Lower School Curriculum:

EC3 Grade 2
EC4 Grade 3
EC5 Grade 4
K Grade 5
Grade 1

Middle School Curriculum:

Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8

Lower School Curriculum

EC3
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Art
Music
Computers
Physical Education
Other Programs
Emphasis on
language
development
through picture
drawing,
dictation, dramatic
play, discussion,
stories, and songs;
integrated across
the curriculum.		 Development of
skills and basic
concepts of math
used in child’s
everday life;
manipulatives provide
“hands-on”
learning.		 Awareness of the
uniqueness of
individuals and their
similarities to others;
emphasis on
understanding a
child’s rights and
responsibilities as a
member of a family
unit and classroom
peer group; cultural
diversity. Explored
through activities.		 Investigation of
child’s environment
with multi-sensory,
hands-on
experiences. Units
include seasonal
changes, basic needs
of people, animals,
and plants, and
caring for the
environment.		 Develop positive
self-concept through
one’s senses;
understand the
difference between
man-made and
natural objects;
concept of color and
shape.		 Free movements to a
wide range of music;
movement and
rhythm with jumping,
skipping, galloping,
and running; singing
of simple songs.		 Basic motor development,
physical
fitness, and sportsmanship;
increasing
skill development
from simple to
complex.		 Library Resource
Center; scheduled
library time; special
in-house professional
performances in
visual and performing
arts; field trips.
EC4
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Art
Music
Computers
Physical Education
Other Programs
Language
development and
reading readiness
are promoted
through conversation,
listening skills, and
writing readiness
activities; exposure
to alphabet and
consonant sounds;
integrated across the
curriculum.		 Math readiness
skills through the
use of manipulatives,
activities, and math
vocabulary; integrated
across the curriculum.		 Awareness of one’s
self as a member of
a family, classroom,
and a school community;
recognition
of the responsibility
for ones’s actions as
a group member.
Explored through a
variety of themes
and activities.		 Exploration of life
science with
emphasis on the
common needs of
humans, animals, and
plants; the
importance of caring
for the environment.
Thematic and
interdisciplinary units
are used.		 Continue to explore
color and shape
through a variety of
materials; learn to
express thoughts and
feeling through art;
introduced to tools;
crafts; drawing,
painting incorporated
into the program;
teacher coordinates
units with the classroom curriculum.		 Singing and listening
to music; response to
musical beat; rhythm
instruments and
sticks are used with
musical recordings of
various meter, style,
and tonality; practice
for Grandparents’
Day teaches performance skills; teacher coordinates units with classroom
curriculum.		 Basic motor development,
physical fitness, and sportsmanship;
increasing skill development from simple to complex.		 Library Resource
Center; scheduled
library time; special
in-house professional
performances in
visual and performing
arts; field trips.
EC5
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Art
Music
Computers
Physical Education
Other Programs
Language and prereading program
includes auditory
discrimination,
instructional language,
oral directions, listening, sequencing, oral language development,
vocabulary,
categorizing, oral
context, and exposure
to the alphabet.		 Development of basic
concepts and skills
through the use of
manipulatives and
classroom activities.		 Awareness of self as
an individual and
group member; the
importance of holidays; the lives of
famous people and
their contribution to
our country. Explored
through a variety of themes and activities.		 Discovery through
hands-on activities
and whole language
units. Conservation,
waste management,
plants and animals,
and the seasons are
explored.		 Program builds on
earlier experiences as
motor skills improve;
crafts, drawing,
painting, and print
making; students
learn concepts and
skills that will prepare
them for Kindergarten.		 Singing various types
of songs, using voice
appropriately; play
instruments with
greater sense of
rhythm as motor
skills develop; drama
experience through
preparation for
Grandparents’ Day in
the fall.		 Basic motor development,
physical fitness, and sportsmanship;
increasing skill development from simple to complex.		 Library Resource
Center; scheduled
library time; special
in-house professional
performances in visual and performing arts; field trips.
K
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Art
Music
Computers
Physical Education
Other Programs
Multi-sensory
program develops
and correlates
reading, handwriting,
auditory, and
oral language skills;
manual dexterity,
perceptual wareness,
and an understanding
of letters and sounds are included in a thematic, integrated
approach to learning.		 Development of
concepts and basic
arithmetic skills;
assorted
manipulatives are
used; patterns;
classification; graphing;
measuring; adding and subtracting; number recognition,
problem solving.		 Awareness of the
student’s place in a
larger community;
the importance of
following good
health and safety
rules; a study of basic
geography and
history through the
lives of famous
people and holidays.
Explored through
activities, field trips,
and by integrating
social studies into
other disciplines.		 Curiosity about the
child’s world addressed
through a basic of study of the environment with the units on the seasons,
life cycles, animal
