Elementary Math

The foundational math skills students learn in kindergarten through 4th grade set them up for future school  success.  While the elementary teachers at Waverly-Shell Rock have been using Everyday Mathematics for core math instruction for the past several years, this year they are utilizing the newest update to the program- Everyday Mathematics 4.  Utilizing this program as a tool to enhance student learning, teachers are working to develop core skills and patterns of thinking that allow students to confidently and successfully tackle a variety of meaningful problems based in real-world scenarios.    

Elementary Literacy

Strong literacy skills set students up for a lifetime of success.  First and foremost, the elementary teaching team at Waverly-Shell Rock works to develop a love of reading in each student.  When students are engaged in quality literature, rich discussions about comprehension strategies, vocabulary and decoding can bloom.  Additionally, our teachers work to support each student’s foundational skill development in reading and intervene when warranted.  This year teachers are continuing to build their tiered system of supports for struggling readers while implementing new curricular materials.  Together we’re working to help every student reach proficiency in their reading skills.

Passion and Project Based Learning

Project Based Learning / Passion Based Learning is a style of learning that gives student ownership in setting learning goals and outcomes. Students gain essential knowledge and 21st Century skills by working to investigate and solve complex real life problems they have identified. This extended and rigorous process of inquiry requires students to work in collaborative settings digging into the subject matter staying focused on the driving question. Students end projects with public displays of their work and findings to fellow classmates, teachers, and community members. 

Student Engagement and Resilience

Student Engagement and Resilience is the desire to create a passion in each student to grow and take ownership of their learning. Successful students are driven by the essential goals of: Personal Success, Individual Curiosity, Originality, and Strong Relationships. Our goal is to create a culture where students feel safe, like they belong, and feel connected to adults and students around them.  The secure feeling allows students build personal resiliency and a hardiness when building his/her own relationships for life. Being a resilient individual helps a person to focus on being a learner and to celebrate personal successes. Resilience also allows a student to understand themselves well enough to productively struggle through difficult task academically, and also in social situations.  Students learn best when they are motivated, interested, and inspired and when they feel a connection to their peers and community. We are building a sense of togetherness that all students and staff feel connected to.
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Structures for Differentiation

Differentiated instruction allows teachers to use methodology and resources to deliver information on a more individual basis. We share the belief that all students have a desire to learn and be successful. Student learning is strongest when they see a direct connection to future life situations. Teachers provide appropriate levels of challenge to all learners at any learning level. Content is presented in multiple formats, in variable settings, and includes multiple formative assessment opportunities to show student growth. 

Technology Integration

21st Century learners are capable of engaging in learning at a whole new level. Integrating technology into the classroom is an essential component of this learning. Technology must be an integral part of the learning process, not a stand alone resource. We are continually looking at data for the best ways to implement technology in the learning process on a daily basis. We believe that technological awareness is something all students and staff can benefit from. The use of technology will become a part of the daily routine of our students and staff and we will provide them with current resources to assist in the process.