Lower School Program

 
Synapse's Lower School is made up of combined grade classrooms. Level I = Kindergarten; Level II = 1st & 2nd Grades; Level III = 3rd and 4th Grades. 
 
 
HEARTS Curriculum Model
 
Our curriculum framework is the “how” of the mission and vision of Synapse School: HEARTS. Expanding on Six Seconds’ 3-step learning approach, HEARTS distills all of Synapse’s signature constructivist and brain-based education into six phases of learning.
 
 
HEAT:
  • Students begin the day exciting their brain, body, and heart through hot cognition, physical exercise and community building.
  • At the end of this phase, students will be open to learning and ready to engage in the classroom with their whole self.
 
ENGAGE:
  • Fun and playful activities with cognitive and emotional hooks captivate students, stimulate their pre-existing knowledge and develop a context for new learning.
  • At the end of this phase, students will understand the value of the subject matter, become curious and be ready for more.
 
ACTIVATE:
  • Experiential learning that blends cognitive and emotional content and brings models to life to enable students to begin learning and test new concepts.
  • At the end of this phase, students will have new knowledge plus first-hand experience of the concept.
 
REFLECT:
  • Students are guided to synthesize and integrate new learning to facilitate the application of knowledge, attitudes and skills.
  • At the end of this phase, students will know what they’ve learned and have a clear picture of next steps.
 
TRANSFORM:
  • Students transfer their learning to another context, develop deeper problem solving skills and apply new understanding to purposeful and creative projects.
  • At the end of this phase, students develop a deeper curiosity on the topic and connect the new learning to their noble goals. This is where the seeds of the change maker are planted.
 
STORE:
  • Students store the lesson in long-term memory by repeating what was learned and completing a short exit ticket exercise at the close of the school day.
  • At the end of this final phase, students will be able to articulate what was learned, why it is important and how to share their learning with others.