Beverly Cleary School

I like to teach using an overall concept or theme and utilizing large projects with small assignments and/or mini lessons.  Much of what we study will occur in the format of a short or long-term project tying in multiple components including arts based skills and strategies.  This format allows for flexible grouping, differentiation, and multiple intelligences.  I like to model for students what is expected.  Below is a small nutshell of the focus on the following curricular areas (please note this is very brief and seemingly vague):   

Math--Bridges Curriculum

Reading--Scott Foresman Reading Street, Junior Great books, literature circles, novel studies

Writing--Writer's workshop.  Units of study include:  personal narrative, imaginative, information article (expository), research, persuasive, literary analysis.  Worksamples, 5 paragraph essays, stories, reports, poems, memoirs.

Science--Scientific Inquiry & Engineering Design, Sun/Earth/Moon, Astronomy, Variables (cause & effect), magnets, microscopes, Science Fair project

Social Studies--Geography, Native Americans, Exploration, Colonies, Declaration of Independence, Revolutionary War, Constitution,

Health--FLASH (Family Life and Sexual Health), 7 Habits of Highly Effective teens, nutrition, tobacco prevention

Specials (P.E., Library, Computer Lab, Art, Reading buddies, Counseling--2nd Semester)