Reading/Writing: Our K – 3rd grade teachers work with our reading support staff and LRC support staff to provide a Walk-to-Read model where readers are learning skills with children who need to learn the same skills. The children are regularly progress monitored to determine their fit for the group they are assigned. Staff members make responsive changes based on students’ challenges and growth. When academic gains or needs are determined, children move to other groups where their current skills are being taught. Walk-to-Read specifically helps to instill a love of reading. This instructional support extends into all forms of communication and comprehension including speaking and writing clearly. Also, a solid home support that dovetails with our reading curriculum and interventions is offered for struggling readers.
Our main reading instructional resources are Reading A to Z, RAZ Kids, with Comprehension Toolkit for our older students. Units of Study by Lucy Calkins is our instructional resource for writing. This resource provides a step-wise progression of skills through the grades beginning in kindergarten. Our reading and writing resources are augmented with a variety of supplemental materials to provide the instruction that is needed for each type of learner.
Math: We began implementing a new math curriculum in the fall of 2014. In the Bridges curriculum students gain a strong understanding of number relationships and patterns prior to learning standard algorithms. A major component of our math instruction includes student discourse where evidence for problem solving is shared and discussed. Students learn content within a module and unit framework during their main lesson. They review previous concepts each day during a short calendar embedded lesson called, Number Corner.
Science: Our district hired island scientist and instructor Trish Howard a few years ago to write a Life Sciences curriculum for our school campus. Children learn through hands-on investigations in our surrounding forest, nearby pond, school garden, and on the general campus while birding. Also, our Partners in Education (PIE) granters provide funds for a myriad of science-based field trips away from our campus. Each grade level studies a different topic in physical science as well.
Our fifth graders attend an environmental camp in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains every year. At Waskowitz Outdoor School they learn about the environmental connections between plants, animals, soil, and water, with a field study session at a nearby watershed. Habitats and ecosystems are an integral part of this experience, along with making choices that preserve and protect the environment. A social benefit of meeting new friends from other NW Washington schools and nurturing independence and self-reliance are a bonus in rounding out this environmental experience.
Social Studies: Each instructional level team has developed project-based learning opportunities for cultural studies. Also, teachers utilize these studies to further develop students’ comprehension skills and writing. Multiage classes align closely with the project studies in first, second and third grades. Kindergartners send out Flat Stanley letters to connect family and friends to their concept of the world. First grade China; Second grade Native Americans; Third grade Continents and Oceans; Fourth grade Washington State; Fifth grade Early United States.
Technology: Classroom teachers either take their students to our computer lab or use our mobile Chrome Book sets to teach keyboarding skills and research skills. This is emphasized in grades 3 – 5 with some introduction to keyboarding in 2nd grade. Our younger students use Chromebooks, laptops, iPads to practice penmanship and reading skills primarily. Some math extension and support activities are also available through our technology devices.
Art: Students attend art class weekly. They learn about the elements of art, genres, and study particular artists’ styles. Our art teacher uses a variety of techniques to teach drawing, painting, sculpting and paper art. Thanks to the Artists in Schools grant opportunity some grade levels work with island artists to learn skills through a well-developed project taught by the guest artist and supported by our art teacher.
Music: Students attend music class weekly. Teaching methods include visual, kinesthetic and aural modalities. Children learn to recognize and use a variety of musical elements such as rhythm, melody, harmony, form and timbre. They play instruments (drums, rhythm, barred instruments, keyboard), dance and sing as they explore a range of musical genre.
Physical Education & Health: Students receive at least two PE/Health classes each week. The focus of these classes is to help our students develop skills and interests in healthy activity and to understand how their body works in order to take care of it.
