Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Learning Environments Responsive Classroom model and gifted?

Hi - Just curious if anyone's had experience with the Responsive Classroom model, which they use at DS6's new school. From what I've been told, it sounds like the first couple weeks of school does not focus on academics, but isn't every school year like that?
http://www.responsiveclassroom.org/about/aboutrc.html
I'm a little nervous that the first guiding principle is "The social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum" -- but of course I have no real knowledge of what this means in practice, so I could be overreacting. This model actually seems quite harmless on paper (or rather in html), but just wondering about experiences anyone here has had.

My plan is to at least prepare DS6 that there might not be a lot of learning going on the first few weeks, so he's not disappointed.

Thanks!

DS's school is using it as well. I found it to be very helpful when he was being bullied by another boy at school. They addressed the situation as a whole class, without any finger pointing or 'guilty party' kind of stuff. Granted, it was 1st grade, so I'm not sure how they handle it in the older grades.

He also grade skipped mid-year last year and nobody mentioned the "social curriculum" he'd be missing out on- if that makes you feel better!

We just started using this as well. if you look on the website though, there is a lot more that goes into it. I liked the idea of the student chosen areas with academics etc. Looks like it could get some of the more resilient teachers to work with kids at varying levels vs. teaching to the middle of the road. I like the way that the class helps guide the rules etc. too. I have liked what I have seen with it so far!

Thanks for the reponses - I feel much better that they're all positive.

Another positive vote here! They use this model throughout my kids' school and it is one of the things I love about the school! The focus isn't only on academics but on teaching the many other skills one needs as well- cooperation, responsibility etc. Love it!