habitat, and the
Chesapeake Bay;
introduction to the
planets. Science is
integrated with other
disciplines whenever
possible.		 Art as a means of
self-expression; life
skills are incorporated
into the program
such as following
directions, learning
to share, working
in a group, and
cleaning up after
oneself; work with
assorted materials to
develop two-dimensional
and three-dimensional
skills.		 Expansion of the
concepts and skills
from early childhood
experiences in singing,
playing instruments,
dance, drama,
and listening;
Grandparent’s Day
gives children a
chance to “shine”
through an experience
in performing arts.		 Become familiar with
the parts of the
computer and practice
mouse control;
build early math
skills through mathematical
programs;
practice reading skills
through reading
programs; use programs
that develop
decision-making and
logical thinking skills.		 Basic motor development,
physical fitness, and sportsmanship;
increasing skill development
from simple to
complex. Health
Education topics
include hygiene,
safety, dental health,
and building self-esteem.		 Library Resource
Center; instruction
in library concepts;
special in-house
professional performances
in visual and performing arts; field trips;.Learning
Resource Center
provides small
group and individual
instruction in
reading, writing and
organizational
skills.
1
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Art
Music
Computers
Physical Education
Other Programs
Basic reading
approach to learning;
reading,
writing, listening,
spelling, vocabulary,
and written
communication are
introduced and
developed. Whole
class, small
groups,and individual
instruction
are incorporated
into the program.		 Foundation in basic
facts (0-20); problem
solving; estimating;
geometry; interpreting
and organizing
data; measuring and
predicting; applying
math to everyday
situations.		 Awareness of one’s
self as a family
member and a
citizen in a larger
community; holidays,
symbols, and
traditions. Explored
through maps,
charts, globes,
current events, and
through thematic
units that integrate
social studies into
other disciplines.		 A study of the child’s
everyday world and
how science affects
it. Topics include
animals and plants,
land, water, and air.
Integrate science with
other disciplines
whenever possible.		 Introduction of
simple art terms and
simple color theory;
experimentation with
various materials;
more advanced
techniques as motor
skills develop;
explore sources of
inspiration such as
nature, constructed
environment, imagination,
decoration,
and art from other
cultures.		 Identify and demonstrate
the concepts of
pitch, rhythm, tempo,
and dynamics;
encouraged to move
to a variety of musical
styles; use rhythm
instruments to express
individual sense
of rhythm; prepare
for a Christmas
program.		 Become familiar with
the parts of the
computer and practice
mouse control;
build early math
skills through mathematical
programs;
practice reading skills
through reading
programs; use programs
that develop
decision-making and
logical thinking
skills.		 Basic motor development,
physical
fitness, and sportsmanship;
increasing
skill development
from simple to
complex. Health
Education topics
include hygiene,
safety, dental health,
and building self-esteem.		 Library Resource
Center; instruction
in library concepts;
special in-house
professional performances
in visual
and performing arts;
field trips;Learning
Resource Center
provides small
group and individual
instruction in
reading, writing and
organizational
skills.
2
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Art
Music
Computers
Physical Education
Other Programs
Balance of phonics
and whole language
instruction; students
see the connection
between reading,
writing, spelling,
critical thinking,
listening, and
speaking; writing
process is introduced
and is an
integral part of the
program.		 Development of
concepts and basic
arithmetic skills
through the use of
manipulatives; place
value; regrouping of
units of ten; borrowing
in subtr.; fractions;
basic geometry;
telling time;
money values; mult.;
intro of div.; graphing,
measurement.		 Study of family
expanded to neighborhood,
community,
state, region, nation,
and the world. Explored
through field
trips, films, projects,
and map studies.		 Introduction to
scientific concepts
through four thematic
blocks: plants and
animals, our earth’s
air and water, sun and
weather, and differences
in living and
non-living organisms.
Experiments, field
trips, and projects
enhance the program.		 Expansion of art
vocabulary and
terms; exploration of
different styles of art
through a variety of
projects, introduction
to different cultures.		 Identify notes on the
musical staff; identify
musical notation
signs; understanding
of AB and ABA
form; learn orchestral
instruments; understand
tone color;
Christmas program
offers an opportunity
for children to display
talent.		 Use simple graphics
to create original
drawings with multimedia
tools, develop
scientific data, and
produce animated
stories, collages,
school reports, and
presentations; use
math programs to
strengthen skills and
develop problemsolving
strategies.		 Basic motor development,
physical
fitness, and sportsmanship;
increasing
skill development
from simple to
complex. Health
Education topics
include hygiene,
safety, dental health,
and building selfesteem.		 Library Resource
Center; instruction
in library concepts;
special in-house
professional performances
in visual
and performing arts;
field trips; multiage
enrichment in
the areas of science,
computer, language
arts, and social
studies; LRC.

