting those who have these allergies. 
  
  Additional topics include community and personal safety, planning for emergencies and other timely topics for the age groups. The goal is to create a solid base understanding of good health practices and awareness, and build upon the foundation as the children mature.

• Language Arts

  The language arts curriculum in grades Pre-kindergarten through Grade 5 utilizes the Units of Study in both Reading and Writing as the foundation for learning. This program enables students to grow academically through collaboration, consistent practice, and self-discovery. 
  
  The Units of Study creates life-long learners who are actively engaged. Small group teaching and individual conferencing ensures that students are continually striving to meet their academic potential. 

• Library

  Students develop relevant library skills that they will carry with them throughout their education. The library is arranged to provide students with the ability to learn how to independently navigate the school library and other area public libraries.
  
  Students are exposed to a variety of literature through lessons, book talks, and read alouds. Students are also taught essential skills for researching, such as use of reference materials, use of databases and other online resources, creating bibliographies, and locating appropriate books. These skills are used in conjunction with classroom project-based learning in a collaborative setting.

• Math

  The Lower School offers an extensive math program that aligns with Common Core State Standards and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The program utilizes age appropriate skills and materials that allow students to explore math on a deeper personal level. Exploration of real world problem solving and concepts expand through the grades.

• Music

  The Lower School Music program is an exciting and vibrant aspect of the students’ life at Glenelg Country School. All students participate in music class on a weekly basis and perform several times during the school year.  The Music Program focus is on expression, creativity, and musicianship. 
  
  This is achieved through fun activities such as singing, playing games, movement, and playing instruments. Students learn to put their inquisitive minds to work as they discover the different elements of music traveling through history, different cultures, and science throughout the school year. 
  
  The activities in the music classroom foster collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Several projects/units are developed with other disciplines, providing a wide scope view of the content.

   

• Physical Education

  The goal of the Glenelg Country Lower School Physical Education program provides age-appropriate activities and experiences through skill work and games to promote lifetime fitness. A safe and educational environment allows each individual student to explore and review the components of a healthy lifestyle so they can apply it to everyday situations. 
  
  Total student participation allows for every participant to have the chance to reach their optimal physical, emotional, and mental development as well as ready them for a healthy lifestyle and our Middle and Upper School organized sport programs.

• Science

  The Lower School Science curriculum follows the Next Generation Science Standards which provide a framework of science education that emphasizes critical thinking and experimental design. Students learn content in life, earth, physical sciences and engineering. 
  
  Our well-equipped science lab, tinker lab, maker space, and campus provide multiple opportunities for experiential learning. Students learn to work collaboratively to plan and implement experiments and projects. The innovation in the science program provides a variety of avenues to experience science which engages all student learners.

• Social Studies

  The Lower School provides a social studies program to inspire students to recognize that the past and the world’s geography plays a role in the rights and responsibilities of citizens today. Reenactment of historical times from various regions of the world provides an opportunity for students to be immersed in history and world cultures.
  
  Awareness of self in relation to the past, present, and future promotes a strong, positive self-concept in students enabling them to see themselves contributing to the broader community of a culturally and geographically diverse state, nation, and world.

• Technology

  Technology classes focus on developing the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) by applying the Framework for 21^st Century Learning. Students will engage in project-based learning activities to demonstrate critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity in order to become empowered learners, digital citizens, constructors of knowledge, innovative designers, problem solvers, and creative global collaborators.
  
  Students are exposed to many different kinds of technology and devices, including iPads, SMARTboards, laptops and tablets, desktop computers, and age-appropriate robotics. In this digital standards-based learning environment, students will explore, tinker, use the Internet, and access various software applications and emerging technologies. They gain and demonstrate critical skills and knowledge that are needed for college preparedness and career readiness in today's competitive and global society.

• Visual Arts

  The Pre-kindergarten through Grade 5 Visual Arts curriculum provides experiential learning through a variety of media. Opportunities for students with diverse learning styles to express themselves working both individually and collaboratively in a multitude of ways, including sculpture, architecture, painting, and multi-media creations are provided while integrating content from other subject areas.
  
  While rooted in tradition the Visual Arts curriculum encourages innovative approaches, including STEAM and use of the school’s Remida (recycled and repurposed materials provided by the community).

• World Language

  In World Languages Pre-kindergarten through Grade 5 students learn by experiencing new vocabulary and new customs and cultures. Through special educational projects, the students are encouraged to explore their interests while researching the geography, history and cultures of French and Spanish speaking countries in the World.
  
  The Second and Fifth grade students go on a field trip to a French or Spanish restaurant to practice the language skills learned while enjoying delicious cuisine of the region. Every two years, Lower School French students are invited to take a trip to France to further explore and apply their studies.