The Language Arts program is designed to expand each student's ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Using a variety of literature-based strategies, Walden encourages each student to incorporate these skills in all areas of the curriculum.
Language Arts concepts are presented using a number of sources, emphasizing different cultures, environments, places, and self. These resources include:
This approach enriches the content of all subjects across the curriculum. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are focus points from which all concepts are taught.
Students, working with a wide variety of literary and informational materials, demonstrate increasing proficiency in reading comprehension and the ability to:
In acquiring these skills the student develops and uses:
Our mathematics curriculum focuses on everyday situations and problems to further mathematical understanding, and develop the ability to explain and justify answers. Our program:
Mathematics instruction uses an inquiry-based methodology. Students are guided to find patterns, make connections and find personal understanding of mathematical concepts. They are challenged to understand the “why” behind their ideas and explain the process they used to find an answer.
Science is taught through hands-on, inquiry-based, engaging activities. Appropriate discussions of theory and concepts are carried out in a variety of formats. In addition, laboratory experiments, field trips and group science projects are used to integrate relevance into coursework. Experiential learning is key to Walden's science curriculum.
Science topics include:
Students successfully demonstrate the ability to:
At Walden Community School, the Social Studies curriculum fosters increasing understanding of the earth as a global community and each student's role as a member of that community. Emphasis is placed on student understanding of how people interact with their environment and with cultures other than their own. In addition, skill proficiency in analysis, evaluation, as well as map reading and research are emphasized.
Social Studies concepts are presented using a variety of resources that are thematic and focus on generative topics that emphasize different cultures, environments, places and self, including:
Our students are enriched thru their many opportunities for artistic expression at WCS. Music, dance, theater, and art are living entities throughout or curriculum. Students are engaged in these activities through Walden teachers in hands-on classes, along with community education and outreach opportunities.
Our students are taught all forms of dance and learn presentation techniques through the dramatic arts from our community partner and professional theater and dance instructor, Ms. Paula Gale. Participation in music and art activities at area venues is coordinated by our Fine Arts Coordinator, Ms. Evelyn Ruiz. Additionally, our curriculum addresses the cultural component of our world community, providing students with a rich foundation in art history.
Movement is an important component at Walden Community School. Students are actively engaged in physical activity each day, from community walks, to field trips, to scheduled activities. Our Physical Education Program Director, Hans Kopp, provides weekly instruction to Walden students.