Curriculum

The St. Michael School of Clayton Educating Children for Life

Character Development is an essential component of The St. Michael School of Clayton. We strive to develop personal character, moral and spiritual awareness, expressed in personal behaviors which include respect, cooperation, responsibility, and compassion.

Children ~ Teachers ~ Parents ~ Environment

The St. Michael School of Clayton believes:

The Child is the protagonist in learning. The child is strong, confident and capable. Children interact with peers, adults, symbols and objects in the world.

The Teacher guides discovery and problem solving. Faculty members work together to improve the learning experience.

The Parent plays an active part in the learning experience and each parent helps ensure the welfare of all children in the school. Parents and teachers exchange perspectives and learn from one another.

The Physical Environment, like a studio or laboratory, encourages exchange and self-expression.

The Program ~
The St. Michael School of Clayton’s curriculum is shaped by “The Reggio Approach,” a child centered educational approach developed after World War II in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Traditional Academics ~
Working in small groups students develop their abilities in English, History, Reading, Social Studies, Mathematics and Science.

Elementary~ Kindergarten through Eighth grade

Reading: Guided reading is used in kindergarten through second grade; literature sets are used for third through eighth grade.

Writing: Step up to Writing and the Six Traits are used to teach writing skills in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Math: Math Connects by McGraw Hill, in conjunction with Everyday Mathematics, is used in kindergarten through fifth grade. McDougal Littel Math Course 1, 2 and 3 are used in 6th through 8th grade

Science, Social Studies, History, Studio Arts, Performing Arts are studied in a research project format. All subjects are chosen from nationally prominent curricula. Using the community as a resource enables SMSOC students to explore their surroundings and environment. Frequent off-campus field explorations enhance these curricular subjects.

Spanish: Students in junior kindergarten through eighth grade have Spanish every day. Students learn to communicate and respond to material required at each grade level.

Physical Education: Students in junior kindergarten through eighth grade have P.E. every day. Students are taught fitness components, sports activities, lifetime sports activities (swimming/skating/biking) and neighborhood community activities. Orienteering is taught to all grades. It includes reading a map, using longitude and latitude, spatial awareness and using a GPS system.

Preprimary ~ Junior Kindergarten ~ 3’s,4’s,5’s

Junior Kindergarten students engage in research in everything they do. Teachers observe, record and reflect on children’s work, offer provocations, follow the process by which children learn, and make these processes visible.

Literacy:
Children refine their communication skills as they increase their vocabulary, comprehension, critical thinking, fluency and use of language.

Mathematics:
Children are exposed to many experiences that promote mathematical thinking including: bloc construction, pattern blocks, unifix cubes, train tracks, dividing and sharing toys, and games.

Studio Arts:
Collaborative and individual projects are created from children’s interest and teacher direction.

Community:
Students build relationships with peers and teachers through play and discussion.