The Science of Reading at GAA

We believe that reading is the gateway to knowledge, imagination, and success. We are committed to ensuring that our students not only learn to read but also develop a deep and lasting love for it. To achieve this, we have made significant shifts in our instructional methods, aligning them with the latest research in the Science of Reading.

One key concept in the Science of Reading is the "Reading Rope," a metaphorical representation of the various strands that contribute to proficient reading. These strands include decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. By addressing each strand systematically, we can help our students become skilled and confident readers.

Decoding is the ability to recognize and pronounce words accurately. At GAA, our teachers are using evidence-based practices to teach phonics and word recognition, ensuring that students have a solid foundation in decoding skills. This not only facilitates early reading success but also supports advanced reading comprehension.

Fluency, the ability to read with accuracy, speed, and expression, is another crucial aspect of the Reading Rope. We encourage students to read aloud, providing opportunities for practice and improvement. By incorporating fluency-building activities into our curriculum, we aim to enhance students' overall reading experience.

Vocabulary development is another strand essential to proficient reading. Our teachers are incorporating rich and diverse vocabulary into daily instruction, fostering an environment that promotes word exploration and understanding. This not only aids in comprehension but also contributes to a broader and more nuanced use of language.

Comprehension, the ultimate goal of reading, involves understanding and making meaning from text. At GAA, we are implementing strategies to teach comprehension skills explicitly. This includes teaching students how to ask questions, make predictions, and connect their prior knowledge to new information. We believe that these skills are not only crucial for academic success but also for fostering a lifelong love of reading.

While we are dedicated to providing a strong foundation in reading during school hours, we recognize the pivotal role that parents play in reinforcing these skills at home. Reading is a habit that should be nurtured both inside and outside the classroom. We encourage you to create a reading-friendly environment at home by setting aside dedicated time for reading, having a variety of age-appropriate books accessible, and engaging in discussions about the stories your child reads.

Your involvement in your child's reading journey is invaluable. Encourage them to read independently, ask questions about what they are reading, and share your own enthusiasm for books. These small actions can make a significant impact on your child's literacy development.

At GAA, we are dedicated to providing a holistic and research-based approach to literacy instruction. By embracing the Science of Reading and incorporating the Reading Rope model, we aim to equip our students with the skills they need to become lifelong readers and learners. Together, let's foster a community of readers, where the joy of exploring new worlds through words is celebrated and cherished.

Sincerely,

Leia Kraeuter

Elementary Principal

Breaking Down Math Misconceptions: Nurturing a Growth Mindset in Our Young Mathematicians

There are many misconceptions surrounding the topic of mathematics. These ideas have been proven incorrect but they are hard to get rid of because of how ingrained they are in people's minds. 

Misconception #1: "Either You’re a Math Person or you Aren’t"

One prevalent myth is the belief that mathematical talent is an inherent trait, something a child is either born with or without. The truth is, mathematical proficiency is not predetermined at birth. Every child has the potential to excel in math through hard work, dedication, and a growth mindset. Encouraging a love for learning and persistence is key to unlocking your child's mathematical potential.

Misconception #2: "Speed Equals Skill"

Another common misconception is the idea that solving math problems quickly is a sign of mathematical talent. While speed can be a component of proficiency, it is not the sole indicator of understanding. Emphasizing comprehension over speed allows children to build a solid foundation and promotes a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

Misconception #3: "Math is Only for the 'Smart' Kids"

Sometimes, parents may worry that their child is not "smart" enough for math, perpetuating the belief that certain individuals are destined for mathematical success while others are not. It's essential to understand that intelligence is diverse, and everyone can develop mathematical skills with the right support and encouragement. Every child learns at their own pace, and comparing them to others can hinder their confidence and growth.

Misconception #4: "Mistakes are a Sign of Failure"

Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Many parents mistakenly believe that a wrong answer indicates a lack of talent or understanding. In reality, mistakes provide valuable learning opportunities and help children develop resilience. Encourage your child to view mistakes as stepping stones to improvement and not as a reflection of their abilities.

Tips for Nurturing Mathematical Growth from Jo Boaler, Professor at Stanford University:

By debunking these misconceptions and fostering a growth mindset, we can empower our young mathematicians to reach their full potential. Together, let's create an environment where every child feels confident and capable in the world of mathematics.

Happy learning!

Tiffani Pulci

PYP Curriculum Coordinator

The students in KG2C have started our new unit “How We Express Ourselves” Our Central Idea is “Storytelling communicates ideas, feelings and ideas.” The students have been busy reading fairytales, writing books, expressing themselves through art. The students were risk takers acting out the story of Little Red Riding Hood for their classmates.

Congratulations to Ahmed Alnuaimi and Eliza Siddiqui from 2D for reaching their Grade 2 Benchmark on Lexia. Both Ahmed and Eliza put in a lot of hard work to reach this goal. They are Reading ready for Grade 3!

GRADE 5 FIELD TRIP TO MAZARAA FARM 

Fifth grade visited Mazaraa farm, some students were absent and they missed it. We went on Tuesday January 16th 2024.Our purpose was to explore the biosphere, not only to have fun but to also learn about it. We got to feed horses, ponies, chickens, capybaras, cows, donkeys, bunnies, etc and pet them. Organic fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, mint, grapes, paprika, oranges, etc., caught our attention. 

We got to plant blue flowers and bring them home. We also got to see greenhouses. Finally, we had an organic picnic and most people liked the food while others didn't. Ms. Maureen shared her thoughts, saying,“I really enjoyed the flavor of the fresh, organic rocket. It was delicious!”

This week, the students of 5F had an exciting field trip to the Mazaara farm. They learned about the biosphere, different plant and animal species, ecosystems, and sustainable farming practices linking it closely to the United Nations Sustainable development Goals (UNSDG’s). This hands-on experience enhanced their understanding of Earth's interactions with the biosphere.

In literacy, students debated whether Oreo or Chips Ahoy is a better cookie. They learned how to present arguments, support them with claims, evidence, reasoning and counter opposing viewpoints. This activity honed their persuasive writing skills and encouraged critical thinking and effective communication. After two weeks, we celebrated this class with a cookie and milk party.

In math, the students explored how decimals are used in everyday life. They learned about adding ingredients in recipes, calculating money and prices, and understanding measurements in the atmosphere and geosphere. This helped them appreciate the relevance of decimals in real-life scenarios.

Overall, it has been an engaging and enriching week for 5F. The field trip to Mazaara farm, the argumentative writing activity, and the exploration of real-life applications of decimals provided valuable learning experiences.

Grade 2 has had a blast learning about the risk taking artist Wassily Kandinsky. They listened to classical music and painted what they heard! Everyone’s art looked so different and unique. We talked about the ingredients for abstract art and used lines, shapes and colors for our paintings! Great job 2nd grade!

• January 15-26: Healthy Lifestyle Initiative by Manchester City for Grade 1-5 students

• January 22-25: GAAPA Used Book Fair 3:00pm @Main Lobby

• January 25-26: Elementary Theater Production "Disney's Moana Jr." Tickets sold in Main Lobby during dismissal

• January 26: Pizza and Popsicle Day by GAAPA and Booster Club. Dress Down Day for All grades. Them "Support a Cause or Passion"

• February 3: TEDxYouth "Breaking Borders - Redefining Life" @1:00pm (tickets sold in Snack Shack)