Lower School
Grades 1-3
Students in grades 1-3 receive self-contained classroom instruction. Class size is limited to ensure adequate time for individualized instruction. Understanding that children learn using different modalities, teachers use various strategies to teach skills necessary for progressing to the next level. Many of our classrooms are equipped with auditory amplification systems and all of our classrooms have a computer for student enrichment and Accelerated Reader testing.
Thomas Sumter Academy uses the Houghton Mifflin Reading Series. This series uses a systematic, integrated approach to teach spelling, language, reading, phonics, structured writing, and grammar. The “Step Up To Writing” model is used to encourage self-expression through creative writing. This program offers a systematic approach to learning the writing process from pre-writing to the final copy. Skills progress each year so that by the time a child reaches high school, they have the foundation needed to be successful writers for course requirements, pleasure, and standardized tests such as the SAT. Cursive handwriting is taught second semester of second grade using the Zaner Bloser method of cursive instruction. As children become independent readers, they participate in the Accelerated Reader-Renaissance program which tests comprehension, literacy, and vocabulary skills. Children read books on their individual reading level, and earn points and prizes for their efforts. They also have the opportunity to work on reading and language skills through the Success Maker program in the Lower School Computer Lab. Students attend sessions in the lab and in the classroom three times a week to practice and master skills at their own ability level. Many students progress quickly above their current grade level which offers a way to challenge them beyond the regular curriculum. Teachers use reports generated from Success Maker as a tool to monitor students’ progress and evaluate strengths and weaknesses. This helps them tailor instruction to better meet their students’ needs. Wordly Wise is a supplementary vocabulary program that is used to build vocabulary skills in 2nd and 3rd grades in a different context beyond their vocabulary related to reading instruction.
The Silver Burdett Ginn mathematics series is used for math instruction. This series incorporates skills practice with the use of hands-on manipulatives and activities to construct meaning to math concepts. Basic math concepts, their application, and problem solving are emphasized at each grade level. Multiplication is introduced at the end of second grade to ready students for further instruction in third grade. The Success Maker computer program used in the Lower School Computer Lab further enables children to practice and master math skills at their own level. This serves to challenge students who are ahead and reinforce skills to those who need extra practice on grade level.
