Elementary

Willowwind uses Math in Focus, a Singapore-based approach, to teach math. This curriculum engages students with topics while allowing them to gain a deep understanding of math concepts. Math in Focus lessons interlock concepts and skills by teaching both "the why" and “the how.” The curriculum draws on students' prior knowledge to combine problem-solving strategies with critical thinking skills when approaching complex mathematical concepts. Primary grade students receive math instruction at their level to establish a solid foundation on which to grow. It is the goal of Math in Focus to ensure that students master content, not repeat it. Math in Focus ensures students are engaged in mastery level experiences, improve computational and problem-solving skills, and are prepared for algebraic thinking.

First and second grade students are continuing to develop strong foundational phonics skills, while also beginning to explore comprehension strategies. They are challenged to begin discussing and analyzing text more deeply through introductory book clubs. Independence and student choice are crucial to literacy development. Students work together in small groups to read and discuss literature that fits their reading abilities and interests. Decoding strategies and reading comprehension skills are explored and modeled during teacher-led times. Willowwind uses Jolly Grammar and Learning without Tears as curricular springboards. Expectations evolve as students gain more awareness of the writing process, word patterns, spelling, and handwriting. Students spend time during Writers' Workshop brainstorming, partner sharing, listing, drafting, revising, editing, publishing, and reading. Students are individually challenged by literacy projects and learn how to show grit by pursuing their personal best.

Primary grade students engage in a variety of exploratory class offerings each week. Exploratories aim to enhance the core curriculum and engage the whole child through enriching learning opportunities. Primary exploratory classes include, Visual Art, Music, Physical Education, STEAM, Integrated Arts, Spanish Language, Social Emotional Learning, and Group Discussion.

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Willowwind uses Math in Focus, a Singapore-based approach, to teach math. This curriculum engages students with topics while allowing them to gain a deep understanding of math concepts. Math in Focus lessons interlock concepts and skills by teaching both "the why" and “the how.” The curriculum draws on students' prior knowledge to combine problem-solving strategies with critical thinking skills when approaching complex mathematical concepts.  By teaching fewer topics in greater depth at each grade level and by using visual representations and modeling strategies, Math in Focus emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and computational fluency.

Students in third through sixth grades…

• Engage with mastery level experiences
• Improve efficiency and accuracy with computation
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Preparing for Algebra

third & fourth grades

Third and fourth marks an important transition from, “learning to read,” to “reading to learn.” Students continue to build explicit grammar and spelling skills, while taking their application of reading to a new level. The integration of literacy across content areas is emphasized in our third and fourth grade curriculum. Cross-curricular integration of literacy is an essential part of project-based learning. Most science or social studies projects culminate with students writing and presenting their work in some form. For example, while studying immigration, students write a historical fiction journal of an immigrant and eventually use their studies to write and perform a puppet show about immigrants. Third and fourth graders also participate in book clubs, giving them authentic ways to analyze and discuss texts with peers.

Students are engaged in literacy activities and topics throughout the year, such as…

• Read Aloud
• Speaking & Presenting
• Book Clubs
• Reading Comprehension Strategies
• Handwriting & Cursive
• Writing Conventions & Composition
• Spelling
• Independent Reading
• Keyboarding

Fifth & sixth grades

The literacy curriculum in fifth and sixth grades engages students in deep analysis of text and meaningful topics introduced through literature. Students are placed in literature circles based on their individual reading levels. Depending on the instructional level, these groups will engage in either guided reading sessions or literature talks throughout each week. Guided reading sessions will focus on increasing reading comprehension and fluency. Literature talks allow students to engage in meaningful, accountable discussions about a common text. Students engage in conversations within their literature circles and respond to prompts on their respective books. Literacy in fifth and sixth grade also provides students with opportunities to interact with social justice issues like race and gender through fiction and non-fiction literature. Students are encouraged to respectfully articulate their thoughts and opinions while learning to hear others' perspectives. Reading and writing units often correspond with project-based work in history and science, continuing to give emphasis to cross-curricular integration. Regardless of the writing unit (fiction or nonfiction), emphasis is placed on using the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. Students are expected to be actively engaged at each stage, teaching and learning from their peers.

Students are engaged in literacy activities and topics throughout the year, such as…

• Vocabulary
• Morphology & Etimology
• Literature Circles
• Writing Conventions, Process, & Purpose
• Read Aloud
• Independent Reading
• Speaking & Presenting
• Reading Comprehension Strategies

third & fourth grades

While studying structures of life, students research and present the needs of specific plants and animals and create diagrams to demonstrate their understanding of photosynthesis. Field trips to local parks allow students to observe interactions between the sun, plants and other creatures in a variety of habitats. In their study of magnets, students design and implement experiments to answer their own inquiries and use magnets to solve simple engineering problems. In the spring, students synthesize their understanding from both of these science units as they learn about energy transfer, such as magnetism, heat energy from the sun, and food as an energy source. Students analyze, interpret and present data from Willowwind School’s solar panels. They study earth systems and cycles, learning about and making models to demonstrate interactions between lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere. They learn about changes to the earth’s surface such as cycling earth materials, natural disasters, plate motion, and fossilization, complete with field trips to observe and discover land features and fossils first hand. Students also learn about space, venturing to the Science Center of Iowa and Planetarium in Des Moines.

Students compare and contrast the history, geography, government, and economy of Iowa with other states in the Midwest Region of the United States. They learn about the major geographic features of Iowa, how its geography has influenced the history and economy of Iowa, and historical events and important figures in Iowa’s history. Students also examine issues of social justice at home and abroad. They study the displacement of Native Americans as a result of European settlement across the United States and learn about immigration through guest speakers, interactive Ellis Island simulations, and other immersive activities.

Students engage with topics and projects, such as…

• Immigration Studies
• Culinary History
• Iowa & Iowa City History
• Regions of the United States
• Space Exploration
• Puppet Shows
• Invention Convention

fifth & sixth grades

Students learn scientific methodologies and experimental practices while refining their skills in innovative design and data management. They engage with the engineering design process as they dive into the world of robotics. Young scientists explore life at every level of organization to build an understanding of living systems, including ecosystems, scientists, populations, and individual organisms. The use and create models to enhance understanding of biological systems and functions.

Students explore American history from the formation of the Thirteen Colonies through the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. Our fifth and sixth graders engage in discussions and readings to address questions such as, “What shapes a society?” and “What happens when a society lacks critical resources?” As students prepare to participate in challenging discussions, lessons on civil discourse provide students with the tools they need to have productive, thoughtful, open-minded conversations. Students also examine the early development of hominids and investigate the key characteristics of the first human civilizations. By exploring how ancient people lived day-to-day, governed themselves, and solved problems related to environmental and other issues, students begin to see how the past informs our current way of life.

Students engage with topics and projects, such as…

• Medical Detectives
• Robotics
• Mixtures & Solutions
• History Fair
• Class Plays
• Documentary Films
• Living Systems
• Science Fair
• Prairie Cafe

Students in third through sixth grade weave nearly all aspects of their exploratory classes with core classroom life to create an all encompassing, immersive experience. Project work throughout the year continually integrates with art, music, and STEAM. Upper elementary students engage in weekly Visual Art, Integrated Arts, STEAM, Music, Physical Education, Spanish Language, Group Discussion, Creative Writing, and Social Emotional Learning classes.

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