Teachers model a variety of writing styles, mechanics, grammar and usage. In addition to working from the children s own work, teachers use texts for the instruction of vocabulary, grammar and spelling. With extensive use of children s literature, teachers work with children to further refine decoding skills, increase fluency and develop a toolbox of comprehension strategies. Through class discussions, written work and projects, students develop an appreciation and understanding of a variety of genres. During their time in the Middle School, students read fiction, short stories, poetry, folk tales, nonfiction, biographies and plays.
Independent reading is an important part of the curriculum.
Children are expected to read at home and in school. Class presentations, skits and book reviews enable children to share their love of reading with classmates. Both individually and in small groups, students spend time exploring problems in-depth to discover multiple solutions to problems. They collect, display, describe and interpret real data through a variety of means such as drawing, writing and talking. Much of their work is done in conjunction with mathematical tools such as manipulatives, calculators and computer software.