Academy of Blended Learning

Station Rotation

Differentiated Instruction

Student Collaboration

Tech & Adaptive Software

Blended Learning

Station Rotation

This is a blended learning model where students work on different activities during their lesson. A typical station rotation model would include several stations: teacher-led, student collaboration, technology/adaptive learning, and independent learning. 

Many school teachers are still trained using a whole group lesson model, but at St. Catherine of Siena, teachers use the Station Rotation Model for a number of advantages.

The Station Rotation Model makes it possible for teachers to: 

Differentiated Instruction

Differentiated instruction is a teaching approach that takes into account the different learning styles, abilities, and needs of students in a classroom. For our 4th and 5th grade students, this means providing different levels of support and challenges to help them learn and grow. We use a variety of teaching methods and materials, such as hands-on activities, group work, and technology, to engage different types of learners. Additionally, we use assessments to track student progress and adjust instruction accordingly. Overall, the goal of differentiated instruction is to help all students succeed by providing them with the support and challenge they need to reach their full potential here at St. Catherine of Siena School.

Student Collaboration

Group work is an effective way for students to learn together. Small group activities help motivate students, encourage active learning, and help foster key critical-thinking, decision-making, and communication skills. Small group activities help develop patience and teamwork and the skills needed in order to work well with others.

Large group discussions, such as a "Socratic Seminar," help students practice active listening skills and how to be respectful of the ideas, values, and perspectives of others. Students are given the opportunity to pose thoughtful questions, draw important conclusions, and talk together to delve deep into texts.

Tech & Adaptive Software

In 4th and 5th Grade, adaptive software is a daily part of our lessons. Some of our student favorites, Prodigy and Lexia, provide different levels of difficulty and a wide range of assignments based on student performance, providing more support for those who are struggling and more challenging material for those who are excelling. Students also use software such as Google Docs and Canva to create projects and assignments. Students love working together to create slideshows on Google Slides and sharing them during Show and Tell on Fridays.

Prodigy Math

Prodigy Math and English are both used in class on a daily basis. In Prodigy, students sharpen their math and ELA skills in a kid-friendly RPG game where they use mythical pets to battle monsters and team up with their friends.

Lexia Core 5 Reading

Lexia Reading Core 5 is an interactive learning app for Pre-K - Grade 5. Lexia helps students master foundational reading skills. This software helps students improve their literacy skills including reading, spelling, grammar, and writing.

Mathletics

Mathletics is often used for practicing specific concepts learned in class. After every math lesson, students are given two or three assignments that relate to the concepts learned that day.

Google Docs

Google Docs is a suite of online tools that allow students and teachers to create and share documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, all in real-time. This allows for more student collaboration and works great for group projects. The use of Google Docs helps prepare students for more tech-based assignments in middle school.

Zearn Math

Zearn is a K-8 math program that coincides with our math program, Eureka Math. Students love Zearn's interactive visuals and games that keep lessons fun and entertaining. Zearn is used daily during our Station Rotation tech station helping reinforce newly learned concepts.

Canva

Canva is an online design tool that allows students to create visually stunning designs. Students use it to create pictures for assignments, bookmarks, designs for projects, and even slideshows with their friends.