Our Tuesday middle school unit studies offer deeper academic content while still providing hands-on activities and encouraging children to connect with nature. In the Fall semester, students will explore Middle School Math, Science, and English Language Arts. In the Spring Semester, they will explore Middle School Math, Social Studies/History, and English Language Arts. Units covered in full-day programs drive a full academic curriculum for the year. There are no tests or homework. All coursework is completed in class and given to parents as a master record at the end of the year. Novels shared in coursework are read aloud in class and each student receives a copy of the book to follow along.
We use Unit Studies to guide lesson work and to interconnect curricula for a deeper understanding of the topics. There are 16 unit weeks. Children will keep a master record of all their work that they get to take home at the end of the year. Instructors will email weekly class summaries that explain what your child learned — these summaries are great resources to document your homeschooling progress.
The afternoon class on Tuesday is Middle School Math Fun and it includes:
- Foundational Math Practice
- Math Games and Challenges
- Desmo Calculator Skills
2023-2024 Schedule
Environmental Science – Fall
This unit will guide students through increasing awareness of environmental challenges and related climate change. Students will look at the environment through the wide lens of what is happening to our planet, why it is happening, how it is impacting how we live, work, and play, and what options we have to do something about it. Students will learn the scientific skill of creating accurate scientific models and descriptions as well as working through a lab. They will explore the carbon cycle, deforestation, climate vs weather, greenhouse gasses, oceanic changes, flooding and ice melt, storms, and endangerment to biodiversity. This class will utilize videos, class discussions, and hands-on lab activities.
Social Justice – Spring
This unit gives students the opportunity to learn about and discuss the social world around them. Students will take time to examine their personal views and how they fit into this diverse world. Students will consider topics such as religion, race, economic background, physical abilities, mental health, age, and gender. Care has been taken to use the authentic voices of advocates, representatives, and champions of each social inequity. We will use Ted Talks, class discussions, literature, art, and other hands-on activities to explore these topics.
Literature and Writing – Full Year
Fall – The fall unit will introduce students to different ways a person can write to inform or entertain. Students will explore memoirs, speeches, written communications, and storytelling. Students will be exposed to mentor texts showing them what good writing can look like and time to practice writing the current genre. Some students may not complete written assignments in full. Alternatively, some students may enjoy writing and will complete multiple pieces of writing.
Spring – Students will explore the elements of literature such as characterization, plot structure, conflict, and themes while reading the novel The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden. Students will be guided through the novel with enriching discussions and periodic literature activities designed to enhance their comprehension and knowledge of common literary elements all while strengthening their listening and speaking skills.
Mindful Minutes/Gratitude Circles ( All Year)
Beginning in our middle school program, learners start and end each class reflecting on their lives and exploring ways to move through the teen years better equipped to handle the day-to-day challenges. In our opening Mindful Minutes, scenarios about friends, family, and school pressures are discussed in broad terms and, if learners wish to share, with more specific examples. Stressors are identified and discussions about how to navigate such situations are discussed as a group. This is presented in a non-threatening “this works for me, what works for you or someone you know” format. Learners are encouraged to participate but are not required to share. At the end of each class, we close by sharing a thought of gratitude. Learners share something they enjoyed about the day or something they are thankful for in their lives. This practice reminds us to live in the present and look for the little things that make us happy.
2024-2025 Topics will include a full year of ELA, Chemistry with Lab work in the Fall, and World Geography in the Spring.