Self-contained Classrooms in Grades 1-5
Grades 1 to 5 are self-contained. Grade 4 switches for science and social studies class once in the afternoon. Grade 5 switches classes twice a day for reading, math, science, and social studies. This is a gradual preparation for the 6th grade that is departmental.
Reading: Instruction in reading is multi-layered. Grade level shared reading instruction is where the teacher includes comprehension skills, vocabulary development, grammar, spelling, and writing as part of the weekly shared reading selection. This shared reading in grades 3 and 4 could be a novel study or from the basic text. The second layer is instruction at each child’s ability level. This is done in small groups of 2 to 6 students, where each child is challenged at their own mastery level. These guided reading groups build confidence and skills through differentiated instruction. The final layer is independent reading where each child is given time daily to reading quietly by his or herself (DEAR drop everything and read TIME). This comprehensive reading approach includes teacher read-alouds and discussions regularly so that Reading To Kids, Reading With Kids, and Reading By Kids are all accomplished. Grade level skills are taught to everyone, while meeting a broad range of ability levels is met through small groups. In grades 3 and 4, these small groups can take the form of Literature Circles, in preparation for 6th, 7th, and 8th Literature Classes.
Math: Math Instruction is a balance of concept building and skill mastery with daily problem solving activities. Concepts are developed using specific grade-level manipulative kits for each class from preschool to 6th grade. Problem solving is fostered because each math lesson begins with a “Problem of the Day” where children solve authentic day-to-day problems that involve multi-steps. Classes solve these word problems independently and as a group. The focus is that there is more than one way to solve a problem mathematically. Students are encouraged to use “higher order” thinking skills to get the answer. All attempts are validated so the emphasis is on good problem solving strategies and not just “the answer”. Computational fluency is a goal that is achieved with lots of practice work in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division work. Memorization of math facts is necessary for every grade.
