Lower School
	Welcome to the Lower School at LREI

In the Lower School we create a rich learning environment that encourages young students to grow intellectually, socially and physically.

Classroom life promotes respect for others, an appreciation of different backgrounds and life styles, and a responsibility on the part of each child to make their room a kind and productive place for all.
We are committed to:

• encouraging students to care for and respect their classmates
• enabling students to construct new meaning and build connections among disciplines
• empowering students to take academic and social risks
• entrusting students with appropriate responsibility
• expecting from students their very best work.

Hands-on math and early literacy activities are woven into the students’ daily experiences. Early Childhood students engage in block building, dramatic play, cooking, singing and painting. The students enjoy running and playing on the rooftop playground each day.

By the First Grade, students are fully engaged in the reading process, and continue to develop written and verbal language skills. Small classes and small group instruction allow teachers to challenge the particular talents of each child.

In the Second through Fourth Grades, students are exposed to a broader range of experiences. Specialist teachers support student growth through challenging math, science, literature and social studies pursuits. Students synthesize experiences through their writing.

In the Lower School: we examine the concept of community by exploring the diversity of people, practices and ideas within the School, in the neighborhoods of New York City and throughout the world. Early Childhood classrooms hold daily meetings in which students discuss ideas and issues, developing a sense of classroom community.

Focusing on ways that people support each other, younger students explore the school building to learn how it works. First Graders study Greenwich Village, expanding their concept of “community” to the broader sphere of LREI’s immediate neighborhood.

Second Graders study New York City life through a variety of perspectives – ethnic neighborhoods, geography and city services. They focus in particular on Harlem, Spanish Harlem and Chinatown, making visits to the Apollo Theatre, Malcolm Shabazz Market and a Buddhist temple. Students experience and compare each neighborhood’s arts and culture.

In Third Grade, students read and discuss historical fiction as well as non-fiction. They write in various genres. They study Native Americans and life in New Amsterdam. Responses to these investigations incorporate research, the arts and technology.

Fourth Grade social studies focuses on immigration. Students take advantage of New York City’s rich resources, visiting Ellis Island and the Lower East Side Tenement Museum to research the immigrant condition. (Technology and Spanish instruction further encourage connections across various disciplines.)

Math and science are among our students’ most engaging courses. All Lower School students learn mathematical concepts, building solid skills and developing as flexible math thinkers. They master algorithms and understand why and when to apply them. An equally engaging science curriculum reflects children’s interests and developmental stages, as well as the grade’s social studies focus. For example, a study of bridges is linked to the Second Grade New York City curriculum.

Science and math coordinators enrich classroom instruction and investigation, and participate in national discussions about math and science literacy.

LREI is a singing school. Music abounds here with a program which includes a diverse palette of folk music. Children also study and speak in Spanish. They enjoy rich experiences in the arts and woodworking and are introduced to fitness instruction, athletics, movement and gymnastics in physical education. A rooftop playground and nearby ball field offer opportunities for outdoor play.

Lower School days are busy as students engage enthusiastically in the varied lives of their classrooms.

In the Lower School: we build a learning environment that is experiential in nature in order to make learning a dynamic and exciting pursuit. We nurture a passion for learning by:

• integrating classroom research with first-hand experiences, including regular trips and project work
• encouraging young students to explore and extend tasks beyond their assigned scope
• supporting young students in taking risks, even when success is not guaranteed.

To learn more about the Lower School at LREI, download the Lower School Curriculum Guide (PDF).