~FLICKER~
FLICKER is the name of our program for students ages 7-9. They attend class twice a week with the option of adding Friday. A flicker of light is so small that it needs constant energy from the hearth fire to continue burning. FLICKER students need lots of movement, hands-on activities, and sunshine as they develop skills and create relationships. Small classes offer a safe place for children to explore and learn. They have opportunities to share projects from home, recite with their peers, and participate in group activities.
FLICKER classes meet Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 9:00 am-2:30 pm with the option to add Friday; target age is 7-9.
The FLICKER core class includes traditional core subjects taught in an integrated history-based curriculum. Subjects include:
Math
Language Arts
Science
History/Social Studies
STEM
Art
FLICKER classes meet Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 9:00 am-2:30 pm with the option to add Friday; target age is 7-9.
The FLICKER core class includes traditional core subjects taught in an integrated history-based curriculum. Subjects include:
Math
Language Arts
Science
History/Social Studies
STEM
Art
Course Description
CLASSROOM CULTURE: Our class motto, we are a class that is kind, sets the tone for a respectful and inspiring experience. We honor individuality and recognize that each student progresses at their own pace and in their own way. We work together and applaud each student’s success. We expect students to do their personal best.
HISTORY IS THE HOOK: History is the story of humanity—and everyone loves a good story! It encompasses nearly all subjects. When taught chronologically, students gain an understanding of the world and their place in it. It allows them to make connections, find patterns, and grasp human nature. As they come to know both powerful and simple people in a historical context, they will recognize characteristics of leadership. Through reading and discussion, they begin to see how one person can make a difference, for the improvement or destruction of humanity. History lends itself beautifully to students at various levels, for all can study and discuss the same subject while the experience is individualized to each student’s interests and capacity. We study history chronologically, following a five-year rotating schedule through Ancients, Middle Ages, American Founding, Early Modern, and Modern.
LANGUAGE ARTS: Literature is the foundation of our language arts program. Families read the book of the month at home, and students engage in book discussions, activities, and writing assignments on the book in class. We teach phonics and spelling rules, helping students learn to “think to spell”, rather than simply spelling by memorization. We teach writing on all levels and incorporate handwriting and cursive writing, with the expectation that a student’s handwriting should be comfortable for them and easy to read. Students give an oral presentation on a project of their choice each semester. They also recite memorized pieces, which prepares them for oral exams, interviews, and public speaking.
MATH: Math time is split into two portions: students working independently from their own curriculum, and the class working together on mathematical games and activities. Mathematical application is the focus for group activities. Students begin to understand why math matters when we show them how to apply it. We engage in activities, games, and math skill development with an emphasis on the practical use of math. We make historical connections, studying the lives and works of great mathematicians and doing the math as we go. As we search for patterns and symbols, students connect math to stories, religion, nature, and real life.
SCIENCE: Every scientific discovery and scientific genius has a place on the timeline. By studying science chronologically, we gain our own knowledge of the universe from the foundation up, building on the knowledge of those who came before. We delve into the lives and works of great scientists while participating in hands-on science activities, experiments, and demonstrations.
ART: Students participate in art projects using a variety of mediums. Art history enriches class as students learn about famous artists and famous works from the time period.
MUSIC/CHOIR: We include music in our learning as often as possible. Special choir or musical theater numbers are performed at semester celebrations and events.
PE/Recess: Outdoor PE and recess are held daily for half an hour in almost any weather. We believe that free-play time and fresh air are essential for student growth and development. Games and activities are inclusive, old-fashioned fun.
MENTORING: Parents, mentors, and students meet each semester to discuss goals and projects and to evaluate progress. We strive to offer an individualized, mentored education and feel this is best accomplished with regular communication.
PROJECTS: We challenge students to present one project of their choice each semester. We encourage them to create something interesting to show, write a paper about it, and present it to their classmates on an appointed day.
Parent Volunteers: Parents contribute at least 20 hours to the school. Students love it when their parents get involved. As we all work together, we create a community of happy learners!
HISTORY IS THE HOOK: History is the story of humanity—and everyone loves a good story! It encompasses nearly all subjects. When taught chronologically, students gain an understanding of the world and their place in it. It allows them to make connections, find patterns, and grasp human nature. As they come to know both powerful and simple people in a historical context, they will recognize characteristics of leadership. Through reading and discussion, they begin to see how one person can make a difference, for the improvement or destruction of humanity. History lends itself beautifully to students at various levels, for all can study and discuss the same subject while the experience is individualized to each student’s interests and capacity. We study history chronologically, following a five-year rotating schedule through Ancients, Middle Ages, American Founding, Early Modern, and Modern.
LANGUAGE ARTS: Literature is the foundation of our language arts program. Families read the book of the month at home, and students engage in book discussions, activities, and writing assignments on the book in class. We teach phonics and spelling rules, helping students learn to “think to spell”, rather than simply spelling by memorization. We teach writing on all levels and incorporate handwriting and cursive writing, with the expectation that a student’s handwriting should be comfortable for them and easy to read. Students give an oral presentation on a project of their choice each semester. They also recite memorized pieces, which prepares them for oral exams, interviews, and public speaking.
MATH: Math time is split into two portions: students working independently from their own curriculum, and the class working together on mathematical games and activities. Mathematical application is the focus for group activities. Students begin to understand why math matters when we show them how to apply it. We engage in activities, games, and math skill development with an emphasis on the practical use of math. We make historical connections, studying the lives and works of great mathematicians and doing the math as we go. As we search for patterns and symbols, students connect math to stories, religion, nature, and real life.
SCIENCE: Every scientific discovery and scientific genius has a place on the timeline. By studying science chronologically, we gain our own knowledge of the universe from the foundation up, building on the knowledge of those who came before. We delve into the lives and works of great scientists while participating in hands-on science activities, experiments, and demonstrations.
ART: Students participate in art projects using a variety of mediums. Art history enriches class as students learn about famous artists and famous works from the time period.
MUSIC/CHOIR: We include music in our learning as often as possible. Special choir or musical theater numbers are performed at semester celebrations and events.
PE/Recess: Outdoor PE and recess are held daily for half an hour in almost any weather. We believe that free-play time and fresh air are essential for student growth and development. Games and activities are inclusive, old-fashioned fun.
MENTORING: Parents, mentors, and students meet each semester to discuss goals and projects and to evaluate progress. We strive to offer an individualized, mentored education and feel this is best accomplished with regular communication.
PROJECTS: We challenge students to present one project of their choice each semester. We encourage them to create something interesting to show, write a paper about it, and present it to their classmates on an appointed day.
Parent Volunteers: Parents contribute at least 20 hours to the school. Students love it when their parents get involved. As we all work together, we create a community of happy learners!