Teaching Practices & Philosophy
This letter was originally sent to
the parents of our 4th graders. However, the best teaching practices and philosophies
noted are employed, as age appropriate, throughout Clow School.
The successful education of any child depends on a three-part effort shared by the school,
the child, and the home. Each of these parts has both unique and common responsibilities.
It is important that children arrive at school rested and well nourished, willing to put
forth the work and effort needed to learn. It is necessary for parents to support their
children by reinforcing the skills learned at school, and it is essential that classroom
teachers provide the children with best teaching practices.
The team at Clow takes their part of this commitment very seriously. We would
like to share with you a list of strategies that we use on a daily basis to help Clow
students. We provide the opportunity for students to meet or exceed at any task given they
put forth the required effort. The activities below are utilized to help students organize
and use their time to successfully complete daily assignments, short and long term
projects, and to prepare for tests:
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Every student has a custom designed assignment notebook that is used
every single day to help the students plan and organize their time.
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Every classroom goes over assignments at the end of EVERY day. These are
simultaneously written on a chart at the front of each room.
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Expectations are given for specific topics that will be assessed. Ask your child to see
these.
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Handouts and worksheets are often incorporated during units of study.
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Note taking is often modeled for students.
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Many Graphic organizers are used as study tools and for note taking.
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Summary Charts are modeled and done with the whole group in social studies.
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Tests are usually announced 1 week prior to the date given.
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Specific Resources (books, journal, notes, handouts) to study from are listed prior to
test dates.
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Whole Class Review Sessions are held when appropriate.
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Small Group & Partner Reviews are held when appropriate.
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Teachers often use the Tests to Review from - students may choose to take notes during
reviews.
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Many review games are used prior to tests.
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Directions for tests are explained the day before(frequently) and always the day of the
test. Children are asked if they have any questions, or if any problems need to be
reviewed immediately prior to the test.
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Teachers are also available for questions and review during Silent Reading time each
day. Encourage your child to take advantage of this time.
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Work is never sent home to be done that requires skills that have not been taught.
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