ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

By integrating rigorous direct and individualized instruction with structured didactic and project-based learning, students here at Village Glen’s elementary school are encouraged to make connections with the world around them and develop a deeper understanding of what they are learning.

Children in the elementary grades remain with their teachers in homerooms. Academic classes emphasize reading, writing, science, math, and social studies. Additional subjects may include music, computer science, physical education, and art which are taught by specialty teachers.

The development of reading comprehension and critical thinking skills is a focus at Village Glen elementary school and an area in which many of our students experience challenges. By integrating rigorous direct and individualized instruction with structured project-based learning students are encouraged to make connections with the world around them and to develop a deeper understanding of what they are learning.

Social skills instruction and the promotion of social development in our students is a fundamental component of the Village Glen experience.  At Village Glen we reinforce social skills development by using storybooks/social stories, spend time on emotional regulation units, and target more foundational social skills (e.g., social attention, conversation basics).  This instruction takes place daily and the taught skills are continuously practiced and reinforced throughout the school day within the classroom as well as during play time and social activities.  During recess and lunch times, social interactions are actively facilitated by our trained staff to further strengthen social skills development of our students and to promote positive peer interactions.

The development of executive functioning skills is emphasized at Village Glen and includes both the explicit instruction of executive functioning skills and strategies, as well as the frequent and intentional use of other techniques that enable our students to improve in their executive functioning abilities and increase student achievement and learning. Foundational executive function skills specifically addressed include self-regulation, attention, task initiation, organization, planning and prioritizing, and time management.

For students in need of more intensive behavioral or social emotional support, Village Glen works collaboratively with students, families, and staff on the development of supports to enable students to manage emotions and to access teaching and learning.