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. Through imitation, improvisation, and composition, students experience a variety of musical styles and genres during their time in Lower School Music. The process of creating and making music is our focus.
Materials and inspiration are drawn from American folk songs, music from other cultures, as well as traditional nursery rhymes and games. Beginning in third grade, students participate in chorus and learn to play the recorder. All students have the opportunity to sing together and share what they are learning when their classes share at weekly Friday assemblies. They also perform at special assemblies throughout the year, including the Folk Dance Assembly, Halloween Assembly, Lower School Carols, and the Grandparents Day Assembly. Work done in music class, along with work done in classrooms across the Lower School, supports student development of public speaking and presenting skills.
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