Course Descriptions
Language Arts Program
The Language Arts program empowers bright students with learning processing issues and attention deficits to succeed academically and socially through a multi-sensory, research-based curriculum. Research evidence indicates the importance of early intervention in remediation of reading problems. A majority of the students enrolled at Lawrence School have identified deficits in the area of language development. For students who have found their language deficit to negatively impact academic success, the curriculum at Lawrence School successfully provides structured curriculum, mastery teaching, small class sizes, and multi-sensory based learning.
 
Lower School curriculum meets the needs of students in first through sixth grade. The curriculum encompasses CodeBreakers©, Visualization and Verbalization, Oral Reading techniques, Single Skills Series, Beyond CodeBreakers, Social Awareness Curriculum, Reading Lab, and Speech/Language Intervention. These programs are the foundation for a successful transition to the Upper School curriculum, which meets the needs of students in seventh through twelve grade.

CodeBreakers© is the core of the Lower School reading curriculum, but is enhanced by incorporating a variety of other curricula. CodeBreakers© is an Orton Gillingham-based, phonetic, multi-sensory language program which affords each student the opportunity to master decoding and encoding skills.

Pre-testing on all students ensures appropriate ability groupings. Periodic built-in reviews are given to check for mastery as well as to facilitate the realignment of ability groups. Literary appreciation and creativity is fostered through poetry, plays, and role-playing.

Oral reading classes use books, novels, multicultural literature, and anthologies to develop reading comprehension. The Visualization and Verbalization curriculum is incorporated throughout the entire curriculum to enhance age-appropriate reading comprehension skills by teaching the students to visualize what is read and discussed in class. Students are encouraged to visualize and verbalize written and oral language in a sequential, descriptive, organized manner which ultimately enhances verbal and comprehension skills.
 
In Lower School, writing skills are developed through Framing Your Thoughts, Diana King, World of Language, and Hoops, Loops, and Groups. Framing Your Thoughts is the core of the Lower School writing curriculum. This is a multi-sensory structured language program that teaches sentence structure, parts of speech, and diagramming sentences. Framing Your Thoughts transitions into paragraph writing, using Diana King's sequential curriculum. In addition, World of Language supplements and enriches the curriculum with narrative writing to foster grammar development. Hoops, Loops and Groups is a kinesthetic writing program designed by an occupational therapist to teach how to form and connect cursive letters.

Portfolios and journals compliment this program by reflecting student progress. Student or teacher-fostered creative ideas are incorporated throughout the year to enhance writing and public speaking opportunities. An annual Lower School Writing Fair highlights students' creative individuality and displays the accomplishments made throughout the year in the area of writing and art.
 
Mathematics
Lawrence School's program is specifically designed to teach students with learning differences to become mathematically proficient. Classes are grouped according to ability level, so that students can receive appropriate individualized instruction. There is an average student/teacher ratio of 9:1 per class.

The Real Math program is a comprehensive program designed to teach fluency in basic skills which students can then use to solve real problems and understand the real world. Students are taught to think mathematically so they can reason, understand and apply math meaningfully. Through the use of Real Math, students are able to feel engaged, view math as useful, and willingly use it to help understand the world around them. Additionally, intensive use is made of manipulative and hands-on learning experiences to help students who struggle with Math gain proficiency.
 
Social Studies
Our social studies teachers create an environment that is conducive to all types of learners. The goal of this program is to provide our students with the power to make informed and reasoned decisions as they proceed through their lives. Furthermore, these skills allow students to become active and responsible participants in their civic responsibilities and social systems. Teachers incorporate lessons, which develop interaction with all people and appreciation for cultural diversity. Lessons will portray a variety of historical points of view. The curriculum also emphasizes cooperation in the global community.
 
At all levels, students at Lawrence School are made aware of their civic responsibilities. In the Lower School, students begin each day with a morning assembly that stresses the concept of community within the school and national pride. In the primary grades, students begin their civic journey at Lawrence School by learning about neighborhoods, geographic regions, community living, and days of celebration. Additionally, students use this knowledge base to develop critical thinking skills that will be necessary in future civic activities.
 
At Lawrence School, each student's needs are the primary concern. In addressing these, the school strives to create a learning environment that is both challenging and rewarding to the individual student. The school provides a positive learning environment. Throughout the social studies curriculum, Lawrence students continue to develop comfort with their individuality and tolerance for differences. In the Lower School, students study geography, American and World history and Ohio history. Cultural diversity is integrated into activities and discussions. Cooperative projects, assemblies, field trips and special activities such as Harvest Meals are highlights of the student's experiences in the social studies program at Lawrence School.
 
Science and Health
  Lawrence School strives to provide science instruction through experimentation, exploration, discussion and hands-on applications in an age-based group. Lawrence School believes that basic science skills are fundamental to a child's understanding of the world and to a person's effectiveness in managing many challenges of adult life. We aim to provide each student with a solid foundation of basic skills.
 
Understanding that in an ever-changing, highly technical environment, a study of only today's scientific facts will not be sufficient for our students to cope with the scientific developments of the future, we strive to teach our students scientific principles and to teach them how to access everyday resources to continually educate themselves about scientific developments.
 
We believe that every student has the right to be instructed in a manner which addresses their individual style of learning and their needs so that they may reach their full potential. Through the use of varied classroom structure, a highly equipped science lab, and use of multi-sensory teaching, each student is given the opportunity to achieve academic success.
 
Technology
In the Lower School, the technology coordinator works individually with teachers to help integrate technology into their specific lessons. Learning is enhanced through the use of ceiling-mounted projectors, access to three computer labs (including one wireless lab), web-based projects and more. In the computer lab, students are taught both keyboarding skills and computer literacy. They learn how to use application programs such as Microsoft Office and Movie Maker, hone their internet search skills, and identify productive online informational resources. Education in both typing fluency and basic computing provides students with guidance and supervision to ensure they are using these tools safely and effectively.
 
Art
While creating original artwork using a wide range of mediums, students begin to recognize the elements of various art disciplines. Pottery, paintings, masks, multi-cultural artifacts, wire sculptures and drawings are just a few of the masterpieces our students create. Students also explore influential art periods and world-renowned artists and their works.
 
Music
The goal of the music program at Lawrence is to create a love and appreciation of music in each student. All children experience singing, moving and listening to a wide range of music. By playing a variety of musical instruments and experimenting with them, they discover how musical instruments work and how music is composed. Our music lab is equipped with a wide range of instruments including tone chimes, English handbells, electronic keyboards, dulcimers, ukuleles, guitars, recorders and various kinds of drums. Every child is provided with an individual instrument to use during class time. To highlight their talents and interests, students also have opportunities to perform in programs throughout the year.
 
Physical Education
In physical education classes, students participate in non-competitive group activities that promote sportsmanship and interpersonal appreciation. Through physical challenges and group discussions, students gain self-confidence, social skills, self-respect and ultimately, improved self-esteem.