K-5
Students meet in self-contained homerooms for academic
instruction, with specialized teachers for physical education, foreign language,
enrichment courses, and visual and performing arts. Class size is typically 16
to 22 students.
Reading/Language Arts courses utilize the whole language approach,
which integrates reading, writing, and related skills. Students consider
fiction, poetry, and nonfiction selections while learning to identify main
ideas and supporting details and to provide complete answers to comprehension
questions. Students gain practice in drawing conclusions, distinguishing
between fact and opinion, sequencing, and predicting outcomes. Daily silent reading,
book reports, and library lessons encourage independent reading. Language Arts
emphasizes the study of sequence and paragraph structure, correct punctuation,
vocabulary, spelling, and dictionary and thesaurus use. Through frequent writing
exercises, students learn to organize ideas, proofread and revise, and critique
the writing of other students.
Mathematics focuses on basic whole-number processes (addition and subtraction
to the 10,000's column, multiplication with two-digit divisors); addition and subtraction
of fractions; reading, writing, and manipulating decimals; and multistep problem solving.
Units in geometry and measurement are also included. Students are encouraged to build
logical thinking skills, and frequent review exercises reinforce learning.
Science instruction is built on general science units such as earth, light, weather, machines,
and plant and animal populations. Special projects are assigned requiring experiments,
activities, graphs, posters, or library research. Several field trips and frequent
guest speakers from the community supplement classroom activities.
Social Studies explores topics in history, geography, cultures of the world, and
current events. Guest speakers and audio-visual presentations supplement each
unit. Students learn to gather information from maps and other graphic sources,
build reading and writing skills, and develop ability in basic research.
Foreign Language instruction introduces students to the study of a second language
with an emphasis on oral-aural exercises. The primary teaching method of Total
Physical Response involves students in speaking, listening, and acting during
lessons that build vocabulary and cultural awareness.
Physical Education classes stress the development of skills through student participation
in a variety of games and sports. Class competitions and tournaments are frequent
for older students.
Enrichment and Performing and Visual Arts courses are scheduled each year
from a variety of offerings. Art, computers, drama, choral music, and instrumental music
are offered at each grade level. Other electives may include Junior Great Books, journalism,
dance or study skills.
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