High/Scope Approach

The philosophy behind High/Scope is that children should be involved actively in their own learning. They learn by doing, often working with hands on materials and carrying out projects of their own choosing. The adults working with the children see themselves more as facilitators, partners than managers, or supervisors. High/Scope's approach encompasses all aspects of child development and involves teachers and parents in supporting and extending children's emotional, intellectual, social, and physical skills and abilities.
In a High/Scope school, different areas of the classroom are designated for different activities, for example water play, reading, sand play, art, writing, dramatic play, etc. Children are intended to be able to access all facilities independently and be able to take some responsibility for use of these areas.
An important part of the High/Scope approach is the plan-do-review sequence. Children first plan what materials they want to work with and what they want to do. Only once they have made a plan, however vague, of what they want to do can they go and do it. Then, after this choice worktime, the children discuss what they have been doing and whether it was successful.

Student in David's Class

DISTAR Method in First grade. DISTAR is a phonics-based reading program that was developed to help students who lagged behind their peers in language skills. Most of the program is scripted.
What does it feel like for George? George is a student that is excelling in the small group instruction. George feels smart because he can make the sounds that letters make immediately.
What does it feel like for Melaney? Melaney is a student that is not excelling in the small group instruction. Melaney most likely feels ashamed, because she cannot make the sounds that letters make immediately.