Ms. Raub's Curriculum We’ve had a great beginning to kindergarten, and I’m looking forward to an exciting school year!  The purpose of this letter is to outline our  curriculum and to explain the educational beliefs it is based on. Goals for the School Year     * To continue to promote a positive self-image for each child        * To foster a learning environment which focuses on          cooperation and respect for each other        * To individualize educational approaches in order to meet the            needs of each child Following, you will find a statement pertaining to my beliefs about children.  Everything we do in class will stem from this belief system while following the curriculum provided by the St. Paul Public Schools. Groupings and Instruction When you walk into the classroom, you may  see one of the following types of classroom organization:        * The class split into groups that could vary week to week.                   Sometimes groupings will be based on need, sometimes it                will be based on interest, and sometimes the grouping                       will be random.        * The class split into small groups based on individual need                    or for special projects.        * Whole group instruction with the teacher leading discussion Belief Statement: Learners   Children come into school with lots of experiences.  Each child will do best when the learning taking place has meaning for them.  All children can learn and teachers have the responsibility to facilitate and individualize learning. Learning   Meaningful learning takes place only when a child is engaged.  Thus, learning should be kept whole (rather than fragmented), interesting, and functional (not artificial and contrived).  So that children can make meaningful connections, subject areas are integrated, children are given the opportunity to make choices, and developmentally appropriate practices are the center to the heart of learning. Environment   The classroom environment is a safe and caring place for all who enter.  The community of children work together to create an atmosphere conducive to learning the most possible.