Rather than teach each subject in isolation, teachers work together to present subjects in monthly thematic units, which are rich in possibilities for making interdisciplinary connections. Much of the time the entire school studies various aspects of the same theme at age-appropriate levels of complexity and sophistication. This approach not only makes subject matter inherently more interesting but also provides opportunities for students to learn from one another.
Monthly themes draw from across the disciplines for a balanced program throughout the school year. Some examples of past monthly themes are art and artists; simple machines; literature genre studies; Asia; African-American History; soil; and Ancient Egypt. Older students also engage in elective Extension Block classes, in which students choose from a selection of in-depth, interdisciplinary classes that enrich and explore the curriculum. Shorter EB classes are periodically available to younger children.
Teachers, parents, and students follow personal progress through portfolio-based assessments, narrative reports, and formal and informal parent-teacher conferences. We encourage and support students who wish to take on academic challenges beyond their age levels, while taking care to ensure that these students are also part of a peer group that best meets their social and emotional needs.
Kindergarten
At Summers-Knoll kindergarten is a full-day program which offers a full range of activities designed to take advantage of a child’s natural curiosity and love for learning. The program includes time for literacy, math, free choice, and creative play. There are daily opportunities for small and whole group instruction. In addition, these children also participate in all specials classes offered at Summers-Knoll: music, French, Latin, art, and physical education.
Language Arts
Summers-Knoll students, supported by our library collection and online resources, read broadly from the best in American and international children’s literature. Through exposure to good fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama, they gain a rich and deep understanding of the power of the written word and an expansive foundation of knowledge about the world and human nature. In whole group and individual instruction, students learn to read for meaning, to strengthen vocabulary, and to comprehend the structure of language.
The writing program is integrated with reading and students gain extensive writing practice in many forms, with training in writing mechanics, spelling, and penmanship. In the upper grades Language arts is complemented by technology training in word processing, web design, graphic design, desktop publishing, internet research skills, and image processing. Small classes permit teachers to help students with the development of writing skills on a close, personal basis. Mathematics
Beyond teaching the skills involved in mathematical operations, Summers-Knoll emphasizes a mastery of conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and reasoning skills. Instruction encompasses real-life applications and helps students progress toward using mathematics as a language.
The Singapore math program provides the “backbone” for Summers-Knoll’s math instruction, and provides resources to cover algebra and geometry as the students reach those levels. A combination of independent work in the Singapore books with whole group and small group lessons in creative, hands-on, and real-world math, is used to provide a well-rounded math education. Math is held simultaneously for the entire school, which allows children with different abilities to move to another classroom for math instruction if necessary.
Students work in groups and individually to move at a rate of progression appropriate to each child. Manipulative materials and mathematics software supplement the program; measurement mastery is achieved by hands-on experience. Students develop a set of math reflex memories and skills, which allow for quick recall of facts and efficient computation. Other math materials are used as needed to cover additional areas of interest or for complementary skills. Students are encouraged to take on additional challenges when appropriate.
Science
Students are taught the processes of scientific investigation, which underlies all systematic exploration of the natural world. Through study and hands-on experimentation, they learn the skills of observing, measuring, experimenting, quantifying, predicting, analyzing, and thinking critically.
Science becomes the focus during many of the thematic units. Some examples of past themes include space, pond ecology, oceanography, genetics, heat, light and sound, simple machines, and anatomy. Frequent field trips take the program beyond class discussions, reading, and experimentation.
Science is taught through a combination of physics, chemistry, earth science, and life science, with a broad emphasis on environmental science throughout. In keeping with our school-wide emphasis on “Green” awareness and practices, the students learn in the context of environmental understanding and exploration. Whenever appropriate, students visit sites in the community to support the scientific studies of the classroom. In addition, students conduct scientific studies on their own, based on personal interest.
Social Studies
Social Studies is an “umbrella” term for the study of history, geography, anthropology, sociology, and political science. As children growing up in a globally connected world, our students need to learn not only about their own culture and heritage but also about those of other nations and peoples. Beyond teaching geography, economics, and history, we seek to imbue children with a sense of excitement and curiosity about the past, present, and future nature of the world. We give them a sense of the roles they might play within it as well-educated, ethical, and concerned world citizens.
The social studies themes encompass specific time periods or geographic areas that are often examined from a global perspective. Students explore each specific era through the study of historical events, geography, economics, government, culture, and technology. Teachers employ holistic learning approaches, which include strategies in problem solving, conflict resolution, and mediation in relating to peers at school and later in life. Some other social studies activities in which the students may participate include print and electronic research; map making; role playing simulations; expository and fictional writing; examination of source documents; study of historical novels; and exposure to the art, music, poetry and food of other cultures. Visits to museums, concerts, and plays further extend the understanding of these topics.
Computers/Technology
The school offers a comprehensive technology curriculum in which students learn to combine text, sound, and images, using the school’s ample computer and digital media resources. A fully networked and wireless environment enables students to take advantage of technology applications across all academic subject areas. In fourth and fifth grades, students work with their own laptops, and technology is integrated into regular subject areas.
Community Service
Every classroom incorporates community service into its activities. These commitments might include fundraising for causes through work-based activities, supporting the school environment, or helping in the larger community by traveling as a class to work with organizations in need.
Specials Classes
Summers-Knoll offers art, music, physical education and French twice weekly for 45-50 minutes per class. In addition to French, all grades also receive one hour of Latin instruction per week.
Art
Summers-Knoll provides instruction in the skills of drawing, painting, design, and ceramics, integrating art history, creative exploration of media and form, and relationships with local artists and their work. The fine arts are also integrated into the school’s thematic units. Our technology resources also enable students to develop photographic and computer graphics skills. Field trips such as to local museums, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and the Toledo Art Museum provide depth to the art program.
Foreign Languages
- French
Young children possess a natural and unbounded love of learning and a joyful curiosity. These characteristics make the introduction of a new language a delight. At Summers-Knoll the learning of the beautiful language of French, set against its rich culture and history, aims to harness the students' natural responses to learning. The skills of speaking, reading and writing are acquired through listening and imitation, stories and music, games and art, with an emphasis on conversational French. Immersion with only as much English as is necessary for explanation is the goal, so that exposure to French mimics the way a child is first exposed to his or her own first language. We aim to explore French together as an experience of academic discovery and joy. - Latin
The study of Latin supports children’s understanding of the English language, as well as the structure of Romance languages such as French, Spanish and Italian. It develops their grasp of grammar and spelling, and gives them a deep feeling for the beauty and structure of words. Latin at Summers-Knoll is based in the work of the great poets and the culture of ancient Rome. The children are inspired by the poetry, customs and thoughts of ancient times, and connect them with their own lives, customs, thoughts, and use of language.
Physical Education
The physical education program at Summers-Knoll is designed to provide children and adolescents with a variety of physical experiences, ranging from gymnastics, individual and team sports and games, swimming, fitness, and wellness activities. Emphasis is placed on establishing personal health and fitness goals in order to set children on a life-long path of making healthy choices.
Music
At Summers-Knoll, students learn music through a wide variety of experiences, including voice, experimentation with instruments, composition, and Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze lessons and activities. These approaches come together to create a unique program including movement, speech, singing, ear-training, playing percussion instruments and recorders, reading, creating, and listening. Through the Orff process, students work with and learn the basic elements of music through imitation, exploration, improvisation, creation, and literacy activities. Various musical experiences from the simple to complex, in a language that is easily understood, provide opportunities for the children to learn by doing. Music education at Summers-Knoll nurtures self-esteem, provides opportunities for each child to get in touch with their musical being, and allows for learning more about solving problems and working with others in a community of music-makers.
