Lower School Homeroom

A--Homeroom K
The Harding Academy kindergarten is a developmentally appropriate program which supports the school curriculum standards and adheres to the following goals:

To provide a safe and secure environment so children will feel comfortable in taking risks with their learning

To encourage children and give them the opportunity to be creative and to grow and develop at different rates

To promote skills that lead individuals to become responsible for their own learning

To help children develop social skills as they interact with their peers

To integrate our Harding Community Code in all aspects of our day
A--Homeroom 1

The first grade at Harding Academy focuses on the development of the whole child. The curriculum intentionally implements cross-curricular units designed to incorporate language arts, social studies, math, art, science, and social-emotional skills. First grade students participate in weekly class meetings in which they have the opportunity to learn about, discuss, and role-play components of the Harding Academy community code. Through small group instruction, play based activities, and peer partnered engagement, students are immersed in academic experiences while continuing to grow as thoughtful community members.
A--Homeroom 2

Second graders engage in cross-curricular unit studies throughout the year: families, maps and geography, dogs, Native Americans, fairy tales, and endangered animals. Within these units the students engage in different activities including extended writing projects and technology projects. Other opportunities within these units include hands-on activities, field trips, and guest speakers. Second grade students also participate in book studies. Flat Stanley extends their imaginations as they create life-sized versions of themselves and send them to visit friends and family around the world. Their flat people return with tales of adventures and reinforce geography skills for students. Through the storytelling of the main character in Gooney Bird Greene, students learn to embrace their individuality and to accept differences in others. After reading this book, students write their own personal narratives and celebrate their own uniqueness on our Gooney Bird Greene Dress Up Day. Our third book study focuses on the life of Helen Keller. Throughout this biography study the students learn about courage and determination in the face of adversity and learn that differences do not define a person.

To continue the development of social and emotional skills, students participate in regular class meetings. In these meetings, the focus is on Harding’s community code as well as other character traits such as gratitude, empathy, and humility. We also teach and practice problem-solving skills. And, as highs and lows (happy or sad personal experiences) are shared and celebrated or supported, the students build deeper relationships with one another. Literature, role-playing, teacher modeling, and community-building games are a few of the tools that are utilized during class meetings.
A--Homeroom 4

Children have a better chance of reaching their potential, both academically and socially, when they feel supported and valued by their classmates and teachers. As they are challenged in a differentiated environment, students in fourth grade are also recognized and appreciated for their unique ideas and talents. They are encouraged to be caring, responsible, and supportive classmates, and they have opportunities to develop their leadership skills as they engage with their kindergarten buddies and participate in different activities throughout the year. Homeroom and grade level meetings give students the opportunity to recognize the successes of their classmates as well as engage in team building and problem-solving activities. With an emphasis on organization, time management, and study skills, fourth graders are able to develop the skills necessary to become independent learners and self-advocates.
A--Homeroom 5

Beginning with visits to the UTC Challenger Center and Camp Widjiwagan in the fall, team building activities that focus on perseverance and collaboration are incorporated throughout the year as the fifth grade continues the focus on the Harding Academy Community Code. Community building remains a focus throughout the day as students build friendships and relationships not only with their peers, but with teachers as well. Students continue to develop their leadership skills as the seniors of the lower school through field trips, classroom activities, “buddy” relationships with first grade students, and the ambassador program for Grandparents Chocolate.
A--Homeroom 3

In addition to core academic course instruction, the third grade homeroom provides the time, opportunity, and guidance to enable students to develop and refine study and organizational skills, build relationships, and strengthen the character traits essential for lifelong school success. Students have opportunities to gather and work in small groups or teams. In addition, teachers work individually with students who may need extra support or enrichment in a particular subject area. Class meetings are held regularly and focus on the Harding Community Code as well as conversations about building relationships and establishing friendships with peers.

The third grade year includes local field trips that enhance the third grade study of Tennessee history. Students perform in an original play/musical each spring. The play provides a great opportunity for students to learn, have fun, and to perform something special that allows each child’s personality to shine!
A--Homeroom PreK

Harding's PreK curriculum promotes child growth and development, using knowledge and experience related to the ways in which children learn about themselves and their world, and features the traditional elements of early literacy and numeracy skills as well as best practices as guided by national standards in curriculum content areas. Students are encouraged to explore individual interests, share home and outside experiences, and play both alone and collaboratively.

The classroom is structured around centers of interest which are designed to offer many choices and to differentiate learning for each child. Rich and varied materials encourage children to investigate life and learning by feeling, touching, seeing, listening, smelling, wondering, asking questions, and dramatizing.

Content-based goals are targeted through a variety of classroom topics. Students participate in learning and play opportunities that are responsive to children’s interests, needs, and culture. Learning goals are mastered through student-teacher interactions, free play, small and large group activities, games and meetings, science experiments, field trips, guest visitors, and family volunteers. New learning experiences or goals are created or adjusted in response to ongoing teacher assessments and observations.

Teachers share classroom topics and links to curriculum goals through weekly newsletters, calendars, email communication, and notes home. Families are encouraged to participate and contribute to classroom learning experiences and outings.

Select a Department

Lower School Homeroom

A--Homeroom K

A--Homeroom 1

A--Homeroom 2

A--Homeroom 4

A--Homeroom 5

A--Homeroom 3

A--Homeroom PreK

Faculty