Language Arts
The Lower School Language Arts program is taught through the workshop model for both reading and writing. All six elements of literacy are targeted through Language Arts instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and writing.
Reading instruction launches with a mini-lesson targeting a grade-specific strategy, for example, comprehension skills, fluency work, or vocabulary. Students then practice these new strategies using thoughtfully selected texts. Students also work in teacher-directed small groups to further stretch their thinking as readers.
Phonemic awareness and phonics instruction is an essential component of both reading and writing. We use an explicit, systematic, and multi-sensory approach to decoding and encoding,
Writing instruction goes hand-in-hand with reading instruction. During writing lessons, students generate their own topics to write in a variety of genres, including personal narrative, non-fiction writing, poetry, persuasive, and procedural writing. Writing units often include links to our science and social studies curriculum. Students will work through the writing process (planning, drafting, editing, revising, publishing) throughout each unit. Explicit instruction in writing craft, grammar, and mechanics is embedded in mini-lessons and in one-on-one writing conferences.
Art
In Lower School art, students explore, design, and create, using techniques from drawing and painting to collage, sculpture, ceramics, bookmaking, and printmaking.
Language Arts
The Lower School Language Arts program is taught through the workshop model for both reading and writing. All six elements of literacy are targeted through Language Arts instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and writing.
Library
During their twice a rotation library classes, a teaching librarian shares a wide range of children's literature, from wordless books to biographies and from emergent reader titles to complex chapter books.
Mathematics
Potomac uses Math in Focus (MIF), a program based on the Singapore Math model. The program focuses on an in-depth understanding of mathematical concepts and problem-solving.
Music
In Lower School, we strive to foster the joy of making music. The Lower School Music Program is built upon the Orff-Schulwerk approach, which uses speech, singing, movement, and barred instruments to discover and develop the innate musicianship of children
Physical Education and Health
The overall goal of the physical education program is to motivate every student to participate in physical activities leading to healthy, lifetime habits.
Science
In Lower School, students learn through observation, experimentation, exploration, and a variety of engineering design challenges. They all explore and analyze Potomac’s unique 90-acre wooded campus.
Social Emotional Learning and Guidance
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is woven throughout the students’ day to build a strong school and classroom community.
Social Studies
Students begin to build their understanding of identity as an individual and as a member of the greater community.
Technology
As the use of technology transitions from toy to learning tool, students are exposed to a wide range of applications and resources.
“Potomac’s faculty and staff are talented, committed, and professional. Being here is more than just a job to them. I see it every day in the Lower School. Our teachers and staff care deeply about their students and the work that we do together.”
Dr. Donnette Echols, Lower School Head