Areas of Study

We consider the day to be broken into 3 main blocks, or areas of study: theme, literacy, & math.

Theme Study

Science and social studies topics are the core components of place-based learning and what we call the theme study block, with writing and reading projects linked appropriately and authentically to support and enhance the learning.

Place-based learning encourages finding reasons and solutions to real-life problems, which allows students to apply and use academic knowledge, fostering problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Theme study time emphasizes real world learning and includes exploration, hands-on projects, and authentic connection to the natural world and local community.

Students in all grades become scientists and historians by practicing age-appropriate skills such as observation and documentation, creating hypotheses, testing out theories, data collection, research, and collaboration and discussion with peers and experts in the field.

Areas of science study include physical, earth, and life science, and areas of social studies include history, geography, civics, and economics. We use our local resources as the avenue for connection to topics that may be more abstract, or ‘longer ago and farther away’.

Literacy

Our literacy curriculum is tied closely to theme studies topics to allow for deep understanding and mastery of content. Students become writers and readers as they explore their current science and social studies topics, as well as routinely learning and practicing foundational grammar and sentence mechanics techniques, spelling rules, and new vocabulary. Teachers expose students to all types of reading material throughout the grades and facilitate discussions that allow students to analyze content and share opinions of what they’ve read.

Over the years we work with students to gain comfort with all stages of the writing process, including brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and providing feedback for peers. Our goal for students is to become confident writers who have the tools and knowledge to share their creative thoughts and ideas on paper, as well as to analyze, compare and contrast, and develop a thesis and support it with evidence.

Math

We use Illustrative Mathematics curriculum in grades 1-4, and ConnectEd Math by McGraw Hill in grades 5-8. Our math teachers regularly enhance lessons by playing math games, providing weekly math challenges, and facilitating activities that allow students to connect and apply what they are learning in math classes to their place-based theme study projects.

A day in the life of our Brightfield students

7:45-8:15 a.m. – Flexible Drop Off

A flexible drop off time allows families a half hour window within which to drop off their child. As students arrive they can get organized, finish homework or work on an independent project, or read quietly before the school day begins.

8:15-8:45 a.m. – Morning Meeting

Using the Northeast Foundation for Children Responsive Classroom Approach, classes engage in a social emotional curriculum that sets a positive tone for the academic day ahead. During Morning Meeting each day, students and teachers build and maintain their community by greeting each other, sharing about themselves, engaging in fun activities, and previewing the day ahead.

8:45- 10:00 a.m. – Literacy

Instruction in reading, writing, spelling, and grammar are integrated seamlessly with science and social studies topics. Students gain core skills through authentic assignments, projects, and discussions.

10:00-10:30 a.m. – Snack

Snack is eaten outside, and students have time for a game or movement activity in between academic lessons.

10:30-12:00 a.m. – Math

Using a math curriculum that aligns with the Common Core State Standards, students participate in small group lessons and practice new concepts independently. Application of math learning is an essential part of students’ place-based experience.

12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch & Playtime

Students eat lunch outside every day, and participate in group games, imaginative free play, and seasonal activities.

1:00-1:20 p.m. – Independent Reading

After an active outside time, students settle down to read independently, either an assigned Literature Circle group book or one that they’ve chosen.

1:20-2:45 p.m. – Theme Studies

Students use the outdoor landscape as a natural extension of the classroom for place-based science and social studies learning. Hands-on experiences allow for engagement with the local environment and community.

2:45-3:00 p.m. – Closing Circle

The day ends with time to share and reflect during Closing Circle, as students highlight their favorite moments, something they’ve learned, or even something they’re looking forward to the next day.

3:00- 4:30 p.m. – After School Programming

Children registered for afterschool programming will transition to the care of afterschool staff where they will enjoy a healthy snack, pass a greeting and preview the afternoon’s plans. Afterschool programs are focused on robust extracurricular development and community action with an emphasis on exploration of seasonal themes through play. Themes have included: STEM, Running, Winter Sports, Farm, Theater, Mountain Biking, partnership with our local YMCA and more! We look forward to enjoying time on campus and off campus with our students in these hours after school.