THE MABIN PROGRAM

Introduction

Our innovative curriculum stresses integration, inquiry and reflection and is organized around the developmental levels and interests of our students. It allows us to accommodate each child’s different learning needs while continuing to provide a rich, hands-on educational experience that always meets and often exceeds Provincial guidelines.

Classroom, resource and specialist teachers work together to deliver integrated and child-centred learning adventures, promoting themes that are of intrinsic interest to the students. Children inquire, investigate, develop theories and build knowledge in the core subject areas of Math, Language, Social Studies and Science that, wherever possible, integrate with Art, Music, Technology, Phys. Ed and French. The students take an active role in contributing to the progression of the themes around which skills are learned.

From Kindergarten through to Grade 6, our students are given the “tools” and language for self-reflection and goal setting, making them true participants in their own learning. Students are also taught good study habits, research skills, time management and test taking strategies.

The development of strong personal character is an integral part of our curriculum. Throughout the school day, students are engaged in outreach initiatives, mentoring and leadership opportunities, and the cultivation of conflict resolution skills. The goal is to develop a sense of community where respect for oneself and others is valued.

Language

The Language Arts curriculum is shaped by the ways in which reading, writing, speaking and listening interconnect. Reading and the study of literature are used to teach writing skills as well as to model formal oral language and develop good listening skills. Conversely, as a student becomes a fluent writer, reading abilities are enhanced. Language is central to a student’s intellectual, social and emotional growth and must be seen as a key element in the curriculum. It is a tool for learning in all areas, a source of pleasure and an important medium for recording and communicating ideas and information.

Language expectations are organized into three strands as outlined in the Ontario Language Curriculum: Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication.

Math

Our Math program consists of five strands representing the five major areas of knowledge and skills in the Ontario Math Curriculum. The strands are Number Sense and Numeration, Measurement, Geometry and Spatial Sense, Patterning and Algebra, and Data Management and Probability. Throughout our JK to Grade 6 program, classes use a variety of mathematical activities to introduce and reinforce concepts outlined in our curricular expectations. Our program enables students to explore and develop many strategies for solving problems in order to foster mathematical understanding. Emphasis is placed on open-ended, real life and relevant experiences, cooperative learning tasks and assessments that ask students to reason and support their strategies for answering problems.

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