Students explore mathematics concepts of numbers, geometry, patterns, measurements, estimation, graphing and problem solving through hands-on and planned center activities. Science, social studies, music, art, physical fitness and health are taught by the regular teacher or by specialists in large and small groups and through learning centers. Such centers provide opportunities for children to explore new ideas and activities and to interact with others. The elementary reading program utilizes a balanced literacy approach in which a clearly-defined scope and sequence of comprehension, vocabulary, phonics, decoding, writing, spelling, and grammar skills and strategies are taught. Students have opportunities for both discovery and systematic instruction that will enable them to construct, critically examine, and apply meaning as they develop into readers and writers.
Teachers select from a wide variety of materials, including textbooks and other books.
Children learn to read by reading and are encouraged to discuss what they have read with each other in small groups and with the whole class. Children learn to write fluently and with meaning and to develop the mechanics of capitalization, punctuation and spelling within their own writing. Individual progress is measured in a variety of ways. Daily assessments occur through teacher observation and review of students' work. Return to top Mathematics Problem solving and critical thinking are major emphases of the K-5 mathematics curriculum.