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Frequently
Asked Questions
What is an integrated
curriculum?
What are multiage classrooms
and how are they important to Southern Hills?
Why does Southern Hills
have a modified year round schedule?
Q
What is an integrated curriculum?
A An
integrated curriculum means that all areas of study-reading,
writing, math, science, social studies, art, music and foreign
language are taught in relation to each other. Teachers plan
thematic units based on student interest, need and curriculum.
For example students may be involved in a science-based unit
about Endangered Animals. In this unit students are involved
in activities that may include research, reading related literature,
writing, geography, learning and using new vocabulary (both
English and Spanish), collecting, classifying, plotting data,
interpreting data just to name a few. Using a theme makes
learning relevant to the students so they will be able to
understand how new information fits into what they already
know. This makes it much more likely that the child will remember
and use the information. Our integrated curriculum emphasizes
creativity, critical thinking and problem solving.
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Q
What are multiage classrooms and how are they important to
Southern Hills?
A Multiage
classrooms = Multilevel classrooms. This creates a flexible
environment where the teacher can more easily individualize
learning for students. At Southern Hills Academy, we believe
that a classroom is an active place. Children will not sit
in rows of desks completing worksheets. Rather, students will
spend much more of their time working with real materials
that foster discovery type learning.
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Q
Why does Southern Hills have a modified year round schedule?
A A
year round schedule provides continuity in learning. Our schedule
has the same number of days as other Ohio schools they are
just spaced differently. Our schedule allows for needed breaks
for students and staff. At the same time, this schedule helps
keep new information fresh and alleviates the need for precious
time to be spent on weeks of review as seen in a traditional
school calendar. Spacing breaks through-out the year helps
learners and educators stay revived and motivated through-out
the entire year. Please note that Southern Hills Academy breaks
are designed around the breaks of most Ross County schools.
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