Junior Classrooms
As a child moves through Grades 3-5, what is learned in the primary years is expanded. Through the junior grades, students grow in their thinking skills, social relationships and levels of independence. They learn how to problem solve; they think for themselves, making decisions because it was the best choice, not because an adult made the decision for them. They see how their gifts complement those of their peers and how their talents can benefit their classroom community.
Students begin to be "Peacemakers" on the playground during this time. They learn how to solve conflicts and assist younger students in reaching resolutions. Grades 3-5 students also participate as a "reading buddy", pairing up with younger school-mates and reading together once a week (up to this point, someone else was reading to them). They start to see themselves as older and wiser and enjoy taking on greater responsibilities.
Learning is done through group projects, literature circles, book reports, or researching. It often starts as teacher directed and teacher-led, then leads into individual or group work.
Homework is an integral part of school as students get older. It may now consist of math homework, learning French words and phrases, book reports, project research, in addition to reading logs and spelling lists. Students are given agendas in Grade 4 to teach them time management and organizational skills. Homework may now be nightly, rather than weekly, and can include work not finished in class.
As in the primary years, class meetings continue to take place. Class meetings are a time to share information with students, to make classroom decisions together or to solve problems within the class. Class meetings provide students with the opportunity to participate in a group exchange of ideas in a respectful, caring atmosphere. Rather than be informal (held when the need arises), class meetings are regularly scheduled and use a more structured method.
As with the primary grades, teachers and parents continue to work together, communicating regularly and supporting each other's decisions. They continue to promote a positive attitude and a joy for learning new things.
Throughout both the primary and junior years, spiritual development continues to be the goal. Integrating faith and learning is key. One focus is learning that "God Gave Me My Story". Seeing themselves as characters in His amazing story, is foundational to growing spiritually. This focus continues throughout their elementary education. We help students to understand their role in the school, in the London community, in their churches, in the global world and in God's amazing plan for their lives. We pray and work toward our students' growth in faith through the learning process.
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