Constructivism is a theory of learning based on the premise that knowledge is built (or constructed) upon earlier knowledge.
We structure learning to build on what students already know and support them in revising and refining their understanding as they work toward mastery. In addition to content knowledge, our students engage in learning processes that develop conceptual understanding and self-knowledge.

CWC believes that learning experiences should give students the ability to engage in and make use of their multiple intelligences. This belief drives us to create rigorous, creative and joyful academic experiences that integrate across subjects.
Project-based learning may include both science and math concepts, and we also offer music, P.E. and visual and performing arts (varies by school) to develop musical, bodily-kinesthetic, and spatial intelligences to all students during their TK-5 career at CWC. Across the school day, we believe our learning model helps children see invaluable connections between disciplines, all of which promotes their ability to creatively and critically think and problem-solve through complex real-world issues.

The overarching goal for TK-5 English Language Arts instruction is to ensure that students are able to develop and utilize improved communication skills, vocabularies, and writing abilities in an authentic manner. 

CWC uses a Balanced Literacy approach, which includes methods such as: 

• Reader’s and Writer’s workshop
• Phonics Instruction
• Interactive Read-Aloud
• Interactive/Shared Reading & Writing
• Independent & Guided Reading

At the elementary level, students engage in study of historical topics and scientific exploration through hands-on projects that utilize an interdisciplinary approach. Inquiry projects invite students to examine real-life topics and questions that tie to authentic topics of interest. 

Social studies learning, while often tied to learning something historical, will almost always connect as well to current everyday issues that are developmentally appropriate for every grade level. Inquiry projects are often the place where students delve into related learning about civic engagement, social justice and how to become a positive changemaker in one’s community.  Inquiry learning is also a place where relevant diversity, equity and inclusion topics are tied in.  

Science-focused inquiry learning aligns to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and includes physical science, life science, and earth-systems science. Methods of all science courses include the tools of science (e.g., technology, hands-on materials) and support the development of the reading, writing, analysis, and communication skills students need to become science-literate.  Lab experimentation allows students to test their hypotheses.  

Projects could include: 

• Building Healthy Communities (K)
• Biodiversity and Interdependence of Ocean Habitats (1st Grade)
• Survival & Sustainability on Mars: Exploring How An Engineer Would Live in Space (3rd Grade)
• Re-Imagining the California Mission (4th Grade)

Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) problem solving is a core framework for CWC’s Math Workshop. CGI is an educational philosophy that capitalizes on over 20 years of research showing that students come to school with rich informal systems of mathematical knowledge and problem-solving strategies that serve as a basis for learning mathematics. 

Across grades K-8, CWC LA utilizes the Illustrative Mathematics curriculum to make our CGI-aligned Math Workshop come to life. Illustrative Mathematics is a nationally regarded, standards aligned program.

Students participate in daily community building activities and ongoing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons. The time and location of these lessons is different for every class and grade level, however CWC prides itself in not only having a dedicated block throughout the week for SEL but integrating it throughout all subjects and parts of the day, including outdoor play time. 

A number of tools have been blended together to create an SEL program that specifically develops skills in:

• self-recognition and self-management of one’s emotions
• an understanding of others including empathy and perspective-taking
• decision making, problem-solving and resolving conflict

SED Components may include: 

• Mindfulness exercises
• Peace Corners
• Instruction and practice with SED “Cool Tools”
• Morning Meeting
• Community Circles and Class Meetings for group problem-solving and community-building  
• Integrated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work

Art

Art at CWC is an exploratory journey where children not only learn about art but also about themselves, their world and each other. Our children gain a practical understanding of art processes and skills whilst using a wide variety of art materials and techniques. Children learn artistic perception and aesthetic valuing, i.e. how to look and respond to works of art, culture, nature and the environment. They learn about the elements and principles of art and design and develop their visual vocabulary.

Music

CWC’s music program strives to provide children with opportunities to sing songs, play instruments and create musical compositions of their own. Children learn to describe music using the eight musical elements – melody, rhythm, harmony, dynamics, timbre, texture, structure and tempo. Children are exposed to music from different cultures, musical periods and rich musical traditions from around the world.

Physical Education

In Physical Education children develop their confidence and skills with an emphasis on body and space awareness. Students learn personal versus shared space, fundamental locomotor, as well as non-locomotor, manipulative skills, and applications. The introduction of team lead-up and cooperative games and activities help to promote good sportsmanship and fair team play. Sport-specific units of study include basketball, soccer, tennis, kickball, and volleyball. In addition to the vast array of sports skills and team sports fundamentals that are taught, activities practicing effective social skills such as active listening, conflict resolution, and compromising with others are interwoven as well.