Language Arts
The K-8 Language Arts program concentrates on developing competency in reading and writing. Young Author’s Night, daily journaling, special writing projects, letters to public officials, written reports and free writes are just some of the ways we tackle these crucial building blocks of education. Each class also includes instruction on grammar, writing forms, spelling, handwriting and public speaking. The Wilkinson School is dedicated to educating, enriching and grooming strong and effective communicators, bold and inventive creators, and proactive and empathetic leaders.
The K-8 Language Arts program concentrates on developing competency in reading and writing. Young Author’s Night, daily journaling, special writing projects, letters to public officials, written reports and free writes are just some of the ways we tackle these crucial building blocks of education. Each class also includes instruction on grammar, writing forms, spelling, handwriting and public speaking. The Wilkinson School is dedicated to educating, enriching and grooming strong and effective communicators, bold and inventive creators, and proactive and empathetic leaders.
Reading
The K-8 reading program incorporates pertinent, engaging and fun literature. Students read in a multitude of ways that includes daily silent reading, reading groups, Read-a-thons, the 100 Book Club, textbooks and nightly homework. The Wilkinson School reading program teaches critical thought, reflection, analysis, comprehension, and decoding, and covers all the key components of phonics.
The K-8 reading program incorporates pertinent, engaging and fun literature. Students read in a multitude of ways that includes daily silent reading, reading groups, Read-a-thons, the 100 Book Club, textbooks and nightly homework. The Wilkinson School reading program teaches critical thought, reflection, analysis, comprehension, and decoding, and covers all the key components of phonics.
Writing
At the Wilkinson School practice in writing begins at the preschool level. Students develop an aptitude in the writing process and in many forms of writing. Students learn these skills through brainstorming, outlining and prewriting, writing, editing and in sharing or publication. Writing forms are discovered, practiced and mastered through letters to public figures, published books, essays, daily journals, comics, poems, book reports, creative writing, documentation and other forms of written work. Some of the school’s major goals are to develop individuality, expression, clarity, a strong voice and mastery of punctuation and handwriting.
At the Wilkinson School practice in writing begins at the preschool level. Students develop an aptitude in the writing process and in many forms of writing. Students learn these skills through brainstorming, outlining and prewriting, writing, editing and in sharing or publication. Writing forms are discovered, practiced and mastered through letters to public figures, published books, essays, daily journals, comics, poems, book reports, creative writing, documentation and other forms of written work. Some of the school’s major goals are to develop individuality, expression, clarity, a strong voice and mastery of punctuation and handwriting.
Spelling, Grammar, and Vocabulary
At the Wilkinson School each student tackles spelling, grammar and vocabulary in an individualized program tailored by his or her teachers. Our goal is to both support and challenge every student in these areas to foster competency and excellence in all of their work. Each year students build upon these key skills through challenging texts, group exercises, games, computer and reference use and in a disciplined and guided daily practice.
At the Wilkinson School each student tackles spelling, grammar and vocabulary in an individualized program tailored by his or her teachers. Our goal is to both support and challenge every student in these areas to foster competency and excellence in all of their work. Each year students build upon these key skills through challenging texts, group exercises, games, computer and reference use and in a disciplined and guided daily practice.
Math
Like many of our other programs, students at Wilkinson School work in individualized programs in mathematics. In recent years, 8th graders graduated having completed Algebra 1 and Geometry. Other students have come to Wilkinson School with a fear or dislike of math and have discovered how fun it can be. Every student is challenged, guided and evaluated so that their potential can be met each and every year. Many techniques are employed to master math throughout the grades at Wilkinson School, such as experiments, problems of the day, use of manipulatives and games, real world applications and studies, drills, contests and daily exercises.
Science
Wilkinson School science curriculum encourages students to follow their natural curiosity, and strive to discover new concepts that enrich their learning through the scientific process. We use Macmillan/McGraw-Hill – A Closer Look for Science in Kindergarten through 5th Grade. At the Middle School level we use Glencoe Science—Life Science Series. All students learn about physical, life, and earth sciences based on the scientific model: the use of experiments and observations through hands on activities which inspire and engage classroom discussions. As the year unfolds students gain a sense of the scientific world around them and learn to appreciate all that it offers. Students also develop a respect, concern and responsibility for its conservation.
Social Studies
At the Wilkinson School, our social studies program focuses on developing individual, social and cultural awareness. It prepares students to be responsible citizens, exposes them to cultural observances and celebrations, and allows them to make the vital connection between past, present and future. Students learn how they relate to others from the past and present. Students learn to make choices and to accept responsibility for those choices. They recognize that school is a place to work and learn, they learn the role of rules in their school and classroom, and they demonstrate responsible civic behavior in class. Students come to appreciate their uniqueness and worth as human beings. Our social studies program covers the concepts of world geography and map skills, history, government, culture and economics, people and places, ancient culture, american history, native american history, and others.
Spanish
Spanish is taught using the Rosetta Stone Dynamic Immersion method and Sing ‘n Speak Spanish. Sing ‘n Speak Spanish® is an interactive, music-based Spanish Elementary Curriculum utilized to instruct our youngest students through music and puppetry. Rosetta Stone makes it possible for students to work and think in Spanish starting in their early years by surrounding them with words, images and the voices of native speakers. The Rosetta Stone method allows our students to progress naturally from words and phrases to sentences and conversations. Students are encouraged to continue to practice their Spanish in and out of the classroom by communicating with fellow students, teachers and family. Students participate in a variety of activities to make the learning process faster and easier. They play a variety of games, sing songs and participate in listening exercises. As part of the Spanish curriculum, students are required to explore the customs and traditions of various Spanish speaking countries. Our focus from day one is to help students improve their conversational skills.