Keeping Curiosity Alive

In the Lower School, students are a part of an affirming, caring and academically challenging community that supports inquiry and the risk taking necessary for learning. At NSA, we value questions as much as answers, because we believe that fostering a healthy curiosity is essential to critical thinking and future academic success.

We are committed to the intellectual, physical, emotional and social development of each student, and our curriculum balances expectations for excellence and a sensitivity to individual differences in development and learning styles. To support the many different strengths and interests of our students, we use a wide range of strategies and strive to create a learning environment where students develop critical thinking skills and engage in creative and flexible thinking that will prepare them for success long after they leave the Lower School.

Curriculum

Kindergarten

The kindergarten program offers a balanced academic approach that is interactive and play-oriented to build a strong foundation for subsequent learning. Since young children learn through doing, emphasis is placed on hands-on experiences in all academic areas. Learning takes place through centers and through whole-group, small-groups and independent activities. The language arts program focuses on the development of phonological awareness, including spelling and vocabulary, oral language, writing and reading comprehension. Language arts instruction incorporates whole-group and small-group lessons, word work, guided reading, the use of leveled readers, vocabulary development, phonics and a writer's workshop program.

The Lower School uses Math in Focus, an American edition of the Singapore Math program. Students are exposed to a rich curriculum that enhances the acquisition of a solid sense of numbers, their relationships and also place value. Based on Piaget’s stages of development in which children begin learning with concrete objects, manipulatives are used extensively for early learners. Students next encounter pictorial representations of problems, and finally reach the level of abstract reasoning and understanding. The program stresses mental math and problem-solving skills, using “bar modeling” as a visual representation for word problems. Developing strong computational skills is a primary objective in Math in Focus.

Social science topics covered in Kindergarten include the five senses, nutrition, magnets, an investigation of the properties of objects, the characteristics of living things, an investigation of the sun, moon and shadows, conservation of resources, famous people and holidays, comparisons of changes in our lives through the years, awareness of maps and globes, characteristics of a good citizen, careers and communities.

First Grade

The development of a child mentally, physically and socially continues in first grade. The four primary academic areas throughout the Lower School years are language arts, mathematics and the social sciences.

In language arts, students participate in whole-group lessons and also work in small groups for guided reading instruction. Leveled readers and supplemental reading books are used for learning. The language arts program focuses on the development of phonological awareness, including spelling and vocabulary, oral language, writing and reading comprehension. Small group activities may include a focus on word work or an oral reading session. Components of language arts incorporated throughout the year are phonemic awareness, spelling and word study, vocabulary, oral reading, independent reading, reading comprehension skills and the development of writing skills through Writer’s Workshop.

The Lower School uses Math in Focus, an American edition of the Singapore Math program. Students are exposed to a rich curriculum that enhances the acquisition of a solid sense of numbers, their relationships and also place value. Based on Piaget’s stages of development in which children begin learning with concrete objects, manipulatives are used extensively for early learners. Students next encounter pictorial representations of problems, and finally reach the level of abstract reasoning and understanding. The program stresses mental math and problem-solving skills, using “bar modeling” as a visual representation for word problems. Developing strong computational skills is a primary objective in Math in Focus.

Social science topics covered in first grade include an investigation of the sun and the earth’s rotation and revolution, an investigation of matter, observations of physical properties using senses, classification of attributes and properties, an investigation of simple machines and investigations using Lego WeDo Educational Kits, an investigation of goods and services and how people make choices, the uniqueness of individuals and appreciation of differences, holidays and customs, characteristics of good citizens, introduction to maps - their importance and how to construct one, and responsible personal and social behavior in a community.

Second Grade

The second grade year builds on the foundation laid in first grade in all academic areas and the development of independence in each student is a year-long goal of second grade. Children are encouraged to assume increasing personal responsibility for their assignments and their materials, as well as for establishing continuity in their home/school communication and interpersonal relationships.

In Language Arts, students read a variety of print material as they participate in shared reading, group reading and independent reading. Leveled readers, fiction and non-fiction books and poetry are just a few of the materials used. Instruction concentrates on phonological awareness, spelling and vocabulary, oral language, writing, grammar, usage and mechanics, reading comprehension and information, study skills and the development of writing skills through Writer’s Workshop. A wide variety of instructional strategies are employed, including word sorts, flip books, poetry, phonics readers, original sentence writing, Daily Language Review, Drops in a Bucket, phonics centers and word work.

The Lower School uses Math in Focus, an American edition of the Singapore Math program. Students are exposed to a rich curriculum that enhances the acquisition of a solid sense of numbers, their relationships and also place value. Based on Piaget’s stages of development in which children begin learning with concrete objects, manipulatives are used extensively for early learners. Students next encounter pictorial representations of problems, and finally reach the level of abstract reasoning and understanding. The program stresses mental math and problem-solving skills, using “bar modeling” as a visual representation for word problems. Developing strong computational skills is a primary objective in Math in Focus.

