by Mistral Dodson | May 30, 2023 | Blog
Welcome to The Phoenix School, where personalized learning is at the heart of our educational philosophy. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of personalized learning and how it can prepare students for the new economy.
Personalized learning is a powerful approach to education that puts students in charge of their own learning. It allows them to choose what they learn and at what pace, giving them the opportunity to excel in areas they are passionate about and take more time in areas they struggle with. At The Phoenix School, we believe that every student is unique and deserves an education tailored to their individual needs.
Here are six benefits of personalized learning:
- Moves students along at their own pace – Each student has their own strengths and weaknesses, and the pace of learning is not the same for everyone. Personalized learning allows students to move at their own pace, which reduces barriers between students of different skill levels. It also helps to prevent talented students from becoming bored and distracted, while giving struggling students the time and support they need to succeed.
- Allows students to take initiative for their own education – Students perform best when they are intrinsically motivated, which means they are motivated to learn simply because they enjoy it. Personalized learning makes students intrinsically motivated to learn by allowing them to choose their own path out of a set of options. This gives them the freedom to explore topics that are personally meaningful to them, which in turn leads to greater engagement and better learning outcomes.
- Gives students tech skills – Personalized learning is made easier and more effective thanks to modern ed tech. Our students use collaboration software like Google Docs, Prezi, FlipGrid, and Zoom, just to mention a few, which helps them to practice learning and working in a technological setting. These skills are essential for future careers, as work is rapidly shifting towards online work and virtual collaboration.
- Helps students learn from each other – Personalized learning does not mean that students learn in isolation. Instead, it creates opportunities for collaboration and peer review. Students can choose their own path, but their path can still overlap with other students, which leads to a wider breadth of topics explored in the classroom. Our students also have the opportunity to teach or present their knowledge to the class, which is an excellent way to prove their learning.
- Sidesteps problems with standardized tests – Standardized tests are ubiquitous in modern-day schools, but their efficacy is questionable. Personalized learning sidesteps these problems by allowing students to choose how to prove their learning. For example, they could make a presentation or creative project. This encourages creativity and critical thinking, which are essential skills for success in the new economy.
- Prepares students for the new economy – The new economy is not a “one-size-fits-all” economy. In order to fit into the needs of the new economy, workers have to be prepared to forge their own path. This is exactly what personalized learning encourages. Students in a personalized learning setting will learn how to assess their own strengths and weaknesses to decide their own path. They will also develop skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are highly valued in the new economy.
At The Phoenix School, we believe that personalized learning is the future of education. We invite prospective families to book a tour and experience our approach to education firsthand. With personalized learning, your child can achieve their full potential and be prepared for success in the 21st century. Contact us today to learn more.
by Mistral Dodson | May 25, 2023 | Blog
In today’s rapidly evolving world, parents face the daunting task of preparing their children for a future that is filled with uncertainties. As we strive to equip our children with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of a well-rounded education. At The Phoenix School, we believe that creativity is the language of learning, and we are committed to providing an educational experience that nurtures the whole child. Join us on a journey as we explore the transformative power of art and why it’s an integral part of our educational philosophy.
- Embracing the Whole Child:
At The Phoenix School, we recognize that education is not just about academic achievement. We believe in nurturing the whole child, which includes fostering their creative, emotional, and social development. By incorporating art into our curriculum, we provide students with a platform to express themselves, explore their emotions, and develop their unique voices. Art allows children to think critically, solve problems, and make connections, nurturing their holistic growth.
- Enhancing Cognitive Abilities:
Research has consistently shown that the arts play a vital role in cognitive development. When students engage in artistic activities, they stimulate their imagination, enhance their observation skills, and improve their ability to think outside the box. By integrating art into our curriculum, we encourage our students to develop their creativity, which is essential for innovation and problem-solving in all areas of life.
