Morning core 

Curriculum Overview

Through a balanced blend of structured learning and open-ended exploration, we create an engaging environment that supports growth across all developmental areas.

Daily Morning Gathering

Each morning begins with a welcoming, community-centered gathering where we come together to connect and start the day with intention. Through movement, songs, group games, and meaningful discussions, students build strong peer relationships, develop social-emotional awareness, and establish a consistent, supportive classroom rhythm.

Math

Students build a strong foundation in number sense and mathematical thinking by applying concepts to real-world situations. Through hands-on investigations, games, and collaborative problem solving, they explore key topics such as:

• Estimation, patterns, and logic

• Fractions, decimals, and percents—and how they connect

• Measurement, pre-algebra, and geometry in everyday contexts

• Procedural fluency through practice and play

Class discussions encourage students to listen to and share diverse problem-solving strategies, deepening their understanding and mathematical flexibility.

Reading and Writing

Our language arts program blends creativity with structured literacy instruction, incorporating the Rooted in Language program aligned with Science of Reading principles. Students grow as readers and writers through:

• Weekly poetry reading with discussion to uncover meaning, rhythm, and fluency

• Exploring spelling for meaning by comparing patterns and developing generalizations

• Writing and illustrating original books based on their interests

• Engaging in student-choice and teacher-guided writing projects including narratives, memoirs, and poetry

• One-on-one teacher conferences for individualized support with grammar, spelling, and revision

• Literature response journals and discussions to build comprehension and analyze point of view, character, setting, and tone

Social Studies

Our Social Studies program immerses students in the study of Native American cultures and early California history, including the Gold Rush. Using props, and costumes, students explore the past through storytelling, role-play, and a trip to Sutter’s Fort. Throughout, we emphasize empathy, curiosity, and critical thinking—empowering students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and see history through multiple perspectives.