Each subject area allows each child the
gradual transition moving from concrete to abstraction. Each instructional
concept is supported by several instructional methodologies and student
activities/practice. The curriculum includes a plan for evaluation and
assessment of student progress that is curriculum driven and demonstrated
through student performance based evidence, teacher observation and
evaluation, and short cycle assessments.
Anansi Charter School recognizes
the importance of early childhood and elementary education and focuses
on appropriate and sequential development practices for the whole child
from age five through eleven. Anansi utilizes an activity based and
integrated curriculum throughout the day, realizing that children learn
best through active manipulation of their learning environment. Keeping
the size of the school small is vital to the incubation of relationships;
teacher to student, teacher to parent, and teacher to teacher. This
intimacy assures a continuum in the quality and philosophy of an Anansi
education.
The Anansi Charter School believes
in the importance of educating the whole child; therefore, ACS considers
and focuses on many factors to educate each child. These factors include
but are not limited to the following:
• Development
of relationship with the parents: ACS believes a partnership
is formed with the parents in the education of the child, the parents
are a great resource for knowing and understanding the child, parental
support and collaboration is an essential ingredient for student success
• Development
of a trusting and caring relationship between child and teacher:
ACS believes the student must believe that the teacher cares about him
or her and will support him or her through the learning process
• Awareness
of Child Developmental Readiness: ACS believes each teacher must
understand child development in all domains: cognitive, motor skills
(fine and gross), social emotional, and language and linguistic development.
• Child
Physical Well-being: ACS believes each student must be provided
nutritious food, physical exercise, adequate rest, and water to drink;
in addition to being provided educational knowledge and skills to maintain
lifelong healthy habits.
• Child
Social Emotional Well-being: ACS believes that the climate and
culture of the school must consistently maintain a feeling of safety
for all students.
Curriculum
Language Arts
Systematic and structured instruction of phonics, comprehension, fluency,
vocabulary, speaking and listening skills. This is a phonics based,
literature enriched Language Arts program. This program includes mechanics,
comprehension and enjoyment of reading, writing, speaking and listening
skills. First and Second grade programs include spelling.
Mathematics
A research based, spiraling math curriculum (Everyday Mathematics) that
is aligned with National and State math standards.
Science
instructs through inquiry and scientific method, using hands-on experiments
and demonstrations, which introduces biological and physical sciences.
(FOSS Program)
Social Studies
Anansi has developed curriculum integrating geography, economics, local
and world cultures, arts, science, history, literature and music.
A global cultural studies and community outreach program.
Spanish
ACS aims to develop basic fluency in the Spanish language among students,
including listening, speaking, reading and writing. Teachers use dynamic,
research-proven methodology to foster fluency, focusing on repetition
of high-interest, comprehensible input. In addition, the program cultivates
students’ awareness and appreciation of the varied cultures in
Spanish-speaking areas, right here in Taos and around the world.
Arts
Children are encouraged and taught to express themselves through music,
movement, visual and performing arts. Though specific skills and techniques
are taught, the primary thrust of the Arts Program is to integrate the
arts into the core curriculum areas.
Technology
Introduction of basic computer skills, use of the computer as a tool
for information gathering and processing and interactive cultural and
language exchange with a school in Mexico.
Health and Physical
Education
Holistic health curriculum inclusive of hygiene, anatomy and physiology,
personal awareness, interpersonal communication skills, gross motor
development and fundamental skills and knowledge of sports and games,
developing an interest in life-long physical activity.
Outdoor Education
Integration with geography, geology, biology, history and environmental
science.
Emotional Intelligence
A curriculum for building self-awareness in understanding personal needs,
navigating emotions, communication skills, and social skills for getting
along with others.
Additional Curriculum Information
Proven Reading and
Math Techniques
An innovative balanced literacy program based on the components of the
Report of the National Reading Panel and Orton-Gillingham approved reading
strategies is used. The program includes phonemic awareness, phonics,
fluency and comprehension instruction, and a language arts curriculum
of writing, literature, and spelling and vocabulary instruction. The
ACS math curriculum is standard-based and research-based for effectiveness.
Instruction of math concepts are based in best practices: using manipulatives
and reinforced through practice, always working with concrete first
and moving to abstractions.
Curriculum Enhancements
Students learn and experience Spanish language, computers, journal writing,
science, social studies, physical education, environmental awareness,
and the arts inclusive of music, performing arts, movement/dance, and
fine arts.
Integrated Curriculum
Teaching is done in focused units on a wide range of topics, allowing
students to integrate facts into practical knowledge in multi-age groupings.
Classes explore topics that integrate science, history, geography, language
arts and fine arts.
Mastery
Children learn best by mastering (internalizing) academic skills and
concepts, which then become the foundation for new knowledge. All students
are expected to do quality work, completing and correcting lessons as
needed.
Problem-Solving Skills
Anansi enables children to experience the process of solving academic
and social problems by asking questions. By formulating choices, considering
the outcomes of those choices, then testing them in a safe environment,
and experiencing the results; hence, children learn to make appropriate
choices.
Special Education
and Response To Intervention (RTI)
Through assessment, classroom observation, and parent meeting process,
students are identified who qualify and will benefit from targeted
assistance in reading and mathematics through the RTI model. Anansi’s targeted assistance
program provides instructional tutorial support to qualifying students
in a small group pull-out format. Anansi provides Special Education
services for qualifying students in the least restrictive setting with
qualified teachers.
After School Enrichment
Program
An after school program is available for all Anansi Charter School students
from 3:45-5:30 five days per week. The program provides enrichment through
outdoor education, literature, and science based projects and themes.
In addition the students are offered extra-curricular activities in
chess, arts enrichment with the Harwood Museum, and after school tutoring.
ACS seeks in the future to offer intramural basketball.
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