Instruction

Larger View Monthly teacher literacy meetings provide an opportunity to discuss ELA. Larger View Math instruction typically takes one hour each day. Larger View Hands on activities is a hallmark of science education at Avon Primary School Larger View Library Media Specialist Holly Mullin launches a reading investigation with the help of a friend. Larger View Stage performance is an integral part of the music program. Larger View Teachers have received training on Guided Reading from reading specialist Mrs. Tina Fortune.

The Avon Primary School follows the standards established by New York State.  To access the State Education Department site and view the standards click here.  

English Language Arts:

The area of English Language Arts is a top priority for the school.  The school embraces a balanced approach to literacy of which the concept of Guided Reading (Fountas and Pinnell) is a part.  Teachers are required to have guided reading groups within their classrooms.  In grades K through 4, students are grouped heterogeneously for reading instruction; therefore guided reading groups are essential in meeting the needs of individual learners within a classroom.  You can access a PowerPoint on guided reading below under related files.  Staff development in the area of balanced literacy has been on-going.  A tremendous amount of energy went into the selection of the Scott Foresman reading program as a resource for teachers.  Presently, the teaching staff is working on curriculum development in the area of writing.  All teachers utilize the assessment tool known as The 6 +1 Traits of Writing to provide feedback to students on their written work.  Students in third and fourth grade are given the ELA test in January each year.  Each teacher in  the school is very familiar with these assessments.  To view a sample of the NYS ELA assessments click here.   Reading specialists, Mrs. Sandy Kaufmann and Mrs. Tina Fortune, provide staff with on-going assistance and training through monthly literacy meetings.

Math: 

Teachers in the Primary School use the Everyday Mathematics program.  Avon Central School first implemented this in the 2005-2006 school year.  The program is constructivist in nature and is not a “traditional” math program.  In a constructivist classroom students are typically involved in group work and there is a productive noise that fills the room.  The teacher acts more as a facilitator of the students’ learning rather than directly instructing the class.  Teachers are expected to teach math for approximately one hour per day.  Students in the third and fourth grade are given the NYS Mathematics Test in March.  The test focuses on the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics.  The test also asks students to show their work and, often times, to explain their answers.  Each teacher is very familiar with these state math assessments.  To view a sample of the NYS mathematics assessments click here.  The Primary School math committee meets regularly and continues to monitor implementation of the math program.  Staff members Mr. Tony Patti and Mr. John Hoder have received a great deal of training in constructivist math and provide teachers with on-going assistance and training.  For greater detail on the math program, please click here.

Science:

Avon Primary believes firmly in the need of science instruction through "hands-on" learning.  Grade levels order science kits each year through the Elementary Science Program through Monroe 2 - Orleans BOCES.  To access additional information on the kits from BOCES click here.  New York State tests fourth graders in May.  The ESPET test is comprised of an objective and a manipulative portion. 

Social Studies:

Our social studies curriculum follows the New York State guidelines.  The social studies curriculum was recently written during the course of the past two years.  New York State tests grade five students in social studies in November.  The test is comprised of an objective portion and includes constructive response and document based questions.  

Library:

The Library curriculum is based on the New York State Standards for English-Language Arts, in connection with the nine Information Literary Standards, which were developed by the American Association of School Libraries.  The focus of the program centers on an interdisciplinary approach of providing lessons and activities to further the development of the skills and strategies necessary to meet the expectations set forth in the standards.  An integral part of the program is to encourage students to read, and to introduce students to a wide variety of writing styles, authors and genres of literature.  Mrs. Holly Mullin serves as our Librarian.

Music:

The elementary music program focuses on the enjoyment of music, with an understanding of its elements such as rhythm, melody, and harmony.  The program adheres to the New York State and national standards.  Performance opportunities are numerous through class plays and also includes a fourth grade chorus as well.  Ms. Alexandra Pleten serves as our music teacher.

Physical Education:

Physical Education is an integral part of the entire educational process.  Our curriculum promotes learning through a variety of movement experiences that are in alignment with New York State and National Program Standards.  The physical education program at Avon Primary sets a foundation for the development of physical fitness and an appreciation of lifetime physical activities.  In addition the Physical Education program enhances cognitive skills such as problem solving, decision-making and creative thinking.  The curriculum provides opportunities for the integration of physical education with other sujbect areas.  Mr. Andy Braun and Mrs. Maura Kostraba serve as our Physical Education teachers.

Visual Arts:Visual Arts are taught as a disciplined based art education program.  This means that art history; art production, aesthetics and criticism are the four components of each lesson or unit.  In addition, the curriculum and performance assessments are aligned with NYS Standards.  A strong emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary learning in the art curriculum.  Primary art projects are often literature based to promote and support our English Language Arts program.  Ms. Allison Pitkin serves as our art teacher.

Guided Reading PowerPoint (ppt file - 13322 KB)

PPT file: You need Microsoft PowerPoint to view this file. Download a free PowerPoint viewer for PC or Macintosh. Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for PowerPoint 2007 File Formats

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