K-8
Program: Curriculum
The
Global Village School Elementary Program offers three quality options
to choose from:
Global Village "Whole Child, Healthy Planet"
Curriculum,
Fully Customized, and Design
Your Own.
See
our typical enrolled student costs at the bottom
of this page.
Whole
Child, Healthy Planet Curriculum Guides:
We are delighted
to be able to offer curriculum guides that are fully aligned with
our values and philosophy. With a learning styles-centered approach,
and concentration in diversity and developmental stages, our elementary
program focuses on engaging the whole child. The curriculum combines
a student-centered approach (creative, flexible, holistic, and experiential,
with a learning styles focus) with an emphasis on peace, justice,
diversity, and sustainability.
The curriculum
guides are centered on the four core principles of the Earth
Charter:
(1)
Respect and Care for the Community of Life
(2) Ecological Integrity
(3) Social and Economic Justice
(4) Democracy, Nonviolence, Peace and Diversity
Our K-8 curriculum
guides cover all of the core academic subjects in a way that engages
students through a sense of enchantment, awe, and wonder as well as
through incorporation of art, music, nature, imagination, and story.
“Living
Books”
While most standard curriculum is shaped by a textbook and a workbook,
the Global Village Whole Child, Healthy Planet Curriculum guides are
built around the inspiration found in many types of literature. Sometimes
we do suggest a text or a workbook, but more often we look for books
that will foster the same learning in a more creative, beautiful and
fulfilling way. In many ways our choice of books resembles the idea
of “living books” that early home educator Charlotte Mason
proposes. Some of the qualities of living books are:
(1) Literature created by a person with an obvious special interest
in his/her subject.
(2) A personal, human, emotional quality to what is presented.
(3) Books that are inspiring and attractive to the student’s
spirit as well as intellect.
(4) Books that promote a sense of wonder and appreciation.
A few of the
authors whose work is featured or recommended in our K8 curriculum
include Craig and Marc Kielburger, Alice Walker, Howard Zinn, Sherman
Alexie, Julia Butterfly Hill, Deborah Ellis, Barbara Lewis, Beatrix
Potter, Roald Dahl, Rudyard Kipling, Scott O’Dell, Shel Silverstein,
and Madeleine L’Engle.
A sampling of
the books in our new K8 curriculum includes Three Cups of Tea
(children’s version), Kids’ Guide to Service Projects,
Everyday Life in the Ancient World, Three Wishes: Palestinian
and Israeli Children Speak, and A Child’s Introduction
to the Night Sky, as well as novels, nature journals, and more.
Early
reviews of the new curriculum guides:
Global Village is truly a school with heart. After looking over the
curriculum I realized how gentle the learning style is, and how easy
it would be to learn almost anything if the material is presented
in a way that touches the core self. I don't think I remember anything
from my schooling experience that didn't touch me in some way. But
most of my learning was rote and was forgotten almost immediately
after test taking time. I also think that the love of learning is
learned. Certainly Global Village teaches that love of learning. It
is not fear based, but based in a true curiosity about the world.
How can a child truly learn when his or her focus is the fear around
test taking and memorization? If the strongest emotion around schooling
is fear, then that fear gets connected to the learning process. Global
Village School promotes the love of learning, not the fear of failing
to learn. Wow! What a concept! Isn't this what we want for our children?
I can't wait until my own grandchildren are old enough to participate
in this program. Nancy Hart, M.A., MFCC
We
received our "Whole Child, Healthy Planet" curriculum guide
last week. We are so excited that we found Global Village School.
I feel as though the curriculum was written for our family. I truly
never thought I'd find a curriculum... that "fit" us, but
now we have! Thank you for helping us navigate an even more meaningful
path of homeschooling with our kids. The resource list in "Whole
Child, Healthy Planet" allows me to spend a little less time
hunting for the right materials and more time enjoying learning with
my kids! What a gift. - Beth Campbell-Rafdal.
Curriculum
Guide Contents:
Each grade level contains core resources plus many extras - most likely
much more than you will be able to get through in a year. Each curriculum
guide includes:
1) A detailed list of books and resources for the year, along with
information on where to get them;
2) A study guide with planning templates, and sample activities;
3) General information on the Global Village Whole Child Healthy Planet
Method, including articles and coaching tips for parents about homeschooling
in general, making the most of the program materials, assessment,
etc.; and
4) Many useful and fun extras including a supplemental reading list.
