Charles River School : Elementary


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The Elementary Years

In the elementary years in first through fifth grade, our teachers recognize that each child brings a unique pattern of growth, skills, experiences, and point of view to the classroom. Consequently, our teachers tailor their teaching to the individual child. Children learn basic skills in small, heterogeneous groups where they can learn from each other and develop collaboration skills.

During the elementary years, our students develop into thoughtful, critical readers and writers. In the early grades, children learn principles of phonics, learn to decode unfamiliar words, practice reading text, and develop comprehension strategies. In the later grades, they develop reading fluency and learn an increasing array of strategies for comprehending, analyzing, and interpreting fiction and nonfiction text. Students write extensively. They keep journals, write weekly letters to their teachers, produce their own stories and books, create poetry, and write research reports. They also learn strategies for revising and editing their work.

In mathematics, students become confident in their ability to solve problems and study specific topics such as data analysis, logic, probability, measurement, geometry, and computation strategies.We urge our students to talk and write about their mathematical thinking and encourage students to work collaboratively to solve problems.

In thematic studies, our students look for patterns, see relationships, and make connections. Thematic studies also serve as an important springboard for literacy activities during these years. Themes for these grades include The Middle Ages and The Changing Face of America.

First- through fifth-graders work with specialist teachers in science, art, music, library, computer, and physical education. They also attend and participate in weekly assemblies and special events and have a "buddy" from a different class with whom they meet regularly, share special occasions, and develop a unique relationship.