Learning

We believe that by fostering a love for reading in children opens a world of possibilities for children. Reading is an active, cognitive process. Children develop a passion for reading when they are exposed to meaningful and exciting literature. Our classroom libraries offer a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction literature for children at all reading levels. Every child at Cold Spring is read-aloud to each day. Phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and guided reading are all building blocks to developing proficiency and fluency in reading. Through specific instruction in reading comprehension, we provide opportunities for children to make text-to-self connections, text-to-text connections, and text-to-world connections. Research is integral to the development of our curriculum and providing choice and variety in books is what we do.

It is important to us that children see themselves as writers from the youngest ages. From the very start through scribbles, pictures, and words to writing elaborate fictional stories and research papers, we guide children through a deliberate writing process. We believe that surrounding children with a literacy-rich environment inspires writing. Using Lucy Calkins approach of teaching writing, mini-lessons provide children with practice in building their skills in the mechanics and content of writing. Peer and teacher conferences give students specific, individualized feedback on their work. Our goal is to create deliberate, strategic, thoughtful writers. We teach manuscript and cursive writing at Cold Spring School, something that we value tremendously. Often, writing is done in conjunction with thematic studies.

At Cold Spring, the Everyday Math curriculum develops a deep, conceptual understanding of mathematical content. Through spiraling, concepts are revisited and learning is spread over time. A dedicated hour of math each day for Grades 2-6 allows teachers to teach in grade-specific small groups and differentiate instruction accordingly. Facts and skills, balanced with the exploration of the more creative, problem-solving aspects of Math, are directly taught, practiced, and frequently assessed. With an emphasis on explaining one’s mathematical thinking, math discourse creates opportunities for students to share different thoughts and perspectives. Immersed in a rich, open, collaborative classroom environment in which mistakes are valued and creativity of thought is encouraged, students of all ages have multiple opportunities to freely pose questions, show their thinking, represent their understanding, see connections within their ideas, and in general, build learning of mathematical concepts from simple to complex. 

Thematic Studies like Community, Personal Histories, Crossing Borders, and more, provide the framework for social studies content to emerge in the classrooms. Through specifically-designed curriculum, children learn about past and current issues that may be prevalent in society and understand the influence of societal structures. Using primary and secondary sources, students engage in extensive research around their areas of study. Whenever possible, students have the opportunity to engage in informed action within or outside the school community.

Through first-hand experiments, this hands-on, project-based curriculum promotes scientific inquiry and experimentation in classrooms and in the Tinkering Lab. Children are taught to make predictions, test hypothesis, evaluate, and apply information individually or in small groups. Often, thematic studies provide the framework for scientific content to emerge. Presenting data and conclusions through experiments, creating models, or writing papers is also part of the process.

Technology at Cold Spring grows with age. As children progress through the grades, they engage with technology which supports curriculum and content. Learning isn’t just about getting access to doing more complex technology but it is also about being responsible with it. Learning to evaluate and trust sources of information and exercise responsible digital citizenship is specifically taught as children engage with more technology.

Filled with a range of engaging materials like cardboard, marbles, wood, clay, fabrics, wire and more, the Tinkering Lab is a place where children create, test ideas, problem solve, and take risks in learning.  Projects and activities serve as a framework for tactile experiences that develop fine motor skills and engage children in science, math, and engineering concepts.  Through coordination with thematic studies occurring in grade-level classrooms, long term projects are developed that broaden the experiences of discovery and learning in the Tinkering Lab.  The program offers endless possibilities for creativity and exploration of materials and gives children opportunities to think like designers and innovators.

Using a full immersion approach, Spanish at Cold Spring begins in preschool with exposure to the language and vocabulary through songs, stories, and everyday phrases. As children progress through the grades, the complexity of content and the frequency of classes increases. Along with the teaching of grammar, reading, and writing of the language, projects are designed and integrated in conjunction with thematic studies in classrooms. Through their research, children learn about the cultures, traditions, food, festivals and more of different Spanish speaking countries. Our goal is to help children understand the learning of another language, be comfortable during conversations, and also appreciate the rich Spanish culture and heritage of different countries. 

The Orff method and other pedagogical methods that provide the framework for music at Cold Spring engage a child’s mind through percussion instruments and singing. This developmental approach resembles a child’s world of play. Through playing, reading, writing, and composing music, children gain proficiency and efficiency with music. At fourth grade, children learn to play the recorder. Songs bind the community together at our weekly School Meeting. Older children often play music for the younger students and perform at events such as graduation and concerts.

Art at Cold Spring is a fully immersive, hands-on experience. In a light-filled, beautiful Art Studio, children learn the principles of art and create original pieces that reflect each child’s individuality and self expression. We believe in taking children through an intentional, step-by-step process of creating their own work and feeling a sense of pride in the process. Teaching children to appreciate their own art as well as others is incredibly important as children develop as artists and creators. Through a collaborative, sequential process, learning in thematic studies is often represented through art over many months. We value the process of creating art as well as the final pieces of work that children create and adorn our school hallways and classroom walls.

We believe that a healthy attitude towards fitness and exercise has a positive influence on the social, emotional. and physical wellbeing of all children. Using a wide variety of equipment, a planned, sequential curriculum allows for the development of specific physical skills. Non-competitive games provide a safe and supportive environment for children to develop respect, responsibility, empathy, and sportsmanship. As a way of building ownership and confidence, students are often encouraged to create games to play with their classmates. In partnership with City Climb, a local climbing gym, and with proper climbing equipment, students in grades 2-6 climb on our climbing wall to build strength, endurance, confidence and problem-solving skills. Learning and practicing the skills for sports like soccer, basketball, volleyball, kickball and more are also part of the fitness curriculum.