Not Your Traditional Classroom
We expect children to learn and grow as whole individuals. The classroom environment is designed to encourage and guide children in the development of a sense of self-direction and individual responsibility.
Students have choices in the use of their time, but they also receive specific assignments. Each child is expected to complete daily work in math, writing, reading and language. Experiences in art, music, social studies, science, and physical education are also highly valued parts of the curriculum. Students’ work may be individual and monitored by the teacher, who acts as guide, resource and leader. The teacher and adults in the classroom try to support each child’s interests as much as possible.
Of equal value with intellectual growth is the social interaction that is an integral part of learning experiences. The adults work actively with children to facilitate the development of these interaction skills.
Parents…
- Play an important role in the classroom as assistants to the teacher.
- work with small groups of students.
- Provide each child with more individual attention when needed.
- Help with special projects.
- Offer their own particular talents in cooperation with the teacher.
- With flexibility add to our supportive community.
Classrooms…
- That provide a range of possibilities and allow each individual child opportunities to make choices are most conducive to learning.
- That permit freedom of movement and talking show respect for the nature of children and childhood, and encourage learning.
- That encourage children to be self-reliant promote growth, initiative, self-respect, and a desire to learn. • that allow teachers, adults, and children to capitalize on natural interests and curiosity, enhance learning.
Instructional Assistants and Specialists…
- Christa McAuliffe School is committed to having the services of professional instructional assistants and specialists in our classrooms.
- Are at the very heart of the McAuliffe program.
- Provide the continuity and leadership necessary in our parent participation program.
Environments…
- Where people interact most respectfully, encourage mutual trust, and acceptance.
- We build are open, honest, responsive and responsible; neither authoritarian nor permissive approaches promote this.
