Middle Level (3rd grade - single grade class; 4th grade - single grade class)
At this level, the children are thinking about what they are learning in critical and creative ways. Their developing skills begin to have practical applications and the curriculum becomes increasingly integrated. They use the library and the Internet to do research, collaborate on long-term projects in social studies, and participate in literary discussions and debates. The children are grouped by skill level for language arts and mathematics. At other times, as in social studies, math Lab, or Writing Workshop, the children meet as a whole group, in order that they may benefit from one another’s strengths and learning styles.
In math, the children continue their conceptual study of the basic operations using problem-solving strategies applied real-life situations. In language arts, they have progressed from learning to read to reading to learn. Halfway through the year, the format shifts to "reading workshop" in which children pair up to read, discuss, and write reports on selected pieces of literature.
The social studies curriculum, rotating in a two-year cycle, expands the growing awareness of the children’s own world with a study of Native American cultures and immigration. Field trips to Ellis Island, the Native American Museum, and the Tenement Museum enhance their studies.
Homework becomes more disciplined and challenging, with many long-term assignments extending for several weeks. Assignments for the entire week are given out on Monday, requiring the children to practice organizing their time.
