RESTFUL LEARNING

Overview

Our goal in the way we choose curriculum and structure our classes is that all of our teaching and learning aligns with our Philosophy of Education. We want our students to be learning, growing, and thriving in a restful environment that fosters curiosity and diligence. The curriculum for all of our classes, aside from our Lower School, is taught thoroughly in class with additional work being assigned and completed during the week. This is done so that the subject is completely covered by what Meadowlark Collective offers. We are not a school that covers every subject, but what we cover is taken care of for that student for the year. Our teachers communicate with parents regarding what work needs to be done at home during the week so that our students come to class prepared to further their learning.

Meadowlark is divided into six class groupings. We have grade guidelines associated with these groupings, but they are not rigid. We recommend parents consider what will be expected of each group of students and make placement decisions accordingly. You will find a few sample weekly assignment sheets below to give you a feel for what we ask of our students. Our Lower School (K5-2nd grade) are divided into Larks and Finches, Lower Elementary is 3rd-4th, Upper Elementary is 5th-6th, Middle School is 7th-8th and our Upper School is 9th-12th.

Details

For our Lower School we offer a holistic class having two teachers total, each teaching one half of the day. The subjects covered are calendar time (days of the week, months of the year, weather, etc.) nature study and science, geography, literature, and handicrafts, as well as, habit training.

The Elementary School students have three teachers, each teaching their subject of Writing + Literature, Science and Art. We use a Charlotte Mason style science in this class that focuses on the exploration and enjoyment of nature and science. The writing and literature for this group focuses on narration as well as discussion of, and exposure to, good books. Art will include a compilation of art skills, handicrafts and artist study.

Our Middle School students also have three teachers, each teaching their subject of Writing + Literature, Science and Art. We use a Charlotte Mason style science in this class that focuses on the exploration and enjoyment of nature and science. The writing and literature topics for this class are more rigorous than the Elementary Class and will again provide opportunity for quality literature exposure and discussion. Art will include a compilation of art skills, handicrafts and artist study.

The Upper School covers Writing + Literature and Lab Science. These two subjects rotate annually on a two or three year rotation. The Upper School Class also has optional electives each year. These also rotate on a three year schedule and may include Government, Economics, Art, Speech, Logic, Foreign Language, and others.

All of students meet for 20 minutes in the morning for our Collective Time. This time together includes hymn and folk song singing, composer study and brief poetry memory work.