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academics | grades k-5

Our Lower School

We believe a balanced, traditional academic approach best serves the needs of our students. In addition, we take advantage of all the benefits offered through the latest technology, and by using multi-sensory instruction we are able to address the different learning styles of the students.

Parent involvement is highly evident in the Lower School and is both valued and encouraged. Field trips and events are enhanced by parents who frequently assist with these activities. We work hard and play hard in the Lower School.

Make an Appointment to tour our Lower School

Typical Class Offerings

Reading Tutorial

Handwriting

Social Studies

Reading Comprehension

Modern Digital Citizenship

Science

Multi-Sensory Math

Written Expression including Content Writing

Social Thinking Program

PUSH (Providing Ultimate Student Help) Block

specials: Art, PE, Music and Movement, Horticulture, STEAM, and Executive Functioning

Foundational Kindergarten Program

The John Crosland School Foundational Kindergarten Program serves as a bridge from kindergarten to first grade. Preschool children exhibiting early signs of learning difficulties are often difficult to diagnose with a learning disability because they have not had ample opportunity for educational instruction. The John Crosland School supports research in this area and believes there is a need for early intervention. Our program’s function is to provide students with the time to develop the fundamental skills needed for success in school, as well as provide an age and developmentally appropriate curriculum and a supportive learning environment.

Social Skills Program

The Lower School offers an innovative Social Skills program, which is designed to promote skills for learning, emotional management, empathy, and problem solving. The character development class is taught by Mrs. Elaine Triantis, Lower School Director. The curriculum is designed to help students with:

1 Recognizing emotions in oneself and others

2 Managing strong emotions

3 Having empathy for others

4 Controlling impulses

5 Communicating clearly and assertively

6 Maintaining cooperative relationships

7 Making responsible decisions

8 Solving problems effectively

Educational Management Plan (EMP)

Each student has an Educational Management Plan. Parent-Team Meetings are held to review and discuss the student’s progress and needs for each class.

In preparation for the EMP we not only work with our students via guidance lessons and individual sessions with Crosland’s School Counselor, we also provide each family with an EMP Parent Form to help them target both short and long term goals for their child.

Orton-Gillingham Methodology

The Orton-Gillingham methodology is a direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy when reading, writing, and spelling does not come easily to individuals, such as those with dyslexia. In the hands of a well-trained and experienced instructor, it is a powerful tool of exceptional breadth, depth, and flexibility. The highly structured approach introduces the idea of breaking reading and spelling down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds and then building on these skills over time. It also pioneered the “multisensory” approach to teaching reading. This means that instructors use sight, hearing, touch, and movement to help students connect language with letters and words.

Helpful Links to Prepare for Middle School

Smoothing Your Child’s Transition to Middle School

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Making the Move to Middle School

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A Smooth Shift to Middle School for a Child With Learning Challenges

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We celebrate and embrace every child’s unique needs when it comes to education. We would love to speak with you more about your child and find out if the Crosland School is the right choice for you and your family!