Connecting Class (CC) is a year of social and academic exploration. Our goal is to guide each girl in her character and intellectual development. We provide a nurturing and safe environment in which students take risks, and develop curiosity and a love for learning. A strong emphasis is placed on structured academic time as well as play-based learning. Instruction is conducted in small groups in order to differentiate and individualize our curriculum. Lessons extend beyond the walls of our classrooms, as we make frequent use of our trails and outdoor spaces. Students develop ways to care for their environment and one another by working together to become responsible and respectful members of the community.

Language Arts
The CC literacy program is a phonics-based curriculum designed to give the girls the tools they need to become successful readers and writers. We use a multisensory approach to teach decoding, encoding, comprehension skills, and letter formation. Reading lessons are conducted in small groups, ensuring that each child receives instruction at her level. Each day, girls are taught a phonetic concept which is incorporated into their word dictation and leveled book selection. Sight words are taught each morning using games, body movements, and songs. Daily read-alouds are used to introduce the girls to new vocabulary, content, and provide an invaluable opportunity to develop their literal and inferential comprehension skills. Our writing curriculum offers structured grammar lessons in the mechanics of writing as well as ample opportunities for workshop-style writing.

Mathematics
In CC, manipulatives, technology, and games are used to explore and master mathematical concepts. Our areas of study focus on numbers to 100, number relationships and number bonds, addition and subtraction, time, and money. Hands-on lessons and written practice are used to build understanding. Free play and exploration are integral aspects of the curriculum. Singapore Math and Structural Arithmetic are the primary CC mathematics programs.

Social Studies
The social studies curriculum focuses on families and the school community. We begin by using the Responsive Classroom approach to help establish the girls’ classroom community. Students help create their classroom rules, engage in morning meetings, and use collaborative problem-solving strategies to be applied throughout the year. The girls are encouraged to care for themselves, one another, and their school community. Simultaneously, we learn about each other’s families and explore different family traditions and family structures. During our values unit, we learn about our school motto, “Toward the Building of Character,” and discuss and practice goodness, compassion, thankfulness, courage, patience, and perseverance.