Lower School Courses

Students in grades K-3 will focus on exploring the sun and its various aspects. Do you know that sunlight can be converted into usable energy? Do you know why it is important to wear sunscreen? Do you know the sun can cause chemical changes? Do you understand the concept of time based on the sun's position? Do you know how important the sun is? Through hands-on experiments and learning activities, students will document their observations to record and reflect on their experiences. This helps them develop their scientific inquiry skills and encourages critical thinking.

Grades K-3
9a - noon
$370

This weeklong course is an opportunity for children ages 5-7 to gain essential knowledge to support their physical and mental wellbeing. Through interactive activities and discussions, they learn techniques to regulate their bodies, as well as how to engage in physical activity safely and with enjoyment. With our learning garden as the perfect backdrop, children discover the significance of good nutrition and its positive impact on their physical and mental health. They also acquire practical skills for controlling stress and emotions, and practice mindfulness activities like deep breathing, guided imagery, and body scans that focus on one of the five senses each day. This course provides children with the skills to take care of their mental and physical health and equips them with tools to share with their families, such as mindfulness stones and sensory bottles. By the end of the course, children will develop confidence and have new resources to help look after themselves and their loved ones.

9a - noon
Grades K-2
$370

This Literacy Workshop will engage students in the joys of reading, writing and phonics/word study. It is designed to recognize and build upon individual students’ strengths as well as areas for improvement in literacy. Through the implementation of the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop model students will engage in direct instruction during whole group mini lessons, differentiated small group work and one-on-one conferences which will be tailored to meet the needs of each student. During small group and one-on- one conferring, the remainder of students will work independently on authentic reading and writing activities to apply and strengthen strategies taught. Reading comprehension, accuracy, fluency and vocabulary as well as the writing process and an understanding of the skills and conventions of writing will be taught. Students will receive instruction on high frequency word recognition, phonics and strategies for analyzing and reading multisyllabic words during word study. The Literacy Workshop will meet the needs of each student in a respectful and nurturing environment.

Hypothesize, observe, and watch in wonder over the crazy science reactions in this course. Each lesson will focus on a scientific experiment and the science behind the experiment. Grow your science knowledge and have a few wow moments along the way. Come join us for this exciting journey into the world of science experiments!

Summer is the perfect time to brush up on math skills, including word problems! With manipulatives, computer use, and fun games, this class is tailored to the needs of its students and will focus on letting young learners feel confident and prepared for the upcoming school year. 

 

Grades 1-3
9a - noon
$370

This two-week program differentiates lessons to meet the individual needs of each student. Students have the opportunity to work at their own pace, so that they can develop their skills and knowledge to their fullest potential. Through the differentiated lessons, students will be able to reach their personal academic goals and become better prepared for Kindergarten and first grade.  It focuses on areas such as early literacy, writing, mathematics, social and emotional learning, and decision-making skills. Math standards that will be met include counting to 20, writing numbers, basic addition and subtraction problem solving, and basic shapes. Language Arts standards include the alphabet, letter sounds, word recognition, emergent reading skills, and beginning writing skills. Our goal is to solidify foundational skills, giving students tools to feel confident as they enter school in the fall. 

This Literacy Workshop will engage students in the joys of reading, writing and phonics/word study. It is designed to recognize and build upon individual students’ strengths as well as areas for improvement in literacy. Through the implementation of the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop model students will engage in direct instruction during whole group mini lessons, differentiated small group work and one-on-one conferences which will be tailored to meet the needs of each student. During small group and one-on- one conferring, the remainder of students will work independently on authentic reading and writing activities to apply and strengthen strategies taught. Reading comprehension, accuracy, fluency and vocabulary as well as the writing process and an understanding of the skills and conventions of writing will be taught. Students will receive instruction on high frequency word recognition, phonics and strategies for analyzing and reading multisyllabic words during word study. The Literacy Workshop will meet the needs of each student in a respectful and nurturing environment.

Get ready to move, act, dance, sing, write, and perform! Hamden Hall Theater teacher Lisa Daly offers this exciting specialty week for students who want a fun and focused week immersed in the performing arts. Join us for an accessible, imaginative week filled with games, storytelling, and purposeful play. The week will focus on the elements that make up a play- storytelling, character development, sets, costumes, movement, and lots of creativity! We will work together in an ensemble-based process to write and create an original work. Our week will culminate in a performance for our families and friends. 

Lisa Daly is a Teaching Artist, Actor, and company member of A Broken Umbrella Theater, an ensemble theater company in New Haven. She has performed in many plays throughout the years including "Freewheelers", "Gilbert the Great", and "Seen Change!" She has a BA in Theater from Muhlenberg college, and also studied theater in Galway, Ireland. As a teaching artist, she has worked with Elm Shakespeare, Edgewood School, Cold Spring School, and Jasango Theater. She is also co-producer of Scripts: Ireland’s playwriting festival. Lisa enjoys teaching Theater at Hamden Hall Country Day School, as well as Video Production and Peer Leadership. Her biggest passion is sharing her love of theater and all that it has to offer!

Grades 1-4
9a - noon
$370

This Literacy Workshop will engage students in the joys of reading, writing and phonics/word study. It is designed to recognize and build upon individual students’ strengths as well as areas for improvement in literacy. Through the implementation of the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop model students will engage in direct instruction during whole group mini lessons, differentiated small group work and one-on-one conferences which will be tailored to meet the needs of each student. During small group and one-on- one conferring, the remainder of students will work independently on authentic reading and writing activities to apply and strengthen strategies taught. Reading comprehension, accuracy, fluency and vocabulary as well as the writing process and an understanding of the skills and conventions of writing will be taught. Students will receive instruction on high frequency word recognition, phonics and strategies for analyzing and reading multisyllabic words during word study. The Literacy Workshop will meet the needs of each student in a respectful and nurturing environment.