Lower School News

 

A second grade student uses a word mat to build words, thinking carefully about each sound they hear.

 

What goes on in students' brains as they read? How can they transform symbols on a page into sounds, and in turn, into words and sentences that have meaning? As teachers of reading, EAB’s Lower School teachers ask these questions and have found answers in a body of research called "the science of reading." 

What is the science of reading?

The science of reading is a body of research examining what leads to proficient reading. It has been compiled over the last five decades in multiple languages and explains how reading and writing develops, why some students struggle, and how to effectively teach to improve student outcomes. Human brains are wired to speak, however they are not naturally designed to read (and write). As a result, students need explicit instruction in order to become skilled readers. And in order to explicitly teach students to understand what they are reading, we need to break reading into its most basic components, word recognition and language comprehension.

What does this look like at EAB? 

Here first grade students are representing sounds with letters.
They are also blending and segmenting words to read and write.

Over the last two years, Lower School teachers have participated in professional development specifically related to the science of reading. As a result, all students in K5 through second grade are receiving explicit instruction in Word Recognition (Phonics) using the University of Florida Literacy Institute's Foundations program. Upper elementary teachers are investigating morphology, or the study of words and their parts, as well as using the Foundations program based on student need.

 

These are examples of explicit word study in the Lower School.

In addition to their work on Word Recognition, Lower School teachers build Language Comprehension appropriate to their grade levels through read-alouds from a variety of complex texts; integrated science, social studies, and literacy units; grammar; author studies; word investigations; and other opportunities for robust conversations that develop academic language (like in book clubs). 

With a focus on the science of reading, Lower School teachers can more easily pinpoint where students might be having difficulty and plan instruction that meets students' needs, so that EAB learners transform symbols on a page into sounds, and in turn, into words and sentences that have meaning, becoming confident and skilled life-long readers.

How can you help at home? 

• Read books on a variety of topics to your child to build their vocabulary and background knowledge (both fiction and nonfiction), in your home language. Discuss new words that come up as you read.
• Use high level vocabulary words with your child. Instead of "pick up" and "clean up", you can say, "Please gather your toys and tidy your room."
• Discuss various topics with your child and ask them questions to build their oral language.
   

Carnival is coming, a Brazilian cultural event involving different cultures, values, rhythms, music, storylines, costumes and dances!  
Carnival is one of the biggest cultural events in Brazil. It has European origins and has gained unique Brazilian characteristics that made it one of the most popular celebrations in the world. It doesn’t matter how you celebrate Carnival, as it is a party that involves a lot of joy and diversity. Get ready to celebrate and have fun with us!
We plan the following schedule for the special day.

When: On Friday, Feb, 17, 2023 - back court at EAB

Grade	Time
MS - HS	12:30 – 1:00
K3-K5	1:00 – 1:30
1, 2 and 3A	1:30 – 2:00
3B, 4 and 5	2:00 - 2:30

 

 

 

LS Students should come from home wearing their costumes. 
MS and HS and staff can use some carnival accessories. 
They are allowed to bring confetti to the carnival ball. 
The use of sprays is not permitted!

We wish you a great Carnival!

EAB Team

Hello, Club EAB & LS Athletics and Play Sports parents!

We hope all are doing well! The time has come to show off the learnings in Club EAB, LS Athletics, and Play Sports! We want to welcome our parents to our spaces on:

• Wednesday, November 23, for the Wed/Fri classes;
• Tuesday, November 29, for Tuesday classes; and then
• Thursday, December 1, for Mon/Thu classes.

Parents will be allowed to enter campus starting at 3:10 pm! 

Club EAB & LS Athletics end officially on December 1 because Friday, December 2, is a Half Day at EAB. We hope you can join us in these coming weeks to end our semester of after-school offerings!

Please take note of the schedule below and reach out for clarifications! 

