Academics - Lower School
Curriculum Guide
Moorestown Friends School's twin pillars of academic rigor and spiritual and ethical
development come to life each day for our Preschool (age 3) through Fourth Grade students. In
small classes students participate in an integrated program of reading, writing, language arts,
mathematics, social studies and science organized around diverse themes and student-initiated
investigations. Learning is hands-on; subjects come alive as students read, write, ask questions,
interview experts, conduct experiments, take field trips and share their learning. Students are
taught to think critically: to gather complete information, be precise, develop a plan when
solving a problem, and shift strategies when needed. Engagement in visual arts, music, physical
education, computers, library use, and Spanish complement the academic program.
The Quaker testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and stewardship are
an integral part of every grade and every classroom. Teachers support students in the use of
peaceful conflict resolution and peer mediation. Service learning projects take place throughout
the year and are both student- and school-initiated.
Through our commitment to academic rigor and spiritual and ethical development, Moorestown
Friends Lower School strives to help students develop tough minds and tender hearts.
Click here to view the entire Lower School Curriculum Guide (PDF - Acrobat Reader Required)
LANGUAGE ARTS
The Language Arts curriculum at MFS gives students the tools necessary to be actively literate
students. Through a balanced, literature-based approach, which combines systematic teaching of
phonics and phonemic awareness (primarily in grades K-1) with the use of authentic children’s
literature, students learn not only the skills to read and understand a variety of texts, but also
develop a lifelong love of reading and writing. Beginning in Kindergarten, students are taught
through a workshop format which includes whole-class and small-group lessons as well as
independent work time. This format motivates students by giving them choice and the ability to
connect their reading and writing with their lives. Through emphasizing independence, students
develop the confidence to succeed and continuously stretch themselves as readers and writers.
Teachers are able to match the teaching of reading and writing skills to the developmental needs
of the students which allows all students to be actively involved in the learning process. Children
read, write, speak, and listen by immersing themselves in meaningful experiences and in this
way they learn the diverse purposes and a love for developing and using these skills.
MATHEMATICS
The mathematical curriculum at MFS motivates and challenges each Preschool through Fourth
Grade student to think critically, accurately, and independently to become a successful and
confident problem solver not only in their classroom environment but in the world around them.
We strive to develop a joy of inquiry and satisfaction of knowing about math and its relationship
to everyday living. Through whole group, small group, and individual discussions, explorations,
and hands-on activities the children apply their rote and conventional knowledge, flexibly while
using manipulatives and literature.
In Prekindergarten students begin more formally exploring mathematical concepts through the
Growing with Mathematics program. The use of this core math program is
continued through Fourth Grade. The Growing with Math program ensures that understanding
and skills are developed simultaneously. It equips students with a variety of thinking strategies
they can use to solve problems effectively and confidently. It supports The National Council for
the Teaching of Mathematics (NCTM) standards and the National Association of the Education
of Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines. Extensive field testing and in-depth research
determined the mathematical content and sequence of the program, as well as the teaching
methods it promotes. At each grade level, all components and learning experiences are carefully
designed to match students' interests and abilities. Basic fact practice and regular assessment are
an important part of the program.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies in the Lower School is organized around chosen topics or themes. Students’ interests/questions are often the springboard into a particular area of study. These may
arise through use of literature, current events, class trips or observations made in their indoor or
outdoor environment.
In Social Studies in the early grades we focus on children’s immediate social environments.
As students progress through Lower School they broaden
their view by studying states, countries, and historical periods. We value understanding and
respecting people in different settings and involve the children in many service projects that
relate to both the school community and the local community.
SCIENCE
In addition to having Science organized around themes in the classroom, students in grades first through four experience hands-on activities in the Science Laboratory.
Students explore the living and non-living world around them. Through the hands-on activities, students are guided to hypothesize, observe, experiment, form conclusions and record their data.
ARTS
Fundamental to the philosophy of the art program is the belief that each individual has the desire, ability and right to express himself/herself. An atmosphere is provided in which children come to see themselves as competent, creative individuals whose ideas and images are valued by the wider school community, as well as by themselves.
Through our visual arts program, students are exposed to design principles and techniques, the
works of professional artists, as well as a multitude of media. Self expression and creative risk
taking are stressed. Students are supported in developing ways to communicate openly about
one’s own artistic choices and in appreciating a variety of other styles and preferences.
Over the course of the Lower School program students learn and apply concepts related to
pattern, balance, texture, and color theory. Students’ art work is displayed continuously throughout the year. Students are also exposed to a variety of visual stimuli from professional art work as well as a multitude of media. Whenever possible, art class is coordinated with the current theme of the classroom.
The music program in the Lower School is based on developmentally appropriate experiences at each grade level. Fundamental skills of singing, movement, listening, note reading, and playing instruments are used to develop knowledge and enjoyment of music. Students are actively involved in music experiences through playing lummi sticks, rhythm instruments, boomwhackers, xylophones, and recorders. All lower school students participate in the Winter Concert. Students learn the importance of cooperation and performance techniques as they are encouraged and supported as they participate in classroom musical productions and, for older children, to perform in the Spring Concert.
TECHNOLOGY
The goal of the technology curriculum is to integrate computer use with curriculum in other areas while developing students' technology skills and knowledge. We recognize the need for continuous change in the technology curriculum as change occurs in technology and in the role of technology in society. From preschool through fourth grade, students use computers in their classrooms to reinforce the skills that are important to building a strong foundation for their overall academic development. Computer classes in the lab begin in kindergarten and remain a requirement through ninth grade. Students focus on a particular area of computer use at each grade level. Among the skills taught are research, web page development, digital media, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, database design, internet safety and computer ethics. When possible, computer activities take advantage of opportunities to build on material presented in other courses, from language arts to health education.
