The Countryside elementary program practices many of the “Big Shifts in Education” that Pat Bassett speaks about at many independent schools across the country.

A move from Knowing to Doing is one of the most critical big shifts. As Pat mentioned during his presentation, there is a time and a place to deliver information in the traditional top down, teacher-centered manner. But if teachers deliver knowledge with a chalk-and-talk method most of the day, students are not going to be engaged, and as a result, they will not be learning as much as they could be.

This is rarely the case in elementary at CDS.

2nd Graders: From Merely Knowing to Actually Doing

Mrs. Anderson works with a 2nd grader who is deepening her knowledge of the five classes of vertebrates.

3rd Graders: From Merely Knowing to Actually Doing

Two third graders are working on science learning about the properties of matter by conducting experiments.

4th Graders: From Merely Knowing to Actually Doing

A fourth grader learned about the Solar System and has decided to illustrate his work with water colors.

5th Graders: From Merely Knowing to Actually Doing

A fifth grader studied the life forms present in the Cenozoic Era and wrote a short report about what he learned.

It is no wonder that Countryside students love school. Their days are packed with exciting learning that engages their interests and builds their intellect. We are excited to be preparing for a large first grade class next year. Inquiries from families in the community who are looking for more in education have increased exponentially since we added the Middle School.

If you are a Countryside parent of a kindergarten student and are not yet signed up for the Kindergarten Elementary Meeting on December 8th, don’t be surprised if you get a note from your child’s teacher. Even though the teachers know that not every child will be fortunate enough to get to attend elementary at CDS, they are hopeful for each and every one of them. Sign up on line.