Lower School (K - 4th grades)
Kindergarten is taught as a single grade class, while 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th are combined in multi-aged classes. At TVCS, Kindergarten is viewed as a unique transition year between preschool and grade school. Many elements of our Reggio Emilia inspired preschool program are continued in the Kindergarten year including student-directed investigations and documentation. In addition, fundamental reading, writing, and math skills are introduced into the curriculum using a hands-on, individualized approach. Kindergardeners participate in art, music, and physical education classes with specialists in these subject areas. First through 4th graders do the same with the addition of biweekly Spanish classes.
In 1st/2nd grade, students are inspired to learn to read using a unique combination of whole language and guided reading programs. Oral and written communication are practiced daily as well as handwriting using the innovative Handwriting Without Tears program. This is also when students begin the context-based Everyday Mathematics program and practice basic math skills using real world scenarios. While creative and applied language arts and math dominate the morning time, afternoons are spent on thematic projects that expose the children to world geography and the social and natural sciences. While participating in these ongoing projects, students have opportunities to use newly acquired math and language arts skills and are encouraged to think outside the box.
During 3rd/4th grade, students begin to make the transition from seeing their world very concretely to having an understanding of more abstract concepts. In language arts, students investigate and discuss literary concepts and themes through age-appropriate novel studies. The Step Up to Writing program is used in a writer’s workshop format to expose students to the different genres of writing while helping them refine and practice their own creative writing skills. The Everyday Mathematic program is continued at this level with small math groups that allow students to progress at their own pace. Afternoons are dominated by student-initiated projects associated with a science and/or social studies theme. Teachers introduce broad areas of study and students choose the direction and specific questions that they want to explore through projects and investigations.