Project-Based Learning Rather than exploring subjects such as science, social studies, and english language arts in isolation from each other, students engage in interdisciplinary projects rooted in the needs of our community. See Projects for more information and specific examples.
English Language Arts In addition to project time, students develop their reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and representing skills through numerous activities. These include quiet reading time accompanied by daily reading logs, daily writing prompts and writer's workshops, as well as engaging with the variety of books chosen for project work.
Culture
Living Systems at SK The 3rd and 4th grade class is responsible for tending to our small flock of hens. Children enjoy the daily tasks of collecting eggs and feeding the hens. Our group also manages the school's composting systems. These include collecting food scraps for the chickens and maintaining a vermi-composting bin. These provide opportunities for students to engage in problem solving, learn about living systems, and develop empathy as they care for other living creatures.
Flexible Seating Our classrooms contain flexible seating arrangements that allow students to find the spaces where they feel the most comfortable and capable of producing their best work. Depending on the student, this could be a nook of pillows, an exercise ball at a table, a couch and clipboard, or a traditional desk, among other options. You can read more about the benefits of flexible seating arrangements by clicking here and here!
Recess/"Free-Fives" Students have three 30-minute recess periods throughout each day. In addition, students take "free-fives" during homeroom periods, which are five minute breaks for students to give their brains a chance to recharge. Depending on the individual student and their needs at the time, this could include reading a book, talking with a friend, or playing a game in the courtyard.
Snack In addition to a morning and afternoon snack, students have the freedom to take care of their own needs and can eat outside of these periods.