 

3
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Foreign Language
Art
Music
Computers
Physical Education
Other Programs
Reading program
using basal text,
skills workbook,
trade books,
teacher-created
material; listening
skills, vocabulary
building, comprehension,
phonics,
poetry reading,
creative writing;
grammar, mechanics,
spelling,
cursive writing.
Development of
concepts, skills,
and their application;
fractions and
mixed numbers;
divisibility rules;
whole number
computation;
decimals; geometry,
problemsolving
strategies,
estimation, probability
and statistics.
Survey of the
seven geographic
regions of the
United States.
Explored through
writing journals,
designing creative
projects, current
events, field trips,
making & using
maps, charts,
graphs, time lines.
Exploration of the
life cycles of
animals and plants
through observation,
experiments,
and research;
comparison of
Earth with other
planets and satellites;
study of
motion and energy;
our water system.
Introduction to art
history through a
study of major
artists and their
styles; more
diversity in materials
used in crafts,
drawing, painting,
and printmaking.
The art program is
integrated into
other disciplines
whenever possible.
Continue with
musical notation;
listen to a variety
of musical styles;
play melodic
percussion instruments;
encouraged
to use correct vocal
technique; Christmas
Program gives
children experience
in singing,
dancing, and
acting.
Use graphics
programs to create
drawings w/ multimedia
tools,
develop scientific
data,produce
animated stories,
collages, school
reports, presentations;
use math
programs to
strengthen skills;
develop problemsolving
strategies.
Basic motor development,
physical
fitness, and sportsmanship;
increasing
skill development
from simple
to complex.
Health topics
include hygiene,
safety, dental
health, and building
self-esteem.
Multi-age enrichment
in the areas
of science, computer,
language
arts and social
studies. Library
Resource Center;
in-house professional
performances;
field trips;
Learning Resource
Center.
4
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Foreign Language
Art
Music
Computers
Physical Education
Other Programs
Emphasis on
more complex
elements of
comprehension,
such as drawing
inferences; combination
of basal
text and novels;
reading specialist
provides small
group instruction
and remediation;
grammar, writing,
spelling, and
vocabulary.
Builds on Third
Grade program
with computation
and basic operations;
reinforces
concepts and skills
taught in first three
grades; emphasis
on critical thinking
skills and problemsolving
strategies;
geometry; decimals;
fractions;
mental math;
estimation.
An in-depth study
of Virginia-its
history, geography,
major historic
attractions, government,
and
current events.
Explored through
map study,
projects, and a
variety of field
trips. The social
studies program is
very closely
integrated with the
language arts prog.
Studies in life
science incorporate
an intensive,
interdisciplinary
study of the Chesapeake
Bay ecology;
physical
science units
include the study
of properties of
matter, forms of
energy, electricity,
weather, and the
oceans.
Basic everyday
French/Spanish is
taught twice a
week with vocabulary
appropriate to
age/grade level;
thematic units are
used to introduce
vocabulary, games,
songs, and art
activities supplement
learning;
cultural experiences
add interest.
Early emphasis on
the oral aspect of
learning with a
gradual focus on
grammar and
spelling at the Fifth
and Sixth Grade
level. One semester
is spent on
learning each
language.
Introduction to the
construction of art
by the elements
and principles of
design; students
learn to discuss art
in these terms. The
art program is
integrated into
other disciplines
whenever possible.
Perform and notate
rhythmic patterns
of increasing
complexity; distinguish
between M
and m tonality;
recognize beat
patterns of 2, 3,
and 4 beats. Performance
in a
Christmas program
offers the opportunity
to perform for
an audience and to
accomplish a goal.
Practice typing
skills; develop
research techniques;
learn basic
word processing
skills; prepare
reports, presentations,
and projects;
use spreadsheets,
bar graphs, and
data tables; practice
and strengthen
math skills; use
CD ROMs for
research.
Further development
of the skills
learned in the
earlier grades;
emphasis on
individual and
team skills. Physical
fitness, sportsmanship,
and the
importance of
lifetime sports are
emphasized.
Students are given
the opportunity to
compete against
other schools in
soccer, basketball,
and track and field
through ISAC
(Independent
School Athletic
Conference).
Health topics
include communicable
diseases,
nutrition, First Aid,
alcohol and drug
abuse, and human
sexuality. The
DARE Program is
taught by local law
enforcement
officers at the 5th
Grade level.
Multi-age enrichment
in the areas
of science, computer,
language
arts and social
studies; Library
Resource Center;
in-house professional
performances;
field trips,
Learning Resource
Center; Friends of
Other Languages;
study skills.
5
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Art
Music
Computers
Other Programs
Reading, writing,
vocab, grammar,
spelling, and
literature; program
expands skills and
concepts from 4th
Grade; reading is a
separate subject;
reading specialist
available; grammar,
spelling and
vocabulary; emphasis
on writing
with regular
assignments that
are often combined
with social studies.
Promotes mastery
of basic skills of
addition, subtract.,
multiplication, and
division; mental
arithmetic, paper
and pencil algorithms,
and calculation
are all used
to solve problems;
problem-solving
techniques and
logical thinking;
geometry; prealgebra
concepts;
study of fractions
is expanded.
Survey of early
civilization including
Egypt, the
Fertile Cresent,
Mesopotania,
Ancient Rome, the
Middle Ages, the
Renaissance,
Elizabethan
England, and the
Age of Exploration.
Explored
through projects,
field trips, map
study, current
events, and topics
of special interest.
Studies in life
science include an
introduction to the
systems of the
human body;
physical science
units on sound,
light, and space;
topics in geology;
introduction to
laboratory skills
that reinforce class
concepts.
Concept of how
elements and
principles of
design are found in
famous works of
art in students’ art;
see art’s relationship
to our history
and culture, and to
other cultures.
The art program is
integrated into
other disciplines
whenever possible.
Identification of
orchestral instruments
by sound;
performance of
melodic and
rhythmic patterns
with standard rote;
time signatures;
opportunity to sing
in school chorus.
Christmas musical
combines concepts
and skills into an
experience in the
performing arts.
Practice typing
skills; develop
research techniques;
learn basic
word processing
skills; prepare
reports, presentations,
and projects;
use spreadsheets,
bar graphs, and
data tables; practice
and strengthen
math skills; use
CD ROMs for
research.
Multi-age enrichment
in the areas
of science, computer,
language
arts and social
studies; Library
Resource Center,
in-house professional
performances;
field trips;
Learning Resource
Center; Friends of
Other Languages;
study skills.

