Supplemental Academics

Supplemental Academics

Alphabet Recognition & Phonemic Awareness: During the early childhood years we supplement Montessori's literacy materials with lessons outlined by the program Phonics By Spelling. This program focuses on recognition of letter sounds (not letter names) through association with common sounds rather than objects. For example, instead of "A for apple" we introduce the sound /a/ as a "happy baby" sound. This link provides seamless integration from recognition of the alphabet to phonemic awareness, which is the key building block for reading.

Independent Reading Skills: To build independent reading skills we have chosen to use the McComber Readers. This program begins with simple compilation of individual letters and moves into more advanced literacy concepts such as blends and phonemes. This system does not require complete memorization of the alphabet, with only mastery of nine consonants and one vowel children can easily transition from learning letters to formation of words, teaching them that reading is purposeful.

Remedial Reading: We recognize some children need additional support with literacy skills, for these children we utilize the books Phonics Pathways & Phonics Boosters. These books focus on segmenting sounds into simple, easily decoded phonemes. Children also learn spelling patterns to improve success in writing.

Handwriting: The Handwriting Without Tears program meshes well with our philosophy because lessons are designed to be interactive, multisensory, and individualized. Our preschool children focus on learning proper grasp of writing utensils, tracing and coloring basic shapes, and writing strokes used for capital letters as they are the easiest to write. Older children focus on refining skills, including writing lowercase letters, numbers, and full sentences with appropriate punctuation. Children work independently in their books each day.

Mathematics: After careful consideration of multiple math programs we've chosen to utilize Hands On Standards for Math. This program uses manipulatives to make learning math concepts fun and meaningful. Each lesson is carefully designed to systematically develop skill sets in numeration and operations, algebra, geometry, and problem solving.

Science: We use Kidsparkz Super Science Curriculum.  Kidspark focuses on making learning meaningful through short inquiry based activities focused on "sparks" activities that are interesting and appealing to young children. We focus on a different science topic each month.