Homeschool Explorer's Club: Full Curriculum for Elementary Grades 3rd - 5Th
What's included
64 live meetings
26 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Math: Each week, students will be assigned exercises related to the topics covered in class. These exercises will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. They will be assigned individually to allow students to practice and reinforce their understanding. Reading: Students will be expected to read independently for about 20 minutes each day. The number of pages will depend on the book's difficulty level, but a good goal would be around 10-15 pages per day. Reading logs will be used to track their reading. Writing: Weekly writing assignments will be given, which could be a short story, a poem, or a report depending on the topic covered in class. These assignments will be individual tasks and should take about 30-40 minutes to complete. STEM: STEM homework will be project-based and could be done individually or in groups, depending on the nature of the project. These projects will be spread over a couple of weeks, with different stages of the project being due at different times. In total, students should expect to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours on homework each week, not including the daily independent reading. Assignments will be created and scheduled through the Assign content page inside of the class. Students will receive assignments based on the content we cover in class, and they will be due on specific dates. This will allow me to track their progress and identify any gaps in understanding.Assessment
We'll use a combination of assessment methods to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each student's progress. Formative Assessments: These are informal assessments that will take place throughout the course. They could be quick quizzes, class discussions, or homework assignments. The goal here is to check for understanding and guide future learning. Summative Assessments: These are more formal and occur at the end of a unit or period of learning. They could be tests, final projects, or presentations. These assessments provide a clear measure of what the student has learned. Self-Assessments: Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own learning. This could be through learning journals or self-evaluation forms. This helps students develop self-awareness about their learning process. Peer Assessments: Students will also have opportunities to assess each other's work. This could be during group projects or presentations. This helps students learn from each other and develop critical thinking skills. As for grading, we'll use a combination of letter grades and written feedback. Letter grades provide a clear measure of performance, while written feedback gives students specific insights into their strengths and areas for improvement.Grading
Students will receive grades based on efforts and project participation.Class Experience
US Grade 3 - 5
Beginner - Intermediate Level
Welcome to 'Explorers of Knowledge' - a thrilling academic adventure designed for upper elementary students! Over 16 weeks, we'll embark on a quest to conquer four fascinating realms: Math, Reading, Writing, and STEM. In the kingdom of Math, we'll decode the mysteries of multiplication, division, fractions, and geometry. Our journey will be filled with engaging activities, challenging problems, and real-world applications that make numbers come alive! Next, we'll navigate through the enchanting world of Reading and Writing. Here, we'll delve into captivating genres, unravel intricate plots, and explore diverse characters. We'll also ignite our creativity by crafting our own stories, honing our writing skills, and expressing our unique voices. Our adventure doesn't stop there! In STEM, we'll uncover scientific concepts and engineering principles and even get our hands dirty with some exciting experiments! We'll learn by doing, observing, and questioning, fostering a deep understanding of the world around us. This course meets four times a week, with each session designed to stimulate curiosity, encourage critical thinking, and foster a love for learning. Here's a sneak peek into our weekly schedule: Day 1: Math Mysteries Unveiled Day 2: Reading Adventures Day 3: Writing Wonders Day 4: STEM Explorations No prior knowledge is required; bring along your curiosity and enthusiasm! So, are you ready to join us on this exciting journey of discovery? Sign up for 'Explorers of Knowledge' today, and let's start exploring! What will be taught? We'll cover four main areas: Math, Reading, Writing, and STEM. We'll explore multiplication, division, fractions, and geometry in Math. In Reading and Writing, we'll delve into various genres, comprehension strategies, and creative writing. In STEM, we'll learn about scientific concepts and engineering principles and even get hands-on with exciting experiments! How is your class structured? The class meets four times a week. Each day will focus on one of the four main areas. We'll start with a fun and engaging lesson hook, followed by direct instruction and guided practice. The last part of the class will be dedicated to independent practice and reflection. Students will be given a link to the lesson at the beginning of each class. They'll be assigned projects and homework based on the week's lessons. How will you teach? I'll be using various teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. This includes direct instruction, guided discovery, collaborative, and project-based learning. What's your teaching style? My teaching style is interactive and learner-centered. I believe in fostering a positive and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas. How much will learners get to interact with you and each other? Learners will have ample opportunities to interact with me and each other. We'll have class discussions, group projects, and peer review sessions. I'll use games, slides, video clips, and other interactive tools to make the learning process more engaging. Any required experience or knowledge learners need? This course is designed for upper elementary students. Essential reading and math skills would be beneficial. However, all lessons will be taught in an age-appropriate manner, and no prior knowledge of specific topics is required. Will they need to complete assignments and how? Assignments will be created and scheduled through the Google Classroom platform. We will use the platform together during live sessions to view reading materials and instructions for group projects. Students will receive assignments based on the content we cover in class, and they will be due on specific dates. This will allow me to track their progress and identify gaps in understanding. What will they still need for their yearly evaluation? We will provide your child with everything they need for the school year in math, reading, writing, and science: reading logs, math workbook, portfolio with samples of their work, etc. Parents will be responsible for scheduling their own yearly evaluation according to their governing authority. Scope and Sequence will be adaptive for each student. (See syllabus) These goals will guide our instruction and provide a clear path for student learning. As we progress through the course, we'll be able to track student progress towards these goals, adjust our instruction as needed, and celebrate our students' achievements! Community Student-athletes Excellence Empowered Dream big Set goals Work hard Academics Curriculum Critical thinking Creativity Collaboration Teamwork Student-led Project-based Socratic-style teaching methods Educational philosophies Elite Cambridge Curriculum Personalized Education Common core classes Language Arts Math Science Social Studies Productive Montessori-inspired mixed-age classroom model One Room School House Courage to Grow Modern technology Individualized learning experience Personal interests 3rd, 4th, 5th grade homeschoolers Remove Redundant work Unschooling 21st-century skills Gaming YouTubers Quality education Unschooling PDA, ODD
Learning Goals
Math:
Students will master multiplication and division problems, including word problems.
