• General Overview 
• Specifics By Grade Level 
  • Pre-Kindergarten
  • Kindergarten and Grade 1
  • Grades 2 and 3
  • Grades 4 and 5
• After School Programs

Through direct instruction, students develop a variety of strategies for reading, including phonics, comprehension, and study skills. Students develop understanding and an appreciation for literature through classroom discussions, written work, projects, oral presentations, and independent reading. They are exposed to a variety of literature, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, folk tales, biographies, and plays. Additionally, children have multiple opportunities to develop purposeful listening and speaking skills.

WRITING
Writing is an age-appropriate tool for demonstrating understanding throughout all curricular areas. On a daily basis,students write in journals, record scientific observations, respond to art and literature, document information in social studies, and write for personal expression. They learn that writing is a process as they draft, revise, edit, and publish their own works. Writing instruction occurs daily, including a variety of writing forms and styles, mechanics, grammar, and word usage, for individuals as well as small and large groups. When developmentally appropriate, students use computer skills for word-processing, research, and to create spreadsheets and databases. The process of writing is introduced at Meritor in Pre-Kindergarten and is a critical part of the language arts program at all grade levels.

SPELLING
Students begin in the early years with temporary spelling, which is used to set the stage for later spelling proficiency. Teachers then introduce a more formal approach beginning in kindergarten with individualized weekly lists of selected words and words from students’ writing, instruction in spelling patterns, and the application of developmentally appropriate spelling in daily work.

HANDWRITING
Although Pre-K students have multiple opportunities to engage in handwriting, formal instruction begins in kindergarten with daily practice in manuscript printing. During the second semester of second grade, cursive handwriting is introduced and reinforced in subsequent years. In both cases, legible handwriting through appropriate letter formation, size, spacing, and slant are practiced and evaluated in daily work.

MATHEMATICS
Through regular assessments, teachers design programs that meet the individual needs of their students. Students progress from concrete experiences with manipulatives, such as pattern blocks, Base 10 blocks, and interlocking cubes, to abstract understanding of mathematical concepts. They apply these experiences to real-world situations as problem-solving, critical thinking, and computation are emphasized. Instruction is provided in number concepts and operations, probability and statistics, patterns and algebraic thinking, geometry, and measurement.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students engage in many hands-on activities in the physical education curriculum. They participate in creative movement and dance in the early years, and then learn to develop dance movements as they progress through school. Students learn to work cooperatively in group games and activities. They will apply rules, procedures, and safe practices. Students also develop specialized skills, and understand the healthy benefits derived from physical activity. Students attend Yellow Jackets Gymnasium on a weekly basis as part of their physical education.

SOCIAL STUDIES
Students learn about themselves, their families and friends, their community, state, region, and country. New skills are developed through explorations in geography, history, economics, civics and government, and the study of cultures. Emphasis is placed on character and leadership development, social responsibility, and an appreciation for cultural diversity. Classroom discussions, writing, dramatic presentations, role playing, art projects, literature, research projects, field trips, and computer software enhance students’ understanding of key social studies concepts. These concepts also are integrated within the language arts curriculum. Additionally, technology is used to conduct research, develop presentations, and document information. Meritor does follow the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks as a guide for content in Social studies and Science. However, our program does not follow the sequence of skills since our students are typically advanced in all areas.

 
ART
Students have multiple opportunities to view the world through creative endeavors. A variety of media such as clay, papier-maché, paint, collage materials, weaving, and printmaking provide the tool for children to create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their individuality. All students are exposed to the work of other artists through prints, slides, videos, and art processes. Student artwork is displayed throughout the year.

MUSIC
Movement and listening activities are incorporated into the hands on music curriculum. Students engage in music-making through singing, listening, playing, acting, dancing, reading and writing. At each level, they expand their repertoire of songs, and are introduced to opportunities for original composition. Students learn about rhythm, melody, harmony, tone, and musical notation. They appreciate music as an expression of culture and history as they experience various styles and forms. Students are also allowed to chose performing arts classes as they enroll in specialized lessons with piano and guitar.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Based on research in natural language acquisition, the Spanish curriculum is designed to maintain a high level of interest. Songs, games, roleplaying, and discussion nurture language development through an enjoyable, non-threatening experience for students. Big books and posters are used to introduce themes and facilitate responses and oral language activities. Students progress from oral experiences to reading and writing. Children receive classes in Spanish from Pre-K- Grade V.