Book Description

Broadbent describes programs she created and taught to combined first and second grade classes. Chapters include descriptions of programs designed to address a wide range of ages, intellectual levels, and abilities without limits for achievement - programs that parallel opportunities for healthy cognitive growth. Children were involved in self- initiated learning through exploration, discovery and experimentation, and motivating academic programs. Many programs, with a different level of achievement, are appropriate for younger, older, and gifted students. Upon reading this book, another teacher may either adapt all or part of these programs as written or using the design of these programs, create one's own. Her programs include: - a daily Choice Time discussing how cognitive gains formed are the tools required for successful achievement in all academic areas - how each beginning reader read her own book, and after supplying enough materials, guidance, and support each child taught herself to read - two language experience approaches for those in greatest need - a literature study with questions incorporating six levels of thinking with aspects of literature - building a town or a city providing the basis for learning reading skills through discussion and writing. - a writing program beginning with story writing and then including how writing is incorporated in many areas throughout the year - stimulating supplementary activities in the Math Program with problem solving, strategies, patterning, visual data, and fun games and activities - an extensive experiment with lima beans in the Science Program - for Social Studies an emphasis upon personal development, social interaction, and cultural awareness - a study of drama was learned after the class visited a professional theatre, then returned to the classroom to create and perform their own plays Peggy's web site, www.peggybroadbent.com, is included to view and copy materials for classroom use.