Students will understand and apply concepts of fractions and decimals.
Students will recognize and classify geometric shapes and understand their properties.
Reading:
Students will improve their reading comprehension skills across various genres.
Students will learn to identify main ideas, supporting details, and make inferences from the text.
Students will expand their vocabulary.
Syllabus
64 Lessons
over 16 WeeksLesson 1:
Week 1: Introduction to Project-Based Learning
Math: Basics of Project-Based Learning in Mathematics.
Activities: Introduction to PBL, real-world math applications, simple math projects
Standards: CCSS.MATH.PRACTICE.MP1
25 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Reading: Understanding Project-Based LearningActivities.
Read articles and stories on PBL, comprehension activities
Standards: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.1
25 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Writing: Setting Project Goals.
Writing: Setting Project GoalsActivities: Writing project proposals, setting SMART goals
Standards: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.4.1
25 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
STEM: The Scientific Method
Anticipate, Monitor, Select, Sequence, Connect strategy. Present a scientific question, such as "What happens if a plant doesn't get water?" Students should anticipate possible outcomes, monitor their observations, select significant findings, sequence these findings logically, and connect them to form a conclusion.
Activities: Basics of the scientific method, simple experiments
Standards: NGSS.3-5-ETS1-1
25 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is designed to support unique learners, ex. ADHD, Dyslexia, ASD, Autism, Dysgraphia, etc.
We will use visuals, hands on projects, and games to learn. Each student will be encouraged to learn at their own pace.
Parental Guidance
Parents can get involved in our "Explorers of Knowledge: A Journey Through Math, Reading, Writing, and STEM" course:
Homework Support: Parents can help ensure that students have a quiet, comfortable space to complete their homework. They can also help students manage their time and break down larger assignments into manageable tasks.
Reading Support: For the independent reading component, parents can help choose books that are appropriate and interesting for their child. They can also spend time reading with their child, discussing the book, and asking questions to check for understanding.
Project Support: For the STEM projects, parents can provide materials and guidance as needed. However, it's important that the student does the majority of the work to ensure they're learning and developing their skills.
Communication: Regular communication with me is also important. Parents can reach out with any questions or concerns, and I'll provide regular updates on their child's progress.
However, it's important to note that while parental support can be beneficial, the goal is for students to develop independence and responsibility for their own learning. So, parents should aim to guide and support, rather than take over their child's work.
Parents are encouraged to review the following approved list of third-party tools for consent. All tools will be teacher provided.
Khan Academy - Students will be assigned usernames and passwords.
Parental consent is required for this resource
Kahoot - Students will be given a link when this source is used.
Parental consent is required for this resource
Nearpod - Students will be given a link when this is used.
Parental consent is required for this resource
Smithsonian Magazine -
Parental consent is required for this resource
Google Classroom - Students will be assigned usernames and passwords.
Flipgrid - Students will be assigned usernames and passwords.
Epic Books - Students will be given a link when this is used.
Students will Identify problems the characters may be facing and discuss ways to solve them. This will improve their reading comprehension and character analysis skills. We will also be building on critical thinking, respectful behaviors, and problem solving skills.
Here's a list of books that we'll explore during our Reading sessions:
"The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate
"Because of Winn-Dixie" by Kate DiCamillo
"The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo
"Frindle" by Andrew Clements
"The Lemonade War" by Jacqueline Davies
"The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett
"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White
"The Tale of Despereaux" by Kate DiCamillo
"Holes" by Louis Sachar
"Matilda" by Roald Dahl
"The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster
"The Borrowers" by Mary Norton
"The Indian in the Cupboard" by Lynne Reid Banks
"The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis
"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
These books will help us explore various genres, enhance our comprehension skills, and provide ample material for our writing exercises.
Pre-Requisites
Students should be able to read on their own and be able to count to 100.
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
Non-US Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
1 teacher has a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Psychology from Capella University
Master's Degree in Psychology from Capella University
2 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree from University of Worcester
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Capella University
Mz. Marianna is a seasoned educator with a passion for fostering learning in diverse settings. With years of experience in tutoring, she has honed her ability to tailor educational approaches to individual student needs, ensuring every learner can thrive. During the pandemic, she demonstrated her adaptability and commitment to education by successfully running a virtual school, maintaining high-quality instruction in the face of unprecedented challenges. Mz. Marianna's innovative spirit is also evident in the engaging camps she organized during school breaks, transforming her home into a vibrant learning hub. As a homeschooling parent, she has firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of personalized education. Mz. Marianna's multifaceted background equips her with a unique perspective and a toolkit of strategies to inspire and support her students.
ESA, EMA, classwallet and microgrants are eligible for this class.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$80
weekly or $1,280 for 64 classes4x per week, 16 weeks
25 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-5 learners per class