The Curriculum
Science. In their science classes,
the children become scientists. They master the scientific
method and learn from hands-on lessons about the wonder and beauty
of the natural world. Field trips, presentations by guest speakers,
and vivid experiments make the learning experiences unforgettable.
Students study the Physical Sciences, Earth Science, and Life
Science. Classes go on regular excursions to the Tech Museum of
Innovation, the James Lick Observatory, NASA Ames Research Center,
Intel Museum, California Geological Society, Point Reyes National
Seashore, Yosemite National Park, and many other learning-rich
destinations. Sometimes, the younger children are inspired to
express what they've seen and learned in art and poetry.
Math. All students at Living Wisdom
School learn basic mathematics skills, through the teaching of
concepts from a textbook as well as the experience of games and
manipulatives. The program of study is individualized so that
each child can proceed at his or her own pace. Children who are
able to work at higher grade levels are encouraged to do so. And
children who need more time to master a particular skill set are
given the opportunity and support they need.
Language Arts. In language arts,
the children are taught grammar as a gateway to clear thinking
and writing. Literature is taught as an expression of great insights
into life, human nature, and themselves. Reading is celebrated
at all grade levels in myriad ways. Once a year, the school has
an All-School Read-In. The children bring their sleeping bags
and pillows and cuddle up for an entire morning of independent
reading. The teachers serve treats, and the older children read
to the younger ones. They play word games and share special stories.
The school's Writer's Studio nourishes
writing skills in a thousand ways. In spring, a literary magazine
offers some of the best of each child's work, and may include
short stories, poetry, expository reports, and essays—all
illustrated with the children's own black-and-white drawings.
Social Studies/History. Social
Studies lends itself to being easily integrated across the curriculum.
When the children are studying Shakespeare as part of the English
curriculum, their history classes are covering Elizabethan England.
As part of their Shakespearean studies, the younger children have
made pomanders and horn books, while the older children have learned
in detail how daily life in the early 1600s differed from modern
life, down to the sanitation systems. A California history unit
initiated a wider study of California's art and photography, as
well as a trip to the Cantor museum, a tour of the State Capitol,
and an excursion to the Gold Country.
Computers. Living Wisdom School
prepares each student to work competently with computers. However,
we strongly believe that computers are a tool and not a substitute
for clear analytical thinking. Researchers have begun to identify
delayed brain development in young children whose computer time
takes the place of real-world play and socialization. Thus, we
introduce computer activities in fourth grade. The students learn
word processing and how to use the Internet for research projects.
They also become familiar with basic computer hardware, including
drives, displays, printers, scanners, processors, and digital
accessories.
Physical education. Living Wisdom
School is unique in the training that students receive in stress
management. The children learn yoga and meditation techniques
that have been clinically proven in studies at Harvard and MIT
to reduce stress and increase mental clarity. Yoga postures give
the student tools for a lifetime of enjoyment and health.
We believe that play and recreation are vital for
a child's social and emotional development. We therefore make
abundant use of a large public park and playing field just a few
minutes' walk from the school. Soccer, basketball, running, and
organized playground games provide ample opportunities for teamwork
and individual achievement.
Theater arts. The students participate
in a variety of theater experiences, including our Family Entertainment
Night in the spring. The scripts of these plays never talk down
to the children in their vocabulary, length, characterization,
or plot sophistication. The teachers find that it is far more
enriching and joyful for the children to support them in stretching
their minds, hearts, and wills to rise to the level of a performance
that can genuinely entertain and inspire children and adults alike.
Because the atmosphere in the school is respectful
and supportive, the children rise triumphantly to meet the high
standards we set for them. Developing the children's confidence
is central to the success of our academic curriculum.
Music. Beginning in kindergarten,
the school encourages students to pursue their natural love of
music through singing and learning to listen. Dedicated, skilled
instructors teach voice, recorder, violin, and cello. The children
learn to read notes and rhythms in second grade, and in third
grade they may choose to study recorder or violin. By fourth grade
most students are able to play and sing in parts.
The Visual Arts. In all grades,
the students have opportunities for creation in a variety of art
forms including clay, drawing, and painting. Throughout the school,
you'll see artwork created by students of all ages hanging on
the walls. Students are exposed to different media, as well as
a variety of artists, to create a foundation for lifelong appreciation
of all art forms. The art curriculum is integrated with other
elements, especially history and literature. The students help
create props and backdrops for the annual play. Over the years,
they develop sophisticated skills as artists and art historians,
and many become veteran museum goers.
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