CURRICULUM

Students learn to read and write through a variety of activities, which stimulate language development such as read alouds, poetry, singing together, word charts and phonics activities.  The fact that students are surrounded by words, by charts and by books encourages them to make reading and writing an everyday part of their life.  In the upper grades, students continue to independently read novels of their own choice, as well as taking part in whole class readings and discussions.  Our reading instruction focuses on reading comprehension and in-depth analysis of literature.

Reading

In both English and Spanish classes, reading is taught in reading workshop using a variety of teaching methods. Each classroom has it’s own library of reading materials from which students choose books for their independent reading. In each classroom books are available in a wide range of levels so that each child can chose books that are just right for his/her learning ability.

 Students are taught through shared reading, guided reading, literature circles and independent reading. In shared reading the teacher may read a big book to the entire class, or the class may all have copies of the same novel. In shared reading the teacher gives whole group lessons or involves the students in discussions or analysis of the reading.

 In guided reading students meet with the teacher in small groups for a specific lesson on a reading strategy or skill. The children are given text that is challenging to them, and the teacher is there to guide them through it. 

In literature circles small groups meet to discuss a novel that they are reading. Literature circles are self-directed. Students set goals for their reading and then meet to discuss and analyze the novel.

 On a daily basis, students read independently and teachers meet with them to conference on their reading. At this time teachers evaluate students progress and also take the opportunity to give individual instruction whenever necessary.  

Writing

Students in the Community for Learning write everyday on topics of their own choosing. During writing workshop children are taught the writing process which consists of writing rough drafts, making revisions, editing their work and finally publishing.  

Teachers begin the writer’s workshop with a mini-lesson. At this time we teach conventions (such as punctuation, grammar and spelling), genre, organizational skills, sentence structure, writer’s craft and figurative language. Students are then expected to practice newly learned skills in their own writing. Once they have published their final drafts, they share their work with others.

Math

On a daily basis students are also engaged in a one-hour exploration of math.  The main focus of our math program is to help students become logical thinkers as well as independent problem solvers. Our math instruction focuses on the child’s need to experience mathematical concepts in a concrete way.  Math manipulatives are used in teacher guided lessons as well as independent explorations. Many math concepts are reinforced through math games.  Computational skills are developed through daily review exercises.

  In kindergarten through 6^th grade students use the Everyday Math program created by the University of Chicago. This is a spiraling program that allows students to see concepts years before they are expected to master them, and to revisit concepts once they have been learned so that they are not forgotten. Logical thinking is a major emphasis of this math program.

 In 7^th and 8^th grades we use the Connected Math program. This program continues the philosophy of the Everyday Math program. Students explore mathematical concepts and learn through a constructivist approach. Math classes are 90 minutes long, giving students time to ponder problems and work out their own solutions, with the support of the teacher when necessary.

 The Core-Plus Mathematics program, which The U.S. Department of Education recognized as an Exemplary Mathematics Program, is used in 9^th – 12^th grades. In this program students cover algebra, geometry, statistics & probability, trigonometry, and discreet mathematics every year. By encountering each strand each year, students' understanding of mathematics and its connections deepens across the four-year curriculum. 

Social Studies

In the Community for Learning, we do not use textbooks, but instead work with a variety of non-fiction books and materials at different reading levels so that all students are challenged. Students are taught to do research from first grade on. They are guided in their research so that they learn how to decide which material is important, to understand what they read and to be able to write the information in their own words.

 We believe that Social Studies should be taught through hands-on activities, as learning is more effective when students are motivated by lessons which are interesting and interactive. Therefore students work in groups on projects, presentations and experiments. Throughout the unit, students produce their own textbook from which they study for quizzes and tests.

 Students are taught effective study habits so that they gain deep understanding of the material covered and are able to pass traditional tests. We firmly believe that in the information age we live in, students need to be able to understand and use information, rather than memorizing it. However, we do ask that students learn memorization techniques so that they are able to do so when necessary. 

In Social Studies we cover The World Around us in 1^st grade. In 2^nd through 8^th grades students study a different continent each year: its geography, an in-depth study of a country or of several countries and an ancient civilization. In 9^th through 12^th grades students study World History and Economics.

Science

 In Science students study the body systems, earth science, physical science and life science until 8^th grade. In 9^th through 12^th grades they do in-depth studies of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. From 1^st grade on, children are taught to use the scientific method by conducting controlled experiments and by eventually designing their own experiments.  

Spanish

We believe that in order to be considered bilingual, students must be equally capable of expressing themselves in both English and Spanish. Therefore, we place a strong emphasis on our Spanish program, making sure that students find Spanish classes engaging and motivating.

 In Lenguaje, Sociales and Civica students are taught using the same hands-on methodology that we use in our English classes. Students read real novels and are expected to do independent reading at home, in Spanish as well as in English. They are actively engaged in writing projects and take part in debates and presentations.

 Our Spanish curriculum covers the themes required by the Secretaria de Educación, so that all students are able to successfully take the Pruebas Nacionales.  However, rather than simply focusing on the memorization of facts, we help our students to gain a deeper understanding of concepts. Students constantly make connections between history and current events. They are expected to form their own opinions and to support those opinions with factual information.