Why We're Not Afraid of Skill Work at a Progressive School

Why we’re not afraid of skill practice at a progressive, project-based school … because it’s just one tool in our toolbox, and in the (masterful!) hands of teachers dedicated to child-centered learning, discreet skill practice like you see here is a powerful way to help kids solidify the foundational skills they need to be successful learners.

Kids deserve the practice they need to be set up for success! Especially when it comes to developing the phonemic awareness they need to be fluent readers and writers. Today, first graders built word pyramids of trick words featuring the “wh” digraph. Being explicit about language rules and breaking down the art and science of reading into practicable parts empowers young readers to reflect on their reading development and hone their skills.

Being willing to embrace all the tools that serve individual learners — whether or not they seem Insta-worthy or fit a typical “progressive” label — is what makes learning truly child-centered.