Lower School

Grades K - 4

The Lower School program shepherds IDS students through the process of developing greater independence, responsibility, and self-reliance. Because who a child becomes is as important as what he learns.

IDS emphasizes the importance of strengthening character, affirming emotional responses and helping students to navigate peer interactions. The awe and wonder that began in the EC continues to expand in the LS, as students explore new horizons, hone their academic skills and learn what it means to become a productive and caring member of a broader school community.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten at IDS is full-day and all about "how to learn" versus "things to learn." It is a time to build organizational strategies, to take on more responsibility, to increase confidence and independence and to strengthen the foundation for future learning. Here, we strive to facilitate learning in fun, exciting and meaningful ways, while remaining mindful of the fact that childhood is a journey, not a race. Pre-reading, Reading and Language Arts Skills are integrated throughout the Kindergarten curriculum through a balanced literacy approach. The Math Program sets an ambitious pace and Kindergarten Social Studies is integrated throughout the year.

First Grade

First graders take enthusiastic ownership of their learning and gain the basic skills necessary to become self-sufficient learners. Together, class guidelines are created to ensure a happy, collaborative community. First graders receive a balanced literary experience for sequential instruction of phonics, complemented by a variety of reading and writing activities. Daily reading workshops utilize the "Daily Five" format of reading to self, partner reading, word work, writing work and listening to stories, focus on phonics, word building activities, and comprehension through shared and independent reading. Writing is a corresponding focus, through a variety of experiences. The math program allows students to explore math concepts at the concrete level, gradually progressing to more abstract understandings. Students develop computational skill and mathematical thinking to solve real problems. Our yearlong, social studies focus on “community" consists of units integrated across the curriculum. Projects challenge the students to apply their blooming literacy skills to self-directed learning and build the courage and clarity to think and speak for themselves.

Second Grade

Second grade is the culmination of a child’s journey through the IDS Lower School program. Focused work on math facts and computation is balanced with the reinforcement of mathematical skills and concepts through diverse, multi-sensory games and activities that offer authentic real-life connections to form a with firm mathematical foundation. Reading fluency, vocabulary development and comprehension are the watchwords of our balanced reading program. Readers apply literal and inferential comprehension skills during class discussions and in written responses. Spelling and phonics activities expand and strengthen vocabulary. Second graders write across all areas of the curriculum, strengthening composition skills. They begin to self-edit with an eye on grammar and mechanics. In Social Studies we explore early Native American cultures and generate questions that guide independent research. Our inquisitive students learn enthusiastically about the first neighborhoods built around the Connecticut River.

Third Grade

Third graders take greater charge of their own learning by cultivating life skills such as organization and time management. Throughout the curriculum, students have the opportunity to create, collaborate, and problem solve as they develop a deeper understanding of core concepts of study. Reading groups gather to discuss historical fiction inspired by the times, while students use online resources to research topics and write expository pieces about their research. In Math, earlier concepts and skills are honed through practice and mapping skills are developed as third graders learn about coordinate graphs and concepts of latitude and longitude. Students are introduced to the use of technology as a learning tool. Third graders engage in a yearlong study of United States history, government and geography—with an emphasis on Connecticut.

Fourth Grade

The Fourth Grade World Tour theme integrates Social Studies and Language Arts curricula. As we travel, we explore the geography of different places while reading fiction and non-fictions materials from these locales. Not only do fourth graders learn about a given place in the world, but they also develop inferential reasoning skills alongside reading comprehension. We work all year to define the term "American” by gaining a better understanding of how and why people from many nations arrived on our shores. Via this study, students gain familiarity not only with the countries explored, but also with the research process and all its facets—primary source exploration, note taking, and information compilation. In math concepts are internalized to better appreciate their relevance in our everyday lives, through direct instruction and hands-on activities. Students develop narrative and expository writing skills and practice each component of the writing process to focus on the essential elements of writing.

IDS Programs

115 Laurel Brook Road
Middlefield, CT 06455
Phone: 860-347-7235 | Fax: 860-347-8852
ids@independentdayschool.org