Kindergarten through Grade 4

The reading curriculum offers a full range of phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, study skills, listening, and speaking activities. Students read a variety of genres including stories, poems, plays, folk tales, fables, biographies, and nonfiction. Foundational reading strategies and skills are explicitly taught and modeled as we guide students to develop a life-long love of reading. Our reading program, the classroom libraries, and the school library collection are continuously maintained to encourage students to read books with diverse perspectives, places, and people.

Through the writing curriculum, students write and share their pieces with peers and teachers. With a focus on the “child as author,” students are taught how to generate, organize, and enhance ideas by using transitions and vivid details. Foundational skills such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary are explicitly taught. Writing instruction and practice occur through every subject in the curriculum, allowing students to practice and reinforce their learning in multiple ways.

The Lower School mathematics curriculum is based on the principle that students need to build solid conceptual understanding through rich problem-solving opportunities. Through the Eureka Math® program, students learn the “why” and “how” behind mathematical concepts through exploration, instruction, and hands-on activities.

Children also build a solid foundation in basic facts, knowledge, and skills, as mathematical fluency is essential to effective problem solving. Mathematics skills are reinforced and applied in other subject areas, particularly in science.

The science curriculum focuses on four major areas: Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science, and Engineering and Design. The curriculum acts as a continuum; lessons in each consecutive year build on what has been taught the previous year. The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) promote a 3-dimensional approach to science.

Our students learn science within the classroom and science lab as well as outside on our extensive campus. Students enjoy hands-on experiments and learning through observation. This approach combines the scientific method with content knowledge and skills, and provides the essential building blocks for deeper scientific understanding.

The social studies curriculum has an especially strong link to the School’s mission, particularly in relation to developing global citizens. Each grade’s curriculum includes world history, European history, and US history with topics drawn from the Core Knowledge Sequence™.

Students are led to make current and local connections to the concepts and content taught. Geography and mapping skills are taught and applied in each unit of learning. Our advantageous position here in England enables regular field trips that promote students’ understanding and enhance their learning.

Instruction in Spanish begins in Kindergarten and continues through fourth grade. The objectives of the program are to develop an awareness of the cultures of Spanish-speaking countries and to introduce students to the language and its sounds. Multi-sensory lessons allow students to see and hear Spanish in engaging and authentic contexts. Students develop confidence and ability in speaking, listening, reading, and writing which build a strong foundation for further language study in Middle and Upper School. 

The art curriculum aims to give each student a strong applicable knowledge in the visual fundamentals—line, shape, and color. Through the discipline of art, students can better understand the world and those around them. Each year, students study and apply art concepts such as abstraction, balance, line, form, pattern, shape, color, space, and texture through activities using clay, paint, wood, cloth, and metal. Our young artists’ work is proudly displayed throughout the Lower School during the year.

In music, students participate in choral activities and instrumental activities which are taught by specialist teachers. Concepts such as rhythm, balance, and volume are explored. As children progress through the music curriculum, they begin to read music and learn part-singing and harmonization. We are very proud of our instrument ensemble initiative, which gives students in specific grades the opportunity to trial instruments such as violin, cello, and coronet. Private instrumental lessons are available for children in K-4 if scheduling can be arranged during non-instructional time. Regularly held recitals, performances, and more informal assemblies enable children to demonstrate their developing skills and talents.

The physical education curriculum in the Lower School aims to help students in Early Years through fourth grade progressively develop coordination, body management, and physical skills. The emphasis is on enjoyment through activity and the development of the physical, emotional, and social needs of the growing child. The students are given the opportunity to develop the concepts of fair play, honest competition, and good sportsmanship. For more information about the LS Physical Education program, please view the PE Handbook.

Technology is integrated into the classroom to ensure that contextual, purposeful learning occurs. Its use for curriculum-based projects enriches the educational experience of the students. Students in Early Years through fourth grade have one-to-one iPads, while children in third and fourth grade also have one-to-one Chromebooks. Digital technology is used in balance alongside non-digital teaching and learning strategies. Students learn how to use technology to enhance their learning in a safe way through e-safety lessons and digital literacy.

At TASIS England, we emphasize the development of the whole child. We want our students to grow up to be responsible and capable of making good choices. We want them to be brave and take healthy risks. Perhaps most importantly, we want them to show kindness and know how to get along with others. The PSHEE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education) program is concerned with the education of the whole person and complements classroom teaching by developing the emotional and social well-being of children. PSHEE includes the Core Virtues™ Program. This is a practical, nonsectarian approach to character education. The goal of this program is to cultivate character by promoting basic moral, civic, and intellectual virtues. The nine Core Virtues are: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Generosity, Perseverance, Compassion, Courage, Self-Control, and Open Mindedness.