In science, second graders investigate topics such as weather data, where they gather and record observations of weather patterns, magnets and their characteristics and properties, the properties for solids, liquids and gasses and how they change from one state to another, how some animals go through distinct changes during their life cycles while others generally resemble their parents, the changes that affect habitats over time, rocks, weathering and erosion. During these units, students are called upon to compare and contrast, demonstrate, examine and describe, identify, measure, predict and interpret. Students also plant and care for a garden and study how plants grow from seeds and what is necessary for plants to thrive.

In social studies, topics of study include a comparison of natural resources and capital resources, including making choices when resources are limited, responsibilities involved in citizenship, famous Americans who improved the lives of others, customs, traditions and characteristics of North American Indian tribes and where they live, mapwork identifying the continents, oceans and where the student lives. Second graders also learn from each other by sharing current events.

Third Grade

The third grade curriculum builds on a solid foundation and offers an array of enrichment activities to promote inferential thinking, reasoning and creativity in students. Students are engaged in cooperative learning, as well as whole class and small group instruction and discussion.

In Language Arts students read a variety of print material as they participate in shared reading, group reading and independent reading. Leveled readers, fiction and non-fiction books and poetry are just a few of the materials used. Instruction concentrates on phonemic awareness, spelling and vocabulary, oral language, writing, grammar, usage and mechanics, reading comprehension and information study skills and the development of writing skills through Writer’s Workshop. A wide variety of instructional strategies are employed including word sorts, flip books, poetry, phonics readers, original sentence writing, Daily Language Review, Drops in a Bucket, phonics centers and word work.

The Lower School uses Math in Focus, an American edition of the Singapore Math program. Students are exposed to a rich curriculum that enhances the acquisition of a solid sense of numbers, their relationships and also place value. Based on Piaget’s stages of development in which children begin learning with concrete objects, manipulatives are used extensively for early learners. Students next encounter pictorial representations of problems, and finally reach the level of abstract reasoning and understanding. The program stresses mental math and problem-solving skills, using “bar modeling” as a visual representation for word problems. Developing strong computational skills is a primary objective in Math in Focus.

In 3rd grade, students explore the following science topics: the components of soil, conservation, the composition and layers of the earth’s crust; simple machines -- their functions and uses, how they work together to form complex machines incorporating Lego WeDo Educational Kits which create machines which are programmed with drag and drop software to move; behavioral and physical adaptations which allow animals to respond to life needs; the unique properties of Earth as a planet and as a part of the solar system; the relationships among organisms in aquatic and terrestrial food chains; and how water-related environments support a diversity of plants and animals that share limited resources.

In Social Studies, students investigate the similarities and differences among communities, how the climate, geography and natural resources of the southwest United States affected the life of the Anasazi Indians, how natural and human resources aided the Pilgrims in starting Plymouth colony, and how and why the city of Suffolk began as a community dependent on the river and railroad lines.

In both Science and Social Studies, students gather, chart and graph data, classify objects into sets and subsets, make and communicate predictions of outcomes, and make inferences and draw conclusions.

Fourth Grade

The fourth grade year offers many activities and experiences that begin to prepare students for Middle School and the transition to a departmentalized program. Students spend their days working as a whole class, in small groups or independently completing assignments, as well as use Google classroom.

In Language Arts, both leveled books and novels are used to teach skills. Novels are used to complement the integrated curriculum in social studies and science. Within language arts, areas of study are phonemic awareness, reading comprehension, spelling and vocabulary, listening and speaking, grammar, usage and mechanics and incorporating writing skills through Writer’s Workshop.

The Lower School uses Math in Focus, an American edition of the Singapore Math program. Students are exposed to a rich curriculum that enhances the acquisition of a solid sense of numbers, their relationships and also place value. Based on Piaget’s stages of development in which children begin learning with concrete objects, manipulatives are used extensively for early learners. Students next encounter pictorial representations of problems, and finally reach the level of abstract reasoning and understanding. The program stresses mental math and problem-solving skills, using “bar modeling” as a visual representation for word problems. Developing strong computational skills is a primary objective in Math in Focus.

In science, the primary focus of the 4th grade curriculum is the watershed and oyster restoration. Students explore and investigate area watersheds, including the area on our 100-acre campus. Students also participate in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation oyster restoration project. Students visit the Elizabeth River Learning Barge to enhance their awareness of man’s effect on his environment and investigate ways that we can live more closely in concert with our surroundings. Students also explore magnets, electricity and circuits and weather.

In social studies, students develop an understanding of the Native American population prior to the colonization of Virginia by English settlers. Other areas of study include, Virginia’s resources and the relationship between them and the industries in Virginia, the geographic regions of Virginia and their physical features, the agricultural contributions of the state, Virginia's role in our national and local government, the form of government used in our state and its branches, the process by which a bill becomes a law, Virginia’s role in Colonial America, the Revolutionary War and the events leading up to the Civil War.

Throughout the 4th grade year, students focus on work habits, organizational and study skills and time management. The school counselor provides lessons on test-taking strategies and interpersonal relationships.

