A Day In The Life of a 1st or 2nd Grade Apprentice
At Clark Fork School, Missoula
Morning Meeting
Our community gathers on the carpet right away at 8:30 AM for our morning meeting. At this important briefing, we greet each other, discuss the day’s schedule, and set the tone for our planned activities. We have so much to learn and do as apprentices to our craft. Developing and expanding our skills as readers, writers, and mathematicians takes precedence each morning, while our sense-of-place focus underlies everything we do. Activities are designed to meet a broad range of abilities and interests, and incorporate a diverse set of learning styles.
Mathematics
A mid-morning snack and recess helps to recharge our batteries as the course of studies continues. Singapore Math at a variety of levels guides us through our math instruction. After establishing a common mathematics vocabulary and basic number concepts,our small class size allows us the luxury of having students with varying interests and aptitudes shift into suitable levels of the curriculum. Those who require extra time and practice are given that opportunity. Those who grasp things quickly are allowed to progress at their own accelerated pace.
Thematic Studies and Fine Arts
After lunch and recess, our instruction turns toward more in-depth thematic studies and fine arts. Research and report writing, creative writing, poetry, music, and art may all be interwoven into a particular broader theme being explored throughout the year. Weekly art and music explorations, sometimes jointly with older or younger students, encourages the creative and social development of our apprentice aged students.
Science, Nature, and Exploration of Our World
Phenological studies related to our neighborhood, community, state, and region are touchstones that set the framework for many of our studies and field experiences. Daily weather graphing and seasonal field notes are shared. Weekly saunters into our community help us practice our scientific observation skills and nature journaling, while simultaneously building a responsible and loving relationship with our world.
2:30 Arrives Quickly
The day ends all too quickly. We are often surprised to discover that it is 2:30 PM and time to get ready to head home! Our day was spent fruitfully in a community committed to developing the whole child: academically, creatively, and socially.
