ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Every growing person is driven by the need to belong, to feel that their presence is important, and to participate in playful, engaging experiences.
The IDEAL School provides the correct balance of nurture and challenge for enthusiastic, inquisitive elementary students. From field trips, Skype experiences, guest experts, and daily recess ( twice a day) to service learning, class productions, and interdisciplinary design projects ( S.T.E.A.M.), our brain research based innovative program is designed to engage 21st-century learner excels in academics and life.
At IDEAL we are aware that students must be prepared for tomorrow’s challenges with a rigorous academic curriculum. Our elementary students average 1-3 years above grade level on standardized tests. However, at IDEAL, these achievements only form the foundation for sustained academic success.
At IDEAL School, our goal is the true understanding of questions and problems. We rely on more than just textbooks to convey information. By teaching through relevant experiences we ensure our students don’t memorize facts, but develop a genuine understanding of the curriculum. Each day teachers turn familiar elementary school topics into memorable celebrations to ensure true understanding.
QUICK FACTS
- School Days: Mon-Fri 8AM - 3PM
- Advanced Brain Based Multiple Intelligence curriculum created by school founder Wendy Soderman B.A., B.Ed.
- Our elementary students average 1-3 years above grade level on standardized tests.
WHY IDEAL ELEMENTARY?
IDEAL learning experiences are relevant, intriguing, enchanting- they are novel hooks that draw your child in to an intellectual adventure full of passion and joy.
The IDEAL Responsive Classroom and practices are built on the fundamental belief that every growing person is driven by the need to belong, to feel that their presence is important, and to participate in playful, engaging experiences. Establishing a democratic classroom that focuses on the developmental social and emotional needs of our students is fundamental to the creation of self-regulation in children.
Walking into an IDEAL Responsive Classroom on any given day, you will see the enchanting effect of these central principles in a variety of ways; from the teachers choice of positive words, to active modeling of expectations, to collaborative choice, and student- owned approach to classroom rules and conduct. The IDEAL teaching team models and inspires our students with the C.A.R.E.S. approach: Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy and Self-Regulation. These principles are nurtured within our students every day in every, IDEAL School learning experience.
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COOPERATION
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ASSERTION
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RESPONSIBILITY
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EMPATHY
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OUR CURRICULUM
The IDEAL School’s key initiative is to enhance innovative learning for every student by connecting the science of learning – how the brain works, to ALL aspects of the child’s educational journey. We as a school continue to learn and implement important findings from neuroscience at this pivotal point in time wherein the apexes of both educational theory and brain research overlap.
Educational neuroscience tells us that students benefit from instruction that does not restrict ideas to conceptual deserts stranded by textbooks and standardized tests.
Learning is transformative and engaging by the expressive stimuli that all of the Multiple Intelligences create when incorporated in an enriching learning experience.
Curriculum Concepts for Understanding
At IDEAL School, curriculum concepts are represented in all eight Intelligences to allow for individual differences and provide a greater opportunity for understanding.
Rather than a single generalized ability called “intelligence”, IDEAL believes that all children possess multiple intelligences (MI). IDEAL believes that intelligence is not fixed. In fact, recent brain research now proves that intelligence can be strengthened and that stronger intelligences may be used to strengthen weaker ones. Not all students know, understand, and learn in the same way. Each student possesses all eight intelligences and it is IDEAL’s goal to develop each intelligence to its full potential. Therefore, IDEAL’s philosophy of education focuses not only on how “smart” a child is but rather how is the child “smart”.
For example, when teaching Boyle’s Law (Science Concept), the IDEAL School teacher:
- Gives a written definition (Linguistic)
- Gives the students a mathematical equation (Logical-Mathematical)
- Has the students fill their mouth with air and then squeeze it to release the air (Bodily Kinesthetic)
- Has the students stand in a group and then step closer and closer (Interpersonal)
- Has the students think of a time when they had to go from multiple lines to one (Intrapersonal)
- Has the students picture squeezing a pimple on their face (Visual-Spatial & Intrapersonal)
- Has the students sing the definition to the tune of a familiar song (Musical Rhythmic)
- Has the students think about a diver coming up from a dive (Naturalist)
CORE SUBJECTS
M.I. Mathematics
We employ Multiple Intelligence lessons that bring interaction and relevancy to math to build understanding, self-esteem and confidence.