Middle School Curriculum

6
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Foreign Language
Art
Music
Computers
Physical Education
Other Programs
Literature: Intro to
the classics
Beowolf),
Shakespeare, and
American Lit;
poetry; projects.
English: grammar,
spelling, vocabulary,
and writing;
expository, narrative,
descriptive,
and persuasive
compositions).
Classroom library
for academic and
pleasure reading.		 Basic operations;
decimals; fractions;
percent;
solving equations;
strategies for
problem-solving;
number theory;
geometry; measurement.		 A study of United
States history
from political,
economic, and
social perspectives.
Course
begins with the
American Revolution.
A unit
devoted to the US
Constitution and
American government
is included.
Explored through
a chronological
thematic approach
and integrates
social studies and
critical thinking
skills. Ongoing
attention is given
to current events.
(Two year course)		 Survey of science:
experimental
design and the
scientific method,
major kingdoms of
organisms, elementary
chemistry,
meteorology,
environmental
studies, and astronomy.		 Basic everyday
French/Spanish is
taught twice a
week with vocabulary
appropriate to
age/grade level;
thematic units are
used to introduce
vocabulary, games,
songs, and art
activities supplement
learning;
cultural experiences
add interest.
Early emphasis on
the oral aspect of
learning with a
gradual focus on
grammar and
spelling at the Fifth
and Sixth Grade
level. One semester
is spent on
learning each
language.		 Develop individual
art skills in drawing,
painting, and
crafts; use and
understand art
terms; recognize
major styles and
periods in art
history; use art as a
means of self-expression;
understand
color theory
in a variety of
student projects as
well as in famous
works of art.		 Review of rotation,
syncopation, and
voice classification;
opportunity to
sing in chorus;
experience a
variety of multicultural
musical
styles; exposure to
American musical
forms and styles;
perform in a
Christmas program
to entertain family
and friends.		 Continued practice
of typing skills;
additional experiences
in using
reference CD
ROMs for research;
word
processing and
spreadsheet skills
integrated into
classroom assignments;
create a
web page on the
internet.
Further development
of the skills
learned in the
earlier grades;
emphasis on
individual and
team skills. Physical
fitness, sportsmanship,
and the
importance of
lifetime sports are
emphasized.
Students are given
the opportunity to
compete against
other schools in
soccer, basketball,
and track and field
through ISAC
Independent
School Athletic
Conference).
Health topics
include communicable
diseases,
nutrition, First Aid,
alcohol and drug
abuse, and human
sexuality. The
DARE Program is
taught by local law
enforcement
officers at the 5th
Grade level.
 Library Resource
Center; in-house
professional
performances;
field trips; Friends
of Other Languages;
High
School Night;
Learning Resource
Center; forensics;
Teen Club.
7
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Foreign Language
Art
Music
Computers
Other Programs
Literature: Survey
of genre; Am. Lit.
is connected to
history/culture;
Greek mythology;
Shakespeare;
forensics; poetry.
English: grammar;
vocabulary, emphasis
on writing;
study and development
of research
techniques; formal
research project.		 Pre-Algebra 7/8:
Basic operations;
decimals; fractions;
percent;
problem-solving;
equation solving;
roots and
exponentials;
factoring; probability;
statistics;
measurement
conversions;
metric system;
geometry.		 A study of United
States history
from political,
economic, and
social perspectives.
Course begins with the
American Revolution.
A unit devoted to the US Constitution and
American government
is included.
Explored through
a chronological
thematic approach
and integrates
social studies and
critical thinking
skills. Ongoing
