Elementary Curriculum

Language

Language and literacy are taught through a literature-based balanced approach. The goal of our language and literacy program is to develop effective communication skills and to stimulate the love and appreciation of the oral and written word. Children are constantly encouraged to read, write, listen and speak. They are provided with varied opportunities to use oral and written language throughout the integrated program. Language and literacy activities include:

  • teaching of phonics and word-attack skills
  • Fundations phonics program in kindergarten and first grade
  • experiencing good literature
  • reading in the content areas
  • individual, small group and large group reading activities in the content areas
  • use of a great variety of printed materials
  • writing using phonetic spelling in kindergarten and first grade
  • standard spelling instruction in first through fifth grades
  • daily writing for many purposes (covered below)
  • making individual and class books; keeping journals; writing newspapers
  • project and report writing
  • handwriting, grammar, usage and punctuation instruction
  • use of computers for word processing
  • introduction to a second language (Spanish)

Math

Young children learn math initially through concrete manipulation of real objects. It is only after they have explored the environment and related the concept to their own experience that they can fully absorb the more abstract elements of mathematics. We use many kinds of manipulative materials to help young children discover and understand math concepts. Our goal in mathematics instruction is to enable children to use math facts, skills, and procedures to develop higher order thinking processes and become life-long mathematical thinkers. Students begin by developing easy strategies and then move on to more sophisticated methods for problem solving as they move through the grades. An emphasis is placed on helping students understand that there are different ways to solve a problem. Students build and maintain strong mental-arithmetic skills through frequent practice. Games are incorporated into the program to help students learn concepts and achieve mastery of basic skills. In addition, cross-curricular projects provide students the opportunity to cover a variety of mathematical activities and are created around themes that are of interest to them. Math is integrated into other subject areas as well as outdoor play and classroom routines. The math program, Everyday Mathematics, is used in all elementary grades and encourages students to explore concepts that are usually introduced at a higher grade level. Mathematical concepts are more fully understood as a result of repeated exposure. The program goals are organized by the following strands and extend across all grade levels:

  • number and numeration
  • operations and computation
  • patterns, functions and Algebra
  • geometry
  • measurement
  • data and probability

In addition to the Everyday Mathematics Program teachers use the Super Stars Program as well as other materials for further enrichment and to help meet the individual needs of students.

Science

Children are fascinated by the world around them. They observe, ask questions and want to know more. Focusing first on the child’s surroundings, familiar objects and events, and their natural interest, we introduce the skills and concepts that will lead to an understanding of scientific inquiry.

We encourage children to develop the ability to:

  • observe events over time
  • measure and document observations
  • analyze and synthesize information
  • plan an observation to answer a question
  • use instruments to aid observation
  • problem-solve through trial and error
  • sort, classify and order according to attributes
  • notice patterns
  • see causal relationships
  • predict future events
  • hypothesize
  • control variables
  • interpret data
  • communicate observations and findings

Themes for scientific exploration are drawn from the fields of life science, physical science, and earth science. The curriculum is based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Children learn about topics such as plants, animals, the solar system, electricity, magnetism, ecology, habitats, rocks and minerals, weather, matter, and energy by investigating their environment, classroom materials, trade books, and reference books. Visitors to the classroom, field trips, computers, and the media enrich their experiences.

Technology

The Raleigh School seeks to educate all students to be life-long learners who are able to seek and use information and communicate effectively in order to pursue real-world learning. Technology is an essential tool used to enhance student learning and skills are integrated into all facets of the curriculum. Our goal is for students to leave The Raleigh School with a set of skills that allow them to comfortably use technology throughout their future.

All classrooms are equipped with state of the art computers, which are used daily by students for a variety of purposes. Beginning in kindergarten and first grade students learn the basics of how to operate computers and use them for word processing. As students progress through the grades they learn how to utilize Microsoft Excel, Power Point and other applications. They are given the opportunity to practice basic computer skills, refine their keyboarding skills, and conduct research and project work. All classes have access to the Internet which students are encouraged to use for meaningful project work. Faculty guide student use of the Internet by helping them to identify sources that are appropriate and support the curriculum.

In addition, The Raleigh School has a wireless mobile lap top lab which is available for student use during the school day. The combination of a classroom’s computers and our mobile lab provides a 1:2 computer to student ratio per classroom.

Social Studies

Social studies is an important part of the integrated curriculum. Themes or topics are chosen according to children’s experience, interests, and abilities and are based on the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Students and teachers implement an integrated approach to the social studies curriculum using a wide variety of materials and resources to gain knowledge and understanding. Through the social studies curriculum, students:

  • develop political, economic, social, and geographic concepts
  • understand the role of an active, informed, responsible citizen
  • deal effectively with change
  • collaborate on projects and activities
  • develop respect for self, others, and the environment
  • observe, question, read critically, and think
  • use information to plan, solve problems, and make decisions
  • appreciate diverse people and places
  • discover how to acquire information from technology, books, media, reference materials, field trips and visitors

Kindergarten students study themselves, their own families and families around the world. In first grade, the focus is on neighborhoods and communities here and around the world. Second grade students learn about community life locally as well as in the state, country and world with a major focus on geography. In third grade, students explore the concept of citizenship and leadership. Fourth graders devote their year to a study of North Carolina. The fifth grade social studies curriculum emphasizes research about the geographic regions and history of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Central America.

Creative Arts

Creative endeavors are integrated into the thematic curriculum. A variety of visual art media help students develop their creative aptitudes. Music and dance provide opportunities for joyful expression, physical development, and introduction to instruments and rhythm. Art and music appreciation activities are integrated into the curriculum through classroom experiences, performances, and field trips to the community. Specialists in the creative arts enrich the curriculum. Students have sessions with the art and music teachers each week in the Athletics and Arts Center.

Physical Education

Students see the physical education specialist twice each week. They spend time in individual, small group, and large group activities. During the primary grades, we work on developing skills in running, jumping, skipping, kicking, and ball handling that are important to organized athletics. As children get older, they develop skills in organized sports, learn to accept and follow rules, and begin to appreciate the value of teamwork. We help children to develop positive attitudes regarding health, nutrition, and exercise. Our gymnasium and play fields provide ideal spaces for physical education. Children enjoy physical activity daily with an outside recess time in addition to physical education class.

Spanish

Exposure to a second language provides access to other countries and also provides students with the ability to understand cultural similarities and differences. Learning a foreign language and learning about the culture of another country enhances children’s personal growth and expands their intellectual horizons. They enjoy learning to listen, read, and write in Spanish; expand their Spanish vocabulary, sing songs, recite poetry, and play games using their Spanish vocabulary knowledge. Students have Spanish class twice each week.

Homework

Students have a reasonable amount of homework each week. This work bridges the gap between home and school and extends the classroom experience. Homework activities are meaningful and age appropriate. In first, second and third grades, homework should not take more than thirty minutes each night. In fourth and fifth grades homework should take no more than one hour each night.