Awards for the 2007-2008 School Year

Math Mania Bags will motivate students to master basic math concepts by providing extra practice using electronic, manipulative driven, or game devices. These practice vehicles will be more appealing than flashcards, worksheets or the regular paper and pencil format. This format will motivate students to use these practice vehicles longer and more frequently to encourage mastery of numerous skills.

Students will research fashion trends, fabricate sketches, devise packaging, develop patterns then create actual fashion doll clothes. Cross-curricular activities including color theory, graphing, economics and persuasive writing will be incorporated in Fashion 456 as students gain real-world experiences.

The need for technology increases daily even in the physical education field. Technology can be used to enhance the classroom by being used as a teaching aid and an assessment tool. Clips of “Progress”ion will allow students to be recorded showing their progression skills, produce their own video presentations and many other activities to enhance classroom learning.

Students will gain addition, subtraction, geometry, time, money and problem-solving skills through Math Exploration Kits. A practical balance of manipulatives and activity sheets will develop and reinforce concepts through hands-on learning activities.

24/7 Science Behind the Scenes will involve students in real-life-based crime scene investigation and medical mystery work through reading, hands-on science investigation and problem solving. This program will provide appropriate reading level materials; motivating real-life science applications; opportunities to develop vocabulary, writing and reading comprehension skills; and science career exploration.

Research has proven that in addition to meaningful and appropriate instruction in the classroom, the most growth a child makes in reading is correlated to the amount of time they practice reading at home. Boosting Reading Comprehension with Take-Home Packs will motivate children to practice reading at home. The activities included in the packs will help children build vocabulary, create story webs, compare characters and build on comprehension. Each package includes a paperback book, reusable activity cards, a reading journal, and hands-on manipulatives that will help children make connections with the reading material.

Science test review sessions will be enhanced through Super Science Jeopardy kit. The kit contains software that will allow teachers to personalize questions for any subject matter. The program will increase retention of concepts, foster good study habits, increase test performance, encourage parental study process interaction and enhance academic endeavors school wide.

Talking About Touching will introduce basic safety skills to help keep children safe from dangerous and abusive situations. In the lessons, children will learn and practice fire, bicycle and gun safety as well as the always ask first rule, the touching rule and safe touch. Evidence shows that children who participate in prevention programs have better knowledge of personal safety skills. It also proves that preschool and early elementary children learn the most about these skills from prevention programs.

Science Skills for a Solid Foundation will enhance investigation skills and methods of early scientific knowledge through the use of simple tools and equipment. Concepts about mass, weight, magnetism and physics will be learned through exploring, problem solving, justifying, reasoning, critical thinking and logical reasoning. Preschool children can develop skills in observing, predicting and measuring while learning to lengthen their attention span and regulate their thinking.

The Developing Child class for juniors and seniors provides the opportunity to learn about children and their development. One section includes hands-on experience with 3-4 year olds. Socialization/imagination, art and active learning centers will provide the best learning environment for the preschool and high school student interaction. The Center Learning Environments will involve the socialization process of preschoolers, motor skill observation and childcare career choices.

A variety of quality Leveled Reading Books of narrative, expository and persuasive literature will help students experience success in reading at an early age, build confidence and become lifelong readers. These reading materials will help students expand their vocabulary while gaining an understanding of the contribution of literature to society.

Where Have All the Dog Stories Gone? will require students to read “Good Dog” to engage critical thinking and practice reading expository text. Students will research one of the following then share their findings in a formal oral presentation: the health or psychological aspects/benefits of pet ownership, the amount of money spent on pets in the U.S. compared to other parts of the world, animal-related careers and the universal appeal of dog fiction to all ages. A local veterinarian will visit the classroom and share his observations on the student research topics and the impact pets have on individuals and society.

Music has the ability to capture attention by creating a fun, learning environment where children are invited to participate, sing, dance and experience music’s magic. Throughout human history, rhythm has been used as a wellness tool in many of the world’s cultures. Curriculum infusion and brain-based learning with music will be presented with hands-on experiences in the preschool setting through Learning with a Beat.

Bal-A-Vis-X is a series of more than 200 Balance/Auditory/Vision exercises that are rooted in rhythm. These exercises require full-body coordination and focused attention. They demand cooperation, promote self-challenge and foster peer teaching. The program uses beanbags, racquetballs, balance boards, and multiple activities from educational kinesiology. Individual exercises vary in complexity form one hand tossing/catching a single beanbag to both hands bounce/juggling.