Grades 1-4
Developing a Strong Academic Foundation
During the first school years, children develop a strong academic foundation as well as a love for learning. The Ashley Academy elementary program offers excellent preparation for the coming middle school years.
Creativity, curiosity, responsibility and self-direction are fostered through the teachers and curriculum. Activities such as problem-solving, listening and communicating, seeing and understanding are emphasized within the classroom. Curriculum related field trips, videos, and speakers allow students to expand their concept of education beyond the classroom. Small classes provide the opportunity for lasting friendships and ample participation in many hands-on activities.
Our dedicated and caring faculty strives to give students the best possible experience. Conferences can be arranged at regular intervals or at a moment’s notice to promote close working relationships among students, parents, and teachers.
LANGUAGE ARTS
Grammar skills, handwriting, spelling, creative writing and oral expression are all important components of the Ashley language arts program. Handwriting and spelling are taught using structured multisensory teaching techniques. Grammar skills build on sentence structure, letter and report writing, punctuation and parts of speech. Spelling utilizes appropriate lists of words that teach a specific spelling rule each week.
READING
The reading program is an eclectic program which includes phonics and incorporates whole language techniques with a more traditional approach. A variety of reading experiences introduces students to reading skills through the use of children’s literature and other appropriate material.
MATH
Students begin by covering units in ordering numbers, addition, subtraction, time, money, measurements, fractions, and multiplication. As they progress, units include estimation, missing addends, fact families, even and odd numbers, ordinal numbers, expanded multiplication, addition and subtraction, division, and an introduction to geometry. Various types of problem solving skills are used in each unit along with math manipulatives. Mental math and number sense are also taught.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Topics include in-depth studies of different communities, self, family, urban and rural lifestyles, production of goods and services, introductions in U.S. and Tennessee history, foreign countries and regions of the earth.
SCIENCE
Students learn about plants, animals, the environment, geology, prehistoric life, heat, light, sound, magnetism, the human body and health, meteorology, energy, matter and electricity, along with many other topics. Hands-on skills along with thinking and observing skills are emphasized.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Ashley offers 2 languages – French and Spanish. Classes provide instruction in listening, understanding, reading, speaking and writing. The understanding and appreciation of foreign cultures and people is an integral part of each course.
ART
Students draw, paint, cut and paste, work with clay and various other media. Through the use of the materials, personal expression is developed. Famous paintings and works of art are used to teach color, line, shape, balance, contrast and texture and promote visual analysis. Art history is also introduced.
MUSIC
The music program is designed to teach a broad repertoire of songs suited to their age and voice range. The teacher incorporates the concepts of rhythm and movement, tempo, pitch and note reading. A variety of rhythm and Orff instruments are used to enhance the program. Performances are scheduled during the year and students are encouraged to participate.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Ashley students acquire skills, knowledge of games and their rules, and positive attitudes through a variety of physical activities. Manipulative skills, Iocomotor skills, cardiovascular fitness, body management, and social interaction are part of the curriculum.
COMPUTER
Computers are used for primary and remedial instruction within the classroom allowing students to fortify skills they are learning in academic subjects. Our computer lab consists of Dell computers and provides for a multi-level study of computer use. In addition to learning proficient use of a word processor, all participating students must develop typing skills. Ashley Academy has Internet access and students have exposure and instruction on Internet usage.
