We are no longer focusing education around just gathering knowledge because information is so easily accessible in this age of technology. We instead are focusing on helping students go beyond learning facts in order to develop deeper understandings of the diverse world. Students need to learn how to not only find, but sort, evaluate and apply information into new situations. They need to learn how to ask questions, problem solve and "earn" their understanding of concepts. We will know that they are truly understanding and thinking critically if they can explain, interpret, apply, demonstrate perspective, display empathy, and have metacognitive awareness. (Teaching For Understanding by Jay Mctighe and Elliott Seif)
Multiage Learning
Our multiage classroom is made up of students from both 2nd (youngers) and 3rd (olders) grade. They engage in a mix of 2nd and 3rd grade inquiry based curriculum across a 2 year span and are with the same teacher for both years. Year A theme is all about systems at work and year B is based on world communities. Learning groups within the classroom are made both heterogeneously and homogeneously depending on the need or activity, not necessarily by grade level. Multiage classrooms like ours reflect the natural groupings found in our neighborhoods, communities and in the world. They provide opportunities for the exchange of ideas, modeling of behaviors, practice of responsibility, nurturing of curiosity, and development of leadership and social skills in all students.
Reading and Writing
Reading and writing are so interdependent, strengthening one will often greatly improve the other. In our multiage classroom reading and writing is woven into the theme study topics throughout the year. We will learn and practice skills that help students to both learn how to read/write and read/write to learn. We will cover topics such as:
Close reading and annotating texts
Characters and story structure
Informational text features
Fairy tales, biographies, and poetry
Determining central message and main idea
Analyzing the authors purpose and point of view
Making connections, inferences, and predictions
Researching topics of interest
Writing to inform, persuade, and entertain
Editing and revising writing for an audience
Cursive
Math
Mathematical learning happens in a sort of spiral, where skills are revisited often and built upon year after year. We will cover topics such as:
Addition and subtraction
Fractions
Multiplication and division
Measurement
Problem solving
Time and money
Graphing and geometry
Addition and subtraction
Fractions
Multiplication and division
Measurement
Problem solving
Time and money
Graphing and geometry
Below are videos of the progression through addition/subtraction, multiplication/division, and fractions by Graham Fletcher. They are great for understanding what the students will be learning in 2nd and 3rd grade and why it is important to learn it that way (instead of starting with the standard algorithm). It is different than we as adults may be used to, but it is really beneficial for students math understanding!
Social Studies
Social Studies learning is how the students connect to the world around them. Topics from the social studies curriculum are woven into many of the reading and writing opportunities students have throughout the 2 years. Some topics they will cover are:
Global culture and trade
Human rights
Community interaction
Maps and geography
Economics and government
Leadership and citizenship
Personal heritage and traditions
Global culture and trade
Human rights
Community interaction
Maps and geography
Economics and government
Leadership and citizenship
Personal heritage and traditions
Science
Across the 2 years in science, students spend time discovering and interacting with the world around them. Topics from the science curriculum are woven into many of the theme and inquiry opportunities students have throughout the year. Some topics they will cover are:
Properties of matter
Water cycle and erosion
Forces and interactions (magnets and circuits)
Extreme Weather
Ecosystems
Lifecycles
Plant and Animal adaptation
Climate change
Properties of matter
Water cycle and erosion
Forces and interactions (magnets and circuits)
Extreme Weather
Ecosystems
Lifecycles
Plant and Animal adaptation
Climate change
Spelling and
Vocabulary
Students will have many opportunities to grow their spelling and vocabulary knowledge through multiple exposures. We use parts of Hegarty and Superkids for phonemic awareness and phonics instruction. They will work on strengthening their spelling by learning and practicing common word patterns through a variety of multi-sensory activities, but not with rote memorization or weekly spelling tests. Students have shown mastery of these skills if they can independently use them while writing. They will also gain exposure to grade level academic vocabulary through independent reading and shared read alouds (as well as use them for comprehension practice).
Character
Just as important as the academic learning is the social emotional learning in the classroom. We spend a lot of time building student character throughout the year, both proactively and in response to student needs. The students will learn how to express their needs and respond to others needs in a positive way. They will learn to be a productive part of a classroom community by being :
mindful a leader kind caring creative curious respectful safe positive hard working honest inclusive yourself courageous flexible responsible understanding reflective cooperative a citizen reflective persistant |