Grades 1 to 5
Three grade bands share the same plain day. Each moves at the pace of the children in it.
Letters, sounds and short books read aloud with an adult. A sentence written every day, then two. Counting and sharing with beads, blocks and coins.
Short books read aloud
A sentence a day
Math with objects
Longer books, read in pairs and then alone. Paragraphs with a plan on a card. Number facts practiced a little each day until they stick.
Longer books in pairs
A paragraph with a plan
A little practice each day
Chapter books and a reading journal. A short report from the first note to the last draft. Math word problems read slowly, one step at a time.
Chapter books and a journal
A report in drafts
Word problems, one step at a time
Writing
Writing starts small. A child says a sentence aloud, an adult writes it down, and the child copies it under their own picture. Over the year the sentences grow, and the adult steps back a little at a time.
In the older grades, a report goes through drafts, each read with a teacher before the next.
Classes
Each grade band is one class. Reading club is an extra two afternoons.
Ages 6 to 8
Mornings begin with reading at the tables.
Age 8
Ages 9 to 11
Friday morning is a writing workshop.
Sample programs.
Every week
Each part has its own time, and the order stays the same from day to day.
Every morning, at tables, with an adult beside the children.
Taught with objects first, then drawings, then numbers.
A topic for several weeks, with things to touch and look at.
Drawing, singing and the recorder, twice a week.
Movement every day, in the yard or the gym.
A calm place to take work and return from when ready.
A visit morning shows how the days run.