Language
Arts (meets twice daily)
In Language Arts classes, students study the
basic elements of grammar, literature, vocabulary,
and written expression. Students learn proper
grammar usage in order to improve their writing
and proofreading skills. Students learn the
elements of literature and improve their reading
comprehension using literature texts as well
as novels such as Bud, not Buddy, Because of
Winn Dixie, and Shiloh. All material is read
aloud and thoroughly discussed in class. Students
learn a structured writing process that progresses
from simple sentences to expanded paragraphs
and simple research papers.
Mathematics (meets
twice daily)
The primary purpose of the math class is to
develop math skills in the areas of concepts,
computation, and application. Emphasis is placed
on using manipulative to introduce new concepts
and on mastering the basic operations with whole
numbers, decimals and fractions. Direct instruction
of new material, cooperative groups, guided
and independent practice are teaching strategies
used to engage students and maintain attention.
Social Studies /
Science
Students spend one semester studying social
studies and one semester studying science. They
not only learn grade-level content in various
social studies and science classes, but they
also work to improve reading comprehension and
note-taking skills. Students master essential
strategies to learn factual information and
are also directly taught how to demonstrate
their knowledge in written form. Hands-on laboratory
experiences help students grasp scientific concepts
that are introduced in texts as well as understand
the scientific method. Topics in social studies
progress from the study of basic communities
in the first grade to the history of the world
in older grades. Students are also introduced
to basic elements of geography and map skills.
Topics of study in science include animal and
plant life, body systems, earth and space.
Reading
Students receive a period of instruction in
reading daily to focus on decoding and comprehension
skills. S.P.I.R.E. (Educators Publishing Services,
Inc.) stands for Specialized Program Individualizing
Reading Excellence. S.P.I.R.E. is a research
based systematic, phonetic approach to literacy
that teaches total word structure. The curriculum
proceeds from simple to complex as teaching
begins with letters representing single sounds
that are immediately synthesized into words
that carry meaning. Types of syllables are directly
taught. Concepts are presented in a logical
sequence with constant repetition provided in
interesting, informative ways. S.P.I.R.E. incorporates
literature-based controlled texts that are specifically
written to reinforce concepts and to teach students
to interpret and reflect on what they read.
S.P.I.R.E. addresses vocabulary development
as well as reading comprehension utilizing a
variety of techniques, including visualization.
The program is a total language approach that
utilizes multi-sensory teaching to help ensure
automatic memory.
Exploratory
Students attend a period of exploratory each
day, participating in structured physical education,
art, or another exploratory class. Students
participate in an adaptive PE program that begins
by teaching isolated skills and leads up to
implementing them in team games. Emphasis is
placed on teamwork, sportsmanship, and following
directions. Students are exposed to traditional
team games, eccentric games, swimming, exercises,
problem-solving activities, ropes course initiatives,
and low and high ropes course elements. The
Meet the Masters curriculum is utilized
to introduce students to famous artists and
their techniques. Students imitate these masters’
techniques through lead-up activities and culminating
projects. Other exploratories sometimes offered
are computer, music, typing, geography and reading
comprehension.
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