Words Their Way is our differentiated, hands-on approach to word study.  Throughout the week, students engage in different kinds of word sorts and games to understand and practice spelling patterns.  The benefit to this approach is that students are learning patterns...

Third graders have been busy exploring the driving question “How do we protect the endangered species in our area?”  Before we could take action, we first needed to research about these endangered species. Students explored these species by doing various activities to...

The Bridges in Mathematics curriculum is a great balance of direct instruction, independent work centers, and exploration.  On Friday, students practiced using tape measures correctly by looking for objects that had varying lengths.    This week, our class began...

We started our first PBL unit of the year!  In Project Based Learning, students work on a project over an extended period of time that engages them in solving a real-world issue or a complex question. As they tackle a meaningful project, they practice critical...

We have enjoyed getting to know each other during the first several days of school. What a great group of kids! PNA implements Responsive Classroom in order to create a safe, joyful learning environment for our students.  One of the goals of Responsive Classroom...

All good things must come to an end... This week, the third, fourth and fifth grade classes focused on wrapping things up with a fun filled assortment of activities, including Pacific Northern Academy's annual Field Day festivities, a locker clean out, a visit to the...

The last PBL unit of the school year is an example of an interdisciplinary approach where students used reading, writing, math, and science skills in an authentic real-life situation with real results. This unit aims to answer the driving question: "How can we, as...

Well, it's over in time... but it will always be in our memories! This week, the fourth and fifth grade classes spent five days and four nights in Kodiak, Alaska -- the second largest island in the United States. We had an itinerary going in, but we didn't limit...

If you hear a third grader talk about "THE overnight", they are referring to their one-night trip to the Challenger Learning Center, a capstone experience this year. Spring trip at PNA provide opportunities for students to become more independent when they are away...

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil... smell no evil?! This week, the fourth and fifth grade classes took a look at trust and respect, two very vital building blocks not just for the classroom, but for life, in general. When it comes to trust, not all...