Art

Creativity, experimentation, and self-expression are the hallmarks of the Lower School visual arts program. Students begin discovering artists and critiquing the uses of lines and forms before diving into using a variety of mediums to create their own masterpieces. Studies include organic and geometric shapes, the color wheel, textures, weaving, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, painting, and sewing.

Chess

Weekly curriculum Chess classes begin in second grade. As students begin to learn how to play the game of chess, they are also strengthening critical thinking and problem solving skills while gaining the mental discipline to succeed in school and beyond.

Communications

Communication skills help us better understand ourselves and one another. The greatest minds in any discipline can contribute nothing to the world if they fail to communicate. CDS students have much to contribute, and we are purposefully giving them every possible tool to do so effectively. Communications classes begin in Third Grade as students explore communication within three distinct domains: personal, community, and media. Within the realm of the personal, students at the youngest levels learn about communicating their feelings and needs, proper greetings and polite manners, and the meaning of body language. Students of all ages spend time learning age-appropriate digital citizenship skills, allowing them to engage safely and responsibly in our increasingly digital world.

Performing Arts

Whether performing in a theater production of ‘Pajama Party’ or composing melodies based upon learned music notes, students in performing arts are creating and finding a place for themselves in the theater. The building block of this program is learning to read music and then sing and play it comfortably. Students gain confidence in their body movements by dancing, stage directions, and sequencing. A variety of instruments are introduced during these years such as the recorder and djembe drums in percussion class. Lower School students perform several times a year for parents, students, and for the entire school community during assemblies.

Physical Education

Physical activity is an essential part of everyday life. Chatham Day School’s Physical Education program is designed to foster teamwork, self direction, and vigorous activity. At CDS, we encourage students to be active, and we teach them the skills needed to be healthy individuals. Through the carefully sequenced curriculum, students develop physical fitness, agility, balance, endurance, flexibility and strength. Physical education classes and recess are scheduled daily, as we recognize the importance of activity in cognitive development.

Spanish

Spanish language and culture are incorporated during Spanish classes, which meet two times each week. Lower School students learn Spanish through the use of songs, games, and kinesthetic activities, which are based on the methods by which young children learn language. Using the QTalk program, students transition from identifying words to understanding spoken language and then into reading, writing, and speaking Spanish.