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5th & 6th grades
2025-2026
General Info:
Upper Elementary school students are required to register for the 9-2:15 block of Thursday classes from September to May (5th grade: Literature, Geography, & Composition, Science & Nature Study, and Art; 6th Grade: Literature & Composition, Science & Nature Study, and Art & Cultural Studies).
Course fees (around $46 per week) include in-class instruction, all supplies used in class, and weekly home lesson plans posted to The Dispatch, our communication hub.
P.E. and Life Skills are not required but are additional options.
5th Grade Course Details
Course Duration: 28 Weeks; Thursdays, 9-2:15
Course & Class Supply Fees: $1300
Optional À La Carte Courses:
- Life Skills (Tuesdays, 12:30-2:15) Middle & Upper Elementary students: $600
- P.E. (Thursdays, 2:15-3:15) for Middle & Upper Elementary students: $275
Literature, Geography & Composition - 5th Grade
Students will travel the U.S.A. learning poetry by American poets, reading both classic and contemporary American literature and plays, learn the states, draw the U.S. map from memory, and visit national landmarks all while growing both oral and written narration, storytelling, narration, and reportage skills.
Students will learn to keep a commonplace journal and use it throughout the year for both home and in-class assignments. Homework includes reading, narration, mapwork, light research skills, and various types of writing assignments.
Life Science & Nature Study - 5th Grade
Using a combination of a narration based text and living books, students will explore God’s extraordinary creation studying plants, animals, insects, and the human body through hands-on experiments and activities as well as nature study using outdoor exploration, microscopes, and other interactive experiences.
In unity with all other Esprit students, 5th grade students will engage in a focused nature study of reptiles (Fall), brooks, rivers, and oceans (Winter), and garden flowers and weeds (Spring). Home assignments include some light outside reading and one or two nature walks and studies each week.
Art - 5th Grade
Through hands-on class projects, students will learn and practice the elements and principles of art using a variety of media, including acrylic paint, oil pastel, chalk, watercolor, clay, paper, collage and more. Students will also learn to recognize the art of well known artists throughout history.
Homework may include art history research through videos and books, and weekly sketchbook assignments to reinforce the elements and principles of art using drawing and painting skills. One sketchbook assignment will correspond to the nature study assignment of the week.
6th Grade Course Details
Course Duration: 28 Weeks; Thursdays, 9-2:15
Course & Class Supply Fees: $1300
Optional À La Carte Courses:
- Life Skills (Tuesdays, 12:30-2:15) Middle & Upper Elementary students: $600
- P.E. (Thursdays, 2:15-3:15) for Middle & Upper Elementary students: $275
Literature & Composition - 6th Grade
Students will discover that story is an amazing part of culture as they explore the amazing narratives of the world around us through an assortment of literature, poetry, drama, and non-fiction works. Students will learn to express themselves in a more organized way through oral and written narration, creative writing, poetry, and reportage, gently learning to write a five paragraph essay in preparation for middle school writing.
Class time will be spent in group activities, creative explorations, discussion, and include some beginner note-taking experience. Students will learn to keep a commonplace journal and use it throughout the year for both in-class and home assignments. Homework includes reading assignments, a variety of creative and academic writing assignments, and projects.
Simple Machines & Nature Study - 6th Grade
Students will explore how things work through a study of Simple Machines and middle grade level physics. Learning about the six simple machines: Incline planes, wheel and axle, levers, gears, pulleys, and screws, students will perform hands-on projects using K’nex kits and other basic materials. Students will also learn about friction, aerodynamics, robotics, computers, how things like cameras, radios, computers and more through fun in class experiences, home reading in living books, and various home and classroom projects.
In unity with all other Esprit students, 6th grade students will engage in a focused nature study of reptiles (Fall), brooks, rivers, and oceans (Winter), and garden flowers and weeds (Spring). Home assignments include some light outside reading and one or two nature walks and studies each week.
Art & Cultural Studies - 6th Grade
Students will discover and explore art and cultures from all around the world through picture study, art projects, mapwork, all in conjunction with the world studies done in literature class. Using a variety of media, including acrylic paint, pastels, textiles, chalk, watercolor, clay, dye, and more, students will deepen their understanding of art and its place in culture and history.
After traveling around the world once studying maps and cultures, students will take a whirlwind trip with Phileas Fogg as Around the World in 80 Days is read and mapped together. Homework includes weekly sketchbook assignments, mapwork, and some preparation for in-class assignments.
Physical Education - 5th-6th Grades
Course Duration: 28 Weeks; Thursdays, 2:15-3:15
Course & Class Supply Fees: $275
P.E. is an optional à la carte course for Middle and Upper Elementary students designed to inspire a love of fitness and to increase physical activity. Students will participate in organized sports and clinics, experience various fitness regimens such as calisthenics, running, and more.
Life Skills - 5th-8th Grades
Course Duration: 26 Weeks; Tuesdays, 12:30-2:15
Course & Class Supply Fees: $600
This optional Life Skills class is designed for students in 5th-8th grade to gain practical experience in sewing and mending, handicrafts including crochet and knitting, health, nutrition, and fitness, community service, first aid, maps, compasses, and outdoor survival, simple cooking skills, and simple home maintenance. The course includes 26 weeks of fun, engaging, hands-on classes taught by skilled teachers, as well as all materials needed for the class.
Families may want to purchase additional materials on their own for further practice at home. Students must be registered for Thursday classes at Esprit in order to attend the Life Skills class. The activities vary each year, so students may take the class several times throughout the middle grade years.
Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember,
involve me and I learn.
Benjamin Franklin
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February 17, 2025
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