Instructional Approach to Reading, Mathematics & Writing

Our goal is to provide differentiated instruction based on the individual needs of each child in our school. We believe in a balanced approach that provides students with direct instruction in key concepts and skills combined with opportunities to reinforce learning through literature exploration, problem solving, and real life applications.

READING

At Olds Elementary, we use a balanced, two-prong approach to teach reading. Everyone at Olds is involved in teaching and supporting reading. Basic reading fluency and comprehension are taught directly by the entire school for an hour, Monday through Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Direct Instruction reading materials are used as well as skill-appropriate literature.

Reading groups are as small as one and typically no larger than 16, depending on the skills and needs of students. The groups are very flexible; children regularly move into new groups based on their performance.

Literature and authentic reading opportunities are integrated into every instructional day through novels and/or science and humanities learning units. Students apply reading skills and concepts with both fiction and nonfiction literature. Teachers also encourage and support student reading using other methods like Accelerated Reader, Drop Everything And Read (DEAR), and Peer Reading within and across grade level classes.

MATHEMATICS

All students take an in-house math assessment at the beginning of the school year. Students study material at grade level or higher, based on their performance and identified learning needs. Teachers use a mastery learning approach to teach key concepts, strategies, and problem-solving skills.

Mastery learning includes frequent assessments of student performance, reteaching, and enrichment activities. Students receive extra time and practice on math skills and concepts as needed. Students who have mastered the material in a lesson engage in related enrichment activities. As usual at our school, we try to ensure that students are challenged appropriately.

WRITING

Our students begin writing in kindergarten with building blocks appropriate to their age and skills. Students continue to build writing skills through fifth grade. Writing is integrated into all subject areas, including reading, spelling, science and social studies. Students receive frequent evaluations and feedback to assist them in improving their writing.