Elementary School (1st-5th)

The Language Arts program focuses on developing confident readers, writers, listeners and speakers. 

Lower Elementary students explore a variety of topics to build knowledge about our world. As part of a structured approach to early reading, our phonics-based models builds a strong foundation of spelling, reading and writing skills. Lessons are taught in whole group and small group settings, and provide opportunities for students to practice and strengthen their reading comprehension, fluency, vocabulary and writing skills. Students are inspired to deepen their appreciation of literature through monthly book reports and in-class book clubs. 

The Upper Elementary curriculum shifts to developing independent and skillful readers and writers. Our novels-based approach allows students to engage with more complex, high-interest texts from a wide range of genres. Through novel studies, students expand their vocabulary, learn to analyze texts and strengthen their comprehension skills. Students hone their craft as writers by focusing on different types of writing, including narrative, opinion, persuasive, informative and expository. Grammar skills are practiced and applied in writing to further develop a mastery of composition. 

Elementary-age students are natural scientists. The goal of the science curriculum is to nurture their innate curiosity and expand their knowledge of the natural world. Our dedicated science lab and outdoor garden are ideal spaces for students to be inspired to observe and ask questions, make discoveries and draw conclusions in Earth science, physical science and life science. The curriculum encourages students to experience science by exploring the natural world and making objective observations. Young scientists learn best through the hands-on approach that allows them to experience the complex processes they are learning about and connect them to the real world. 

The Elementary School world language program is a spiraling curriculum that focuses on communication, culture, connection, comparison and community. Elementary students learn French and Spanish through a hand-on approach that incorporates songs and rhymes, games, social situations, arts and crafts and cross-curricular experiences. The goal of the world language curriculum is to foster in students the skills and attitudes necessary to develop communicative competence in a second language. 

The Elementary School religion curriculum is designed to help students develop their own faith using Scripture, tradition, reason, worship and service to others. The curriculum and its corresponding worship are based on the Episcopal Church. Through weekly religion classes students learn about Christianity through bible study, church history and development of Christian virtues such as faith, charity, generosity, humility and love. Students learn that the Episcopalian denomination is but one of more than 16,000 types of Christianity. They are also made aware of the many non-Christian religions in the world and the importance of respecting, understanding and valuing them. The Episcopal faith is not presented as the only or the right faith; rather, just one of many. 

Worship in weekly Chapel services and daily devotion in the classroom gives students the opportunity to participate, to experience and act upon their knowledge and understanding of their faith. Participation is not required at school services. We simply ask students to witness all the rituals of the Episcopal Church as one example of how to follow a religious tradition. We hope that it will help them learn to engage and follow in their own faith traditions. Intellectual inquiry is expected, encourages and honored. 

The Elementary School music curriculum fosters enjoyment, understanding and appreciation for diverse styles of music, the creative process, pride in one's musical abilities, and making informed musical choices. The strong listening component at all grade levels develops the ability to recognize styles, timbres, rhythms, harmonies, textures and forms, and involves the student in learning to make value judgements important to consumers. Students at all levels are encouraged to explore their own creative and performing abilities and are provided opportunities to do so. 

The Elementary School general/vocal music program's main objective is to promote a lifelong love of music. Students learn the basics of note-reading and beginning music vocabulary so that they can seamlessly continue their musical education in the middle school chorus and band. Students are exposed to a wide variety of music from classical to pop. Budding musicians have multiple opportunities to sing and play during school assemblies, chapel singing and grade-level concerts.

Fifth-grade band lets students experience beginning instrumental music. Students choose an instrument and learn the basics of music appreciation and performance. Music study benefits all core subjects and instills a lifelong love of the arts. 

St. Martin's physical education program promotes students' lifelong commitment to physical well-being, health and personal fitness. Through independent practice cooperative learning groups and game play, students learn and develop skills in basic movement, physical fitness, individual and team sports. Skill-related fitness and personal skills for well-being are taught along with interpersonal communication, safety, and fairness in game play. Health-related fitness and maintaining physical fitness throughout adulthood is a frequent topic of discussion. The program emphasizes good sportsmanship, giving your best effort and continuous improvement over athletic talent. Classes meet twice a week and students are encouraged to strive for new levels of physical performance and enjoyment. 

Speech and Drama is taught in the third, forth and fifth grade. Each year begins with the creation of a classroom culture that embraces fearless creativity and is anchored in the unwavering support of the instructor and other students in the class. The curriculum explores the basics of theatre games and improvisation, which cultivate detail-oriented listening, quick thinking, camaraderie and trust. The basics of dramatic structure are presented, reviewed and built on each year through activities and discussion. Public speaking is introduced in the third grade and evolves from persuasive and impromptu speaking to debate to broadcast journalism. Practical tools are introduced to minimize stage fright throughout the curriculum. The spoken word is further examined through a three-year world folktale storytelling project Performance storytelling requires both acting and public speaking skills, and is a presentation style that incorporates social studies, foreign language, history, cultural education and language arts. 
 

Integrated Science Technology Engineering Art and Math (STEAM) projects are more formally centered around the deign thinking process. With the support of a dedicated STEAM teacher and Coordinator, teachers seek opportunities to extend the core curriculum to provide students the opportunity to flex and exercise four essential skills known as the 4 C's: collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity. Activities and projects encourage students to take risks, innovate, prototype ideas and reflect on and revise a plan in order to solve problems or meet a challenge. Students are also introduced to simple robotics, concepts of computer science and the engineering design process. As a capstone to the Elementary STEAM experience, fourth and fifth graders participate in the annual STEAM Fair where they showcase their innovative ideas before the greater school community.

The Elementary School technology curriculum covers basic skills, productivity, research and communication, ethical issues and digital citizenship. At St. Martin's, students use technology as a tool to enhance the classroom curriculum. Skill-building opportunities provided through the activities serve to integrate this technology. The technology standards are incorporated to ensure that students are prepared to compete in the outside world. Students in the first, second and third grades use iPads in the classroom. Fourth and fifth graders use Chromebooks throughout their day through a 1:1 program. 

The Elementary School visual arts program is a spiraling curriculum. This teaching strategy allows for student entry into the program at any age level. Self-expression and originality in the production of art imagery using a wide range of two- and three-dimensional media is encouraged at all age levels. Students develop a knowledge through application of the elements of design (line, shape, form, texture, space, color, value) and the principles (movement, rhythm, balance, emphasis, contrast, harmony, unity, proportion) that organize those elements into a sound visual composition.

The Elementary School guidance program is addresses students' social and emotional development needs and growth, with an emphasis on character education. Other priorities include effective communication skills, decision-making, self-control, conflict resolution, empathy and goal setting. Elementary School students have weekly guidance classes during one of the two school semesters each year. School counselors are also available for one-on-one or small group meetings to address specific student needs.