Pre-School

The goal of the pre-school at Tate's School of Discovery is to address the developmental readiness of the individual child. Teachers use various methods in the classroom including manipulatives, centers, whole language and hands-on approaches. Students also share in exploratory art activities. The primary source of learning is from the students' interaction with the physical and social environment. The positive learning experience in pre-school will lay the groundwork for a successful academic future.

Kindergarten

The method of using centers and manipulatives carries over from pre-school, but the emphasis in kindergarten is academically focused with subject areas in language arts, math, pre-writing skills, science, health and social studies being taught through thematic units. Pre-reading and reading skills are addressed through phonemic awareness and literature based lessons. Listening and speaking skills are also addressed and numerous field trips are used to reinforce concepts being studied in the classroom.

Primary Grades, First through Fifth

Language Arts

A phonics based approach is utilized to teach reading. The integration of a basal reader along with a quality literature base is also introduced to students. The emphasis of the reading program is to help children develop a love for reading and to instill a self-motivated desire to seek out reading selections that interest and challenge them. Creative writing expression is encouraged through a variety of forms including journal writing, poetry and self-authored books. English and spelling are taught through texts and are reinforced by additional classroom enrichment. Listening skills are emphasized to develop the ability to follow directions, to increase comprehension and to reinforce reading skills.

Math

Math is taught using the Everyday Mathematics program which is a hands-on, manipulative base program. Concepts that are covered include estimating, addition and subtraction, telling time, currency, place values, fractions, measurements (standard and metric), graphing, decimals, geometry, percentages, multiplication and division. The goal is for students to come away with a firm understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to apply those skills to real world problems and situations.

Social Studies

Students develop an increased awareness of their communities and their role in the community. On a more global level students gain a greater appreciation for the diversity of cultures. They learn how a variety of factors such as the environment and the supply of natural resources impact the way societies develop. Geography, history and government are also emphasized and brought to life through the use of timelines, map reading projects, and designated field trips.

Science

Students explore topics through experimenting, designing, and completing group and individual projects. Field trips and resource materials further supplement and reinforce concepts. Organizational skills are developed through note taking, gathering data and graphing. The science curriculum strives to develop the students' analytical thinking skills, problem solving skills and their enjoyment of exploration through science. Tate's also conducts its own annual science fair as well as hosting the annual Tate's Regional Science Fair.

Special Areas

Special areas are taught by a highly qualified staff of teachers who strive to bring out the individual strengths of each child in our program.

Spanish

Beginning in our Preschool and continuing through the Fifth Grade, the Spanish language comes to life through songs, games, stories and dramatic play. Students are introduced to basic vocabulary and grammatical concepts with an emphasis on communication skills. The Hispanic culture is also examined and students learn that it is not only diverse and unique but it is also very much an integral part of the language itself.

Pre-School and Kindergarten

Spanish in the Pre-school and Kindergarten areas begins at a very introductory level. Basic words and phases are introduced through a thematic approach. Instruction is presented through the use of props, visual aids, songs, and movement supporting the belief that fun, stress-free learning creates retention and positive attitudes towards second-language learning.

First and Second Grades

Spanish is still presented at an introductory level in these two primary grades but a faster pace and with a greater quantity and variety of vocabulary. Music, games, and dramatic play are methods utilize in the instruction and students maintain an in-class notebook of their vocabulary words. The first written work is introduced and sound-word identification is practiced.

Third Grade

In the Third Grade there is a greater emphasis on conversation and communication skills. Previously learned vocabulary is utilized and expanded upon and correct pronunciation is stressed through the introduction of the Spanish Alphabet and its sounds. Reading and writing skills are practiced as well as oral-aural competencies. The geographical location of the Spanish-speaking world is studied as are new cultural concepts related to the Hispanic people.

Fourth Grade

Communication and conversation skills are stressed at this level as students utilize previously learned words and structures and new ones are added to their vocabulary. There is continued study of correct pronunciation skills, and grammatical concepts are presented, practiced and compared to the English language. Games, hands-on projects, and songs are just a few ways that language is presented to aid in the retention and enjoyment of this language learning experience. Cultural concepts are discussed and native speakers are invited to discuss their language and culture as often as possible.

Fifth Grade

The fifth grade year consists of an emphasis on communication skills. The use of the foreign language in the classroom is stressed, and reading, writing, pronunciation and comprehension skills are emphasized throughout the year. New grammatical structures are presented such as the use of Subject Pronouns, Verbs and Verb Conjugations. Hispanic geography will be expanded upon, and cultural differences and similarities will be discussed. During the last semester the students study the history of the pinñata and design and create their own piñatas to be used at the “Farewell Fiesta” held at the end of the year.

