Curriculum

Language Arts

The Museum School offers a literature-based reading program with developmentally appropriate language arts skills, including phonics, comprehension, and fluency. We emphasize the joy and richness of the language and written word through a variety of genres. We stress the importance of reading to and with children and integrating reading in all subject areas. We recognize that learning to read is a skill that involves order and progression to master. In the primary grades the reading program is comprised of a variety of resources and student materials such as reading series, anthologies, novel units, teacher-created materials, and teacher resource books. Children will be instructed through the Wonders K-5 ELA program a balanced, comprehensive English language arts program.Wonders is designed to meet the challenges of today’s classroom and reach all learners. Combining research-based instruction with new tools to meet today’s challenges, every component and every lesson is designed for effective and efficient instruction. A wealth of print and digital resources provide support for

• Building a strong literacy foundation including making meaning, phonological awareness, phonics, word recognition and fluency

• Accessing complex text

• Finding and using text evidence

• Engaging in collaborative conversations to develop language

• Writing to sources

This program incorporates basic processes and instruction methods that involve both independent and interactive reading and writing experiences:

1. Reading Aloud to Children

2. Shared Reading

3. Guided Reading

4. Paired Reading

5. Independent Reading

6. Language Exploration

7. Writing and Reading: The Balanced Writing Program

The writing curriculum combines five major elements: handwriting, language patterns, grammar, composition and creative writing and journal writing. Learning correct and appropriate language patterns gives the student the skills needed for communicating. Composition skills develop as students are taught the process of writing. This process is integrated into all subject areas at each developmental level. These skills may be used creatively in the student’s original work in story writing, poetry, and other artistic forms.Journal writing then provides the tool to present this work effectively; it enables students to experience their own growth in eloquence with language and see graphically the results of their work.Listening and speaking form the basis upon which communication is built. Listening skills fall into four categories: informational, analytical, appreciative, and judgmental. Students practice and perfect their skills in each area. Speaking for the purpose of self-expression helps students grow into effective communicators.Conversational skills, group discussion skills, self-expression techniques, and speech presentation are integral to the oral communication curriculum that students learn across the subject areas.It is our intent to meet the individual needs of our students through careful, formal assessment and continuous observation.. Our program meets the multi-levels of our students while remaining more self-contained in nature. However, children may rotate to another classroom for a language arts group which best meets his/her needs.

Math

In Kindergarten through 2nd Grade the Museum School uses the Progress in Mathematics program published by Sadlier. Progress in Mathematics provides rigorous content focused on building deep conceptual understanding of key math skills and concepts at each grade level. Combining individual and group lessons that incorporate both hands on manipulatives and engaging workbook lessons.

Primary Enrichment Classes

Our primary grade students (K-2) will receive enrichment classes throughout the week including:

Sewing/Fabric Art – Students will work with Krystina Grammatica using fabrics to create a variety of items while developing fine motor skills and a sense of design techniques.

Physical Education – Working with our PE teacher, Adam Roberts, students develop gross motor skills while having fun, learning to cooperate in active games and skills based activities

Music – Students will work with Center for World Music teaching artists in developing musical rhythm through exploring instruments and songs. Students will also learn to play the Indonesian gamelan, through the Center for World Music instructors. 

Art – Students will work with our credential art teacher, Andrew Rae to engage in a variety of techniques, tools and media.  Projects are both individual and collective.  Some projects are accomplished in one class session, while others involve a multi-step process that requires several sessions to complete.  Students will study an Artist of the Month, learning about the artist, prominent works, and techniques. Students will then have the opportunity to create work based on the artist. Each student will have studied approximately 30 artists having graduated through the K-2 grade program.

Spanish Conversation – Students participate three times a week in small group Spanish lessons with a focus on conversation and reading.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULAR PHILOSOPHY

The goal of the Museum Middle School curricular structure is to capitalize on the natural curiosity of adolescents at an age when they are becoming increasingly aware of the larger world around them. A mix of student-centered instructional methods, such as project-based learning, inquiry-based activities, and student presentations, strengthens students’ critical thinking skills. In an information age, a variety of learning opportunities is essential for healthy civic engagement with the society that these students will inherit as adults.

