Independence Grows in Oak Knoll’s Primary Program, Grades 1-2
As young students develop higher levels of responsibility, their confidence and sense of self grows – and this personal responsibility, enthusiasm, and pride flourishes in Oak Knoll’s Primary program.
Here, students in grades 1-2 work and learn together to answer open-ended questions, solve problems, think critically, and make in-depth connections to classroom lessons. With encouraging teachers as their guides, students learn to love, care, and respect themselves and others. Is your child ready to join in?
Oak Knoll’s Unique Primary Program
In the Primary years, Oak Knoll students become more independent learners – and teachers use this growing sense of self to engage with students’ interests, foster critical thinking, and promote a love of learning. This challenging, hands-on program is differentiated by our:
Annual Traditions
Students shine in the annual Christmas pageant, take a trip to Fosterfields Historical Living Farm, witness the hatching of real baby chicks in class, enjoy a special family square dance, and celebrate the milestone of receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.
Mentorship Program
Grade 1 students connect with their grade 5 mentors for monthly lunchtime discussions and interactive activities (such as a scavenger hunt!) based on one of the Lower School’s values – gratitude, courage, perseverance, respect, empathy, creativity, cooperation, responsibility, kindness, or honesty.
Holy Sacraments
In the spring, grade 2 students have the opportunity to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. First Communion prep classes are integrated into the children’s regularly scheduled religion classes.
EDUCATIONAL GOALS
- Comprehend longer sentences, paragraphs, and books
- Experiment and become more familiar with the world by learning about animals, sea life, the human body, electricity, and matter
- Research and discuss new topics
- Solve simple equations using addition and subtraction skills, identify time intervals, and understand the value of money
- Write descriptive narratives using more complex words
Developmental Goals
Students connect with their classmates and learn the principles of making and keeping friends.
Students express their feelings and opinions and become more aware of others’ feelings, as well as their own strengths and abilities.
Students participate in group activities and begin to lead.
Students present ideas to the class and become more comfortable sharing their creations in group settings.
Students use reason to solve conflicts or seek help when needed.
Primary Program Curriculum
In grade 1, students build on their reading and math skills, share their talents at concerts and assemblies, and attend field trips related to classroom learning, all while developing a global awareness and affinity for the world around them.
Grade 2’s balanced literacy language arts program continues to expose students to different literature genres and writing practices; math includes critical thinking problems, higher-order thinking stories and equations, complex concepts, and vocabulary; and service projects allow students to look outside of themselves and connect with the greater world.
