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Gillispie School / Our Programs / Grades 1-2

Grades 1 & 2

Grade 1

First graders love to be busy and engaged. Reading and writing skills introduced in Kindergarten are extended with individual and small group work. The Singapore Math approach is emphasized and supplemented with work that incorporates manipulatives and the practice of addition and subtraction fact families. Students learn basic research skills and complete a research report. The world becomes even more exciting with analysis of the past and present and a look at comparative cultures. Each week, Grade 1 students also attend specialty classes so that they may develop an awareness of a wide range of content and practice as well as build essential skills. Teachers of all the classes listed above plan and develop materials with a mind towards helping children discover the connections among all of the subjects and often engage students in cross-disciplinary project-based activities.

grade1

Grade 2

Gillispie’s Grade 2 teachers take advantage of their students’ newfound internal motivation. Children at this level take their work seriously and are therefore given the opportunity to work more independently. The Singapore approach to math focuses on building problem-solving skills and strategies, as well as a deeper level of numeracy. Reading and writing occur throughout the curriculum as students continue their progress. Writing is focused primarily in three genres: narrative, opinion, and informative, and works towards the preparation of multi-paragraph writing. Along with reading and writing, students engage in small group work focusing on word study and spelling patterns by using Words Their Way and Chunk Spelling.

 

As more globally-aware second graders, students engage in studies of cultural traditions, character education, communities/regions, citizenship, geography, government, notable people, and basic economic principles. These studies are highlighted by long-term research projects in which students independently study and present their findings. Each week, students also attend specialty classes so that they may develop an awareness of a wide range of content and practice as well as build essential skills. Teachers of all the classes listed above plan and develop materials with a mind towards helping children discover the connections among all of the subjects and often engage students in cross-disciplinary project-based activities.

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Lower Elementary at a glance

Educational Philosophy:
Social-constructivist inspired

Class Sizes:
10:1 or lower ratio (Grade 1), 14:1 average ratio (Grade 2)

Schedule:
Full-day program  8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Extended Care (optional):
7:30-8 a.m. and 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Tuition:
Click here to see current tuition rates and learn more about affording a Gillispie education. 

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