Primary School K - 3rd Overview

Academics
The curriculum builds on the strengths, development and learning style of each student. Multiage groupings benefit students as they first learn from peers, then have the opportunity to lead in academic and social areas. Each day, students work one-on-one with their teacher and in small family groups on language arts, reading, writing, phonics, spelling and grammar.

Hands-on math and science experiences and world awareness (social studies and geography) are integrated throughout the curriculum. To complete the education of the whole child, creative art, music, foreign language, computer classes and physical education are integral elements of the weekly schedule.

After School Club
Weekly activities include Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, ballet, martial arts, gymnastics, piano and Blue Raven Juniors chorus.

Athletics
Teams include baseball, basketball, softball, soccer and the Tulsa Run.

Class Size
Instruction is personalized for each student in classrooms with small student/teacher ratios. Teachers listen to the students and value what they say, promoting a student-teacher trust imperative to academic and social success. Riverfield’s emphasis on the development of the whole child addresses social, emotional, intellectual, physical and moral needs of each student in a secure and nurturing environment.

Family Atmosphere
Riverfield’s family atmosphere embraces parents as an important part of the Primary School community. The partnership between home and school is fostered through an open door policy and take home folders holding reading couriers and Home Links math lessons. Parents and grandparents are welcome to read with students at school, share about their careers or hobbies and go on field trips.

Homework
Homework includes 10 minutes of reading per grade each night, math homework several nights each week and spelling. Several on-going research assignments throughout the year for science or social studies may involve family participation and encouragement.

Life Skills
Integrated throughout the curriculum are the life skills of cooperation, critical thinking, decision making, responsibility, communication and concern for others.

Math
Students gain a solid understanding of basic concepts using a multitude of concrete objects before beginning abstract concepts on written pages. Students observe, reason, question and make connections to everyday life. Riverfield uses the Everyday Mathematics program, a research-based curriculum developed by the University of Chicago Math Project that helps develop students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Reading
Reading begins with a literacy rich environment. Teachers emphasize phonological awareness, phonics, sight words, vocabulary enrichment, comprehension skills and strategic reading tools to give each child a variety of reading strategies and a solid base for future reading. Writing is taught in conjunction with reading and reinforces spelling and the letter-sound connections. Writing in journals each day provides an opportunity to practice skills taught, using written language to express thoughts.

Riverfield’s individualized reading program incorporates the strengths of each student and builds a reading program based on the student’s unique learning style. Teachers cultivate a variety of reading skills and a love of literature. As a result, 100% of last year’s 3rd graders read at or above a 3rd grade level with 67% reading at least two grade levels higher.

Student-led Conferences
Student-led conferences are scheduled for both the Fall, and in the Spring. These conferences take place in the classroom environment where the student is confident and successful. Interactive conferences with student, teacher and parents celebrate individual and group accomplishments. Student-led conferences continue through Upper School. As students progress, they become more aware of their own learning style, development and areas of strengths and weaknesses. With each conference, the student develops stronger communication skills and self-confidence. A Winter conference is also scheduled for the teacher and parents.