Kindergarten to Grade 5
With all the grades at Weekday, our emphasis on project and inquiry-based learning creates an environment where curiosity is sparked and critical thinking skills are nurtured from an early age. Project-based learning is so meaningful because, in addition to the academic benefits, it fosters a sense of ownership and agency, encouraging children to take pride in their work and develop a love of learning.
At Weekday, children spend their crucial formative years steeped in real-world, hands-on, individualized learning before entering middle school.
Kindergarten and First Grade
Academic Instruction
Our program stands out for its comprehensive and innovative approach to early childhood education. Literacy instruction is anchored in the Orton Gillingham method, a structured, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling skills. This evidence-based approach ensures that each child receives personalized and structured literacy support, laying the groundwork for a lifetime of successful learning.
In the realm of mathematics, we embrace the Investigations curriculum, which emphasizes problem-solving and conceptual understanding. Children develop skills like reasoning, critical thinking, and communication. They explore real-world scenarios, build number sense, and learn to justify their thinking. Investigations encourage active learning, collaboration, and diverse solution methods, promoting a deep understanding of math concepts and a growth mindset.
Beyond academics, we prioritize social-emotional learning, providing a nurturing atmosphere where children develop essential social skills and emotional intelligence and feel a true sense of belonging. SEL is an area that often gets neglected as children move beyond preschool, but it is so important that this learning continues so that children learn self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation. At Weekday, we cultivate a community of students who know how to develop healthy relationships, manage emotions, and build resilience.
Example study module: Social Studies Unit on Community
After studying globes and maps, the students created individual maps of the classroom before taking the learning out into the actual community--South Orange Avenue! As the weeks progressed, the students started to understand how individuals in a community rely upon one another and how a community functions. They then interviewed a diverse group of business owners, the results of which were the basis for their next writing project. The module’s culminating project was a presentation of all they learned, as well as a large model of South Orange created out of recycled materials.
Second to Fifth Grade
Academics
In the upper elementary grades at Weekday School, our curriculum evolves to meet the growing needs and interests of older students. Weekday academic pathways align with the New Jersey State Learning Standards in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science; and the New Jersey State Frameworks for Social Studies. What sets us apart from other schools are the pedagogical practices we use that meet the needs of the whole child — providing multiple means of engagement, expression, and representation.
Math
In mathematics, we utilize the Illustrative Math program, which engages students in meaningful problem-solving that builds deep conceptual understanding. Through engaging tasks and real-world applications, students develop mathematical proficiency and critical thinking skills.
In the earlier grades, students focus on building foundational skills and understanding basic mathematical concepts. As students advance, the complexity of the mathematical concepts deepens, and they engage in more sophisticated problem-solving tasks and critical thinking challenges. The curriculum becomes more comprehensive, covering a wider range of topics and incorporating more abstract mathematical ideas. Additionally, as students progress through the grades, they develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and how they relate to one another, preparing them for more advanced middle and high school courses.
Reading and Writing
In English Language Arts (ELA), we transition from direct phonics instruction to a whole-language approach. Students engage with text holistically, incorporating reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Through literature-based instruction, students explore various genres in which they analyze themes and characters. They delve deeply into literature and engage in meaningful discussions through participation in small, student-led Book Clubs. Through decoding skills, background knowledge, and student interests, we cultivate reading proficiency in our balanced literacy classrooms, aiming to instill a lifelong love of reading and writing in every child. Writing instruction becomes more sophisticated as students learn about different genres, develop their voice and style, and present their project work to their peers and the broader school community.
Social Studies
Our social studies curriculum empowers learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and perspectives necessary to actively participate in local, state, national, and global communities. There is a natural progression throughout the elementary years from a myopic to a more farsighted understanding of broader communities, fostering a deep understanding of social justice and civic responsibility. Beginning with explorations of self and family dynamics, students develop empathy and awareness of their place within their immediate community. As they advance through the grades, the curriculum expands to encompass studies of our town, state, and country, exploring historical events, cultural diversity, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Finally, students engage with global issues and perspectives, developing a sense of interconnectedness and understanding of their role in promoting equity and justice on a global scale. Through this comprehensive approach to social studies, students are empowered to become informed, active, and compassionate members of society.
Science
Through hands-on exploration and inquiry-based learning, our science curriculum inspires curiosity and deepens students' understanding of the natural world. Beginning in kindergarten, students explore the wonders of sunlight and weather, learning about the Earth's rotation, seasons, and the water cycle. Studying sunlight and weather is crucial as it lays the foundation for understanding our planet's climate patterns and the impact of weather on ecosystems and human activities.
As students progress through the higher grades, they delve into the study of plants, animals, and habitats, gaining insights into the interconnectedness of living organisms and their environments. We leverage their earlier hands-on learning experiences — such as building habitats for classroom hermit crabs — allowing them to apply their knowledge of animal needs and habitat characteristics in a real-world context.
As students advance, they explore survival needs in different environments and ecosystems, investigating how living organisms adapt to their surroundings to meet their basic needs for food, water, shelter, and reproduction. Upper elementary students conduct experiments that explore scientific principles and concepts, such as making simple machines with different kinds of energy, providing them with opportunities to apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills in practical contexts.
Second Grade Science Unit: States of Matter
Students delved into the exploration of solids, liquids, and gasses. A highlight of the unit was the hands-on activity where students created Oobleck, a fascinating non-Newtonian fluid. As they combined cornstarch and water, the children observed the peculiar properties of Oobleck, which exhibits characteristics of both a liquid and a solid depending on the force applied. The students actively participated in discussions about the fluid's behavior and documented their observations in their science journals, making the learning experience both educational and fun!
Third/Fourth Grader STEAM Unit: Robotics
With a dual focus on battery-operated and solar-powered mechanisms, students were introduced to the principles of engineering and sustainable energy sources with robotic kids. They assembled their robots, incorporating motors and circuits for battery-powered functionality and solar panels to harness the power of the sun. This innovative project not only deepened their understanding of robotics but also instilled a sense of environmental consciousness as they explored alternative energy solutions.
Fifth Grade Unit: Black History Month
After reading "Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You" by Ibram X. Kendi, the students wanted to dive deeper into the topic. A collaborative discussion between the teacher and students resulted in an emergent project exploring and visualizing the timeline of racism in the United States. Using various sources, including books, articles, documentaries, and online resources, the students critically analyzed and synthesized the information, identifying key milestones and themes. Next, the students decided on the format and design of their timeline, considering factors such as accessibility, readability, and visual appeal. They divided the timeline into chronological periods, such as the pre-colonial era, slavery, the Jim Crow era, the civil rights movement, and contemporary issues, to provide a comprehensive overview of the history of racism in America. Reflecting on the connections between past and present, drawing parallels between historical events and current social issues allowed students to develop critical thinking skills, empathy, and historical awareness while deepening their understanding of the complexities of racism in America. The project culminated with a presentation to parents and the school community. Students rehearsed their presentation, discussing the significance of each timeline marker and sharing their insights and reflections on the history of racism in the United States. On the day of the presentation, the students proudly unveiled their timeline, explaining the context and significance of each event with confidence and enthusiasm.