CURRICULUM GUIDE MISSION
Hamlin Robinson School ignites the academic and creative potential of students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. VISION
The world class education program at Hamlin Robinson School is a catalyst for students to discover the joy of learning within a rich, comprehensive school experience. CORE VALUES
Respect | Responsibility | Purpose | Perseverance
Updated June 2026 HRS 2026-2027 Curriculum Guide | 1
OVERVIEW At Hamlin Robinson School, we ignite the academic and creative potential of students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences through a research-based program designed to meet the unique needs of our learners. As students’ progress from grade to grade, they build foundational skills, deepen their understanding, and develop the confidence and independence needed to think critically, communicate effectively, solve problems, and advocate for themselves. Grounded in our Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, Purpose, and Perseverance, our curriculum combines explicit instruction with meaningful opportunities for exploration, challenge, and authentic application of skills. Through ongoing assessment and responsive teaching, we meet students where they are while helping them recognize what they are capable of achieving. By building both skills and confidence, we foster the joy that comes from meaningful growth and success.
PRIMARY AND INTERMEDIATE •
Employs a classroom-based model of targeted instruction
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Students achieve authentic success building their trust and confidence as learners
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Provides integrated instruction that supports coherence across subjects and creates a predictable, structured learning day
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Fosters a lifelong love of learning
MIDDLE •
Combines a rigorous academic program with intentional supports
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Students practice executive function skills, organizational skills, and goal setting
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Exercises self-advocacy and independence as core competencies
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Cultivates empathy, critical thinking, and leadership skills
TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 —Reading
11 — History / Social Studies
05 — Writing
13 — Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
07 — Math
15 — Arts & Wellness Program
09 —Science
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READING At Hamlin Robinson School, reading instruction is grounded in the Slingerland® Approach, a multisensory, structured, and sequential approach to literacy that supports students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Across all grade levels, students develop the foundational skills necessary for reading success while engaging in meaningful discussions, critical thinking, and writing about text. As students progress through the divisions, instruction evolves from learning the foundations of reading, to reading for understanding, to analyzing and evaluating increasingly complex ideas.
DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Primary
In the Primary grades, students build the foundational skills necessary to become readers. Instruction focuses on developing phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension through explicit, systematic instruction. Students receive reading instruction in small groups based on their instructional reading level, allowing teachers to provide targeted support and practice. Many students read decodable texts during instructional reading time as they learn how sounds, letters, and words work together. As students begin to make meaning from text, they learn to discuss stories, ask and answer questions, make connections, and draw simple conclusions. Group read-alouds throughout the day provide rich exposure to literature, vocabulary, and content beyond students’ independent reading levels while helping students develop an interest in books, stories, and the reading experience. Through these shared reading experiences, students build background knowledge, strengthen listening comprehension, and discover the joy and purpose of reading.
Intermediate
In the Intermediate grades, students strengthen foundational reading skills while transitioning from learning to read toward reading to learn and think critically. Instruction emphasizes advanced decoding, morphology, vocabulary development, fluency, and comprehension. Students receive reading instruction in small groups based on their instructional reading level. As texts become more complex, students learn to analyze text structures, author’s purpose, and literary elements while supporting their thinking with evidence. Reading is increasingly paired with writing to deepen comprehension and critical thinking. Supported by The Writing Revolution®, students write about what they read to organize ideas, explain their thinking, and strengthen understanding. Group readalouds continue to build background knowledge, vocabulary, and exposure to rich literature and informational texts. HRS 2026-2027 Curriculum Guide | 3
READING DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Middle
In Middle School, students apply their reading skills to analyze, evaluate, and communicate complex ideas across literature and informational texts. Instruction emphasizes advanced comprehension, vocabulary development, critical analysis, and independent learning. Students are grouped by reading level and participate in a combination of whole-class instruction and targeted smallgroup instruction based on specific skill needs. Classes requiring more structured literacy support receive increased small-group instruction. Students continue to develop vocabulary through morphology, including the study of Greek and Latin roots, while strengthening foundational reading skills as needed. Students engage with a variety of texts, including novels, short stories, poetry, articles, and informational texts. As they progress through Middle School, they participate in increasingly sophisticated novel studies while exploring diverse genres, authors, perspectives, and styles of writing. Reading is closely integrated with discussion and writing. Through The Writing Revolution®, students analyze texts, synthesize information, and communicate evidence-based ideas. They examine themes, author’s craft, perspectives, and the impact of language on meaning while developing the ability to compare texts, evaluate arguments, and defend their thinking.
