| Reading and writing are constant and
joyous activities in the Junior School, as are the all-important
skills of listening and speaking. In some classrooms, one sees groups
of children writing and illustrating stories, listening to folk
tales and learning how to read. In others, the children may be learning
about Native Americans, studying the rainforest, learning a new
song, perhaps in a new language, or cooking a special food from
a classmate's home country. Children who display readiness begin
learning French or Spanish in kindergarten, an experience that teaches
them the joys and fun of language learning.
In our exciting Science Lab, a group of children might be exploring
the properties of light through the use of mirrors, prisms, and
lenses. In the International Garden, a group of children might be
observing the exotic variety of flora and fauna in the pond. Group,
cooperative, and inquiry based learning are important parts of every
day.
Throughout the Junior School, one sees firm evidence that these
children are part of a vibrant international community. There are
books, maps, pictures, and artifacts from many countries in every
classroom. From their first day in Junior A (Kindergarten), UNIS
children are encouraged to form an international perspective, a
sense of who each child is, and where each child comes from. They
also experience the world around them through a variety of field
trips.
Along with the traditional academic subjects taught by each homeroom
teacher, from kindergarten on, each UNIS child is taught art, music,
science, and movement, all by specialists.
Computer studies are begun in the early grades, and are viewed
by all UNIS students as vital tools for communication, problem solving,
and information retrieval. One example of how technology is used
at UNIS is the innovative and fascinating "Journey to the Center
of the Earth" project, in which fourth graders work in the computer
lab to design a geo-vehicle and to devise a narrated slide show
about it, complete with text, graphics, and digital photos. The
vehicle itself is constructed in the science lab, a valuable experience
in cooperative learning.
At UNIS, we believe that patterns of self-esteem and respect for
others are established early. This is accomplished in myriad and
subtle ways, each and every day, throughout the Junior School. Occasional
conflicts are resolved quickly and efficiently by sitting at a "Peace
Table" and talking things out.
At UNIS children are also taught self-reliance and personal responsibility.
From remembering one's lunch in Junior A to learning how to use
a combination lock in Junior 3, mastery of life-skills creates in
each student an important sense of efficacy and personal competence.
At each grade level in the Junior School, behavioral expectations
build upon one another, gradually creating patterns that enable
students to meet the more rigorous social and academic demands of
the Middle and High Schools.
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