| As children reach the primary grades,
they begin to exercise more independence and make choices within
a more sophisticated framework of available activities. Children
can now choose activities of interest to them outside the classroom,
such as the science lab, math lab, the art room, the library, the
woodshop, clay room, the weaving room, dance, music, drama, as well
as on the playing fields or in the indoor playspace. The first overnights
are held, opening the way for more frequent, longer trips in later
grades. Children also take responsibility for more significant work
jobs*, including the sharing of tasks necessary to maintain their
classrooms and play areas. Class meetings become even more important,
allowing time for sharing, for resolving differences, and for choosing
and planning activities, such as writing and producing a play or
sponsoring a carnival.
Academically, the greatest emphasis is on
the development of reading and math skills. Both reading and math
are approached from a number of perspectives: they are woven into
class projects and learning activities, and they are presented through
games, manipulatives, and other experiential ways of learning. During
reading time, children write in personal journals, read individually
selected books, work in traditional but self-paced workbooks, and
enjoy non-traditional workpages created with their specific interests
and needs in mind.
Peninsula's teachers pay close attention
to each child's reading and math development. Because children work
with their own materials and at individual paces, teachers monitor
progress and assess needs, while encouraging and helping each child.
To accomplish this, several teacher aides, including parents, assist
in each classroom during reading, providing generous attention to
each child and a high level of support for the teachers. |
Growth: Primary
