Curriculum
The selections below will take you to more information about Laurelcrest's curriculum.
Language Arts • Computers • Science & Ecology • Social
Studies & Geography
Social & Emotional Development • Mathematics
Language Arts
Language Arts at Laurelcrest are taught as a comprehensive program that includes:
• Oral
Language
• Reading for Comprehension, Meaning, & Pleasure
• Reading Decoding Skills (graphophonic, syntactic)
• Written Language (creative and content writing)
• Spelling
Hearing Literate Language
Instruction in hearing literate language relies heavily on literature related to specific themes or reading genres. We read to children daily with emphasis on books that are connected. We cannot stress enough the importance of reading to your child at home at least 15 or more minutes daily. A list of theme/unit books will be sent home regularly for you to select and obtain material relevant to classroom studies. Hearing literary language in a pleasurable setting makes the transition to written, academic language natural and easy as a student is given more challenging reading materials to master on her own. Spelling Spelling lists are assigned with a selection of words following the patterns being studied in the skill groups. Students select a variety of words from their own writing and studies. Tests are given on Fridays. Spelling and memorization of basic words are essential tools for writing.Written Language
Written language is woven throughout the whole curriculum. Children write in their daily journals. They write summaries of science and math experiences. They may, in the early stages, alter the settings, character, or outcome of familiar stories in their own story versions. We write and/or dictate creative stories, descriptions, and persuasions. We follow a process of producing a draft, editing, and recopying with illustrations and accompanying artwork. Oral language stresses group sharing, dramatizations of stories, retelling of stories, poetry and music. These experiences are integral to the language program. In short, oral and written language surrounds our students. They are given great opportunities to respond and express themselves orally and in their own writing and art work. By 5th grade, a serious and comprehensive approach to expository writing begins. This incorporates the basic skills learned in prior grades and prepares students to express abstract and well-reasoned concepts in a personal and creative manner.
back to topSocial Studies and Geography
Nothing seems to delight primary age children as much as learning about themselves in relation to the larger community and the world in the past and the present. The social studies curriculum at Laurelcrest is, hopefully, a knowledge bridge to this extended concept of the world community of people. We follow the goals and curriculum strands presented in the History and Social Science Framework using the Houghton Mifflin Social Studies series as a broad structure for daily instruction. We especially emphasize the goals of historical, cultural, geographic and economic literacy. We rely heavily on the idea that in the early grades history can be presented through literature and the stories contained there contribute to a shared national identity and empathy for other cultures. A broad outline of the K-8 course titles include:
Kindergarten:
Learning and Working Now and Long Ago
Learning to Work Together
Working Together
Reaching Out to Times Past
Grade One:
A Child's Place in Time and Space
Developing Social Skills and Responsibilities
Expanding Children’s Geographic and Economic Worlds
Developing Awareness of Cultural Diversity
Now and Long Ago
Grade Two:
People Who Make a Difference
People Who Supply Our Needs
Our Parents, Grandparents and Ancestors from Long Ago
Grade Three:
Continuity and Change
Our Local History
Our Nation’s History: Meeting People Through Biography, Story, Folktale & Legend
Oh, California!
National Resources & Regional Features
Early Inhabitants; Early Explorers,
Mission, Mexican California, Gold Rush, Modern California
Grade Five:
America Will Be
History of the United States from Early Exploration through the Civil War
Basic Governmental Concepts and Structure
Message of Ancient Days
Human history from the Roots of Civilization up to Greece and Rome
Grade Seven:
Across the Centuries
The Fall of the Roman Empire Through the Enlightenment
Grade Eight:
A More Perfect Union
Pre Civil War Though Modern Times
Civics: Government
Our educational methods include dressing, singing, eating and doing activities related to the time and group of people being studied, as well as more traditional forms of presentation.
Mathematics
A myriad of research on gender equity indicates that if you want a girl to excel in Math, send her to a girls' school. Laurelcrest School for Girls is building a brighter future for females who traditionally don't excel in Math and Science. Confidence is bolstered in this single-gender environment. The curriculum for Math follows the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) guidelines. The Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley textbook series is used as a foundation for all grade levels, and is augmented by other texts, programs and manipulatives. Girls love the hands-on approach of Marcy Cook's programs and Family Math. Activities for learning problem-solving strategies are introduced through a series published by Creative Publications and available for all grade levels. Dr. Joan Cotter was motivated to develop an abacus program for "westerners" after researching the success of the abacus in Asia. We find this program to be appropriate for all our grade levels as well. In short, our students have the opportunity to learn mathematics via several modules that creates a more well-rounded understanding overall.
Computers
Computers at Laurelcrest are viewed as an important adjunct to the academic program, particularly beginning in grade three. For grades kindergarten through second, computers are cautiously regarded since their use involves time and attention removed from the primary ways that children at this developmental stage learn. Grades three through eight use PC’s while younger children use Macintosh computers. Computers are centralized in a lab within the school office area, in the extended care room and upstairs in two labs.
Science
Science at Laurelcrest receives a high priority in the teaching schedule. The curriculum follows the California State Science Framework and includes the following broad topics:
Physical Sciences (material, reactions and interactions,force and motion, energy of light, heat, sound, electricity and magnetism).
Life Sciences (living things, cells, genetics and evolution, ecosystems).
Earth Sciences (astronomy, geology and natural resources, the ocean and weather).
Direct experience and hands-on approach will be used in the instruction of these topics. A broad range of research materials, books, and experiences are provided in these areas from the structured AIMS (Activities Integrating Math & Science) Education Foundation publications. This foundation provides instructional materials and specific lesson formats which are integrated with concepts of mathematics. Teacher/staff development is also provided locally for these programs and direct access to the program writers is available through the Foundation office in Fresno, California. It is a nationally used program endorsed by scientific and educational groups. "Science encompasses the art of questioning, investigating, hypothesizing, discovering and communicating. Mathematics is the language that provides clarity, objectivity, and understanding. Many of the major contemporary societal issues stem from advancements in science and must be studied in the context of the social sciences (as well)." (AIMS Activities, K- I ) You will see continual evidence of the investigations and projects created by students in our classrooms. Several field trips to the Museum of Science and Industry (Los Angeles) and other appropriate locations will take place during the year.
Ecology
Concepts of ecology and environmental responsibility are addressed in every unit. It is a highly emphasized topic. Habits for environmental responsibility are also stressed in all daily living experiences from copies run on "used" paper to the use of non-toxic, biodegradable products.
Social and Emotional Development
Laurelcrest staff is deeply committed to the belief that children need nurturing in a small school setting with a place to be an individual while learning social skills from kind and loving peers. Every child needs secure limits and boundaries of behavior and this is communicated to children daily in word and habits. Through the model of staff who genuinely work together, respect each other, and communicate ideas and needs, children exist in a daily workshop of developing social commitments. The academic classroom is often synonymous with the word school, but the real work of children is most often seen in what adults view as "play." This is where ideas and experiences are personalized and integrated into a social setting. Hopefully, much of your child's day will allow for this important activity. The variety of human talent seen even in such a small group is to be valued and accommodated in positive social ways. Extraordinary talent is appreciated deeply but not overemphasized to the point that it becomes a burden of expectation and stress. We strive for true community with many talents filling many needs at many age levels and where individual and group are mutually supportive. Laurelcrest is proud of its academic strengths but equally determined to provide activities, games, and experiences, which foster the growth of secure, kind, honest, independent youngsters. Values toward these goals are strongly encouraged.
back to top