Literacy
All elementary classrooms use the workshop approach to structure their literacy lab instruction.
Teachers implement mini-lessons based on the Missouri Learning Standards that meet the needs of all students, including an emphasis on phonics in the early grades. Guided practice in the form of small-group guided reading instruction or literature groups follow mini-lessons so that students can more deeply engage with the subject introduced or reinforced. Additionally, teachers meet regularly with individual students to monitor fluency, accuracy, and comprehension progress.
Primary grade students (K-2nd) participate in weekly practice using the Daily Five model. Students individually practice literacy skills and standards through independent reading, word work, writing, listening to reading, or reading with a partner. Intermediate grade students (3-5th) use response journal writing and small-group assignments to practice their literacy skills and gain greater independence in preparation for secondary learning.
Writing is incorporated through all subjects throughout the day, as well as during writer’s workshop, where students are given freedom to work on topics of their choice, going through the steps of writing (brainstorming, writing, editing, publishing, etc.) at their own pace.
Spelling and handwriting instruction are integrated into the writer’s workshop period and literacy time. Teachers utilize the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum to promote correct letter formation and fluid handwriting. Keyboarding skills are also taught at the upper grades.
Mathematics
Mathematics, like Literacy, is taught through a workshop approach which allows for flexibility. Teachers implement mini-lessons with the whole class or small groups. Teacher instruction of basic computation skills follows the concrete, representational, abstract framework (CRA) of instruction that is research-based and shown to be effective with all kinds of learners, including those with learning disabilities. Instruction is individualized so that students can move through the process as quickly or slowly as needed. Teachers are able to analyze and diagnose students’ mathematical thinking, and can apply remediation, encouragement, or challenges as needed on the spot. Students meet for guided math lessons in flexible small groups based on student needs and topics of study. In tandem with CRA, teachers use Cognitively Guided Math Instruction (CGI), in which teachers focus on individual students’ mathematical thought processes and comprehension.
When not participating in math groups, students have repeated practice opportunities through game play, individual work, or an ongoing project (such as designing a fish tank using area and perimeter formulas previously taught). Basic math computation skills are embedded throughout the math curriculum as well as given specific focus.
Science/Social Studies
Science curriculum development and instruction is grounded in Next Generation Science Standards as well as Missouri Learning Standards. Science is taught through an inquiry-based approach, as well as problem-based learning. Through research, experimentation, and active learning students learn both content and concepts necessary for their grade level and how to integrate those concepts into other areas/curriculum.
Similarly, social studies/history curriculum is based on Missouri Learning Standards as well as Teaching Tolerance’s Social Justice Standards. Topics in history originate with local history. In this way, students are encouraged to draw relevant, meaningful connections.
Students are empowered to think globally by first focusing on local topics and current events that affect them and then transferring that understanding to a broader global goal. Teachers integrate multicultural literacy, cooperative learning groups and whole classroom simulations to support student comprehension of concepts that can often seem abstract for elementary students.