Fifth Grade

The fifth grade year offers many activities and experiences that prepare students in their final year before Middle School and the transition to a fully departmentalized program. In fifth grade, students change classes and adjust to working with multiple teachers prior to moving to Middle School, where they will experience learning by rotating through a class schedule. Students spend their days working as a whole class, in small groups or independently receiving instruction and completing assignments with Google classroom.

In Language Arts, both leveled books and novels are used to teach skills. Novels are used to complement the integrated curriculum in social studies and science. Within language arts, areas covered are reading comprehension, spelling and vocabulary, listening and speaking, grammar-usage and mechanics and writing incorporating the Writer’s Workshop.

The Lower School uses Math in Focus, an American edition of the Singapore Math program. Students are exposed to a rich curriculum that enhances the acquisition of a solid sense of numbers, their relationships and also place value. Based on Piaget’s stages of development in which children begin learning with concrete objects, manipulatives are used extensively for early learners. Students next encounter pictorial representations of problems, and finally reach the level of abstract reasoning and understanding. The program stresses mental math and problem-solving skills, using “bar modeling” as a visual representation for word problems. Developing strong computational skills is a primary objective in Math in Focus.

In science, fifth graders study life science, physical science and earth science. In addition, students work collaboratively on lab safety, the scientific method, the experimental design process and the engineering design process. Students engage in design challenges that inspire creative thinking and teamwork. They test their designs and are given time for redesign experiences. Throughout the year, students participate in an ongoing study of conservation and wise utilization of natural resources. Other areas of study include cell biology, body systems, and taxonomy. Every student completes a conservation project. Students also complete various research projects to supplement classroom instruction and also share material through classroom presentations.

In social studies, students develop an understanding of the exploration and settlement of North America, study the distinct characteristics of the individual regions of the United States and study U.S. history through the Civil War and Reconstruction. Many collaborative projects complement classroom instruction, and students are engaged routinely in hands-on activities.

Throughout the fifth grade year, students focus on work habits, organization, study skills and time management. Students have a study period several days each week during which they may receive extra help from teachers, study, read or complete homework.

All fifth graders also receive instruction in music, art, physical education, global connections, technology education and library skills. The school counselor provides lessons on test-taking strategies and interpersonal relationship skills as well.

Extended Day Program

Our before-and after-school program offers many options to assist working families. The nurturing environment allows students to build and foster friendships while exploring areas of interest.

Extended Day Progam

Health and Wellness

Our guidance and counseling program ensures that we are also addressing the social and emotional development of each child.

Wellness at NSA

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Enrichment Classes

The Lower School program provides many opportunities for a well-balanced experience to help every child begin to uncover their passions. All students receive instruction in library skills, technology and global studies to complement their core academic classes. To foster their creative expression and physical growth, we also offer art, music, physical education and daily recess.

Music

Students have weekly music classes where they sing and listen to music, experiment with percussion and rhythm instruments and participate in movement activities.

All Lower School students participate in a grade-level performance each year based on some facet of that grade’s curriculum. All students have speaking parts and exposure to being in front of an audience, life skills requiring practice for mastery.

Library

The library curriculum aligns with Virginia Standards of Learning and the American Association of School Librarians Standards for the 21st Century Learner. The program is based on the belief that each student should achieve information literacy, thereby creating a foundation for lifelong learning.

The library skills taught at each grade level are chosen with particular attention to the developmental level of the student. These skills include recognizing and using the parts of a book; differentiating between fiction and nonfiction; investigating a variety of genres; becoming familiar with the areas of the library (fiction and nonfiction); understanding the Dewey Decimal System; using the online library catalog to locate materials; and selecting and using appropriate reference sources to locate desired information. In addition, we participate in the Virginia Readers’ Choice Program for the primary and elementary levels, which encourage young readers to become better acquainted with contemporary books with outstanding literary appeal. Librarians team with teachers to augment their classroom curriculum and facilitate research projects.

Art

Technology

Digital tools are infused throughout the curriculum in every grade to allow students to collaborate, create and communicate. Correct keyboarding skills are taught starting in second grade, which continues to be reinforced throughout the Lower School. Coding is also taught starting in kindergarten. Technology is fully integrated into our students’ school day, enhancing daily learning and instructional time. In third through fifth grade, students have a designated Chromebook when working at school. Pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first and second graders have laptops and iPads® for use in classrooms, offering options that work with their flexible schedules and space.

Physical Education

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Learning Support

To meet each child's specific needs, the Sandra F. Birdsong Center for Academic Excellence facilitates Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS™) in Pre-K4 through grade five at the beginning, middle and end of the year to assess reading levels and guide instructional practice. The Center also uses data to determine the need for reading intervention. Teachers in kindergarten through grade three are trained in the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) Orton-Gillingham program to provide literacy interventions in the classroom. The i-Ready Math diagnostic is also used in kindergarten through grade 5 to assess overall math performance and growth during the academic year. Diagnostic results set a personalized learning path for each student, ensuring they're working on instruction that matches their unique learning needs.

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