LANGUAGE ARTS: phonemic awareness, phonics and sight word reading; reading aloud from several genres; listening and reading comprehension through discussion; D’Nealian handwriting; self-expression through creative writing.
MATHEMATICS: number relationships; number combinations to ten; sorting and classification of objects; measurement of length, weight and time; attributes of shapes; data collection and recording; identification, description and extension of patterns.
SOCIAL STUDIES: exploration of identity through self, family, classroom community and school community; the impact of changemakers and the introduction and application of Brearley’s core values.
SCIENCE: characteristics of leaves; the biology and ecology of earthworms; the process of composting; study of motion and forces, using marbles; water on Earth; sinking and floating; dissolving and evaporating; day and night.
WORK AND PLAY: time to play, learn, explore and experience; block building, board games, puzzles and self-initiated projects.
RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY: character development, social and emotional learning, friendship and resolving conflicts through discussions, team-building activities, art projects and dramatic role-playing.
SERVICE LEARNING: a partnership with All Souls Soup Kitchen; why soup kitchens are important in the community and how stereotypes about people who rely on them are harmful; preparation of baked goods in the classroom and delivery to All Souls; additional partnership with a local community center,
Stanley Isaacs, for the Martin Luther King Day of Service.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS: topics include our wonderful bodies, healthy bodies, safe bodies, families and feelings.
LIBRARY: listening to stories, working on story-related projects and checking out books.
ART: an exploration of many media through work in two and three dimensions; development of strong fine-motor skills.
CRAFTS: three-dimensional art projects; sewing as a lifelong skill.
MUSIC: an exploration of high and low, loud and soft, slow and fast, up and down, and beat and rhythm through singing and percussion instruments.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION: basic locomotor skills, body control and body awareness are explored through FunFit, physical education and dance classes.