The Primary program builds on the concepts introduced in the PreK-K program. Once again the curriculum is based on the principle that children learn most naturally from hands on experimentation, observation, and manipulation of materials, therefore there are many art materials, games, and creative activities which foster a joy of learning and that respond to individual interests.

             Our day is divided into large blocks of time during which many aspects of the curriculum are addressed. During this time some children will be working individually, others with a partner or in a small group. Because children in the class vary in age and learning style, the teacher supports learning by working with each student one on one daily during these chunks of time. Gradually each student develops the ability to take the initiative, plan, and carryout learning activities.

              The program places a major focus on developing social skills and problem solving along with the academic pursuits of each child. Each day offers a time to share feelings and concerns, to discuss social and academic problems, and to nurture and care for each other. Also the program teaches children to respect other’s thoughts and feelings and when conflict arises to talk through the problem and come to a mutually agreeable solution.

               The Primary program works to develop the whole child by integrating all areas of the curriculum and developing life long learners with a passion for knowledge.

                                                                                               

LANGUAGE ARTS

                  Speaking, listening, reading, and writing are closely interrelated and dependent on each other.  The primary program works to build on the acquired knowledge of each child as the foundation for beginning of the reading and writing process. The program through invented spelling, picture books with written or dictated sentences, group and individual story writing, book making, singing, and reading aloud help bridge the gap between reading and writing.

               Writing is a daily activity. Children learn to produce, edit, collaborate, and publish their own work with peer and adult consultation. Many kinds of writing are done, from picture stories, daily journals, informational reports to letter writing. 

                A sustained reading experience is a daily activity. The child at first reads to an adult or older child but increasing independence allows for individual reading for information and pleasure. Guidance in selection of appropriate reading materials is given as need. Children progress through the reading process freely and without boundaries.

 

     READING                                                                                        

Phonemic awareness                                                                   

Phonics activities   

Vocabulary building

Oral reading                                                    

Silent reading  

Sight word lists

Drama/performing  

Comprehension skills

Decoding large words

 

     WRITING

Writing complete sentences

Writing process

Daily oral language

Details

Revising/editing

Capitalization

Letter writing

Punctuation                              

Fictional stories

Factual reports

Dictionary skills

Correct grammar

Quotations

 

     ORAL LANGUAGE

Speaking clearly

Share thoughts and feelings

Share information in complete sentences

                                                                       

 

MATH

             Math concepts are introduced through the use of manipulative materials. The materials and various math games are used to lead to an understanding of mathematical operations. Free exploration with the materials and equipment leads to the need for more precise and complicated operations. Written symbols are introduced as children show readiness.

             Math is also used as a tool for the study and observation of other topics being investigated. For this purpose the following study of patterns, estimation, measurement, graphing, prediction and problem solving is used. These concepts are cover -

 

Even/odd numbers

Addition

Subtraction

Borrowing with subtraction

Carrying with addition

Money

Time

Fractions

Reading and writing large numbers

Story problems

Graphing

Measurement

Beginning concepts of division and multiplication

Place value

Estimating

Number writing

Problem solving

Geometric shapes

 

 

THEME STUDIES

           Overreaching themes are often used to integrate all areas of the curriculum. This is the main way that science and social studies are approached in the primary classroom. Themes vary from year to year but take in account student interests. The themes offer opportunity for a variety of approaches in all the subject matter. Theme studies provide opportunity for individual, small group, and total class activities and are ideal for coordinating music, art, and current events with the expected reading, math, science, and social studies. Themes have included-

 

Oceans

Rainforest

Small machines

Plants

Insects

Body

 

                                                                      

SCIENCE

 

              The primary curriculum uses science to explore nature and the world around us. Children learn to explore, observe, count, collect, measure, compare, and ask questions about their world. Field trips are an important part of this process. Children engage in-

 

Experimentation

Observation

Cooking

Classification

Interpreting data

Collecting data

 

                                                                   

SOCIAL STUDIES

              The social studies curriculum focuses on allowing children to experience and understand various cultures. It also helps them to experience the diversity of their community, city, state and world. This is done through-

 

Field trips

Multicultural stories

Guest speakers

Art experiences

Music/dance

Maps skills

Games   

Location of continents and oceans

Current events                                                       

Readings

 

 

ARTS

                    In the primary classroom children are encouraged to express their creativity through many different art experiences. A large array of art supplies is always available to the students. Also we study artwork and artists to compare  styles, color use, and form. The students also learn that art is a form of self-expression and everyone s art is to appreciated and encouraged.

 

     FINE ARTS

painting

drawing

sculpture and models

collage

color wheel

 

MUSIC

           The goal of music is to let children experience many different types of music and help them feel good about performing and singing in front of others. Activities include-

 

Singing in the classroom

Listening to songs from many areas of the world

Making rhythm instruments

Exploring dance with music

Writing simple songs

              

PERFORMANCES

Children perform through-                           

Plays

Puppet shows

Oral readings

Project presentation

                                                                       

 

JAPANESE

    Earlham Japanese students come once a week to introduce Japanese to the class.

Children are exposed to-                                                                                                

Counting                                                      

Greetings                                                        

Stories                                                       

Origami

Food                                                      

Culture

Songs                                                                   

Color words

 

 

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

                   The social and emotional growth of each student is met with the same concern as the academic growth. It is apart of every aspect of the curriculum. The primary goal is to help every student be confident in his/her own abilities and be able to work out conflict peacefully. These are the goals-

 

Develop responsibility for one’s own actions and learning

Gain self-control

Respect others

Cooperate with others

Express thoughts and feelings in the right way

Be able to resolve conflicts positively

Make good decisions and follow through with them

 

 

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

            There are many opportunities for physical activity daily. Also health and nutrition are taught along with care for our bodies. Several times a week we do programmed physical activity. Activities include-

Running

Jumping

Skills with balls

Yoga

Stretching

Outdoor play

Walking

Cooperative games

 

ASSESSMENT

               Assessment is done between teacher and child, parent and teacher, student to student, and over all teacher assessment. It is an important part of the learning process and each student is assessed based on his/her growth throughout the school year. We have a written narrative of student progress twice a year, two parent teacher conferences, and portfolios to keep student work in throughout their attendance at our school.  Furthermore, the teacher uses anecdotal notes to record progress and behavior.