Handy Links:

• Explorer B Writing - February 2010
• 2009-2010 Student Supply List - Group A (Kindergarten)
• 2009-2010 Student Supply List - Group B (grades 1 & 2)
• Comfort Kit Checklist

Welcome to the Explorers, Swan School's multiage primary class! As in a family with children of various ages, students in our multiage class have opportunities to be part of a cooperative learning community, where they can make contributions as mentors as well as benefit from the expertise of others, each learning at his or her own level.

Kindergarteners begin the school year as a more self-contained group with a slightly different schedule designed to meet their developmental needs, but work with First and Second grade students on a regular basis. Our class meets as a whole group daily and students work in Math, Reading, and Writing groups according to their abilities. In Science and Social Studies, the Explorers work in large and small groups, with partners or individually. Through this flexible grouping, the multiage classroom maximizes learning and promotes cooperation, responsibility and independence.

As a teaching team, Karen and Marcy hold certain core beliefs in common which guide the way we work with our students:

Our first priority is establishing a safe and joyful classroom culture where students can take creative risks and share who they are. Teaching with respect, caring and tolerance, sets up an environment in which the children learn and put into practice the values of tolerance and respect.

Learning experiences that are engaging, relevant and that tap in to students' multiple intelligences through hands-on/minds-on activities prepare students for success. In addition to Math, Reading, Writing, Social Studies and Science, the Explorers have regular opportunities to explore the arts and the world around them through handcrafts, art, local field trips, interactions with visiting experts, music, poetry, drama, movement and games, as part of our regular curriculum.

We value the opportunity to share the job of educating your children with you, their parents and first teachers, and we welcome parent volunteers! Let us know if you would like to help, or just come in to visit.

Look for weekly email updates on classroom news. Communication is important to keep everything running smoothly, so feel free to contact us via email, in person after school, or by phone if you have questions or ideas to share.

We look forward to sharing the learning journey with each of you and your children.

Email Karen at karen@swanschool.net
Email Marcy at marcy@swanschool.net