Education Program
English Language Arts
A "Balanced Literacy Approach" is used to teach reading and writing. This includes: reading aloud, shared reading, interactive writing, word study, guided reading, as well as individual reading and writing. Each class has its own extensive library, which addresses the curriculum needs and the various reading levels of the students.
Math
The Lab School mathematics program emphasizes word problems and logical thinking. Math manipulatives are used in all grades. The Lab School's award-winning Math Team is open to students who qualify. In 1998 the Math Team competed in the Math Olympiad Program, a national competition, and finished in the highest scoring category. In another national competition, Solve It, first-place plaques were taken home each year from 1995 to 1998.
Science
Science is taught in a designated science room using a hands-on inquiry approach. Research is done from primary sources and lab experiments rather than from textbooks. Students record their work in their science journals. The annual Science Fair is held in June. Each class presents a project. In addition, students work alone or in small groups on individual projects. Our young scientists take parents on tours of each classroom to view exhibits ranging from electricity to the effect of music on the mind to tree rings and the age of trees.
Spanish is an interactive experience taught with puppets, games, movement, songs and literature. All grades have Spanish one or two periods a week.
Art
Each class meets with an art teacher two periods a week. Students work in a variety of media and techniques, including sculpture, drawing and painting. The art teacher works closely with classroom teachers to integrate the art study with the curriculum. Students keep sketchbooks and journals to record information about artists and their work. Students' artwork is displayed throughout the school.
Music
Each class meets with a music teacher once a week. The music program combines the use of singing, song writing, movement, and Orff method special instruments to develop sensitivity to music. Each spring, the students demonstrate what they have studied at the annual "Spring Sing." Monthly assemblies bring a variety of multicultural musical performances to the school.
The Wingspan Artists in Residence Program works with fourth graders to create an original musical that they perform to four different audiences. Under the guidance of Wingspan's instructors, the students handle all aspects of the production: as writers, composers, set and costume designers, carpenters, make-up artists, electricians and performers. The program is specifically aligned with the fourth grade curriculum.
The Wingspan program is paid for by the PTA.
Physical Education
Thanks to the PTA, children in all grades are provided with physical education once a week instructed by trained coaches.
Chess
Children who wish to pursue chess may join Chess Club, which meets once a week during recess. The Chess Club is partially supported by the PTA and depends on the contributions of its members.
Other School Programs
Assemblies --Throughout the year, school-wide multicultural assemblies are held during school hours to supplement curriculum themes. The assemblies provide interactive, informative entertainment to expose students to various cultures and art forms, including music, dance, and theater. Past performances have included Chinese Dragon and Flamenco dancers.