Art is offered to all students in kindergarten through grade four to familiarize children with basic art skills and concepts. Children are introduced to a wide variety of media through a flexible, sequential approach to the development of skills, understanding and appreciation of art.
Computer Education provides students with opportunities to develop computer proficiency. Computers are used by students for exploration and research and to enhance personal and classroom projects. Teachers integrate computers and technology into the instructional program.
Health Education helps each student to understand the relationship between physical and emotional health and to develop skills for making healthful choices in life. AIDS education and information about growth and development are part of this program.
Language Arts/Reading begins for all children in kindergarten and continues through fourth grade. The link between reading and writing is emphasized, focusing on strategies to encourage students to become independent readers while mastering the skills of writing. Multiple opportunities are provided for listening, speaking, reading and writing. Process writing and a literature based approach are incorporated into the program. The emphasis of the program is development of vocabulary, comprehension skills and narrative as well as expository writing skills. Non-fiction and fiction trade books and a basal series are utilized.
Library: The library program strives to promote the appreciation and enjoyment of books. The children at Goodwin have a thirty minute period each week for selecting books. The number of books each student may borrow varies according to grade level. Kindergarten children are encouraged to take out one book, first and second graders can take two books, and third and fourth graders can take three books. Notice for overdue books are sent out weekly. If a book has been missing for a month, a bill is then sent.
Math instruction is designed to help students master basic math concepts and develop a positive attitude toward the subject. The purpose of our program is to prepare students to function mathematically both inside and outside the classroom. Students participate in activities that enable them to develop problem-solving skills and mathematical concepts consistent with the student's ability. The math program emphasizes developmental math skills, probelm-solving using hands-on materials, and practical mathematical applications to daily living.
Music is designed to help students find pleasure and satisfaction by participating in a variety of musical experiences through singing, listening and playing. Musical experiences for students continue to emphasize a hands-on approach. Instrumental music lessons are offered to fourth grade students at the Middle School before the start of the elementary school day.
Physical Education is based on a movement exploration approach. Children progress at an individual pace to explore and discover their own physical capabilities. Problem solving, discovery learning, and creative movement are used as tools to help children develop a broad foundation of basic motor skills. These fundamental skills can later be refined to more specific sports, recreational and leisure activities, lifetime physical fitness, and work related activities. In the Physical Education program, the child is introduced to a variety of activities which promote group cooperation, individual success, and the development of self confidence. Children learn the concepts of how their bodies work and move and how this movement relates to activities as well as the development of health and physical fitness.
Science uses a variety of materials to teach life, physical and earth sciences. Units emphasize the process approach and the integration of math-related skills. the development of each student's self-awareness and an understanding of his/her place in the environment is part of the curriculum.
Social Studies teaches skills and develops attitudes that promote good citizenship. Students gain an understanding of their roles and responsibilities as members in their ever-expanding world including family, school, neighborhood, community, state, country, nation and world.
Spanish is offered fifteen minutes daily to grade 2, 3, and 4 students. The primary emphasis is on the enjoyment of learning to understand and speak a world language, as well as expanding student awareness of the many Hispanic cultures.
Special Physical Education parallels the regular physical education program in its goals and objectives. A primary goal is to serve each student in the least restrictive environment in order to maximize the child's full potential. The instructor teaches the skills necessary for the student to become more successful in all environments (physical education class, playground, and team sports). Upon referral, the program can be tailored to individual or small group needs.
Suzuki (Violin and Cello) is offered using the "mother-tongue" method of imitation and rote learning which parallels that of acquiring language skills at an early age.
Title I at Goodwin School provides service to kindergarten through fourth grade students in need of additional academic support. We are part of a town-wide K-8 program funded by the federal government and the town of Mansfield. Qualifications for the program are based on assessments both formal and informal throughout the year. Students who are performing below standards are eligible for receiving services.
The goal of Title I is to ensure the academic success as well as personal achievement for each child. In order to meet this goal, Title I provides at least two hours per week of additional support to a child's regular reading and/or math program. The classroom teachers and the Title I staff collaborate on a regular basis to adjust teaching methods and materials to the individualized needs of each child. Services can vary from in-class support to an individual or small group pull-out program.
Students can qualify for Title I for a number of reasons. Some children have had limited exposure to reading and math in their early years due to socio-economic or other critical circumstances. Children can also need more time and experience with certain concepts needed for solving math problems. Students who move to a new school may need time to adjust to a new curriculum. Other students may not advance as expected with the additional support due to an underlying learning disability. In this case a student would be referred to our Special Services Team for an evaluation.
The Title I program is reviewed and evaluated on an annual basis by a committee consisting of the curriculum coordinator, Title I K-8 staff, and parent representatives from each school. We meet in the Spring to review and send a survey to all parents. The program takes this information and makes any improvements needed for the following year. The Title I committee also works with the town library staff to organize a Title I Family Night. This event, held at the library, includes entertainment (such as a puppet show or a story teller), refreshments, and an opportunity to sign-up for a library card to check out books. This has been a very enjoyable evening for children and their families.
Parents are the most valuable resource to our staff. The student rate of achievement increases significantly with parent involvement and support. As parents, you know and understand your child best. Communicating your child's needs and feelings assists teachers in making school an enjoyable and rewarding place to be. The Title I staff is available to arrange a meeting with you at any time during the year. We also attend regular parent-teacher conferences, as well as schedule conferences with all parents in June. Please contact anyone of the following Title I staff at Goodwin School with questions you may have or email us on this web site.
Cindy Sederquest
Tom Rameaka
Holly McCarthy