Students learn to listen attentively and critically, and to connect their experiences with ideas and information in print. Through the use of a wide variety of children's literature, students learn to decode words using phonetic and comprehension strategies, predict outcomes and make inferences. In addition, it is the goal of the academicly enriched classroom that students learn to organize their thoughts and become proficient spellers. Art - Discoveries in art help to define a child's world and help to structure their thinking in a visual way. Art cultivates the great joy of creating.
Students explore using a variety of media.
The importance of the process is stressed and the product is presented. Music - Music emphasis at this level is on creating a foundation for music literacy through understanding. Students learn singing, music leadership skills, and critical listening. This knowledge serves as a foundation for instrumental music that is taught in the upper grades. Although performances are given, the quest for musical literacy drives the curriculum.