THE VILLAGE HOUSTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Phonics training begins in kindergarten and expands during each academic year, with an emphasis on building vocabulary, reading comprehension, analysis, and other thinking skills. In upper Elementary School, teachers emphasize reading comprehension and literary analysis using poetry, short stories, fiction, and nonfiction. Our teachers also encourage a reading-writing connection through overlapping themes that span the subjects. Students learn the mechanics of writing, including word study, grammar, handwriting, and organization, too.

Our mathematics instruction is concept-based, aimed to build math literacy through exploration and discovery rather than rote steps to find solutions. Students are supported through the problem-solving process and enjoy differentiated challenges that support all learners. Critical thinking and a growth mindset are an integral part of the process.

Science and social studies are taught through units of inquiry that connect our students with the world around them. Learning takes place through guided inquiry, in which teachers help learners to construct knowledge by active listening, questioning, and exploring a topic or problem. This enables them to find answers to real-world problems. Throughout the process, our Elementary School students engage in a variety of experiences, including experimentation, the exploration of historical figures and events, projects, and presentations.

Our formal instruction provides students with the tools necessary to understand and converse in a second language.

We teach art appreciation alongside practical skills, such as lettering, poster making, balance, and design. Our teachers encourage students to examine their surroundings and notice differences. Students also learn shading, drawing, and perspective.

Our younger Elementary School students receive instruction in drama, percussion instruments, and vocal music, which develops their understanding of rhythm, tempo, voice, and other foundational skills for performing arts. Older students can learn the recorder and ukulele, as well as rotating through courses including band, orchestra, choir, drama, and dance.

Our students advance their design-thinking skills through our innovation class. With a curriculum designed to address the UN Global Goals, students participate in hands-on learning as they create, design, and publish solutions to real-world problems.

Physical education – through daily exercise, friendly competition, and student camaraderie – is an important part of The Village Houston’s elementary education. Students are educated and evaluated on skill development through thoughtful activities and fun games. They also end each sports unit with an exciting school-wide tournament that encourages healthy competition.