The following curriculum summary provides a broad view of the fundamental areas of study for the 2007-2008 school year. My goal is to help students gain the necessary skills connected with reading, writing, mathematics, science, religion, and social studies in a manner relevant to their lives and based on their specific learning needs, interests, and learning styles. The core curriculum aligns with benchmarks and objectives identified in the Concordia Lutheran School curriculum and with Washington State standards.
Reading and Writing:
Because children learn to read and write by using a multitude of strategies and at different rates, I will teach reading and writing based on individual learning needs and ability levels. We will spend a good deal of our day involved in all aspects of reading and writing activities. This year I am excited to implement The Daily Five literacy program. This is a student driven management structure allowing students to actively engage in reading and writing activities.
In addition, I will use our school's adopted reading curriculum, Scott Foresman Literacy. Other related activities and learning materials include an interactive reading wall, literacy centers, online phonics programs, sight words, phonetic and word study skills, trade books, big books, journals, self-selected reading, read aloud, handwriting practice, spelling, 6 Trait Writing, comprehension and listening skills.
Mathematics:
The Scott Foresman Math curriculum utilizes a multitude of resources for math concepts and skills explored throughout the year, allowing students to progress at their own rate. In our multiage classroom, lessons and activities consist of whole group, small group, like-ability and mixed-ability grouping.
Numbers sense and counting skills, addition and subtraction, algebraic patterns, graphing, time, measurement, money and calendar concepts such as the days, weeks, months and days of the week, are math objectives we learn about and explore.
The ultimate goal of the Math curriculum is to develop a strong foundation in mathematics and for students to view math as an important aspect of their daily lives. Students extend their mathematical thinking with lessons that ask them to explain with pictures, words and numbers why they think an answer is correct. It is vital to teach students to communicate their mathematical thinking and problem solving using higher order thinking skills and prepare them for future classes.
Students are given time and opportunities for free explorations and hands-on learning with manipulatives. Math centers allow for additional practice of the concepts every day.
Social Studies and Science:
Our monthly themes are derived from the Social Studies and Science core curriculum requirements (see attached monthly themes). Thematic instruction in social studies and science provides the opportunity to explore different topics, skills, and strategies necessary for multiage learning. In addition, I will incorporate all areas of study in reading, math, art, and technology into our thematic studies to encourage cross-curricular learning.
Religion:
Our religion curriculum is Christ-centered to provide students the opportunity to grow in their relationship of faith and life with God. It is important to me as a teacher to integrate the Christian faith into all subject areas as well as demonstrate my faith through words and actions in order to set a Christian example.
The Christian-based Voyages curriculum follows stories and teachings from the bible in chronological order. Classroom activities include; morning devotions, singing, praying, and connecting what we learn in Religion with how we should live our lives on a daily basis. Students and teachers also participate together in Wednesday morning chapel service each week.
Computers:
I have four computers in the classroom and will incorporate technology into our studies where and when it makes sense. In addition, I am implementing an early reading online program called Headsprout, which provides students with interactive, self-paced, phonics-based reading lessons they can access from the computer both at school and at home.
Learning Centers:
Learning centers will give us a chance to expand our studies in a fun and exciting way. Center projects will include reading, writing, and math skills and can be taken from social studies or science content. Art and computers will also be a part of our weekly center activities.
Art:
I love art and will regularly include various forms of art into our daily activities. Students will also have the opportunity for art enrichment classes during the year, and perhaps even wonderful art docent lessons courtesy of our dedicated and talented parent volunteers.
