Our 1st and 2nd grades at Awakening Seed School are combined as a multiage class that is designed to help children expand their academic skills through direct experiences. The children learn through hands-on activities as they begin to research topics of special interest, using available technology to facilitate the process.
The language arts are a priority in our 1st and 2nd grade class. Reading is a complex cognitive process that can be taught effectively through systematic, explicit instruction in key reading skills. These skills include phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students practice these skills through individual reading, book clubs, and reading to their preschool buddies. Classroom books are selected for their high-quality stories, illustrations, and interest levels. These books are readily available and children learn to read and write as part of an integrated language and literacy program throughout the curriculum. The writing curriculum includes, but is not limited to, personal narratives, observations, poetry, and non-fictional writing.
Our 1st and 2nd graders explore the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) curriculum through investigations, special projects, and items of interest brought into the classroom.
The 1st and 2nd grade math program is designed to help children practice and improve skills by exploring, discovering, and learning math in the context of daily living. Large and small group activities empower each child to think, plan, talk, and be engaged. Gardening is a part of the outdoor curriculum and allows our students to learn more about earth sciences through practical experience.
Additionally, students receive weekly instruction in Spanish, music, and P. E. The 1st and 2nd grade class is a full five-day per week course and students are required to attend full time.
