The Explorers

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

Moving up to Kindergarten from Preschool is a big, exciting leap for most young students, and the Explorers’ class is geared to be a comfortable transition for those who are enthusiastic about moving on as well as for those who may find change to be a little more challenging. Our first-grade students have the experience of leading and coaching, which help them to learn key leadership skills and develop their self-confidence along with their academic abilities.

Our day moves frequently between developmentally-appropriate academics and play, as students learn new concepts and skills, then try them out in a more playful context. Our goal is to help students develop a love of learning in a safe, joyful and stimulating classroom setting.

Typically at Swan School our day begins with a Whole School Meeting, where students of all ages come together to participate in activities that help build relationships across the age spectrum. The experience of mentoring and being mentored is a cornerstone of the Swan School philosophy.

In our own Explorers’ classroom, we begin the day with simple group routines which emphasize body awareness, communication, and social skills. We discuss our day and make sure that the day is predictable and comfortable for every student.

Our schedule is designed around three academic blocks, which incorporate both direct academic instruction and project-based learning. Foundational skills like math, reading and writing are taught in small groups so that each child in the multi-age class is able to work at a level appropriate to their individual needs. All-group activities have multiple entry points and are designed to be appropriate for a variety of levels and abilities.

Reading and Writing are two exciting skills that emerge during the Kindergarten and First Grade years. The Explorers’ approach is to learn all we can about letters, sounds, words, sentences and how books work, through games and hands-on activities. We put together all these pieces to begin reading simple texts individually, with partners and as a group. Children come to reading in many different ways, and our program is designed to recognize and encourage multiple learning styles and approaches.

Outdoor education is integral to much of what we do in the Explorer class. On Wild Wednesdays we extend our learning and experience in the field as we visit local outdoor locations. This is when many of the things that we study come alive as we observe science concepts, embrace opportunities to make art, work together, and engage deeply with our local natural environment.

Because play is such an important part of a young child’s social and learning development, Explorers begin the year with daily Choice Time, when children can choose to play with building toys, dolls, sensory materials, games, art materials and books. Later in the year this evolves into Project Time, in which students can explore their interests through multi-day projects and experiments. Our day also includes three outdoor recesses, a snack break, and lunch. Each week the class works with on-campus Specialists in Spanish, Movement, Music and Art.

Explorer families receive a weekly email update of Explorer classroom news and events. Communication is an important part of our relationship, so feel free to contact via email, in person after school, or by phone if you have questions, have an idea to share or just want to talk.

Each year is a new adventure. Come Explore with us!

Vikki & Katey