Lower School Grades K-5

 

Lower School is a growth spurt. Children start to discover themselves as part of a larger community. Socially, there is increased intentionality around interactions with others. Intellectually, foundational skills take hold and little minds expand with wonder. Physically, all motor skills develop seamlessly, and spiritually, God’s presence starts to have real meaning and relevance in their lives.

At GCS, teachers embrace this time to help students advance according to developmental readiness. A sequential curriculum, standardized by the Diocese of
Bridgeport Catholic Schools gives teachers a baseline for achievement. Then each teacher’s creativity, understanding of the subject matter, and love for students brings the content alive. Traditional disciplines like cursive handwriting are still valued as foundational tools, while technology fosters student engagement, encourages active participation, and supports different learning styles. Teachers are instructors and also facilitators, as hands-on projects let students approach content from a new perspective.

Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade follow a progressively robust academic program that always includes real-world applications and practice.

Language Arts (English reading, writing, and public speaking)
● Beginning with decoding sounds and written letters, words, and sentences
● Developing creative and persuasive writing skills

Mathematics
● Beginning identifying, writing, and comparing numbers and shapes with real-world applications
● Advancing facility with fractions, word problems, decimals, and complex multiplication and division functions

Science
● Introducing earth science, life science, and physical science
● Exploring energy, Earth & the Solar System, and environmental science
● Thinking outside the box for the Science & Engineering Fair

Social Studies
● Beginning concepts of community, holidays, geography, and government and civics
● Advancing an understanding of Native Americans, European explorers, and the European colonization in the West
● Understanding different cultures

Spanish
● A scaffolded program starting with 20 minutes each week using songs, video, role-playing, art, and flashcards
● Repeating and reviewing vocabulary and phrases annually to build a solid foundation

Religion
● Beginning profession of faith, worship & sacraments, community & service, Christian morality, and prayer
● Advancing knowledge and understanding of faith, liturgical education, moral formation, prayer, and missionary initiation

Library
● Using the library as a resource for increasingly sophisticated purposes
● Reading fiction, non-fiction, and poetry
● Studying Greek & Roman myths
● Introducing global literature

Art
● Each grade builds on skills, vocabulary, and safe handling practices while increasing the ability for creative self-expression.
● Students work in a wide range of media including drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, printmaking, fiber arts, and sculpture.