Glenburnie Private School Primary Division

Overview of Primary Division

At Glenburnie, the primary years (Grades 1 through 3) provide students with a solid skill foundation for future learning. Our main goal for students in the Primary Division is to provide opportunities and guidance to develop and consolidate essential fundamental skills in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

We recognize, however, that the best way for young children to learn and retain concepts is through a dynamic, integrated, hands-on educational experience. Students must feel motivated in their learning and experience excitement about school ! Students must also feel comfortable to take risks.

At Glenburnie, we provide a supportive, encouraging environment for students to recognize and appreciate their own self worth, uniqueness and potential. The development of independence and critical thinking skills are important goals for our primary students.

Students who have mastered skills are provided with natural extension and enrichment opportunities in all areas of the curriculum. It is our goal that each child is challenged and is achieving at his/her particular level of capability.

Students are challenged to:

Develop positive social values

Accept responsibility for independent choices

Develop strategies for conflict resolution

Develop positive and appropriate interpersonal skills and strategies

Develop a respect for the perspectives and beliefs of others.

 

Language Arts

Listening

Speaking

Printing / Cursive Writing

Grammar

Phonics / Spelling Patterns

Spelling Dictations and Applications

Functional and Creative Writing

Reading

Word Recognition (Sight Vocabulary Development)

Oral Fluency/Expression

Comprehension (Factual and Inferential)

Book Reports

Novel Studies

Mathematics

Emphasis is on application of math skills as well as program enrichment with lateral and vertical skill development. Some of these skills are:

Number Sense and Numeration

Computations

Problem Solving

Measurement

Patterning and Algebra

Data Management and Probability

Geometry and Spatial Sense

Theme Studies

Integrated subject areas include the following:

Science

Social Science

History

Geography

Economics

Skill development includes the following:

Research Skills

Recording Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management Skills

Oral Presentation Skills

Debating Skills (de Bono’s CORT Thinking)

French

Listening Skills

Oral Fluency

Vocabulary Development

Written Language

Physical Education

Gross Motor Skill Development

Participation

Co-operation/Fair Play

Strategic Teamwork

The Arts

Music

Primary students experience a rewarding Music programme based on the Orff method. Students gain musical knowledge through active involvement in the creation of music. Students participate in every music class in various ways such as singing, speaking, moving, listening and playing various percussion instruments. A strong focus is placed on the development of rhythm, melody, harmony and dynamics. Students are also introduced to the reading and writing of musical notation and become familiar with musical terminology.

Visual Arts

The objective of the Visual Arts programme is to offer students the opportunity to problem solve, think critically, work creatively and to take risks. Skills are developed sequentially using a variety of tools, materials and techniques. Primary students explore the principles of composition, including rhythm/repetition, movement, contrast, balance, emphasis and variety. The elements of line, shape, colour, space, texture, value and form are explored.

Drama

The goal of our Primary Drama programme is to provide students with the opportunity to explore and risk take in developing communication skills to further enhance both academic and social skills. Exercises, involving both individual and team activities, explore and develop such concepts as verbal and non-verbal communication, identification of emotions and the development of empathy, identification and reflection of main ideas in storylines and thematic activities.

Computer / Multimedia Technology

Glenburnie School has implemented technology as an additional tool and adjunct to our curriculum. Technology applications enhance learning opportunities, which can include teacher Smart Board presentations. Our full-time Computer Facilitator works with the students and the Homeroom Teacher to introduce new skills that build upon previous learned technologies. Students learn how to acquire information and to communicate responsibly in the global community. Through various software programs and lab time, students acquire many transferable computer skills that will serve them through high school, university and beyond.

Acquiring practical knowledge of computer and multimedia technologies is an ongoing learning curve. We believe that the earlier the student is exposed to modern PC skills, the more fluent and comfortable they will become with this advancing technology.

Students in the younger grades begin to use the computer to explore math concepts and basic word processing techniques. Students learn how to combine text and graphics in a document. Additional emphasis is placed on typing skills, use of the ‘home row’ keys, and correct finger placement. Basic control (robotic instruction) is introduced with a ‘Roamer’ robot using an interactive, procedural language. Artistic computer application is also emphasized in the younger grades, exploring both the application of software tools and practicing various art techniques.