Grades 5-8 are approximately
100 pages in length; Grades K-3 are 70-80 pages. Grades 5-8 have monthly
recommendations on how to schedule the various materials and activities
into 9 month-long units. Since there are so many different ways the
resources for the younger grades can be utilized, Grades K-3 include
more free-form general recommendations.
Our aim is to
empower parents and children to make the learning process their own.
While we provide a full list of resources for the year, suggestions
on how to organize your year, and sample activities, we do not tell
you exactly what to do all the time, nor do we provide numerous questions
to go with each book or resource. We do not believe that such detail
is necessary, nor is it appropriate to expect that all students should
engage with the material in the same way. We have found that most
families - even those brand new to homeschooling - do just fine with
a less restrictive format and the kind of coaching we provide (and
most kids do not miss the endless study questions!).
Homeschooling allows you the opportunity to keep the learning process
alive; we encourage you to make the most of it!
Cost
savings and flexibility:
Families acquire the books and other resource materials
on their own. We prefer to give each family the opportunity
to save money and enjoy maximum flexibility in choosing the appropriate
resources for their children. Many of the books can be purchased used
and some may be available at local libraries. Along with the recommended
core resources, we list other options for enrichment. Rather than
having to pay for what they might not use, families are free to work
within their budget and choose what they like and what most interests
their children.
Scope and Sequence:
The Global Village curriculum guides contain a multitude of resources,
instructions on how to use them for a full year’s curriculum,
and articles guiding parents through the Whole Child, Healthy Planet
homeschooling process. Each grade level contains core resources plus
many extras - most likely much more than you will be able to get through
in a year. Here’s a brief overview of the highlights of each
grade level:
8th grade
Social Studies - US history, told from the
people’s perspective, students learn about the lives of slaves,
immigrants, workers, women, Native Americans and more, from sources
including actual accounts by the people who were there, historical
novels and books that explore social issues and current events from
children’s perspectives. Human Rights
- Explored through writings by children, for children, on children’s
rights. Also includes inspiring stories of children making a difference
in the world. English/Literature - Includes
cultural and historical novels, poetry, writing skills, grammar, vocabulary,
and spelling. Science - Emphasis on Physical
Science; with fun and exciting experiments and readings that make
science come alive. Includes topics such as physics, engineering,
practical applications of science (including some significant mistakes!)
Experiments include making a hot air balloon, building a bridge, skateboard
science, etc. Also nature study using an art journal. Math
- Comprehensive full year’s math curriculum, with an emphasis
on mastery and problem solving. Online assessments make it easy for
parents to choose the most appropriate level for their child. Also
includes films, websites, music, art/nature activities, psychology,
study skills, service learning/engaged citizenship with an emphasis
on eco-integrity, and character development. Regular price:
$175.
7th grade
Social Studies - Emphasis on world history,
covering the full spectrum of history from ancient to modern times,
presented in a colorful, humorous, and engaging way. Students learn
about life in a medieval village, Arab inventions and science, current
events from a child’s perspective, with a particular focus on
the Middle East, including Palestinian/Israeli issues, and much more.
Also includes cultural geography, in which students learn about the
lives of children around the world. English/Literature
- includes cultural and historical novels, poetry, writing skills,
grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Science
- Emphasis on Life Science; learning about the human body, biodiversity,
plants, animals, classification, science in the garden, nature observations,
and fun experiments. Math - Comprehensive
full year’s math curriculum, with an emphasis on mastery and
problem solving. Online assessments make it easy for parents to choose
the most appropriate level for their child. Also includes films, websites,
music, art/nature activities, service learning/engaged citizenship,
character development, psychology, personal growth, and inspiring
stories of children making a difference in the world. Regular
price: $175.
6th grade
Social Studies - Our Social Studies curriculum
emphasizes geography and ancient history. Students learn about the
lives and art of people around the world (cultural geography through
art), countries, continents, landforms, maps, etc. Study the ancient
world from a kid’s perspective, what it was like to live in
places like ancient Greece and Egypt. Approach is fun, engaging, entertaining.
English/Literature - Historical novels,
poetry; writing skills, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Science
- Emphasis on Earth Science; astronomy, the history of the Earth from
the Big Bang up through present time, presented in a colorful and
engaging way. Also environmental science, including fun experiments
and nature study. Math - Comprehensive full
year’s math curriculum, with an emphasis on mastery and problem
solving; includes manipulatives. Online assessments make it easy for
parents to choose the most appropriate level for their child. Also
includes websites, online films, music, art/nature activities, current
events, personal growth, service learning and character development.
Regular price: $165.
