A wide variety of instructional techniques is used to make learning a meaningful and enjoyable experience. South Carolina Curriculum Standards are addressed on a daily basis. An integrated approach is emphasized throughout the curriculum --reading, math, science, social studies, and language arts are woven into thematic units. Learning strategies such as cooperative learning, critical thinking, problem solving activities, hands-on experience and the use of technology enables students to reach their full potential. Programs such as Daily Oral Language, AIMS - Activities for the Integration of Math and Science, and Math Their Way are used throughout the school. Teachers enrich the regular curriculum by writing grants on such topics as recycling, greenhouse gardening, cooking, and marine biology.

      A strong emphasis is placed on the individual needs of each child in every aspect of the educational program. We offer enrichment programs for academically gifted and talented students. A guidance counselor is available for parent conferences, classroom guidance, and small group and individual counseling. Individual assessment to identify specific learning disabilities or other problem areas is also provided by two resource teachers and a school psychologist.

    The focus placed on academics is evident by the scores received on the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test.  A copy of the most recent test data will be provided upon request.

Kindergarten
     Springfield kindergarten uses a combination of whole language and phonics to teach language arts. We incorporate centers for hands-on learning activities in language arts, math, writing, fine motor and gross motor development, art, science, computer, music, and dramatic play.

First Grade
     The first grade uses a combination of whole language, phonics, and basal readers to teach language arts. We have written our own spelling lists based on phonics and word families. We incorporate writing activities in all subject areas.
     In teaching math we use many hands-on materials. We problem solve about everyday situations, using math manipulatives, cooperative learning through partner and small-group activities, and daily routines involving math such as calendar, graphing, and weather. We also practice math through games.
     We use many interdisciplinary thematic units to teach science, social studies, and health. These units are also used to expand reading, writing, and math skills. Some units first graders study are landforms, dinosaurs, solids and liquids, astronomy, dental health, patriotism, ecology, magnets, maps, safety, families, plants, animals, simple machines, and oceans.
     The first grade teachers welcome volunteers in the classroom. We enhance our learning with field trips, visual aids, computers, learning centers, and community helpers.

Third Grade
     Springfield Elementary's third grade classes use thematic units to integrate the teaching of various subjects. Some of our topics of study include plant and animal habitats and adaptations, the circus, black history, matter and space. Each child has a writing portfolio and a writing journal.  We include writing assignments across the curriculum in our efforts to relate learning.We introduce third graders to the Accelerated Reader Program, Microsoft Word, and research projects which use the internet so our students will be comfortable and competent with technology.
     We use hands-on math and science programs. Students learn to apply math and science process skills to everyday life situations. Third graders feed, care for, and observe animals such as snails, meal worms, frogs, ants, and rabbits.
     We culminate our extensive study of South Carolina history with a grade-level field trip to Columbia. We visit the zoo and the State Museum, which walks our students through the colorful history of our state.
     Our third graders present programs for parents during the day or at PTA meetings which not only spark interest in the units of study, but also enable each child to perform for an audience during the year.

Fourth Grade
     Making learning exciting and meaningful is the goal of the fourth grade team at Springfield Elementary. Commitment to the implementation of a variety of learning strategies such as cooperative learning, critical thinking, problem solving activities, hands-on experience and the use of technology enables students to reach their full potential.
     Interdisciplinary thematic units enhance our curriculum and motivate our students in social studies, science and health. Writing across the curriculum is incorporated into these units with a focus on technical and creative writing. Novels are chosen to support our themes. Manipulatives are used extensively to develop mathematical concepts. Assessment techniques include portfolios, checklists and rubrics.
     We strive to develop the whole child by exposing students to the various cultural and historic opportunities available in our community and its surroundings. The highlight of a student's fourth grade year is an overnight field trip to the Barrier Islands Environmental Education program on Seabrook Island.

Fifth Grade
     At Springfield Elementary students change classes for language arts, math, science, and social studies. The entire fifth grade uses the Accelerated Reader computer program to promote reading.
     Fifth grade teachers work together to develop units and integrate South Carolina Curriculum Standards. They also use a hands-on approach in math and science.