Wednesday, November 23 - Open Demonstration for Wed/Fri classes

**MAP OF ACTIVITIES LOCATION** (CLICK HERE) 

K5 & Grade 1

• Arts & Crafts
• Young Makers
• Ballet (Play Sports)
• Mix Sports (Play Sports)

Grade 2 & Grade 3

• Basketball
• Cheer
• Spanish Beginner
• Chess (Play Sports)
• Jiu Jitsu (Play Sports)

Grade 4 & Grade 5

• Arts & Crafts
• Drama
• Girls Soccer
• Boys Soccer
• Volleyball

 

Tuesday, November 29 - Open Demonstration for Tuesday classes

**MAP OF ACTIVITIES LOCATION** (CLICK HERE)

K5 & Grade 1

• Modern Dance (Play Sports)
• Brain Games (Play Sports)

Grade 2 & Grade 3

• Mix Sports (Play Sports)
• Parkour (Play Sports)

Grade 4 & Grade 5

• Jiu Jitsu (Play Sports)
• Capoeira (Play Sports)
• Chess (Play Sports)

 

Thursday, December 1 - Open Demonstration for Mon/Thu classes

** MAP OF ACTIVITIES LOCATIONS** (CLICK HERE)

K5 & Grade 1

• Cheer
• Soccer
• Jiu Jitsu (Play Sports)

Grade 2 & Grade 3

• Arts & Crafts
• Creative Expression
• French Beginner
• Soccer

Grade 4 & Grade 5

• Basketball
• Cheer
• Futsal
• Guitar
• Games/Robotics

 

Parents - What to do during the Open Demonstrations?

1. Enter through the Front Gate after 3:10 pm.
2. Review the map from the specific day to locate your child(ren) activity location.
3. Respect the classroom and enjoy the presentation!
4. Get involved with the class if you would like to!
5. 4:05 pm dismissal!

 

Parent Survey for this semester

Please click here to let us know how we are doing in Club EAB & LS Athletics with Play Sports! We value your input and would like to know if you have anything to share!

Please reach out if you need any clarifications!

 

And just a reminder, here are our important dates for 2023!

• Wednesday, January 11 - Club EAB & LS Athletics Guide Released for Semester 2
• Thursday, January 12 - first day of school for Semester 2
• Monday, January 16 - Club EAB & LS Athletics Sign Ups open at 8:30 am
• Wednesday, January 18 - Club EAB Sign Ups close at 12:00 pm
• Friday, January 20 - by 11:00 am, families will receive the confirmation of enrolment in Club EAB & LS Athletics. 
  • Based on enrolment, there may be the need to start a Waiting List for over-subscribed activities.
• Monday, January 23 - Club EAB & LS Athletics begin
• Friday, June 2 - Club EAB & LS Athletics end

The eight new Lower School Student Ambassadors have been selected by their peers and are so excited to be representing their school at events and through their project work. There are already some projects and events in the works, and the ambassadors will be sharing these with their families, the LS community, and their grade levels. They may include, but are not limited to, assemblies, Character and Learner Traits, the BULLS expectations, community building projects, Jean's Day and other philanthropic events, and even choosing a few of the domains of the Wellness Wheel to support.

They will also be learning other life skills, such as being on time for meetings, working lunches, coming prepared to meetings, volunteering for jobs and following through, and public speaking.

Under the supervision of Ms. Alex and Ms. López, these class and school representatives will meet at various times throughout the year during their lunch and recess time to fulfill their roles.

Congratulations to our Student Ambassadors who will be learning and using the lifelong skills of collaboration, planning, and participating in activities that are of service to their EAB community!

Congratulations to our new Service Ambassadors:

• Ariana and Josiah - 4A
• Kaya and Jax - 4B
• Hiroji and Pedro - 5A
• Alice and Arthur - 5B

 

Our Lower School musicians worked tremendously hard on practicing and professionally recording their vocals for two special projects: Memories and What a Wonderful World. These songs were played at and performed at the K5 and Grade 5 Continuation Ceremonies, as a gift from our wonderful musicians to K5 and Gr5 students Now, our musicians extend this gift to you, families, on a celebratory note, to show their love and gratitude the arts, appreciation for the world we live in, and in appreciation for our special community.

 

 

We wish you a wonderful break and look forward to seeing you next year!

 

Musical Greetings,

Ana Lélia, on behalf of the Arts Department | Cynthia Lee, on Behalf of Events Department