Reading / Language Arts
Reading /Language Arts is the core of our academic programs. All of the skills of reading are incorporated in our language arts program. We are using a program titled "Literacy Place" which is published by Scholastic. Our goal is to sustain an atmosphere in which reading is perceived as a joyful experience and where all children can and will succeed. Each day we have SSR (Sustained Silent Reading) where the entire school stops to read from 10:50 - 11:00am. Our students are also encouraged to both write creatively and factually. In many classrooms daily journals are kept in order to encourage writing. We also place much emphasis on editing so students learn the skill of editing rather than waiting for the teacher or an adult to do the correction. Our goal is to make literate lifelong learners. Reading is the most important activity you can do with your child.
Mathematics
This year we are using the program "Mathlands". This program follows the California Math Framework, which emphasizes critical thinking and problem solving in order that children begin to understand mathematical concepts. We want our children to learn their basic facts but we realize the need for students to begin to understand mathematical concepts. If students are to have a real understanding of mathematics, they must be encouraged and supported to become mathematical thinkers. We believe that it is no longer acceptable to say, "I'm not good at math"! We want our children to learn their basic facts in order that they can have these facts as tools to help them solve problems, but also recognize that these facts are not a means to an end but a beginning. Here at Jefferson we have been the beneficiaries of an Exxon Math Grant which has allowed our teachers to meet, confer with our math consultant, Bonnie Tank, and discuss the teaching of mathematics, as well as to attend math conferences in order to increase our knowledge of math. We are committed to the idea and the goal that all students can become mathematical thinkers and problem solvers.
Social Studies
Our text this year is published by Harcourt School. The social studies program at Jefferson School in Kindergarten with the study of the child's immediate environment. At succeeding levels, the learning includes the neighborhood, the city, the state and the country. Our Social Studies program offers an inclusive approach toward understanding and learning rather than the learning of facts and figures.
Science and Health
In keeping with the framework from the State of California, we will be emphasizing a "hands-on approach" in learning about science rather than a textbook approach. The teacher is asked to be interactive as a facilitator rather than the giver of knowledge. We are extremely fortunate to have four teachers who participated in a 2 week "City Science" Summer Institute. This program provides an intensive training in the science curriculum. These teachers will act as resources for the staff. Our curriculum is defined for each grade level and teachers will receive staff development. Teachers will be encouraged to work together in order to assist one another and utilize each other's talents. In addition Ms. Jean MacCormack is our science paraprofessional and she works with our parent Ms. Leslie Quan (Science Associate) who is in charge of our science kits and workroom. Both Ms. MacCormack and Ms. Quan work closely with teachers in assisting them in working with the various science units.
The primary health goal is to help our students become responsible for their daily health needs and to build positive practices and habits of health to carry through adulthood.
