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Reading and Writing
by McGrow-Hill Reading Wonders

Progressive 1st Grade - Reading and Writing
Language literacy is a critical component of education, empowering students to explore, understand, and interact with the world. At our institution, we believe that literacy skills are not just confined to language arts classes but are a cornerstone of all disciplines. To this end, we integrate literacy instruction throughout our curriculum, ensuring that students hone their communication skills in varied contexts.

Our commitment to literacy development is manifested in a variety of instructional strategies:

Interdisciplinary Approach: Embedding literacy instruction across all subject areas to foster inquiry and communication.

Diverse Learning Strategies: Utilizing a blend of techniques including reading and writing workshops, guided and shared reading, as well as shared writing exercises.

Oral and Visual Presentation: Encouraging oral and visual presentations to develop speaking and interpretative skills.

Classroom Discussions: Facilitating literature discussions to enhance critical thinking and interpretative skills.

Instructional Materials: Providing access to grade-appropriate instructional materials and a rich array of leveled reading texts.

Class Libraries: Maintaining general classroom libraries to foster a love for reading and self-directed learning.

Through these methods, we aim to nurture proficient listeners, articulate speakers, avid readers, and expressive writers, equipping our students with the literacy skills essential for success in any academic venture and beyond.

Typing & Writing Without Tears

Progressive 1st Grade - Typing & Writing
Our educational framework is dedicated to nurturing essential writing skills in students through proven, developmentally appropriate methods. Here’s an overview with key bullet points:

Handwriting Instruction: We will continue the Handwriting Without Tears program, which is research-based and designed to teach writing skills in an age-appropriate, effective manner.

Development of Good Habits: The program emphasizes the development of good handwriting habits, ensuring that students learn to write clearly and efficiently.

Introduction to Typing: As technology becomes increasingly integral to education, we continue working with students on typing skills through the Keyboarding Without Tears program.

Developmentally Appropriate Methods: Both handwriting and typing instructions are delivered using methods tailored to the developmental stages of young learners.

Seamless Learning Transition: The goal is to provide a seamless transition from handwriting to typing, equipping students with the necessary skills for both traditional and digital communication.

Promoting Effective Learning: By focusing on these fundamental skills, we aim to promote effective learning and set the foundation for academic success.

Home > Academics > First Grades > Fencing

Fencing

Why Fencing?

Improves speed, agility, flexibility, reflexes, and cardiovascular conditioning

Enhances integrity, sportsmanship, and desire to excel

Increases discipline, focus, and concentration

Develops strategic thinking and decision-making skills

Progressive 1st Grade - Fencing

What to expect?

First Grade students will be practicing with their classmates at the school, once a week. The program will be designed and overseen by fencing master Steve Kaplan, an Olympian, national champion, and owner of the Coobra Fencing Club in Jersey City. The classes will be led by master Willy Loyola. During each class, each fencer receives both group and one-on-one instruction. Each fencer progresses at his/her own pace. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced-level classes will be available at the club for AOE kindergarten alumni or those who would like to master the skill this year more than once a week. Your child will be advancing from one level to the next based on the instructor’s assessment, competition participation, and results. Every June, AOE will be organizing the Cobra end-of-the-year competition for the AOE student to commemorate their first year of fencing.