During the Grammar stage, or first through fifth grade, students are naturally inclined to learn, to observe, and to memorize, and they take great joy in it. These are years when children’s brains are optimized to take in information, so we focus on who, what, when and where. We spend these years exposing students to fascinating information and stories that engage and enthrall. The memorization of math facts, grammar rules, historical dates, scientific data, and poetry will be an integral part of the curriculum in the early grades, to form a solid foundation for the upper grades. But it won’t be heavy handed, boring drill! We use motion, songs and chants to make memory work fun.

We also spend lots of time doing hand-on projects to bring the curriculum to life, and we integrate history, science, literature, art and music into unit studies that draw students into their studies, making them come alive. This is the time to get our hands dirty, to dance, sing, draw and use all our senses to learn about the world. Our students will walk through the woods to learn observation techniques, taste foods from different cultures, and read fairy tales and fables that introduce them to heroes of every shape and
size.