ACADEMICS

INTERMEDIATE CURRICULUM

COURSES OF STUDY

SECONDARY CURRICULUM

MORNING CLASSES

AFTERNOON BLOCK REQUIRED CLASSES

AFTERNOON BLOCK ELECTIVES

COURSES OF STUDY: GRADES 5 – 6

Reading / Literature

The focus of this course is a Reader’s Workshop incorporating student selections. A variety of books are offered that can accommodate a range of instructional reading levels. Students learn new vocabulary, develop comprehension and thinking skills that focus on traditional elements of the story. Twenty minutes are set aside each day for the teacher to read a book to the class. The overall goal is to instill the love of reading.

Writing Workshop

Students learn to write by writing. The workshop includes an all-class “mini lesson” that focuses on a specific writing strategy or skill. Lessons are designed to fit the emerging needs of the students as determined by their daily writing. Weekly writing assignments are augmented by student-teacher writing conferences.

Featured Topics:

  • Spelling, punctuation and grammar
  • Dictionary and thesaurus use
  • Sentence and paragraph writing
  • Editing and revising
  • Fiction/Poetry and research writing
  • Informal writing and advertising

Math

Along with work in the text, students are involved in cooperative problem-solving activities, use of manipulatives, games and puzzles. Homework is for exploration and enrichment or for the purpose of completing work begun in class. We emphasize strategies for using math skills to solve problems. Math level is determined by student ability rather than by grade.

Featured Topics:

  • Operations and whole numbers
  • Operations with decimals and fractions
  • Place value Non-metric and metric geometry
  • Economics Ratio and proportions

Social Studies

Through interactive simulations of the Renaissance Period, the Westward Movement, Slavery, and Immigration, students go on their own historic journey and make decisions drawn from their experiences. These historic journeys are personalized through research papers, art projects, drama, music, and field trips.

Featured Topics:

  • Ancient Egypt
  • American Revolution
  • Founding Fathers
  • The Constitution
  • The Declaration of Independence
  • Peace and Justice
  • Civil Rights
  • Diversity
  • The Civil War
  • Presidents of the United States

Physical Education

Focuses on cooperative, non-competitive games such as basketball, jungleball and dodgeball, aiding in physical development as well as team-building.

Art

Emphasizes drawing and design skills. Students work with a variety of media drawn both from life and from imagination while learning the basics of composition and perspective. Various craft and three-dimensional media are explored such as weaving, papier mâché and clay.

Drama

Drama games, improvisation, writing and scene work enhance imagination, self-confidence and a sense of community throughout the year. In the spring, students present a fully staged production of a classic play. Students also attend several Seattle Children’s Theatre plays.

 

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