A SPICE 2004 Program
St. Mary Magdalene Early Childhood Program
Co-Teaching in a Flow-Thru Classroom
St. Mary Magdalene School
Humble, Texas
St. Mary Magdalene Catholic School opened its doors for the first time three years ago with 70 students form diverse social and cultural backgrounds. At the conclusion of the third year enrollment is at 160 students in Pre-K 3 thru 5th grade with future plans to open a grade each year to the 8th grade. The school is a new state of the art building that will eventually hold 450 students. The start-up of a new school is very costly and funding is problematic. Located in the center of a small urban community, the school does not have neighborhood accessibility. Even so, the pre-school classes have been the most successful area of growth due to well planned and innovative teaching methods.
The Pre-K 4 teaching team consists of two lead teachers with two support staff. Each lead teacher conducts their own opening circle with their homeroom group. During this time new activities and objectives are presented. Once new activities are introduced the children are fee to discover and explore learning centers housed in both classrooms. The teaching team remains in the respective homerooms while the children flow through both rooms.
The physical layout plays an integral part the learning environment. Each classroom emphasizes different subjects. Each lead teacher is responsible for a portion of the learning process. In one room emphasis is placed on science and math concepts while the other room dwells on the language envelope. Both rooms have a religious area where children can also explore planned daily activities or just talk with God if they choose. Social skills are emphasized throughout both rooms.
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National Catholic Educational Association
