Linden Hill Programs
Vital to the development of the “whole” child, starting in first grade, students receive Related Arts instruction in the areas of art, library, music, technology and physical education. Our specialists provide this instruction once a week for a forty-five minute period. Below is specific information about each of the related art’s areas. If you would like more information concerning these programs please don’t hesitate to call us.
Talented and Gifted Program
The talented and gifted program focuses upon enrichment and interests in learning. Students in grades 2-5 are invited to participate in the TAG program based upon their task commitment, creativity and score on a specific assessment. Placement into the TAG program is based on individual evaluations; including teacher nominations, parent nominations, classroom observations and formal assessments.
Reading Resource Staff
Our reading resource teachers work in collaboration with the regular classroom teacher and provide additional reading assistance to children who need this support.
Psychologist
We have a psychologist scheduled at least one day a week who is available to assist with the testing and evaluation of children when needed.
Speech and Language Therapist
We have a speech and language clinician working with children who need assistance in their speech and language development. Needs are assessed by our clinician.
Educational Diagnostician
Our educational diagnostician organizes child study teams in collaboration with the classroom teachers. The child study teams review the progress that children are making and establish future steps promoting student success.
Student Advisor/Counselor
Our school advisor/counselor enhances our instructional program through whole classroom, small group and individual activities focusing on the topics of positive self-concepts and the development of social skills. Also, the school advisor/counselor assists students, teachers and parents with normal developmental concerns that all children experience.
The art program at Linden Hill is a conceptually based one. Vocabulary words such as pattern, abstract, realistic and overlapping are introduced and reinforced throughout the five year program. Concepts are practiced and applied through various media, art activities and art history.
In the library, we strive to create a warm, inviting and friendly atmosphere so students will find it an interesting place to visit. Children learn about various authors and illustrators and the special awards given in these areas. All styles of literature, both fiction and non-fiction are covered. Children are taught the check out procedure and the proper care of books. When children come to the library they need to be prepared by returning their book on time. Children are held responsible for the books they check out. Payment will be required for a lost book before another book can be checked out.
Our music program promotes an appreciation of music. Children are exposed to variety of musical concepts as well as various kinds of music. Students in grades 4-5 also have the option to join our school chorus which meets weekly and presents two performances each year.
The Red Clay School District offers string instruction to the students in grades 4-5 and instrumental music instruction (band) to students in grades 4-5. These elective classes are held weekly and require that families provide the instruments.
We use our media center to help us meet the Technology Standards set for our students in a meaningful and age appropriate way. Through the inclusion of a technology class into our Related Arts Program, students will have a regularly scheduled opportunity to be involved in this center. Initially, the purpose of this class will be to expose students to the many ways in which technology can increase their learning as well as to provide students with the opportunity to become conversant with computers in an introductory way. Additionally, our media center will be available to individual classes to extend their learning opportunities as well as to formalize their work.
Our Physical Education program is designed to develop and enhance each child’s physical, social and emotional growth through age appropriate physical activities. Emphasis is placed on five areas:
- Preparation – children need to wear sneakers that tie or strap snugly onto their feet along with pants and a shirt for gym class.
- Cooperation – children are expected to listen and follow directions.
- Team Work – children will work with one another supporting group activities.
- Sportsmanship – children will follow game rules and will encourage others.
- Self -Control – children need to be in control of their bodies within the guidelines of the activity.
Spanish Experience is a very special kind of “Special”! The guiding principle is the use of TPR, total physical response, to make language acquisition fun, easy and memorable. We’ve already used gestures, movement, songs, dance, puppets, skits and games to develop and practice vocabulary, making physical connections to words and sounds. The engagement of all the students, in listening and in speaking, is so important.
Cultural exposure certainly will be included as the year progresses: I’m looking forward to making some no-heat recipes and developing engaging history and geography group activities as well as art and math applications. I will also be working with Mrs. Marinelli to develop a list of grade-level books about the Hispanic world that students can access at their pace.
