How does knowing about the past, help us in the future?
The Calusa Tribe video above of the 4th grade research project is one piece of the documentation that is now displayed in our hallway showing just that.
Project Description: Students created a museum that introduced people to the lost tribes of Florida. Throughout the project, they integrated every discipline (math, science, social studies and language arts). They researched the different tribes, wrote narrative biographies as though they were in that era, discussed natural resources, incorporated technology, researched explorer routes, studied the animals, environment, trade methods, utilized math on graphs as they proportionately determined the size of their villages to scale and analyzed how the villages were organized including the terrains, bodies of water. The learning was endless.
Elementary School Overview
Inspiring Inquiry Through Progressive Education
CIJS uses blended instruction with both traditional and Reggio approaches to education. We include typical curriculum programs in addition to hands on, interdisciplinary methods through direct instruction, partner work, small group, and individual lessons.
CIJS is an exceptionally distinctive school that places an emphasis on collaboration within the classroom through investigation and research. This promotes critical thinking and problem solving skills even with our younger scholars.
“Children learn best when they are actively engaged and involved in the learning process.” – Loris Malaguzzi
Lower Elementary (K-2) Core Curriculum Courses
MATH
In addition to our research based, interdisciplinary, Reggio inspired learning, CIJS curriculum includes the following core programs.
enVision
Success Maker
Reflex Math
Frax Math
Generation Genius
Flocabulary
SCIENCE
In addition to our research based, interdisciplinary, Reggio inspired learning, CIJS curriculum includes the following core programs.
Discovery Education
Generation Genius Science
Science A to Z
SOCIAL STUDIES
In addition to our research based, interdisciplinary, Reggio inspired learning, CIJS curriculum includes the following core programs.
Discovery Education
Scholastics Social Studies
ELA
In addition to our research based, interdisciplinary, Reggio inspired learning, CIJS curriculum includes the following core programs.
Guided Reading Leveled Books
Word Study & Spelling
Interactive Read Aloud
Writing Workshop
Learning A to Z Writing
Phonics Dance
Accelerated Reading
Reading A to Z & Raz Kids
Prodigy
Flocabulary
Upper Elementary (3-5) Core Curriculum Courses
MATH
In addition to our research based, interdisciplinary, Reggio inspired learning, CIJS curriculum includes the following core programs.
enVision
Success Maker
Reflex Math
Frax Math
Generation Genius
Flocabulary
SCIENCE
In addition to our research based, interdisciplinary, Reggio inspired learning, CIJS curriculum includes the following core programs.
Discovery Education
Generation Genius Science
Science A to Z
Elevate Science
Study Island
SOCIAL STUDIES
In addition to our research based, interdisciplinary, Reggio inspired learning, CIJS curriculum includes the following core programs.
Discovery Education
Scholastics Social Studies
ELA
In addition to our research based, interdisciplinary, Reggio inspired learning, CIJS curriculum includes the following core programs.
Guided Reading Leveled Books
Word Study & Spelling
Interactive Read Aloud
Book Clubs
Writing Workshop
No RedInk Writing
Accelerated Reading
Prodigy
Flocabulary
Lessons Are Interdisciplinary And Project-Based...
Interdisciplinary means that several subjects are integrated into single projects. Rather than dividing lessons into “reading, spelling, writing, social studies and math,” all of these are integrated into every project through hands-on activities. Lessons integrate subjects in a meaningful way, just as they occur in real-world problem solving rather than artificially isolating them. This allows students to make connections between the different subjects, and to the real world.
Literacy and pre-literacy, social studies (history, civilizations, geography), and math are taught through hands-on activities and projects. Projects are in-depth studies of concepts, ideas, and interests which arise from the children. Considered an adventure, projects may last one week or could continue throughout the school year.
Throughout a project, teachers help children make decisions about the direction of study, ways in which the group will research the topic, methods to demonstrate and showcase the topic, and selection of materials needed for the work. Children act as researchers, guided by their teachers to find answers to their questions.