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WRITING At Hamlin Robinson School, writing instruction is grounded in the Slingerland® Approach, a classroom adaptation of the Orton-Gillingham approach, which integrates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways to strengthen the connection between spoken and written language. Across all grade levels, students develop handwriting, spelling, grammar, and written expression through explicit, systematic instruction. While students practice writing within dedicated writing classes, much of their paragraph and composition work occurs in reading, science, and social studies. This integrated approach helps students apply writing skills across content areas, deepen learning, and develop confidence as writers. Instruction is further supported by The Writing Revolution® which provides students with structured strategies for organizing ideas and communicating clearly.
DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Primary
In the Primary grades, students build the foundational skills necessary to become writers. Instruction focuses on handwriting, spelling, sentence construction, grammar, and written expression while strengthening the connection between sounds, letters, words, and meaning. Students begin with manuscript writing and transition to cursive instruction in third grade. Research suggests that cursive writing can support letter recognition, spelling, handwriting fluency, and written expression for many students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Dictation provides opportunities to apply newly learned skills, review previously taught concepts, and develop an understanding of how sentences work together to form a paragraph. Through structured writing, dictation, and guided practice, students learn to communicate ideas through words, sentences, and early paragraph writing
Intermediate
In the Intermediate grades, students strengthen foundational writing skills while learning to organize and expand their ideas. Instruction emphasizes spelling, grammar, morphology, sentence construction, paragraph development, and written organization. Supported by The Writing Revolution®, students learn how to construct clear sentences, organize paragraphs, explain their thinking, and support ideas with evidence. Dictation activities become increasingly complex as students apply new learning and review previously taught skills in authentic writing contexts. Through writing across reading, science, and social studies, students deepen content knowledge while building confidence and fluency as writers.
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WRITING DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Middle
In Middle School, students use writing as a tool for communication, analysis, and learning. Instruction continues to strengthen spelling, grammar, and written conventions while increasing expectations for organization, complexity, and independence. Supported by The Writing Revolution®, students refine their ability to write clear paragraphs, analyze texts, explain ideas, and support claims with evidence. They deepen their understanding of morphology through the study of Greek and Latin roots while developing the written communication skills needed for success in high school and beyond. Dictation activities continue to reinforce new learning and strengthen the application of previously taught skills in increasingly sophisticated ways. As students progress through Middle School, they write for a wider variety of audiences and purposes while exploring new genres, formats, and expectations, including research papers and MLA formatting. Beyond the writing classroom, students use writing, discussion, presentations, and elective opportunities such as Journalism and Debate to communicate effectively, advocate for themselves, and express their ideas with confidence and independence.
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MATH At Hamlin Robinson School, mathematics instruction is designed to develop confident, capable problem-solvers who understand both how and why math works. Across all grade levels, students build conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and mathematical reasoning through explicit instruction, inquiry, discussion, and problem-solving. Our curriculum is guided by grade-level Common Core State Standards, ensuring students engage with the essential concepts and skills at each grade while allowing teachers to adjust the depth, pacing, and level of support based on student readiness. Using the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) approach, students explore new concepts using hands-on materials and visual models before they progress to abstract representations and algorithms. As students move through the divisions, they strengthen their mathematical understanding, make connections between ideas, and apply their knowledge with increasing independence, flexibility, and depth.
DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Primary
In the Primary grades, students build the foundational skills and concepts that support future mathematical learning. Through hands-on, multisensory experiences, students develop number sense and place value understanding, fluency with addition and subtraction, and learn early concepts of multiplication, division, fractions, measurement, geometry, and time. Students recognize patterns and mathematical relationships as they develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Throughout these grades, students make sense of numbers and mathematical relationships by exploring ideas with manipulatives, visual models, discussions, and problem-solving experiences. By engaging in student talk, they begin building their capacity to explain their thinking, use a variety of strategies to solve problems, recognize patterns and connections, persevere through challenges, and develop confidence in mathematical reasoning.
Intermediate
In the Intermediate grades, students connect foundational skills to more complex mathematical concepts and real-world applications. Students extend their understanding of operations with whole numbers to fractions, decimals, and percents while building fluency with multi-digit computation and strengthening problem-solving, reasoning, and mathematical communication. Students move flexibly between manipulatives, visual representations, and abstract algorithms as they deepen their understanding of increasingly sophisticated concepts and multistep problems. Teachers intentionally revisit prior concepts and encourage students to connect new learning with previously developed skills, communicate their reasoning, and justify solutions HRS 2026-2027 Curriculum Guide | 7
MATH DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Intermediate
using mathematical evidence. Through creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration and productive struggle, students build independence, perseverance, and confidence while applying mathematics in a variety of contexts.
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Middle
In Middle School, students develop the skills and confidence to think critically, solve complex problems, and communicate mathematical ideas effectively. They learn to take academic risks, explore multiple solution strategies, and view mistakes as an important part of the learning process. As students progress through middle school, they move from strengthening operations with rational numbers and proportional reasoning to exploring algebraic concepts, functions, geometry, statistics, and data analysis. Students learn to apply mathematical concepts to real-world situations, explain their thinking through verbal and written communication, and use visual models to support their understanding. We recognize that students are on a wide range of readiness for math. While we provide grade level access to all students, some may need more targeted support to enhance previous gaps in understanding, and others may be ready for accelerated coursework, which includes the opportunity to take Algebra 1 in 8th grade.
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SCIENCE At Hamlin Robinson School, science instruction develops curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving through hands-on investigation and scientific inquiry. Our science program draws from high-quality instructional resources, including Mystery Science, Savvas and McGraw Hill’s Inspire Science curriculum. While these resources provide a foundation for instruction and help inform our scope and sequence, teachers thoughtfully adapt and supplement materials to meet the needs of our learners. Through this approach, students engage with many of the scientific practices, cross-cutting concepts, and core ideas emphasized in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) while experiencing instruction that is accessible, engaging, and meaningful.
DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Primary
In the primary grades, students develop curiosity about the natural world through observation, exploration, and hands-on investigations using the Mystery Science curriculum. As they study the Earth, physical and life sciences, students build foundational skills in asking questions, making observations, collecting and interpreting evidence, and communicating their thinking. Over time, they progress from exploring and describing patterns in the world around them to explaining relationships, solving problems, and using evidence to support their ideas. Through engaging investigations and real-world connections, students develop scientific thinking and inquiry skills that serve as a foundation for future learning.
Intermediate
In the Intermediate grades, students deepen their understanding of scientific concepts through hands-on investigations, inquiry, and evidence-based reasoning using the Savvas Experience Science curriculum and other supplemental resources. Students begin attending the Science Lab, where they engage in experiments and apply scientific practices to explore increasingly complex questions. Across the physical, Earth, and life sciences, students learn to analyze data, construct explanations, communicate findings, and use evidence to support their thinking. Science learning is further supported in the classroom as homeroom teachers incorporate science-focused reading and informational texts that strengthen students’ understanding of key concepts and scientific vocabulary. Through these experiences, students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills needed for success in future science learning. HRS 2026-2027 Curriculum Guide | 9
SCIENCE DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Middle
In Middle School, students apply scientific thinking to analyze complex systems, solve problems, and investigate real-world questions using the McGraw Hill Inspire Science curriculum and other supplemental resources. Across Earth Science, Physical Science, and Life Science, students engage in laboratory investigations, data analysis, engineering design, and evidencebased argumentation while developing a deeper understanding of scientific concepts. Writing plays an important role in science learning. Supported by The Writing Revolution®, students analyze evidence, explain scientific concepts, communicate findings, and support claims with clear reasoning. Through laboratory experiences, collaborative projects, and independent research, students learn to evaluate evidence, think critically, and apply their learning to new situations. A hallmark of the Middle School program is the annual Science and Engineering Fair. Sixth grade students apply the Engineering Design Process to identify problems, develop solutions, and test prototypes, while seventh and eighth grade students conduct independent scientific investigations and present their findings to the school community.
