Amy Woodson
Lower School Division Head
woodson@hamlin.org
415-674-5440
Welcome to the Hamlin Lower School!
Learning for young children should be a joyous experience.
At Hamlin, you will see and hear that joy as you travel through the
hallways. A glimpse into a Lower
School classroom might reveal students working in small groups to build a model
demonstrating the solution to a math problem or a single student conferencing
with a teacher on a writing project. Learning experiences are engaging, interactive, fun and hands-on. The
Hamlin School boasts a uniquely qualified team of teachers, coaches,
counselors, and staff to create a learning environment for girls that nurtures
and fosters their growth and development.
Discovery is a natural process in child development and the
teachers at Hamlin are well trained in curriculum tools to support that natural
curiosity. A workshop approach to
literacy with a variety of teaching resources means that students of all ages
read and write in authentic and intentional ways. They learn the skills of reading and writing by doing – like
adult readers and writers do. The
math curriculum is geared towards developing a concrete understanding of
mathematics. This approach blends
problem solving, use of manipulatives, and mastery in computation. These two
important curricular areas share an approach that puts the learner at the
center of the process and ultimately meets the needs of each child as an
individual; allowing, challenging and encouraging her to grow and progress at
her own rate. Why is that important? It demonstrates that, at Hamlin, the child
is the center of the learning process.
There is also ample time and attention devoted to the social
and emotional learning processes for children. Teaching the girls to live the mission and creed in age-appropriate ways occurs through both direct
instruction and from the lessons that living in community present. Lower School teachers begin each day
with a morning routine that helps all members of the community work and play
together in respectful, responsible, caring, honest and positive ways.
In the end, the best way to understand what the Hamlin
experience will mean for your daughter is to visit us. It is authentic and
energizing. We learn by doing and the climate is always exciting. We invite you
to come see us in action.
Sincerely,
Amy Woodson
Lower School Division Head