- Cultivating Empathy and Emotional Intelligence:
Art has the incredible power to foster empathy and emotional intelligence. Through artistic expression, children learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives, cultures, and emotions. They develop the ability to communicate their feelings effectively and empathize with others. At The Phoenix School, we believe that these skills are crucial for building strong relationships, developing compassion, and becoming responsible global citizens.
- Bridging the Gap Across Disciplines:
The beauty of art lies in its ability to transcend boundaries and connect different disciplines. Integrating art into various subjects, such as science, math, and literature, creates a bridge between seemingly unrelated fields. Through interdisciplinary projects, our students learn to apply their creative and critical thinking skills to solve real-world problems. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of concepts and helps students make meaningful connections between different areas of knowledge.
- Empowering Self-Expression and Confidence:
In an increasingly competitive world, self-expression and confidence are vital qualities for success. Art provides a safe and nurturing environment for students to explore their own unique identities and develop their voices. Whether through painting, music, dance, or theater, our students gain the confidence to express themselves authentically. This self-assurance extends beyond the art room, empowering them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities with resilience and conviction.
We firmly believe that a well-rounded education is the key to unlocking a child’s full potential. By incorporating art into our curriculum, we foster creativity, enhance cognitive abilities, nurture empathy, and empower self-expression. We invite you to join us on a transformative educational journey that prepares your child for a future where adaptability, innovation, and collaboration are paramount. Take action today and book a tour to experience firsthand the magic of a well-rounded education at The Phoenix School, where creativity truly becomes the language of learning.
Together, let’s ignite the flames of curiosity and imagination in our children’s hearts, paving the way for a brighter future.
Book a tour at The Phoenix School today and embark on a transformative educational adventure like no other!
by Mistral Dodson | May 20, 2023 | Blog
One of the biggest advantages of independent private schools like The Phoenix School is the personalized education experience we offer. With smaller class sizes and a curriculum that is tailored to each student’s individual needs, students have the opportunity to receive more individual attention from teachers and to work at their own pace. This level of individualized attention can be critical to a student’s success not just in elementary and middle school, but well into high school, college, and beyond.
One key benefit of this personalized approach is that it helps students develop important skills such as leadership, executive functioning, and time management. By working closely with teachers to set goals and track progress, students learn how to take ownership of their own learning and become more responsible for their academic success. They also have more opportunities to develop leadership skills through group projects and extracurricular activities.
Executive functioning skills, such as planning, organizing, and time management, are also developed through this personalized approach. Students learn how to manage their time effectively and prioritize tasks, which is essential for success in high school and beyond. They also learn how to set goals and break them down into manageable steps, which is a skill that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional careers.
Another advantage of independent private schools like The Phoenix School is that they often offer a more diverse range of extracurricular activities than public schools. This allows students to explore their interests and develop new skills outside of the classroom, which can be critical to their personal and academic growth.
Overall, the personalized education experience offered by independent private schools like The Phoenix School can have a profound impact on a student’s academic success and personal development. By developing important skills such as leadership, executive functioning, and time management, students are better prepared for success not just in elementary and middle school, but throughout their lives.
by Mistral Dodson | May 15, 2023 | Blog
Math is everywhere, and it is an essential skill for our everyday lives. From counting money to measuring ingredients, math is involved in just about anything we do. That’s why it’s crucial to teach our children to embrace math and make it a part of their everyday lives.
Recently, at our K-5 school, we decided to challenge our students to design their math problems based on a book we read, “Counting on Fred.” At first, many of our students were overwhelmed and confused by the task, but with a little inspiration and guidance, they began to realize the endless possibilities.
One of our educators, Mike Smith, motivated the students with a simple statement, “Math is wonder, math is creativity, math is everywhere we look, now go and find it!” This encouraged the students to explore their surroundings and think creatively about how they could incorporate math into their everyday lives.
The students started to examine their classrooms for supplies and ideas to create their math problems. They came up with various wonder questions around math, such as how many different ways pegs could fit into the pegboard, how many 2 x 4 lego blocks fit on the tabletop, and how many planks it would take to make a ramp to climb onto the roof.
