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Curriculum
Westchester teachers work to ensure the success of all learners. We are a welcoming place, where teachers have a voice in planning a developmentally appropriate curriculum that encourages high expectations for all. In addition to regular classroom whole group instruction, students participate in a variety of learning settings that include small groups, individualized instruction, differentiation of instruction and assessment, flexible grouping, and enrichment activities. Our technology curriculum is integrated across all curricular areas, and students regularly have access to many types of equipment ranging from laptops to SMART boards.
Our goal in communication arts is to help students become competent, responsible readers, writers, and thinkers who effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas. All aspects of language arts (reading, writing, listening, speaking) are interrelated. Growth in one facet of language supports growth in the others as well. In reading, students develop and apply different strategies, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, text elements, and literary devices in a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. Teachers emphasize differences in culture, time, genres, and author’s style. In writing, students are explicitly taught structure, rules, and procedures. Using mentor texts in a workshop setting, students explore many different forms of writing. The library media curriculum focuses on “The Big Six” research strategies as well as exposing students to the many diverse genres of literature.
Using a math workshop setting, students become confident mathematical thinkers who use strategies and critical thinking to problem solve and communicate mathematically. The curriculum is structured to build upon previous learning. Mathematics is divided into subcategories of number and operations, algebraic thinking, geometric and spatial relationships, measurement, and data and probability.
Our goal in social studies and science education is to provide students appropriate, hands-on experiences along a developmental continuum. Social studies instruction helps students develop a critical understanding of history, geography, economics, civics, and culture. Science instruction engages students as scientifically literate citizens who understand and utilize the concepts of earth systems, living systems, and matter and energy.
Westchester’s art program strives to assist each child to reach his/her fullest creative potential by providing an environment for artistic expression through the study of the elements and principles of art, using an array of media. All students are included in our school-wide art show.
Music education uses an interactive approach to teaching/ learning methods. Students use singing, movement, listening, playing instruments, and interdisciplinary activities to develop skills in a variety of areas. Every student participates in a grade level appropriate performance for peers and parents.
The physical education and health programs are integral parts of the total development of each student. During physical education class, students are engaged in planned, sequential learning activities that focus on health and fitness related movement concepts. Health education provides the opportunity for students to develop positive attitudes and good healthy habits. In our health class, students demonstrate, identify, list, and distinguish between healthy and unhealthy practices.
At Westchester Elementary, we are proud to offer a developmentally appropriate curriculum that is flexible in meeting the varied needs of our learners.
Our goal in communication arts is to help students become competent, responsible readers, writers, and thinkers who effectively communicate their thoughts and ideas. All aspects of language arts (reading, writing, listening, speaking) are interrelated. Growth in one facet of language supports growth in the others as well. In reading, students develop and apply different strategies, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, text elements, and literary devices in a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts. Teachers emphasize differences in culture, time, genres, and author’s style. In writing, students are explicitly taught structure, rules, and procedures. Using mentor texts in a workshop setting, students explore many different forms of writing. The library media curriculum focuses on “The Big Six” research strategies as well as exposing students to the many diverse genres of literature.
Using a math workshop setting, students become confident mathematical thinkers who use strategies and critical thinking to problem solve and communicate mathematically. The curriculum is structured to build upon previous learning. Mathematics is divided into subcategories of number and operations, algebraic thinking, geometric and spatial relationships, measurement, and data and probability.
Our goal in social studies and science education is to provide students appropriate, hands-on experiences along a developmental continuum. Social studies instruction helps students develop a critical understanding of history, geography, economics, civics, and culture. Science instruction engages students as scientifically literate citizens who understand and utilize the concepts of earth systems, living systems, and matter and energy.
Westchester’s art program strives to assist each child to reach his/her fullest creative potential by providing an environment for artistic expression through the study of the elements and principles of art, using an array of media. All students are included in our school-wide art show.
Music education uses an interactive approach to teaching/ learning methods. Students use singing, movement, listening, playing instruments, and interdisciplinary activities to develop skills in a variety of areas. Every student participates in a grade level appropriate performance for peers and parents.
The physical education and health programs are integral parts of the total development of each student. During physical education class, students are engaged in planned, sequential learning activities that focus on health and fitness related movement concepts. Health education provides the opportunity for students to develop positive attitudes and good healthy habits. In our health class, students demonstrate, identify, list, and distinguish between healthy and unhealthy practices.
At Westchester Elementary, we are proud to offer a developmentally appropriate curriculum that is flexible in meeting the varied needs of our learners.
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