Individualized, Project-Based Education at Roots
Developmentally Appropriate, Project-Based Learning
We believe each developmental stage is unique, a wonder, and to be honored. We design our classrooms and daily flow to celebrate a range of developmental levels.
Taking A Deep Dive
Your student dives deep into subject areas rather than skimming over a wide variety of information. This allows your student ample time to learn, let the information sink in, and create meaningful connections to other subject areas.
We adapt the curriculum to fit children’s emotions, social, cognitive, language, and physical needs. This approach creates an environment where children grow to love learning, creativity, and problem-solving.
Individualized
Literature-Based Reading and Language Arts.
Your child is exposed to high-quality literature as well as a multi-sensory language arts program that includes song, rhythm, rhyme, and movement with early literacy.
Phonics, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary are taught in small groups to ensure your student is taught at their level. These concepts are also woven into projects and activities. As your child grows, concepts become more complex, and expectations are increased to continue to facilitate higher-level learning.
Cultivating lifelong readers
We encourage students to explore literature in a natural way, such as discussing and sharing good books. Students are guided to choose literature that’s appropriate for their reading level and interests. This sparks a love for reading.
At the foundation of our reading program we believe:
Children learn to read by reading; independent reading time is embedded into every day.
Self-selected reading is more meaningful than teacher-selected materials. Children create life-long reading routines when they’re reading books they’ve chosen themselves.
Children develop literacy through meaningful experiences such as musicals, thematic studies and book clubs.
Project-Based Science & Social Studies Education
Science and social studies are integrated into project-based studies. Each class has different themes that are woven into activities and subject areas.
Roots incorporates experiential learning outside the classroom with field trips that support classroom themes.
As students move through their years at Roots, they draw from past year’s themes and make meaningful connections between what they’re currently learning and what they learned in years prior.
Younger students often see what older students are working on and look forward to their turn with those projects and themes, creating excitement and a love for learning.
Writing Curriculum
We teach writing in a workshop model that consists of mini-lessons, long blocks of time to write, and time to share. Your student learns to enjoy writing by choosing topics that interest them, completing assignments that are appropriate for their level, and presenting to others.
Handwriting is valued and considered an essential part of a holistic language arts program. Your student will learn both print and cursive during their years at Roots.
Multisensory, Individualized Math Instruction
Math at Roots is taught in multiple ways to ensure students not only learn the process of computation but develop a deep understanding of concepts so they are able to apply knowledge and problem solve.
Math is so much more than worksheets and rote memorization. Math is engaging, challenging, and social. Your student will learn to problem solve, take risks, and boldly ask for help when needed.
Through project-based activities, your student will see math applied in real situations.
Art, Music, Physical Education, Health Education, and More
Roots values the arts and knows they provide immense value to developing well-rounded students.
The exact curriculums and experiences vary from year to year, keeping education fun and balanced for your student. The arts are integrated into all subject matter through a project-based education model.
Roots provides art, music, theatre, physical education, health education, and more.
Your child has ample time for exercise and movement while at Roots. Recess, movement breaks, and physical education are foundational pieces of our daily flow.
Independent Work Time – Task Time
At Roots we believe in the importance of developing independence in learning and problem-solving.
We use Task Time as a way to achieve this. Task Time is a daily block of time where students are responsible to complete goals independently on a weekly basis. It allows them to strengthen their ability to focus as they dive deeper into learning, and find satisfaction and joy in both the process and in a job well done.
Learn more about Roots Community School and our individualized, project-based education model by following us online
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