The first half-year in Darlington School Early Learning Academy has been nothing short of a success. Designed by a team of experienced teachers specifically for the needs of Darlington students, the ELA is like no other primary education experience out there. Here are just a few of the things that set Darlington's Early Learning Academy apart from other primary programs:
- Customized curriculum that accounts for various levels of performance
- Small group, performance-based instruction in reading, writing and arithmetic
- Allows students to progress at their own pace
- Exposes all students to three highly qualified teachers
- Provides structured classroom time with peers of the same age
- Integrates life skills and character education
- Promotes independence and self-control
- Builds creative, collaborative learners
Below are five quick yet wonderful highlights from our inaugural half-year. I can't wait to share more with you as our year progresses!
1. Our Christmas Play
As an extension of our classroom learning, in December, we performed our Christmas play for the entire student body in the Upper School's Morris Chapel. These performances require a lot of work, but we believe the experience of memorizing your part, working cooperatively to perform in front of a large audience, and bringing joy to others is well worth it! In April, the K5 classes will present a new, original play, and we are so excited!
Click here for photos.
2. Our "Unpredictable Janu-weather" Unit
Our class meteorologists gave a weather forecast for Rome, Ga., as well as for one of their favorite places each day. We graphed all the different weather forms that we saw and how many days of each that we had. We shared movies, links and even special FaceTime with far-away cousins who helped us gather the weather facts that we needed. It was exciting to learn together as we heard the information and felt it! In Darlington's ELA program, fun is a big part of our customized teaching and learning approach.
Click here for photos.
3. Chemistry Class
The ELA partnered with Mrs. Julia Dodd's Upper School chemistry class to learn about the Periodic Table of the Elements. They saw all the special equipment and really wanted to see something "blow up" ... but thankfully, it didn't! The chemistry students had it all under control. The ELA classrooms are on the same campus as Darlington's Upper School, making it possible to have unique, cross-divisional learning experiences like this one that are beneficial to both the primary student and the teen.
Click here for photos.
4. Zoology Fun
Mr. Owen Kinney's zoology students put on the 3rd Annual Insect Expo for students in ELA-4!
Live insects were on display and the ELA students were given a chance to tour the expo, ask questions and even hold a few creepy creatures. It is such fun to watch the faces of our smallest Tigers as they listen and learn from our Upper School students. They develop a special rapport and -- from the very beginning of their Darlington careers -- they begin to make connections about where this educational journey will lead. Having our Upper School students, our world-class faculty, and our gorgeous campus as resources is an amazing advantage as we build an unmatched educational continuum that will be valuable and visible to all students and their families.
Click here for photos of first grade and the ELA at the Insect Expo.
5. Collaboration
The students and teachers in the ELA have a morning meeting daily at 8:10 a.m. We say the Pledge of Allegiance, sing "You're a Grand Ole Flag," and recite Darlington School's Mission Statement and Motto. Each week, a character trait is introduced, and we share books and stories to help our students become better global citizens. We teach practical ways to be a better friend and a better student as we learn how to present ourselves to others, looking them in the eyes, shaking hands and saying, "Good morning!" Sometimes, we have special guests, like the visitors from the Homeless Shelter when we helped with a food drive or like the Upper School students from Alaska and Africa when we studied the /A/ sound. These daily gatherings allow all the ELA students and teachers to get to know each other well. We all feel very comfortable interacting and learning together. Each of us has a special purpose here and now in the ELA and throughout our lives. We want to develop good manners, good character and good study habits as we begin our educational journey at Darlington School.
Click here for more information about Darlington's Early Learning Academy, or feel free to
contact me any time!
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