attention is given
to current events.
(Two year course)		 Life Science:
experimental
design and the
scientific method,
Chesapeake Bay
ecology, basic cell
structure and
function,
biochemistry,
human systems,
genetics, selected
topics for debate,
field studies, and
restoration
projects.		 French I or
Spanish I
Two year course on
an elective basis
for HS credit;
immersion into a
complete oral,
aural, reading, and
writing language
study; cultural
activities increase
awareness of
cultural differences.
Languages
offered based on
parental preference.		 Expand concepts
learned in Sixth
Grade; focus on a
variety of crafts
and three-dimensional
projects;
reinforcement of
the elements of
design and color
theory; exploration
of the importance
of crafts in art and
in culture.		 Exposure to
historical periods
and characteristics
as related to art,
music, and literature;
opportunity to
sing in chorus;
musical reading
skills include more
complex elements
of musical notation
for rhythms and
melody; study of
famous composers;
perform in a
Christmas program		 Continued practice
of typing skills;
additional experiences
in using
reference CD
ROMs for research;
word
processing and
spreadsheet skills
integrated into
classroom assignments;
create a
web page on the
internet.		 Library Resource
Center; in-house
professional
performances;
field trips; Friends
of Other Languages;
High
School Night;,
Learning Resource
Center; forensics;
Teen Club; community
service.
8
Language Arts
Mathematics
Social Studies
Science
Foreign Language
Art
Music
Computers
Other Programs
Literature: Concentrated
study of
literary elements
and genre; emphasis
on the novel;
analyze and write
about literature;
forensics.
English: More
complex grammar;
emphasis on
combining lit. and
writing through an
“author’s project”
with a term paper.		 Algebra I:
Course is designed
to be challenging
with a strong
emphasis on
problem-solving;
explanation of the
reasoning behind
algebraic concepts
is a major focus of
the program;
special projects
show the relevance
of math to real
world applications.		 Study of: world’s
major geographic
regions: geography,
history, political,
social, economic,
cultural development;
emphasis on
current events/
problems. Explored
by writing, vocab,
note taking, classification,
problem
solving, critical
thinking, map/
globe study.		 Physical Science:
hands-on experience
with the laws
that govern the
physical world.
Studies in the basic
theories of physics
and chemistry as
well as the practical
application of
mathematical
concepts; expanded
experience
with the scientific
method.		 French I/Spanish I
Two year course on
an elective basis
for HS credit;
immersion into a
complete oral,
aural, reading, and
writing language
study; cultural
activities increase
awareness of
cultural differences.
Languages
offered based on
parental preference.		 Brings together
visual arts and
crafts; emphasis on
art history and in
understanding art
as part of everyday
life; appreciation
of art in culture
and its importance
to our future. The
art program is
integrated with
projects and
programs in other
disciplines.		 Culmination of
skills and concepts
learned; preparation
for musical
experience in high
school; opportunity
to sing in
chorus; music
teacher works with
drama class to
afford opportunities
in the
performing arts.		 Practice typing
skills; use knowledge
of research
techniques across
the curriculum;use
word processing
and spreadsheet
skills for scientific
data organization
and graphing;
publish school
yearbook, manage
financial info,
create graphic ads,
type text.		 Library Resource
Center; in-house
professional
performances;
field trips; Friends
of Other Languages;
High
School Night;,
Learning Resource
Center; forensics;
Teen Club; Drama.

 
Aylett Country Day School
P. O. Box 70 • Millers Tavern, Virginia 23115
Phone: (804) 443-3214 • Fax: (804) 443-3064