Art

Through planned sequential lessons and the exploration of various media, including painting, drawing, printmaking, clay, sculpture, weaving and mixed media, K-5 students are guided toward a purposeful artistic expression and informed artistic response. Art is taught as a specific content area and is also integrated with other subjects in the curriculum.

Lessons are planned around four goal areas:

Developing Perceptual Awareness

Involves sensory and perceptual exposure to all forms of visual arts.

Valuing Art and Making Aesthetic Judgments

Art in the world around us.

Art History and Appreciation

Studying major artists and works of art and the art of other cultures

Production of Art

Acquiring the skills and abilities necessary to solve artistic problems in a variety of media with an original solution.

Music

Beginning with our kindergarten, students are taught to play instruments, to read music and to understand phrasing, rhythm, harmony and tempo. Performances are planned throughout the year so that students can exhibit their talents.

All students (K-5) sing age-appropriate and seasonal songs, listen to music, and play rhythm band instruments to experience the following concepts:

Kindergarten

Move to beat; move to simple rhythm patterns; explore vocal sounds; echo melodies; identify same or different sounds; recognize soft/loud, fast/slow, short/long, and high/low; introduce an instrument from each family of the orchestra.

First Grade

Identify beat; perform simple rhythm patterns (using quarter and eighth notes); identify and use four voices; show melodic direction; analyze/imitate concepts of soft/loud, fast/slow, short/long, and high/low; ABA form introduced; study Prokofiev's “Peter and the Wolf”.

Second Grade

Move to beat in sets of 2's and 3's; perform rhythm patterns adding half and dotted half notes; identify pitches and musical alphabet; translate notation by line/space on staff; sing rounds; rondo form defined/performed; orchestral instruments classified into four families.

Third Grade

Define time signature; identify/perform eighth, quarter, half, and whole notes/rests; play flutophones; read simple musical notation; define/play C major scale; sing 2-part harmony using descants and ostinato patterns with melody; label musical concepts: piano, forte, temp, and dynamics; identify/study folk stringed instruments.

Fourth Grade

Recognize/perform basic beat patterns; analyze/perform/compose simple rhythm patterns; play soprano recorder; read/play simple melodies (including one sharp or one flat); identify half steps/whole steps; define key signatures; sing in 2-part harmony; compose melody from pentatonic scale; analyze major chord; accompany songs on autoharp; perform short musical in class.

Fifth Grade

Classify beat in sets of 2's or 3's; analyze/perform/compose even and uneven rhythm patterns, including syncopation; identify intervals; analyze and compose melodies; perform counter-melodies to create harmony (use resonator bells, glockenspiel, recorder, and keyboard); sing in 3-part harmony; play recorder duets; identify/analyze various forms in music; composers from each period of music history studied.

Physical Education

The physical education program for grades one through 5 allows children to learn with an emphasis on activity. Many group experiences provide an introduction to team play and enhance interest in sports.

Philosophy

Physical education is a vital part of the total educational experience at Tate's School of Discovery. The physical education should provide students with the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities and games to acquire skills which would provide carry-over value for later life. knowledge, skills, and social development build upon each other. The development of initiative, self-reliance, confidence, and a positive self-image is conducive to the learning process and is essential to the well-being of all students.

Physical education is an instructional time and is a time for children to experience many activities which can aid them in gaining skills, attitudes, appreciations and understanding for life long activity and fitness. Our program strives to help children build upon their total fitness base so that they may enjoy a healthy life.

One goal is to provide a positive, well rounded educational experience. This is accomplished by incorporating a variety of games, skills, and activities which develop small and large muscle/motor skills. Other goals include introducing students to physical education/fitness, developing enthusiasm for physical activity, and promoting a sense of success in a variety of ways.

Kindergarten

Movement exploration-dance and creative movement; Striking Sports - tennis, modified form of softball, “soft” volleyball; Games: Holiday games and story play; Manipulative activities with bean bags, hoops, and the parachute; Ball handling activities; Limited Space Games (due to inclement weather) - yoga, hot potato, ring toss, bean bag toss.

First and Second Grade

Expand kindergarten skills and objectives; Perceptual motor activities - balance, body image activities, direction and laterality, and spatial awareness; Relays; Rhythms, jump ropes and dance.

Third through Fifth Grade

Football, volleyball, basketball, soccer lacrosse, softball, track and field; Outdoor education - includes ropes course and cooperative games.

Activities for All Grades

Swimming, tennis, physical fitness (testing included), basketball soccer, modified softball, jump rope skills, and wall climbing.

Technology

The computers, which are located in the classrooms of all students, are used to enrich all subject areas, by serving as a tool to supplement learning. Through computer instruction in the classrooms, students learn to use word processing, painting and drawing programs. Students also learn how to access resource materials located on CD-ROM's and complete joint projects by telecomunicating with other schools.