Mathematics at IDEAL is based on the Pearson enVisionmath2.0 curriculum. This curriculum addresses the latest teaching strategies and ensures students are fully prepared for their mathematic futures. EnVisionmath2.0 drives the effective use of new technology to personalize learning and improve outcomes. More dynamic, interactive content objects offer expanded support of the instructional model as an authentic learning experience.
IDEAL math lessons actively engage learners, provide in-depth instruction, and translate math concepts to real -world applications. There is a teacher and assistant (as needed) in each math class during instruction and skill practice. Students who demonstrate a high level of mastery in mathematics are moved to the next grade level for math instruction and application.
M.I. Language Arts
With a consistent focus on reading, writing, and presenting, IDEAL School’s comprehensive and challenging Language Arts curriculum prepares children for success in their future academic endeavors.
The Language Arts program is centered on a unique and carefully designed curriculum that develops students’ reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through differentiated Multiple Intelligence instruction. These engaging thematic lessons aim to develop and enhance the critical and creative thinking skills needed to become lifelong learners and innovative thinkers. The program is carefully crafted by a creative and experienced group of professionals, in order to provide continuity throughout the scholar’s educational career, as well as, foster a love of learning.
The language arts curriculum at IDEAL integrates composition, literature, and instruction in the program. The rationale for this is to place genuine reading and composing at the center of the curriculum and place skill instruction within, rather than before, the love of reading and writing. There is a teacher and trained assistant in each class room to work with small groups during language arts.
*Students who demonstrate a high level of mastery in language arts are advanced to the next grade level.
M.I. Science
The foundation of Science education is learning through hands-on exploration and experimentation. Students at IDEAL School are encouraged to develop research-based hypotheses and to achieve results through peer collaboration and ongoing faculty mentorship.
Students develop critical thinking skills and experience a sense of accomplishment by asking questions and reaching academic goals through the use of whole-brain learning techniques and the Multiple Intelligence Theory.
Each year, students learn about a new facet of science. The IDEAL School curriculum focuses on Earth Science, Physical Science, and Life Science while developing strong scientific literacy and foundational skills of scientific experimentation using the scientific method.
Students immerse themselves in scientific reading and writing tasks, research opportunities and engineering challenges. Each lesson incorporates hands-on experiences, which are supported by innovative technological tools and expert faculty guidance. Additionally, off campus learning and Skype talks with experts in various scientific fields, help to take learning beyond the classroom and to encourage students to reach their academic potential.
Finally, IDEAL School students are awarded participants each year of the Palm Beach County Science Fair.
M.I. Social Studies
At IDEAL, social studies is integrated with all the other areas throughout the school day and in conjunction with the social studies curriculum.
Challenging multiple intelligence Social Studies instruction includes internet global partnerships, debates, discussions, field trips, projects/presentations, active role-playing, and simulations that are engaging and require critical thinking. The program allows students to explain relationships with other people, institutions, and with the environment, and equips them with knowledge and understanding of the past to become responsible local, national, and global citizens.
The elementary Social Studies curriculum opens by introducing young minds to the community around us. The focus discusses the importance of past and present day community members, what these roles entail and how these roles affect us and our community. Students are provided with various real life learning experiences through guest speakers and field trips that bring the curriculum to life in our own backyard!
Moving into third and fourth grade, students build upon these social studies skills by moving from community to a more expansive study. The history of the state of Florida becomes the spotlight, along with exploring all of the states and their capitals. To begin, students work in collaborative project based learning groups where they build a 3 dimensional map of Florida, inclusive of wetlands, drylands, significant cities, and all of the important characteristics of a map. Following, students will learn and explore about the many tribes that lived in Florida and how these tribes lived and loved the land. The curriculum then turns the focus to the explorers who discover Florida. There is a heavy focus on Juan Ponce de Leon, Panfillo de Navarez and the history behind their journey. The curriculum finally unfolds with learning experiences that explore how Florida becomes part of the United States of America and the politics and battles that created our state today.
In Fifth Grade, students will explore the events that led the American colonies to fight for their independence and the struggles that were faced once the nation was established.
CO-CURRICULAR
In the afternoon, elementary students enjoy a variety of co-curricular activities that include Physical Education (two 60 minute classes a week), Fine Arts & Theater, Technology and Spanish.
Physical Education
We believe, athletics teach skills and provide valuable experiences that cannot be replicated in other areas of school life. Physical education prepares children to be physically and mentally active, fit and healthy…for life.
