What we teach and how we teach it
The instructional format at Emily Grey is based on research into best practices in the education of young minds. Our program rests upon a curricular framework called the Core Knowledge Sequence, a set of proven teaching strategies called, collectively, Accelerated Learning, and our committment to nurturing a sense of community and responsibility in our students.
• We use a well-recognized curriculum that emphasizes strong
academic skills.
Through the Core Knowledge Sequence, Emily Grey students
in each grade will be exposed to a broad range of historical, scientific,
and cultural topics that will build on one another to prepare them for
later educational success. This wide array of subject matter will not
only develop cultural literacy but also will build the strong vocabulary
necessary for true reading comprehension. Although Core Knowledge is structured, it also leaves room for creativity
for both teacher and student. This curriculum eliminates the gaps and
repetition that characterize a curriculum in which textbooks and programs
are selected more or less at random. The network of public, private, and
charter schools using the Core Knowledge curriculum are finding great
success as measured both by standardized tests and by the students’ enjoyment
of learning.
• Common sense teaching approaches ensure a love of
learning
Accelerated Learning is a term used to describe teaching approaches that address the
social and emotional side of learning. Accelerated learning teachers create interesting lessons by integrating games and game development, and the visual and performing arts into all areas of the curriculum. The staff and teachers of the school understand the power of affirming statements such as "My smart kids" or "My Math Genius" and use these types of statements to reinforce pleasure in learning and attending school, and to extinguish any negative attitudes toward learning that may have turned students off to school. Accelerated Learning approaches also address a variety of different learning styles. For example, at Emily Grey classrooms each have 5 to 7 stations where students can reinforce lesson topics through music, physical activity, art, scientific exploration, etc.
• A sense of community is developed through service learning
and environmental education
All children need to have positive experiences in environments outside of the confines of the school building if they are to understand the significance of contributing to our common society. Through field trips, environmental education, and service learning Emily Grey staff help students to become more active members in our community. We believe there are no greater learning opportunities then putting yourself in the service of others. All Emily Grey students participate in environmental activities in our
local neighborhoods. We work with public agencies such as the University of Minnesota’
s Facilities and Management, the Sustainable Wetlands Project, Greenpeace and others to
provide our children with rich learning experiences that they can directly benefit from. Organizations such as the YMCA, Volunteers of America, and the Sabathani Community Center, etc. help to create service learning
opportunities that are appropriate for young students.
