Exploration
‍We start each morning encouraging students to explore the ever changing materials in the classroom which are tied to one or more units of study.  This time to come into the classroom and get comfortable is an important piece of flexible time within an increasingly structured day as students adjust to the academic aspects of first and second grade.

‍Morning Meeting
After exploration, we start each and every day with a class meeting.  During this time, we greet each and practice social skills, listening skills, and memory skills.  Morning Meeting is a time to thoroughly discuss the day and schedule so that students feel comfortable knowing what to expect.  Activities may include a book or story as well, as we study different subjects throughout the year.  

‍Daily 5
Daily Five is an academic component of GCS that helps students foster independence and time management skills. Because of our individualized curriculum, each student will learn how to work independently and in small groups, as well as one-on-one with the teacher within this framework. More information on Daily 5 is included in the Beehive Academic Overview each year.  

‍Wiggle Time /Recess
Beehive students enjoy a morning and afternoon recess time.  Ample time to play and enjoy the outdoors is an important piece of our daily routine.

‍Number Corner
Number Corner is a daily math meeting that puts students in charge of calendar work and data collection.  This is used in conjunction with other math instruction but is always a favorite time of day for students to chart findings and solve problems and patterns.


Shelf Time
‍Shelf time is an important part of the work students in the Beehive Classroom do. Studying in thematic units allows students to explore materials and games that are related to subjects and to find their own interests and creativity along the way. Balancing structured academic time with time to explore the classroom materials creates the environment of learning that makes the Beehive Classroom tick!

Responsive Classroom
Responsive classroom practices create a culture of friendship and respect between students and teachers. Project-based learning allows students to learn through a variety of experiences and field-trips throughout the year foster opportunities to engage with the community in ways that bring learned skills to life. Our multi-age class helps the Beehive students develop a sense of community that supports varied social and academic development by fostering collaborative skills, while diminishing competition and comparison since all students are not expected to have identical skills. A love of learning is the outcome when students are able to express themselves in their own unique learning style.