The school motto, “Learning together, learning for life,” is actively pursued through the curricular methodologies of the various disciplines. At all times, students are encouraged to develop a relationship to society that is ethical, humane, and engaged. Middle School students, in the process of developing an awareness of a larger world and searching for their own place within it, demonstrate a natural and burning curiosity about the world when they are provided with a forum in which to do so. Adolescents want to know about, discuss, and understand the world around them. An effective Middle School classroom is one that celebrates this curiosity and facilitates the discussions that the students yearn for. The interpersonal skills naturally explored in adolescence are therefore harnessed by channeling student energy and curiosity into conceptually complex work across disciplines.

A central component to the success of the Middle School curriculum is its ability to effectively enable students to recognize their own methods of learning. Students are encouraged to identify their own strengths and, through reflection, target skills that they wish to develop and enhance. Individual reflective work is facilitated through such activities as the revision process in written work, peer critique, student-led conferences, Presentations of Learning (POLs), and the advisory process.

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM AT THE MUSEUM SCHOOL

The Common Core Standards for Middle School are directly addressed through a variety of rigorous and innovative curriculum structures that involves four major components:

1. A standards-based curriculum in history, language arts, mathematics and science utilizes a block schedule, allowing time for a deeper exploration of concepts and ideas. Language arts classes rotate by trimester with successive focuses upon argumentative writing, literature, and informational materials. Cross-curricular lessons are created wherever feasible.

2. Departments comprised of innovative, interdisciplinary, long-term projects that involve multiple grade levels and rotate throughout the school year.  Some examples are drama, robotics, storytelling, study skills and stopmotion).

3. Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) that involve individualized, inquiry-based, project-based learning.  PLPs target research and writing skills, presentation skills, active involvement with community resources, and peer critique.

4. Middle School students have weekly rotations comprised of instruction in art, physical education, and a project-based class.

PERSONAL GROWTH AND COMMUNITY BUILDING

Community building and opportunities for personal growth are integrated into the student’s academic experience in a variety of ways.

1. Advisory Program: The middle school advisory program is a proactive, three-year process that encourages students to identify their own strengths and areas of challenge, both academically and socially. Students set manageable goals for themselves, work actively to achieve those goals, and reflect upon their growth.

2. Class Trips: 6th grade students attend a four-day program at Camp Marston in Julian where a variety of fun and adventurous activities develop teamwork that carries over back at school. 8th grade students may participate in an optional four-day trip to San Francisco that mixes together fun team-building adventures with experiential learning tied directly into the humanities and science curricula.

3. Associated Student Body: Middle School students have spearheaded several committees within ASB, such as a Dance Committee and a Yearbook team, that have considerably enhanced the school community and spirit. Such student innovation is central to the program philosophy, and proposals for new committees are always considered and encouraged.

4. Collaborative Partnerships: The Middle School program actively seeks collaboration with community organizations and institutions wherever possible to enhance the learning experience. Partnerships have included such organizations as Edudance, Young Audiences of San Diego, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, San Diego River Park Foundation, ArtFORM, Merrill Gardens Retirement Home, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The museums in Balboa Park are accessible by walking and are utilized frequently for experiential learning. In general, the Museum School’s location in Banker’s Hill facilitates the use of the larger community of San Diego and its many resources.

5. Student Mentorship: As a K-8 school with one classroom per grade level, students are given opportunities to learn from one another.  Older students guide younger students in their learning.

6. Presentation Skills: Middle School students have many opportunities to present their projects and learning to larger audiences. Repeated opportunities enable students to develop and refine their presentation skills in preparation for the world that awaits them as adults.

7. Active Parent Involvement: Parent communication is highly valued and encouraged. Direct parent involvement through volunteering significantly enhances the Middle School program. Teachers and parents are considered to be partners in the education of Museum Middle School students.

The Museum School has a full-time School Counselor and a part-time School Psychologist. Our School Counselor provides socio-emotional curriculum and conducts activities with all students throughout the school. Additionally, she provides both group and individual counseling to support students in academics and emotional needs. Museum School also partners with SAY San Diego to facilitate mental health supports outside of the school when necessary.