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HISTORY / SOCIAL STUDIES At Hamlin Robinson School, social studies helps students understand themselves, their communities, and the broader world. Our program draws primarily from Teachers’ Curriculum Institute (TCI) resources, which provide a foundation for instruction while allowing teachers to adapt and supplement materials to meet the needs of our learners. Across all grade levels, students explore history, geography, civics, economics, and culture while developing critical thinking, perspective-taking, and citizenship skills. Social studies also serves as an important context for discussions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), helping students examine multiple perspectives, understand diverse experiences, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them.
DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Primary
In the Primary grades, students develop an understanding of themselves, their communities, and the wider world. Through the study of civics, geography, economics, history, and socialemotional learning, students learn how communities function, how people work together, and how individuals contribute to society. As students explore neighborhoods, cultures, traditions, and historical perspectives, they build empathy, strengthen collaboration skills, and begin to understand how people’s experiences may differ from their own. Through discussion, inquiry, and hands-on learning, students develop curiosity about the people, places, and stories that shape our world.
Intermediate
In the Intermediate grades, students deepen their understanding of history, geography, civics, and economics by exploring the people, events, and ideas that shaped Washington State, the Pacific Northwest, and the United States. Students learn how geography, culture, government, and economic systems influence communities over time. Through historical inquiry, discussion, reading, and writing, students analyze cause-and-effect relationships, consider multiple perspectives, and examine how past events continue to shape society today. Supported by The Writing Revolution®, students learn to organize their thinking, explain ideas clearly, and use evidence to support their understanding of historical concepts and events.
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HISTORY / SOCIAL STUDIES DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Middle
In Middle School, students develop a deeper understanding of how societies, governments, economies, and cultures shape the world. Through the Ancient Civilizations, Washington State History, and United States History, students investigate how people and events influence the course of history and continue to impact life today. Through the analysis of primary and secondary sources, discussion, research, and writing, students strengthen their skills as historians and critical thinkers. Supported by The Writing Revolution®, students develop their ability to write clear paragraphs and essays, analyze evidence, construct written arguments, and communicate ideas effectively. They evaluate multiple perspectives, draw connections between past and present, and engage thoughtfully with questions of citizenship, government, identity, and social responsibility. In the final trimester of seventh and eighth grade, students participate in social studies electives that allow them to explore specialized topics and perspectives beyond the core curriculum. Courses such as Making Art History and the Speech and Debate encourage students to examine history through new lenses while pursuing their interests and deepening their understanding of the world.
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SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) At Hamlin Robinson School, social-emotional learning is an essential part of every student’s educational experience. Our SEL program is grounded in the CASEL competencies and primarily draws from Caring School Community resources, which are adapted to meet the unique needs of our students. Through classroom lessons, discussions, community-building activities, and daily interactions, students develop the self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship, and decision-making skills needed for success in school and beyond. Social-emotional learning also provides a foundation for living our Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, Purpose, and Perseverance. Through monthly themes and intentional skill development, students learn to build positive relationships, navigate challenges, set goals, advocate for themselves, contribute to their communities, and make thoughtful decisions. Executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, goal setting, and self-monitoring are integrated throughout instruction to help students develop independence and confidence as learners.
DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Primary
In the Primary grades, students build a strong foundation of self-awareness, emotional understanding, and community membership. Students learn how to recognize and express emotions, develop positive relationships, solve conflicts, and contribute to a safe and inclusive classroom community. Through explicit instruction, discussion, role-play, and daily practice, students develop empathy, resilience, self-control, and an understanding of how their actions impact others.
