Our focus on classical, student-centered learning through real-life experiences results in a hands-on learning environment that fosters character development and leadership. We accomplish this through:
[MUSIC PLAYING] Here in the Wakefield Lower School, we always start the day with a morning meeting. Morning meeting sets the tone for the day and also satisfies children's needs for belonging, significance and fun.
We start the day with a greeting to make sure everybody feels welcome and we involve a share, which focuses on speaking and listening skills. Children learn to agree and disagree respectfully. And we always engage in a fun activity. So we wake up our bodies and our brains and are ready to start the day.
I can go round and work with children in small groups, because we found that individualized instructions and small group instruction, no more than three children at a time, is much more effective. I can work with children based on their own needs, rather than teach the whole class.
Character Counts is a program we have here at Wakefield that talks about different characteristics. And so we pick one characteristic per month and then I go into each of the classrooms and create an activity, create a conversation.
And essentially model what that characteristic looks like, so they can then go out in the world and be kind, be responsible, be respectful, and be generous.
As students progress through Lower School, we give them opportunities for leadership. For example, they get to read to the younger students. They can go into the classroom, sometimes they take them to the library.
Another opportunity they get is as honor guard And as an honor guard, they meet the kids out front in the mornings and walk them into their classroom. This is a great way to help them mature as they're getting ready to prepare to go into Middle School.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