LIBRARY
The library program ensures that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information in the development of lifelong learning skills. The library program provides a structure of student learning activities in all curriculum to develop and integrate information and research skills. These skills include locating, interpreting, analyzing, evaluating and utilizing data from a variety of resources. The library program makes every effort to integrate library skills with the classroom instruction and activities. Some skills are unique to the library setting and are taught by the librarian. The librarian spends considerable time reading the classics and new literature to children. Children may check out books to read for their own pleasure.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Our goal of our Lower School PE program is to assist each child in developing attitudes, skills,
and knowledge of human movement that will result in a lifetime of participation in physical
activity. Lessons are designed to provide maximum participation for all students, increased practice of the skill that is the focus of the lesson for that day, and a high success rate for each student. The teacher serves as a facilitator, providing the initial task and then assisting individuals as needed.
Units in educational skill themes are spread throughout the year. These skill themes include throwing, catching, dribbling, kicking, and volleying. Adventure activity units give
students the opportunity to demonstrate teamwork, problem solving skills, as well as using
equipment in unconventional ways. Team sports, such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball, are
introduced in second, third and Fourth Grades. Also included are cooperative games, partner
games, and large group games. Students work on all aspects of physical fitness including increasing cardiovascular efficiency, flexibility, and endurance.
QUAKERISM - THE EXAMINED LIFE PROGRAM FOR SPIRITUAL & ETHICAL DEVELOPMENT
Children at Moorestown Friends School enter a community of spiritual and ethical learning
rooted in Quaker belief and practice. This gives rise to the school’s philosophy and, therefore its
attitude toward education and young people as one of recognizing and encouraging the spiritual
dimension of children’s lives. Helping children understand that they possess a spiritual life and
asking them to engage in it as a guide is as fundamental to a transformative Quaker education as
academic excellence.
Our goal for all students is to go out into the world as resilient, compassionate problem solvers
enlightened by spiritual discernment, able to draw on the power of their intellect to make moral
and ethical decisions. From the earliest ages through graduation children participate in our
program for spiritual and ethical education, “The Examined Life”, drawn from Socrates’ axiom:
“The unexamined life is not worth living”.
“The Examined life” program is embedded in the Quaker belief in the “Inward Light”, that there
is a measure of the Divine in each person that can be directly accessed for understanding and
guidance in how to live. A Quaker school does not aim to create Quakers, but rather to help
children and young people become aware of that spiritual presence in all of us. The school
believes that the religious tradition of each student is strengthened by the understanding of
Quaker history, faith, and practice. Lee Quinby, a Quaker educator writing in a State College
Friends School journal, states, “When we do our job well, students leave Friends Schools as
more faithful Protestants, more devout Roman Catholics, more pious Jews, more observant
Muslims, more spiritually aware Buddhists—and more committed Friends.” The “Inward Light”
gives rise to the testimonies that reveal the Quaker ideals for living (also embraced by many
people of good will). The testimonies of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and
stewardship provide the basis for Moorestown Friends School’s spiritual and ethical education:
“The Examined Life’.
There are four foundations of "The Examined Life":
Openess to the Spirit - How is openness to the spirit fostered in Lower School? We endeavor to give children the
ability to recognize the value of inner experience and the individual connection to something
greater than themselves. This is done in individual Quaker Education classes and through
opportunities out of the classroom setting.
Ethics - At the heart of ethics is a series of questions that can lead students, even at young ages, to reflect
on their actions: What is my relationship to others? How should I treat others? What am I
responsible for? What is the impact of my choices of behavior?
Critical Thinking - What kinds of knowledge and skills will our children need as our world continually changes and
becomes more complex? Children’s natural curiosity and interest in the world are developed and
enhanced by the application of critical thinking skills to solve problems. We teach them to
become skillful observers, gatherers of complete data, judges of the quality of information,
accurate and precise problem solvers. They learn to understand their own thinking process so
that they can solve as yet unknown problems in the future. Children’s understanding of the link
between ethics and critical thinking is a necessary component. Academic knowledge applied to
the world without the tempering of ethical understanding can be as damaging as empathetic
action without careful thought.
Resilience - The ability to bounce back from disappointment, uncertainty and tragedy is a skill essential to
living a full life. How can we help children become resourceful and develop the habit of solving
their own problems? When and how should they be responsible for themselves? In a culture
that often presents fear and materialism in large doses to our children, how do we sort out the
appropriate and character building coping skills? Much research has found strategies to develop
resilience knowing that these involve time, effort and strong emotions. Children are offered a
variety of approaches to build resilience within a caring and nurturing community.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Spanish is taught in prekindergarten through fourth grade. It is integrated into the classroom curriculum by a Spanish Teacher with the classroom teacher reinforcing the material. A multisensory language approach makes learning Spanish fun for the students. It gives the student a feeling of success and it opens the students to further in depth study of foreign languages in the Middle and Upper School years.
EXTENDED DAY AND OPTIONAL PROGRAMS
For an added fee, Moorestown Friends School provides before school care from 7:15-8:10 A.M. and after school care until 5:45 P.M. In many cases, this supervision can provide a more consistent environment for the child than having to relocate to another setting.
A variety of optional after school programs are offered at an additional cost. These programs have included computer activities, dramatics, environmental studies, cooking, board games and science experiments.
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110 E. Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057-2949 Phone: (856) 235-2900