Intermediate
In the Intermediate grades, students deepen their understanding of themselves and others while developing greater independence and responsibility. Instruction focuses on emotional regulation, perspective-taking, inclusion, problem-solving, and effective communication. Students learn to navigate increasingly complex social situations, reflect on their choices, and strengthen executive functioning skills such as goal setting, organization, planning, and self-advocacy. Through discussion and collaborative learning experiences, students build the skills needed to contribute positively to their communities.
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SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL) DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Middle
In Middle School, students strengthen the self-awareness, relationship skills, and decision-making abilities needed to navigate adolescence and prepare for high school. Students engage in discussions about identity, relationships, responsibility, leadership, wellness, and citizenship while developing greater confidence as independent learners and self-advocates. Instruction emphasizes critical thinking, perspective-taking, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making. Students continue to build executive functioning skills while learning to manage increasing academic and social demands with confidence, empathy, and resilience.
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ARTS & WELLNESS PROGRAM At Hamlin Robinson School, Arts & Wellness classes play an essential role in our mission to ignite the academic and creative potential of students with dyslexia and other languagebased learning differences. Through opportunities to create, perform, move, collaborate, and explore, students develop confidence, self-expression, and a deeper understanding of their strengths and interests. Arts & Wellness classes also provide meaningful opportunities to practice executive functioning skills such as planning, flexibility, self-regulation, and perseverance. Whether working as part of a team, solving problems, developing motor skills, or expressing ideas creatively, students strengthen the habits and mindsets that support success in school and beyond. These experiences help students live out our Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, Purpose, and Perseverance while developing into confident, well-rounded learners. Throughout the year, students build toward Arts Fest, a schoolwide celebration where they showcase artwork, perform, participate in creative experiences, and share their learning with the community. Serving as both a capstone event and a community-building tradition, Arts Fest highlights the creativity, growth, and accomplishments of our students.
DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Primary
In the Primary grades, students explore creativity, movement, technology, and personal interests through hands-on experiences designed to build confidence, curiosity, and joy in learning. Students learn to collaborate with others, follow routines, develop motor skills, and express themselves through a variety of creative and physical activities. As students build independence, they practice foundational executive functioning skills such as flexibility, self-regulation, and perseverance while discovering new interests and developing a sense of belonging within the school community. Arts & Wellness Classes: • Art • Music • Physical Education • Library • Technology
Intermediate
In the Intermediate grades, students expand their interests, develop new talents, and apply their learning in creative and meaningful ways. Through Arts & Wellness classes, students strengthen collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills. HRS 2026-2027 Curriculum Guide | 15
ARTS & WELLNESS PROGRAM DIVISION
FOCUS SKILLS + TOPICS
Intermediate
As students take increasing ownership of their learning, Arts & Wellness classes provide opportunities to develop time management, flexibility, and perseverance while encouraging students to explore their strengths and interests in new ways. Arts & Wellness Classes: • Art • Music • Physical Education • Library • Technology
Middle
In Middle School, students engage in core Arts & Wellness and elective experiences that help them explore personal interests, develop new skills, and express themselves with increasing independence. Through Arts & Wellness classes, students strengthen creativity, collaboration, communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills while discovering new passions and talents. In Grade 6, students survey a range of Arts & Wellness classes during the first two trimesters before selecting courses that align with their interests for the remainder of the year. As students progress through Middle School, they have increasing ownership over their elective choices and learning pathways. These experiences provide authentic opportunities to practice executive functioning skills such as time management, self-advocacy, flexibility, and personal responsibility. Students are encouraged to take risks, reflect on their growth, and contribute meaningfully to their communities as confident and capable learners. Elective offerings vary by year. Examples include: • Team Sports • Lego Robotics • Podcasting • Music Technology • Rock band • Improv • Maker Space • Ceramics • Life Skills
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1701 20th Avenue S. Seattle, WA 98144 206.763.1167 www.hamlinrobinson.org HRS 2026-2027 Curriculum Guide | 17