Core Programs

At New Haven Elementary School, teachers follow a balanced literacy framework that engages children in a variety of literacy experiences.

Balanced Literacy Components

Interactive Read Aloud - The teacher reads aloud to the whole class or small group.

Shared Reading - Using a text that all children can see, the teacher involves children in reading together.

Guided Reading/ Small Group Instruction - The teacher works with a small group of children who have similar reading processes.

Independent Reading - Children read on their own or with partners from a wide range of materials.

Shared/Interactive Writing - Teacher and children work together to compose stories.

Guided Writing - Teacher guides the process of writing and provides instruction through mini-lessons and conferences.

Independent Writing - Children write on their own.

Word Study - Grades K-5 use Words Their Way to teach phonics patterns.

Phonological Awareness- Grades K-2 use Heggerty Phonological Awareness to teach phonological skills throughout the course of the year.

MAISA Reading Workshop

K-5 uses the MAISA reading program developed by Oakland Schools. The lessons include several components of a reading workshop including a whole-group mini-lesson, read to a partner, practice by yourself, and debriefing on the lesson.

The Writing Workshop

K-5 uses the writing program, WriteSteps. The WriteSteps approach is also a management system that allows teachers to conference with individuals and small groups while the rest of the class works independently on composing pieces. Within this workshop setting, students are independently engaged in one of the following stages:

Pre-writing
Drafting
Revising
Editing
Publishing

Mathematics

Envision Math is the program used K-5. This program teaches concepts through lessons, activities, math games, and technology. The other benefit of this program is that core concepts are taught cyclically (periodically revisited) throughout the year. This allows learners of all abilities ample opportunities for practice and review.

Social Studies

Teachers at New Haven Elementary use Oakland Schools, Scholastic News, and the reading of current event articles to teach the standards for social studies.

Science

New Haven Elementary uses Mystery Science to teach science skills. The program includes interactive learning, on-line materials, hands-on activities and assessments.

Handwriting Development

New Haven Elementary uses the handwriting development program: Handwriting Without Tears in grades K-5.