 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM AT CROSSROADS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is designed to mirror the Crossroads philosophy. This means that a strong academic program is integrated with the arts, community service, health and fitness education, and environmental education. Social, emotional, physical, and spiritual development is actively nurtured as a vital premise to sound cognitive development. Fundamental to successful implementation of the philosophy is our understanding of learning principles based on brain research. The beginning years (K-2) allow for the many variations that are a natural function of child development. From third to fifth grades a more standardized and academically intensive curriculum challenges students' learning styles in new ways in preparation for the Middle School experience.
The goal of the KINDERGARTEN year is to provide successful learning experiences for children that invite ownership, involvement, elaboration, and reflection. All children enter kindergarten at various stages of development. So, too, will they exit the kindergarten year.
In FIRST GRADE the formal processes of reading and writing are introduced. At this time it is essential to preserve self-esteem and to honor differing levels of literacy and different styles of learning among children.
SECOND GRADE students develop and expand their emergent literacy skills. Greater small muscle development helps writing to become more comfortable, and cognitive development enables reading to move beyond decoding into comprehension. Sustained ability to stay on task is noticeable by year's end.
THIRD GRADE is a transition year into the middle and upper elementary years. The many variations that are a natural function of child development are still acknowledged; however, more standardized learning expectations are delineated. By the end of the third grade year, basic skills should be firmly in place to serve as tools for managing information.
The FOURTH GRADE year marks the beginning of a new phase in a child's school experience. Skills learned in previous grades are now applied to the exploration and expansion of the content areas. Students become responsible for their own learning through independent and cooperative class projects, and they experience an increased volume of homework.
FIFTH GRADE marks the end of the Elementary School years at Crossroads. The responsibilities and independence begun in fourth grade are expanded as children look toward moving to the Middle School.
The goal of the KINDERGARTEN year is to provide successful learning experiences for children that invite ownership, involvement, elaboration, and reflection. All children enter kindergarten at various stages of development. So, too, will they exit the kindergarten year.
In FIRST GRADE the formal processes of reading and writing are introduced. At this time it is essential to preserve self-esteem and to honor differing levels of literacy and different styles of learning among children.
SECOND GRADE students develop and expand their emergent literacy skills. Greater small muscle development helps writing to become more comfortable, and cognitive development enables reading to move beyond decoding into comprehension. Sustained ability to stay on task is noticeable by year's end.
THIRD GRADE is a transition year into the middle and upper elementary years. The many variations that are a natural function of child development are still acknowledged; however, more standardized learning expectations are delineated. By the end of the third grade year, basic skills should be firmly in place to serve as tools for managing information.
The FOURTH GRADE year marks the beginning of a new phase in a child's school experience. Skills learned in previous grades are now applied to the exploration and expansion of the content areas. Students become responsible for their own learning through independent and cooperative class projects, and they experience an increased volume of homework.
FIFTH GRADE marks the end of the Elementary School years at Crossroads. The responsibilities and independence begun in fourth grade are expanded as children look toward moving to the Middle School.
