Learning Support

Learning Support at Cambridge Friends School

 

At Cambridge Friends, we nurture multiple intelligences and a growth mindset. We recognize that every child has a distinct learning style, as well as a unique set of strengths and challenges. For this reason, our Learning Specialists do not follow a formulaic structure for providing support. Support is based on the particular needs of each student. Our Learning Specialists are flexible and work closely with classroom teachers to design plans that support both students and teachers.

 

Students work with Learning Specialists individually or in small groups, both inside and outside the classroom. Students may receive year-long support or participate in a short-term intervention designed to boost a specific skill. Learning Specialists help students strengthen their skills by using multiple-modalities. Specialists teach students to use their individual strengths to support their areas of challenge. All our Learning Specialists are Orton-Gillingham trained.

 

In the Lower School, reading support typically occurs outside the classroom, while math support tends to happen within the classroom. In early grades, intervention focuses on developing emerging reading and math skills. As students progress, the focus gradually shifts to supporting students with classwork and executive functioning skills. Learning Specialists also support students to develop writing skills as they tackle classroom writing assignments, such as weekly reading letters or long-term writing assignments.

 

In the Middle School, support is often provided within academic classes. For students who have a foreign language waiver, the Learning Specialist works with small groups or individuals in lieu of Spanish class. The Middle School also has an Academic Support After-School Program (ASAP), which runs from dismissal until 5:45 pm all afternoons except Friday. This program, which students attend by invitation only and is offered at no additional cost, focuses on reinforcing in-class learning and supporting students as they complete homework assignments. Referred to as “Homework Club,” this program gives students the flexibility to also participate in our after-school athletic and music programs.