Lower school lays the groundwork for a child’s lifelong approach to learning. During these crucial years, children get their first dose of independence as they navigate new environments all on their own. Children experience significant intellectual, social-emotional, and spiritual growth with this newfound autonomy.
Lower school students at St. Timothy’s School build formative foundations through engaging in immersive academic studies, co-curricular activities, and spiritual learning. However, it is also crucial for children to build upon these foundations outside of school. Read below to learn about the foundations built in lower school and how you can encourage these lifelong values at home.
Habits
Lower school often introduces a more structured schedule than students may have experienced in preschool. Predictable routines and planned activities can help children develop healthy habits for the future. Parents can support healthy habits at home as well. Whether it’s doing homework at a table instead of the couch or going to bed early on school nights, there are many ways you can establish productive patterns for your child at home. Children who develop these productive habits in lower school build a foundation for success in middle school, high school, and beyond.
Friendship
Lower school offers an opportunity for children to build relationships outside their families. From making friends on the playground to connecting with teachers in the classroom, relationships become a pillar of a child’s life throughout their lower school experience. For parents, it’s important to allow children to explore new friendships at an early age. Take this opportunity to let your child take the lead and socialize as they please while also providing guidance when navigating sticky situations with peers. And as relationships develop, make an effort to check in with your child by asking thoughtful questions about their social circles.
Compassion
A child’s emotional capacity grows significantly throughout lower school. As they form relationships throughout the school community, children begin to understand others’ perspectives and develop empathy. As a parent, you should encourage your child to open the door to new perspectives. Foster discussions about how your child is feeling about their peers, schoolwork, and most importantly—themselves. Instilling compassion in their hearts will lay a foundation of kindness for themselves and their community.
Interests
Lower school introduces a child to a world of new activities and subjects. From trying out new extracurriculars to discovering which school subject piques their interest, lower school gives children the opportunity to discover their passions and strengths. For parents, this is a great time to motivate their child to try new things. If your child is drawn to a specific hobby or academic area, support their interests and commend them for exploring new ideas.
Goals and Standards
As children get into the rhythm of lower school, they begin to set goals and standards for themselves. Whether it’s learning a new skill or something as simple as turning in a library book on time, lower school empowers young learners to set objectives and adhere to moral standards. A parent’s job is to motivate their child to work with ambition and integrity. Emphasize essential principles in your household, such as the importance of academic honesty and intention. This will encourage your child to aim high in their academic endeavors while still abiding by their values.
Faith
Faith is an educational pillar at St. Timothy’s School, as we encourage students to explore lifelong questions of purpose and meaning at an early age. Through weekly chapel services and daily prayers, our students discover spiritual outlets for dealing with life’s greatest complexities. At home, you should encourage your child to embrace their faith inside and outside the classroom. By continuously building their spiritual foundations, children will learn to approach life with dignity, respect, and compassion.
At St. Timothy’s School, we empower students to become lifelong learners from an early age. Promoting intellectual, social-emotional, and spiritual growth, our research-based curriculum lays a foundation of learning for students to carry throughout lower school and beyond. Visit our site today to learn more about our Lower School program at St. Timothy’s.