Early Childhood Program

ACADEMICS

Early Learning Program

The LWA 3K and PreK programs are expertly designed to provide a safe, nurturing, and engaging experience during which students flourish emotionally, socially, artistically, intellectually and physically. Our integrated hands-on methodologies develop our students’ respective hearts, minds, and bodies, preparing them for a healthy, happy, and successful future.

International Day: a LWA Legacy Experience

LWA is truly a global school. Each year, each class in the Lower School conducts an intense interdisciplinary study of a country. It culminates with the International Day during which students perform, in costume, the music and dance of the country studied. The gymnasium is transformed into a showcase of individual and class projects, a food court of international cuisine, and a place where students and families join in celebration of diversity and unity. At LWA, our community is truly at home with the world.

World Language: Mandarin

Students of all grades study Basic Mandarin learning language and about Chinese culture in fun and engaging ways.

Guided Reading

Guided Reading is a designated class period where small-group instruction is conducted. Students are grouped together based upon their instructional level. The teacher assigns appropriate books/texts and work to support each reader’s development. Guided Reading enables students to read more challenging texts with assistance.

STEAM

Students explore and have hands-on experiences while learning science, engineering, math and technology skills. They work on various projects which enable them to investigate, design and build.

Visual and Performing Arts

Several times weekly, students participate in Visual Arts, Theater and Music gaining exposure in all three areas from our award winning Arts teachers.

Wellness/Social-Emotional Learning

Wellness: At the start of the day, students check in with their teacher/advisor and advisors check in on students. Students participate in the Move This World wellness program which incorporates strategies for students to check in on and regulate their emotions and to be ready for the day ahead.

Community Meeting: Focus is on social and emotional learning. Students participate in the Harmony program where they engage in lessons and units of study around topics such as Diversity and Inclusion, Empathy and Critical Thinking, Communication, Problem Solving and Peer Relationships.

Physical Education- Students learn about and engage in activities that promote wellness, movement and teamwork.

Where Learning is Fun:

The Lower School Day at a Glance by Grade

3K

Students will learn through experiences, play and positive relationships. They develop language, skills and knowledge of the world. They show curiosity, ask questions and share creative ideas. As they become a member of the classroom community.

Here at LWA, our students explore new ideas and materials which will better prepare them for language, math and scientific thinking in the years ahead. They learn pre-reading skills by understanding that letters have meaning and can be combined to form words. Reading and writing can be used to share information and ideas. They learn early math skills by learning about numbers, shapes, patterns and sorting. Our students learn in different ways including and not limited to :

Short whole class or group and small group activities
Choice time where they are able to work with a variety of materials and activities
Indoor/Outdoor playtime (weather permitting)
Rest/naptime

PRE-KINDERGARTEN

Pre-Kindergarten students continue to learn

or newly learn through experiences, play and positive relationships. They develop language, skills and knowledge of the world. They show curiosity, ask questions and share creative ideas. They become a member of the classroom community.

Students explore new ideas and materials which will better prepare them for kindergarten as they continue to be exposed to the language, math and scientific thinking they will need in the years ahead. Literacy skills are developed as they build listening and speaking skills and acquire new vocabulary through phonics awareness, rhyming, syllables and alliteration. Additionally, reading and writing can be used to share information and ideas. They learn early math skills by learning more about numbers, shapes, patterns and sorting as well as counting, and matching.. Our students learn in different ways including and not limited to :

Short whole class and small group activities
Choice time where they are able to work with a variety of materials and activities
Indoor/Outdoor playtime (weather permitting)
Rest/naptime
Meal and snack time