The Emberlasky Experience

*multi age two year program for fourth and fifth graders

*treated as one class

*team taught by Kathy Elasky and Jean Emberlin

*community of learners fostering responsibility and leadership

*students grouped for math and spelling instruction according to skills

*other activities are grouped in a variety of ways

*multiple intelligence approach

*music used to enhance learning and creativity

*whole class orientation program begins each day

*literature based,writing-rich envioronment

*weekly class meeting for group problem solving

*opportunities for students to progress at their own rate

*variety of unusual classroom pets

*student-run economic system involving jobs,paychecks,banking,saving and spending sprees

*opportunities for parent-input and participation (program is constantly being refined by all members of the learning community)

*behavior management plan developed with student input

*strong communication with parents