CURRICULUM K-4

At Krieger Schechter Day School, there is a strong emphasis on teaching the whole child by using various methods and modalities and working with “multiple intelligences”. It is our philosophy to integrate content in age appropriate and meaningful ways, including the fine arts and physical activities, to enhance learning. Additional teaching personnel are available at each grade level in the content areas to maximize small group instruction to meet individual needs. Our program is designed to meet the learning needs of each child in the class.

LANGUAGE ARTS
In the Lower School at Krieger Schechter Day School, the Language Arts Curriculum incorporates listening, oral participation, reading, comprehension skills, spelling, and writing. The skills are taught using multiple approaches to reach all children. These skills are often integrated with Social Studies, Science, Art, Music, Judaic Studies, and Technology. Classes are instructed in the steps of the writing process from pre-writing to editing, with formal instruction in mechanics and word choice.

SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies Curriculum includes history, geography, holidays, map skills, and current events. In conjunction with our philosophy, the units at each grade level are closely integrated with other content areas, particularly language arts. Each grade level has special activities that relate to the social studies curriculum.

SCIENCE
Science in the Lower School is taught with a hands-on approach, incorporating the scientific approach. Children go to the Lower School science lab with the science specialist weekly. Fourth graders are scheduled in the science lab two times a week. This enables the children to spend more time applying the scientific method with experiments. In addition, optional enrichment opportunities, such as a Science Club, are often provided outside the instructional time during lunch/ recess.

MATH
Math is taught in a spiraled approach to encourage children to understand and master concepts, develop “number sense”, and use math facts accurately and efficiently. Math problems are presented using real world situations. The strategies and methods of solving math problems in various ways are emphasized. A math specialist works with all grades in various capacities. In K and 1st grade, this resource teacher helps with small group instruction to provide enrichment or additional support. Beginning in 2nd grade, math classes at KSDS are grouped so that students at every skill level are challenged to the best of their abilities. The math specialist teaches a group, thereby creating an additional math group. Each grade level has the flexibility of using texts, manipulatives, and other resources that are appropriate to the students’ learning abilities and styles.