Language Arts

Children begin formal reading in small groups.

Emphasis is placed on a combination of phonics using the Bradley Phonics Program, word recognition and language-rich approaches. These linguistic, phonetic, and sight techniques are used to instruct children in groups and individually.

Children are given opportunities to read, alone and with others, to build their confidence, expand their skills, and enjoy reading.

Traditional works of literature, poetry, and legends are used when appropriate as part of direct instruction and for supplemental work such as read-aloud story times.

All children have in-class quiet reading time, weekly library sessions, and reading buddies. Writing is an integral part of language arts and other curricula areas. Students write words to tell about pictures, progressing to writing in journals and simple story-writing.

Mathematics

The TERC Investigations Math Program is used and supplemented with teacher-created materials to reinforce children's skills. Focus is on building understanding rather than rote memorization.

The children are introduced to:

all operations
simple fractions
basic geometric shapes

They continue to develop an understanding of:

place value
time and money
measurement
graphing

Science

Magnets
Oceans
Deserts
Solids and Liquids
Weather
Birth of an Island

Children observe several plant and animal habitats. Each class has a tide pool that is the focus of yearlong observation. The children determine the properties of solids and liquids through experimentation. They use simple weather instruments. They use observational art and scientific drawing.

Social Studies/Geography

Some Ways the Same, Some Ways Different

Children study Samoa and Japan as part of a focus on other cultures. The major goal is to have them experience history and culture through a variety of activities. This includes role playing, using artifacts, making maps, cooking, and doing simple research in the library and on the Internet.

Related Studies

Children begin to use word-processing. Children listen to each other tell stories and develop the skills of following directions and listening for information. They also use art to get meaning and to explain findings. They visit local sites for science and social studies projects, e.g. Gloucester tide pools, New England Aquarium, and in-school desert animal presentation.