benchmarks
KINDERGARTEN
Language Arts
What we do:
How we do it:
Students build the foundational skills for reading through interactive read-aloud, shared readings of poems and songs, and daily reading centers. They develop phonological awareness, early literacy concepts, letter and sound knowledge, and an understanding of how words work. Through a balance of whole-group, small-group, and one-to-one instruction, each student will become a more competent reader and writer. Students also practice letter formation through the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum.
Math
What we do:
How we do it:
The kindergarten program blends problem-solving and skill building with teaching strategies and objectives. Combining whole group, small group and independent activities, instruction supports the development of mathematical thinking for students through exploration with manipulatives, testing and reasoning.
Science
What we do:
How we do it:
Children are encouraged to discuss their work in small groups and during whole class discussions. Experiments are hands on and investigations are driven by student interests. Field trips and expert visitors encourage deeper connections to learning.
Social Studies
What we do:
How we do it:
Through group projects, discussions, classroom play, literature, and field trips, children learn to interact positively with others while building the self-esteem, confidence, and self-control necessary for learning the skills and work habits to be successful learners and members of the school community.
BACK TO TOP
1ST GRADE
Language Arts
What we do:
How we do it:
Students are immersed in materials that are at their independent reading level. They are supported with a balance of whole-group, small-group and individualized instruction to progress to the next level. Students are exposed to a variety of genres, comprehension strategies, and decoding skills. Through a balance of whole-group, small-group and one-on-one instruction, each student is supported in becoming a more competent writer. Teachers introduce high-frequency words, common spelling patterns, and word solving strategies. Students practice what they complete during literacy centers throughout the day. Letter formation is reviewed and practiced using the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum.
Math
What we do:
How we do it:
Instruction blends problem-solving and skill building with teaching strategies and objectives. The program combines whole group, small group and independent activities and supports the development of mathematical thinking for students through exploration with manipulatives, testing and reasoning.
Science
What we do:
How we do it:
Students practice the scientific process by asking questions, making and recording observations, exploring and experimenting with materials, and researching. Read-alouds,independent reading, field trips and expert visitors encourage deeper connections to learning.
Social Studies
What we do:
How we do it:
Through whole and small group discussions, project-based learning, and hands-on investigations, students immerse themselves in a variety of topics.
BACK TO TOP
2ND GRADE
Language Arts
What we do:
How we do it:
Students are immersed in materials that are at their independent reading level and are supported with a balance of whole-group, small-group and individualized instruction to progress to the next level. Students are exposed to a variety of genres, comprehension strategies, and decoding skills. Through a balance of whole-group, small-group and one-on-one instruction, each student is supported while becoming a more competent writer. Teachers introduce high-frequency words, common spelling patterns, and word-solving strategies. Students practice what they complete during literacy centers and throughout the day.
Math
What we do:
How we do it:
Our curriculum blends problem-solving and skill building with a variety of teaching strategies and objectives. The program combines whole group, small group and independent activities and supports the development of mathematical thinking for students through exploration with manipulatives,testing and reasoning.
Science
What we do:
How we do it:
Students plan and conduct simple investigations, employ tools and techniques to gather data, and use data to construct reasonable explanations. They construct an understanding of science concepts through their own investigations and analyses, using laboratory equipment, student readings, and interactive technology.
Social Studies
What we do:
How we do it:
Second graders learn to identify the overall “big picture” ideas, select and use appropriate sources to answer questions, draw a conclusion about the main idea and supporting details, and synthesize information through simple note-taking strategies. Through whole and small group discussions, project based learning, and hands-on investigations, students are engaged in their learning.