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  • We use an internationally competitive, progressive math program that is more challenging - and ultimately better at teaching math - than the traditional math book. Our program covers all math topics in a regular, understandable order. What's special is the approach to learning. 

    Math in Focus: Singapore Math  |  K - Grade 5
    • All lessons begin with a hands-on or concrete component.
    • All lessons use models to build skills and math thinking.
    • The heart of the curriculum is to teach children to problem-solve.
    • Children learn how & why math works.
    • Children learn to apply learned concepts to new challenges.
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    Calendar Math  |  Kindergarten
    • Children learn pre-math skills by using the calendar.
    • Here is an example: by discussing what happens "every other day," we are preparing for "odd" and "even" numbers.
    • It's amazing how quickly young children grasp math concepts when we present them through everyday activities and conversation!
  • Better readers and writers simply do better in all subjects. Here are some of the proven language arts materials we use:

    Engage LA  |  Grades 4-5
    • The children read about world viewpoints on a variety of topics.
    • The reading selections are authentic writing (not made up for school).
    • Children learn to analyze, research, form opinions and express themselves.

    Wordly Wise  |  Grades 3-5
    • We don't use just any vocabulary words.
    • We work on the most commonly encountered words in great literature, in school textbooks, and on tests.
    • Children are more prepared for standardized tests.

    6 + 1 Traits of Writing  |  Grades 2-5
    • Children learn the steps of the writing process.
    • Children communicate with peers and teachers about their writing.
    • Children learn to give and accept feedback.

    Spelling Power  |  Grades 3-5
    • We work on the 5,000 words that children and adults most frequently use and misspell.
    • Children work at their own pace.
    • The activities are multi-sensory, so children can practice through song and movement.
    • The words become embedded in their minds, so they have them for life.

    Harcourt Trophies  |  Grades K-3
    • As the children read, they practice specific strategies, such as using context clues to determine the meaning of a new word.
    • Children study a wide variety of themes and genres.
    • Children improve their skill level and their fluency (speed and comfort with words).

    Handwriting Without Tears  |  Kindergarten - Grade 3
    • This program uses simple strokes for all letters and numerals.
    • Children learn to feel, see and hear sounds and letters.
    • Children write better sooner.

    Daily 5  |  Grades K & 1
    • These are focused mini-lessons on specific grammar and writing strategies.
    • Children work through the lessons individually.
    • The children become independent learners.
    • They improve their skills and avoid common mistakes.

    Reading A-Z  |  Kindergarten - Grade 1
    • Children work their way through the reading levels.
    • They love watching themselves move up.
    • This program builds confidence!
  • We choose science books that motivate the children to ask questions, do experiments, and discover how the world works before the book gives it away. With this approach, when the children finally read the scientific principle, they say, "That's exactly what we figured out!" Here is are the titles of our great science books:

    ​Interactive Science  |  K - 5
    • Follows the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)
    • Attaches the big ideas of science to the students’ personal world
    • Includes big vocabulary and complex sentences, so the students become better scientific readers

    Michigan Model for Health  |  Grades K - 5
    • We use the "Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child" program approved by the state.
    • All of our teachers have the state training.
    • Children learn to exercise, eat well and take good care of themselves.
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  • Our goal has always been to open our doors as wide as possible, to invite every kind of diversity into our school and our hearts. Every year, we take a look at how well we do this, and we are always so impressed! Here are some of the social studies materials that help us along:

    TCI  |  Grades 4 - 5 
    • The selections are up-to-date and high-interest.
    • Each unit is a deep dive into different people and places.
    • Children learn more than facts; they learn to consider topics from many points of view.
    • Children learn to look outside themselves.
    • Children celebrate that all people are different and yet the same.

    Meet Michigan  |  Grade 3
    • Children learn about Michigan while sharing their varied experiences.
    • The focus is on exploration and discovery.
    • Children practice researching and presenting.

    Harcourt  |  Kindergarten to Grade 2
    • The selections expand from "myself" topics to community topics.
    • The activities focus on reading and writing skills.
    • Children practice reading and writing fiction and non-fiction.
    • Many lessons are driven by student interest, so the topics may change from year to year.
  • STEAM stands for Science, Tech, Engineering, Art and Math, which we learn and practice together. For example, if we are shooting off rockets (science), then we are measuring how far they go (math), changing the design so they will go further (engineering) and keeping track of our attempts on a spreadsheet (tech). Here are some of our STEAM lessons:

    Goals of all STEAM classes
    • Practice imagining, planning, creating and adjusting
    • Learn technical skills
    • Apply technical skills to classroom learning
    • Apply technical skills to daily life
    • Understand how engineers work in their fields

    Kindergarten
    • Coding: level A, Ozobot coding with black lines
    • Stop-motion animation
    • Electric circuits
    • How to help a cat trim his claws
    • Design & build a wind sock, a pencil holder, a way to block the sun's heat
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    Grade 1
    • Bar graphs
    • Create a slide
    • Intro to Minecraft
    • Coding: level B, colors in Ozobots 
    • Doodlebots, adding a circuit
    • Design & build a vertical greenhouse garden, a solar car, a way to see around a corner

    Grade 2
    • Slide shows, importing graphics, using paint and draw
    • Web 2.0 tools
    • Google Classroom, Google drive, working collaboratively online
    • Coding; level C, Ozobot color coding
    • Design & build an insect trap, a boat that floats, an instrument that makes sound

    Grade 3
    • Coding: level D, Scratch
    • Makey Makey 
    • Google classroom: finding assignments & submitting work
    • Tinkercad & 3D printing
    • Design and build a dam, a roller coaster, a bird feeder

    Grade 4
    • Making public service announcements
    • Coding: level E, Ozobot coding, Scratch CF First Lessons
    • Minecraft landscaping
    • Contoured topographical maps
    • Electric quizboards
    • Design and build a glider, three types of bridges, an effective cleaning solution

    Grade 5
    • Coding: level F, Scratch cards
    • Design and build a balloon rocket, a self-watering system for plants, a multi-layered filtration system for water
    • Little Bits
    • Rube Goldberg in a box
    • ​Advanced formatting
    • Peer-editing using comments and using track changes
    • Coding: Scratch 
    • Mbot Challenge