In addition to the positive health effects, physical education aides in motor skill development, facilitates self-discipline and student responsibility for health, develops leadership and cooperative learning skills, strengthens peer relationships, improves self-confidence and improves academics.
The purpose of the elementary and middle school physical education program is to develop and enhance each student physically, socially, and emotionally. The physical education curriculum includes a variety of individual and team sports, fitness, dance, and cooperative team-building activities. We provide students will regular, healthful physical activity two times per week with our qualified coaches.
Coach Yamon Figurs, a former, professional NFL wide receiver directs our Physical Education Program for grades 5-8. This summer Coach Figurs is busy training as a member of the US Olympic Rugby Team! Students are put in a competitive and challenging, yet safe and healthy, environment in order to enhance their skills. Every student is encouraged to challenge themselves and reach new levels of physical fitness and acquire new sport skills.
Motor Skill Development
Self-Discipline
Responsibility for Health
Leadership Skills
Cooperative Learning Skills
Strengthens Peer Relationships
Self-Confidence
Improves Academics
Fine Arts
The IDEAL Art program offers the opportunity to think creatively and express ideas as well as learn problem-solving skills and communication skills. Students will have fun designing, constructing and evolving into mini Picassos all while enjoying the process of creating art…and having FUN!
The early program focuses on building a solid vocabulary based on the elements of design and composition. Children will create using a variety of media and study the work of master artists such as Georgia O’Keefe, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Kandinsky and Rousseau. Our budding artists will embark on new adventures while exploring art genres and learning new techniques.
As students advance to dream bigger in the art program, they will be given the opportunity to unleash their creative energy and innovation. This is achieved through student exposure to various artworks, tools and media in a nurturing studio environment where imagination and artistry manifest freely in the works that are produced.
Theater
Under the tutelage and thoughtful direction of IDEAL’s theater arts teacher, Flint Keller, students in Dream Drama learn basic stage notation, stage terminology, and roles in a staged production.
Further training includes expressing character through movement and voice, and understanding plot structure and character change. While cooperating in teams to solve problems, students develop deeper sensory awareness and personal creativity. When students place themselves in other contexts—walk in others’ shoes—this bolsters empathy both in life and in reading. Dream Drama is a program students will always remember.
Each grade, fifth through eighth, will spend approximately 30-35 sessions creating a theatrical production that will be memorable for students and audiences alike.
Technology
IDEAL School utilizes the Trajectory curriculum which features Microsoft Office and Google Drive. The Trajectory curriculum includes four comprehensive units per year designed by technology experts with years of experience teaching K-8 computer literacy.
Each unit is designed to integrate current classroom studies and global issues as the academic focus. For example, students may design a brochure about their favorite explorer from their social studies curriculum. The Trajectory curriculum provides a plat-formed process designed to build technology skills from year to year that exceed national standards. Detailed, age-appropriate lessons enhance classroom content integration and allow both teacher-led and student-led activities.
Trajectory is based on a technology scope and sequence that identifies 350 learning objectives in 10 different technology areas including word processing; spreadsheets; databases; desktop publishing; graphic design and multimedia.
These literacy objectives establish the framework for a technology program that ensures continuity as students age. It also ensures that students don’t just learn the software applications, they seamlessly apply it to all aspects of the coursework.
Spanish
Learning a second language starts by loving it. At IDEAL School, we provide meaningful and fun experiences for children through a range of Multiple Intelligences activities to create wonderful memories with the new language.
In addition to learning essential grammar, verbs, conjugations, vocabulary, and expressions, students are also encouraged to translate and work on pronunciation; Middle school grades are exposed to current Latin musical influences in every class, they have the opportunity to attend a Hispanic Flamenco Ballet show and to learn and practice Latin dance. Our students also have the chance to do Skype conferences with Spain and learn about their friends’ lives on the other side of the ocean.
AUTHENTIC LEARNING
ELEMENTARY SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
- Festive Entry
- Preping for the Day
- Early Bird News
- Emotional Intelligence Huddle
- MI Mathematics Lesson (75min)
- Recess (30min)
- Language Arts (120min)
- Fine Dining
- Walk & Talk (30min)
- Co-Curricular Activity #1 (60min)
- Co-Curricular Activity #2 (60min)
- Science
- Social Studies
- Recapitulation and Reflection – A joyful creative recall and summary of enchanting day
- Dismissal – The final component of the IDEAL day is our joyful gathering in the Village for dismissal
