Curricular products
SINGAPORE MATH (http://singaporemath.com )
Why Singapore Math? Singapore is a recognized leader in mathematics achievement. Singaporean students ranked first in the world on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study-2003, while U.S. students ranked 16th out of the 46 participating nations. Scores for U.S. students were among the lowest of all industrialized countries. The American Institute of Research , funded by the U.S. Department of Education, published the study What the United States Can Learn From Singapore’s World-Class Mathematics System (2005) identified major differences between the mathematics frameworks, textbooks, assessments, and teacher preparation in both countries. The conclusion were that 1) Singapore has a more focused framework with repetition and mastery required 2) Singapore’s textbooks build deep understanding of mathematical concepts while traditional U.S. textbooks rarely get beyond definitions and formulas.3) Singapore teachers receive a higher level of professional development training and 4) Singapore uses more challenging tests and utilizes a value-added approach that rewards schools for individual student progress over time.
HOUGHTON MIFFLIN LANGUAGE ARTS PROGRAM
The Hougthon Mifflin Language Arts Program is a reading program for instruction in grades K–6. It uses Big Books (authentic literature), anthologies, Read Alouds, and audio compact discs to provide step-by-step instruction in reading. The program includes instruction on developing oral language and comprehension, phonemic awareness, decoding skills (phonics, analogy, context, and word recognition), fluency, reading comprehension, writing, spelling, and grammar. Instruction is organized by a set of themes (10 for grades K–1 and 6 for grades 2–6) with selected Big Books (fiction and non-fiction literature) and other classroom activities to highlight the theme.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER CLASSROOM MAGAZINE for kids (ages 6-14) & little kids (ages 3-6). (http://www.ngschoolpub.org/ )
National Geographic Young Explorer (ages 3-6) Magazine:
- Develops literacy skills while teaching standards-based science &social studies content
- Introduces word patterns and rhymes through engaging poems
- Reinforces learned skills in the classroom with a take-home section
- Builds confidence in reading – with clearly labeled photos and text correspondence
- Grows with your students – the reading level increases after each issue!
National Geographic Explorer Pioneer and Pathfinder (ages 6-14) Editions:
- Combine the very best developmental reading and writing instruction with science, social studies, and geography curriculum content
- Boost nonfiction literacy with high-interest material
- Feature state standards-based articles
- Reading strategies are highlighted at the beginning of each article.
- Text features and highlighted words build academic vocabulary.
Each issue comes with a comprehensive Teacher’s Guide with additional teaching strategies.