Elementary Program:
English Language Arts
CDS’s English language arts program promotes the development of students’ oral and written expression, reading, and media literacy skills. Children participate in literacy activities that are purposeful, engaging, authentic, and that build a love of language and learning. Instruction is targeted to expand students’ reading fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills. Students are immersed in literacy activities all subject areas.
The CDS literacy program adheres to the standards endorsed by the International Reading Association and National Council of
Teachers of English (http://www.ncte.org/about/over/standards/110846.htm ).
Mathematics
At CDS, the math program centers on real-life experiences and encourages students to think critically and logically. CDS prepares students to solve meaningful math problems of increasing complexity. Students acquire the ability to interpret quantitative information, estimate, and perform mental calculations. Students also develop an intuitive knowledge of measurement and spatial relationships.
The curriculum emphasizes the development of number relationships, computation, and problem solving. Students solve and represent mathematical problems using manipulatives, graphs, pictures, data tables, numbers, calculators, and other technology as appropriate. Interdisciplinary units connect math to science, social studies, language arts, music, and art. Progression through the curriculum is based on assessment of student learning. Students are taught at their appropriate instructional levels to ensure continuous progress.
The CDS math curriculum follows and adheres to the standards set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (www.nctm.org).
Science
At CDS, teachers and students explore scientific concepts and construct scientific theories through inquiry, investigation, and analysis. Using the scientific process in conjunction with field observations and hands-on activities, students gain a deeper understanding of the natural world. The CDS science curriculum includes units in Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, and Scientific Reasoning and Technology. CDS teachers use the Full Option Science System (FOSS), an inquiry-based, active learning science curriculum that meets the standards set out by the National Science Teachers Association (http://www.nsta.org/standards).
Social Studies
CDS teachers organize instruction around ten basic themes that incorporate elements of history, anthropology, sociology, and geography. For social studies to perform its mission of promoting civic competence, students must learn not only a body of knowledge but how to think and how to be flexible in using many resources to resolve civic issues. Students at CDS engage in a variety of activities to connect knowledge, skills, and values and develop civic awareness, responsibility, and understanding.
The CDS social studies curriculum correlates to the national standards for Social Studies set by the National Council for the Social Studies (http://www.socialstudies.org/standards/execsummary/).
Foreign Languages
Foreign language learning in preschool and the elementary grades improves listening abilities, memory function, creativity, and critical thinking skills. The CDS foreign language curriculum is proficiency-based and integrates speaking, reading, writing, listening, and cultural activities. Instructional games and task-based instruction encourage interaction and communication in the target language. Authentic oral language and reading practice, including songs, rhymes, folktales, cartoons, and popular media build proficiency and help children develop a cultural appreciation. The CDS foreign language program complements classroom instruction in math, science, social studies, and language arts.
