Responsive Classroom
At Country Day School, we believe the Responsive Classroom approach to teaching and learning fosters safe, challenging and joyful classrooms. It creates a school community in which students feel confident taking risks while growing socially, emotionally and academically. Children learn social and emotional competencies, including cooperation, assertiveness, responsibility, empathy and self-control.
Practices from the Responsive Classroom approach implemented at Country Day include Morning Meeting, Rules and Logical Consequences, Classroom Organization and Guided Discovery. One of our favorite components is Quiet Time, which offers students an opportunity to transition back to the classroom after recess in a purposeful and relaxed way. Just 10 to 15 minutes of time to read, write, draw, work on a puzzle or do some quiet work help children take a physical, mental and emotional breather so they are ready to engage in learning in the afternoon.
We merge these strategies into the classroom each day, starting with our youngest JPK students and moving through the grades. Teachers coach their students to care for themselves, their fellow students, their environment and their work. They are partners in caring and learning. We strive to teach our students positive social skills that will last far beyond their elementary years at Country Day School.
Learn more about the Responsive Classroom approach.