Scuola Elementare (Elementary School)
Overview
Creative Inspiration Journey School (CIJS) uses a blended instruction of traditional and Reggio approaches to education. In addition to typical curriculum programs, CIJS curriculum is hands on and interdisciplinary through:
- Direct instruction
- Partner work
- Small group
- Individual lessons
CIJS is an exceptionally distinctive school that places an emphasis on collaboration within the classroom through investigation and research. This promotes critical thinking and problem solving skills even with our younger Scholars.
2023-2024 Academic Year:
- English, Language Arts (ELA): 3rd grade achieved a 62% passing rate, outperforming both SDOC and the State
- English, Language Arts (ELA): 4th grade achieved a 53% passing rate, outperforming SDOC
- Science: 5th grade scores grew 10% year over year
Children learn best when they are actively engaged and involved in the learning process.
-Loris Malaguzzi-
Core Curriculum (Kinder - 2nd Grade)
Mathematics
In addition to research based, interdisciplinary, and Reggio-inspired learning, CIJS Math curriculum includes:
Science
In addition to research based, interdisciplinary, and Reggio-inspired learning, CIJS Science curriculum includes:
Social Studies
In addition to research based, interdisciplinary, and Reggio-inspired learning, CIJS Social Studies curriculum includes:
English, Language Arts
In addition to research based, interdisciplinary, and Reggio-inspired learning, CIJS ELA curriculum includes:
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Guided Reading Leveled Books
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Interactive Read Aloud
-
Writing Workshop
Core Curriculum (3rd - 5th Grade)
Mathematics
In addition to research based, interdisciplinary, and Reggio-inspired learning, CIJS Math curriculum includes:
Science
In addition to research based, interdisciplinary, and Reggio-inspired learning, CIJS Science curriculum includes:
Social Studies
In addition to research based, interdisciplinary, and Reggio-inspired learning, CIJS Social Studies curriculum includes:
English, Language Arts
In addition to research based, interdisciplinary, and Reggio-inspired learning, CIJS ELA curriculum includes:
-
Guided Reading Leveled Books
-
Interactive Read Aloud
-
Book Clubs
-
Writing Workshop
Lessons Are Interdisciplinary And Project-Based
Interdisciplinary means several subjects are integrated into single projects. Rather than dividing lessons into “reading, spelling, writing, social studies, and math,” all subjects are integrated into every project through hands-on activities. Lessons integrate subjects in a meaningful way, just as they occur in real-world problem solving, rather than artificially isolating them. This allows students to make connections between the different subjects and the real world.
Literacy and pre-literacy, social studies (history, civilizations, geography), and math are taught through hands-on activities and projects. Projects are in-depth studies of concepts, ideas, and interests of the Scholar. Considered an adventure, projects may last one week or could continue throughout the school year.
Throughout a project, teachers help Scholars make decisions about the direction of study, ways in which the group will research the topic, methods to demonstrate and showcase the topic, and selection of materials needed for the work. Children act as researchers, guided by their teachers to find answers to their questions.
