Academics

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE: PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME

At Charles Hay, we proudly adhere to the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme curriculum, and are working toward authorization as an IB World school in 2009. This challenging curriculum inspires students to think and care about the world around them, while acquiring solid skills in reading, writing and math as determined by Colorado state standards. These are taught through inquiry. Our technology program is integral to students’ learning, as is our science laboratory, which is used for hands-on scientific inquiry.

READING
Teachers use authentic literature to teach reading in a Workshop structure. Students read and respond to a variety of the best children’s literature and primary source material. Students learn what readers do, how readers think, and how readers understand text. Students are taught thinking strategies, decoding skills and learn about the reading and writing connection. Reading is incorporated into the additional content areas such as P.E., art and music as well.

WRITING
Writer's Workshop

is part of the daily

literacy block. Students

examine what real authors

do to help them become the best

writers they can be. Students learn grammar, writing mechanics, voice, and word choice. They are encouraged to write for real audiences and purposes, in a variety of genre. Writing is incorporated into the additional content areas such as P.E., music and art as well.

LITERACY
The literacy block, which includes reading

and writing, is at least 120 minutes daily.

MATHEMATICS

Everyday Mathematics is a rigorous PreK-6 curriculum used across the country. It is scientifically research-based and proven to build students' mathematical knowledge from the basics to higher-order thinking and critical problem solving. An emphasis is on number sense (understanding how numbers and patterns fit together) rather than memorization.

Students receive at least 90 minutes of math instruction daily.

PHONICS
Understanding the code (sounds and patterns) of words is an important skill for reading and writing success. We use Fountas and Pinnell in our phonics instruction.

SPELLING

The spelling program emphasizes both the mastery

of high frequency spelling words, and learning

strategies for spelling unfamiliar words in the

context of sounds and patterns of the English

language. Charles Hay’s approach is based on the

work of Diane Snowball and Richard Gentry.

SOCIAL STUDIES

and SCIENCE

Social studies and science units are thematic and follow the Programme of Inquiry as well as the Englewood Schools' science and social studies curriculum. Teachers integrate these themes as much as possible into their literacy and mathematics instruction.

Our science laboratory provides students the opportunity to do hands-on investigations. Foss/Delta kits are used to supplement the investigations.

MUSIC
Students receive music instruction for a semester of the school year. Students learn how to apply mathematics principles to music, and use literacy skills to read and write about composers. Music Studio provides an extra enrichment opportunity during the day for students who wish to further explore their musical interests.

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

All students receive instruction in additional content during the regular school day. Enrichment classes provide integration of themes from the classroom. These additional classes include:

ART
Students receive art instruction for a semester of the school year. Students learn the fundamentals of design and create art using a variety of media. Art Studio provides an additional enrichment opportunity during the school day for students to explore their interests in art.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH

Charles Hay Physical Education incorporates academics, health, and movement activities. In addition to having P.E. three times a week students take part in our "Cougar Active Lifestyles" program that includes keeping a wellness journal, participating in mileage clubs, using pedometers, and taking part in before

and after school enrichment clubs.

The goal of our physical education

program is to have our students

and their families see and feel

the benefits of living a healthy

lifestyle. PE Clinic is an additional

enrichment opportunity during the school day when students can explore the realm of health and wellness.

Here at Charles Hay, all students take

Spanish. The goal of our Spanish program is to provide students with both the vocabulary and the cultural understanding to begin having basic conversations with fluent Spanish speakers. Students are encouraged to try out their new skills through games and story-telling. Cultural inquiries and activities are also included, providing opportunities to develop student curiosity. Through songs, native stories and movies, students are able to compare and contrast the experiences of Spanish-speaking children to their own childhoods. Students that complete this program can expect to feel comfortable communicating in Spanish and confident in their ability to understand, analyze, respect and appreciate any world culture.

In addition, this program is designed to align with Englewood Middle School and Englewood Leadership Academy's Spanish programs so that 5th graders can comfortably step into more advanced classes.