Home

Curriculum

Subjects are presented in an integrated manner that points out the inter-relationships between areas of study rather than isolating and fragmenting knowledge into separate categories. Whenever possible, our curriculum is based on a theme which is then expanded in many directions to encompass information and experiences in varied subject areas such as pre-reading, writing, math, drama, environmental and cultural studies, art etc.

In this way, the child is not simply fed isolated facts or skills, but integrates and experiences knowledge within a meaningful context. We deliberately choose educational programs and attend workshops which explore the ideas of integrated study. At this time, we are enjoying the use of such approaches as Math Their Way; the Orff integrated Method of Drama, Dance, Music and Instrumentation; and the Wright Emergent Reading series.

Recently we had a unit on space, where the more “academic” instruction was given on graphing the size of the planets (math) and learning to name, recognize, and where age appropriate, write and read the names of key words relating to the theme of space (language arts). This aspect of the curriculum was then balanced with the more “expressive” activities of creating and painting rocket ships (art), putting on a play about Princess Moonbeam (drama and music) and chalking the field so the children could partake in an orbit dance. To top it all off, we launched a real model rocket over 500 feet in the air at which point a camera in the nose-cone took an aerial photograph of the school!

Photo taken by model rocket (from 500 feet up) of area around school

With this emphasis on integrated learning, Old Adobe School becomes a place where a child is encouraged to develop and express his total self; learning, discovering, and creating while growing.