These wonder questions allowed our students to think outside the box and gain confidence in their math skills. As teachers, we understand that some students love math, while others dread it. However, the “AH HA” moment we witnessed from many of our students today made it all worthwhile.
Incorporating math into our everyday lives can be challenging, but it is essential for our children’s development. We can teach our children to embrace math by encouraging them to explore their surroundings, ask questions, and think creatively. By doing so, we can help our children gain confidence in their math skills and succeed in their future endeavors.
In conclusion, math is not just a subject we learn in school. It is an essential skill that we use in our everyday lives. By encouraging our children to embrace math and think creatively, we can help them develop the skills they need to succeed in their future endeavors.
by Mistral Dodson | May 10, 2023 | Blog
Recess is not just a time for kids to blow off steam; it’s an essential part of their overall well-being. It’s a break in their day that allows them to recharge and refocus, and it’s especially crucial for kids in elementary and middle school.
There’s a lot of debate surrounding the necessity of recess, with some educators and parents arguing that it’s a waste of time and takes away from important academic instruction. However, studies have consistently shown that recess actually has a positive impact on academic performance. In fact, a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that “recess time should be considered an essential part of the school day, like lunch or math class.”
But it’s not just academic performance that’s improved by recess. Kids also benefit from the physical activity, socialization, and creative play that recess provides. It’s a chance for them to run around, play games, and engage in imaginative play with their peers. It’s a time when they can learn important social skills like communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution.
Unfortunately, not all schools prioritize recess, and some have even eliminated it altogether. This is a concerning trend, as it deprives kids of an essential part of their day. Without recess, kids may struggle to focus in class, experience more stress and anxiety, and miss out on important opportunities for physical activity and socialization.
At our private school, we understand the importance of recess, which is why we make it a priority for our students. We may not have giant sports fields or fancy playgrounds, but we believe that creativity and resourcefulness can lead to unexpected adventures and opportunities. We take our students to local community locations like High St Park, the Salem Commons, and the Salem Bike Path for their recess and sports experiences.
By taking our students out of the traditional school setting, we not only give them a chance to move their bodies and engage in creative play, but we also teach them important life skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and community involvement. We show them that you don’t have to have access to everything right in your schoolyard, but that you can find opportunities for fun and learning in your local community.
In conclusion, recess is not just a frivolous break in the day; it’s a crucial part of a child’s overall well-being. Kids need the chance to move their bodies, engage in creative play, and socialize with their peers. Without recess, they may struggle in school and miss out on important opportunities for growth and development. As educators and parents, it’s our responsibility to prioritize recess and ensure that all kids have access to this essential part of their day.
by Mistral Dodson | May 6, 2023 | Blog
As adults, we often think of leadership and collaboration as skills that are developed in the workplace or through formal training. However, the truth is that these skills can be nurtured from a very young age. In fact, they often begin in kindergarten.
In a K-8 schoolroom, five-year-olds are eager to find a role for themselves. They start with small steps, such as helping each other find items in the classroom or working together to complete a puzzle. These seemingly insignificant interactions may seem insignificant, but they are laying the foundation for essential skills like leadership and collaboration.
As students progress through the grades, they are given more opportunities to develop these skills. In the third to fifth grades, they become “packing partners,” responsible for a younger partner at the beginning and end of the day. They may also be reading partners or leaders of project learning teams.
By the upper grades, students are expected to take on more significant leadership roles. They become team leaders, teachers of after-school courses, and coordinators of all-school teams for projects like Revels or problem-solving initiatives. By the time they reach eighth grade, they are the leaders of the school and represent it in the local community.
This approach to developing leadership and collaboration skills is very different from the traditional one-day-a-week “Reading Buddies” program. Instead of a limited opportunity to work together, students are given consistent opportunities to learn and grow together throughout their academic careers.
By starting early and providing ongoing opportunities for leadership and collaboration, schools can help students develop essential skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. These skills will not only help them in the workplace but also in their personal relationships and in making a positive impact on their communities.