5th grade
Social Studies - Emphasis on US history,
with a focus on kids’ experiences during different periods such
as the Civil Rights Movement, slavery, labor strikes, Native American
contributions, and inspirational figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt
and Rosa Parks. Also includes cultural geography, in which students
learn about the lives of children around the world. English/Literature
- Historical novels, beautifully illustrated books, poetry; writing
skills, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Science/Eco-Integrity
- Emphasis on environmental science (biomes, wildlife,
environmental issues, climate change, ways kids can make a difference),
also fun experiments such as creating invisible ink and making a fog
chamber. Math - Comprehensive full year’s
math curriculum, with an emphasis on mastery and problem solving;
includes manipulatives. Online assessments make it easy for parents
to choose the most appropriate level for their child. Also includes
films, music, art, health, nature activities, service learning and
character development. Regular price: $165.
4th Grade
Some of us remember 4th grade as being the year that the fun went
out of school. It does not have to be that way! Our aim is for 4th
grade students to expand their skills and knowledge without losing
the gentleness, fun and creativity of the earlier years. Social
Studies Smorgasbord - Introduction to world history
through study of The Renaissance, including an emphasis on the life,
art, and inventions of Leonardo da Vinci; Geography
- learning about cultures and countries around the world. Cultural
crafts and activities; Students also study US geography and their
home state. English/Literature - Engaging
stories, including several on heroes of all kinds. Writing skills,
grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. Science
- Introduction to the solar system, fun physics experiments, nature
study, learning about (and creating some of) Leonardo da Vinci’s
numerous inventions. Art - Calligraphy,
illuminated manuscripts, and more. Math
- Comprehensive full year’s math curriculum, with an emphasis
on mastery and problem solving; includes manipulatives. Online assessments
make it easy for parents to choose the most appropriate level for
their child. Also includes music, nature activities, and character
development. Regular price: $160.
3rd Grade
Whole child - Similarities and differences,
courage, moods. Science/Eco-Integrity -
Animal behavior, nature poetry, animal stories, how to make a difference,
a multitude of general science information for families to choose
from. Language Arts - Reading, spelling,
grammar, cursive writing. Social Studies/Diversity/History
- True-life stories about people (often children) in places such as
Tibet, Palestine, Africa, India, Mexico, Iraq; maps and geography;
early US history, US history through art projects; African-Americans.
Math - Basic math skills including multiplication,
fun math games. Arts - Learning about different
artists; art projects. Regular price: $125.
2nd Grade
Social Studies/Diversity - Children around
the world, moving more in-depth into specific countries, such as France
and Palestine; African-American culture; introductory Spanish vocabulary.
History - Ancient history, the Ice Age.
Whole child - Compassion, meditation for
children, exploring faiths of children around the world. Science
- The Amazon, dolphins, wildlife in places such as India and Australia,
ecosystems, nature art. Language Arts -
Grammar, homonyms, poetry, spelling, writing, stories. Math
- Several different resources present 2nd grade math skills. Arts
- painting, pastels, sketching; study of artists such as da Vinci,
Picasso, Matisse, and Van Gogh. Regular price: $125.
1st Grade
Language Arts - Early reading skills, poetry,
stories. Math - Basic math skills taught
in creative and engaging ways, math games, counting poems. Science
- A story and activity-based introduction to biomes, ecosystems, botany
(flowers, planting seeds), animals, and more. Social Studies/Diversity
- Introductory geography, uniqueness of people and cultures, friendship,
children around the world. Peace Studies
-The word “peace” around the world. Art
- Child as artist, pencils, watercolors, introduction to great works
of art. Regular price: $125.
Kindergarten
Educating the whole child - Getting along
with others, self-confidence, etc. Emphasis on readiness education
and learning through play. Language/Reading
- Alphabet, basic reading skills (familiarization with the alphabet
and sounds [Montessori]), storytelling, word play, songs, making books.
Introductory mathematics - learning
to count through real experiences. Science -
Exploring the natural world – tide pools, animals, weather,
etc. Arts and crafts - learning colors and
shapes through art and workbooks. Celebrating diversity
- Learning about children around the world. Practical
life exercises - caring for things, cleaning up, etc.
And - Making sure there’s time for
daydreaming! Regular price: $120.
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Fully
Customized Curriculum:
Curriculum
is fully customized to meet the individual needs, interests, and learning
style of the student. The A Self-PortraitTM Profile (created by two
of our Global Village teachers, Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis and Victoria
Hodson, and featured in their book, Discover Your Child's Learning
Style) assesses several aspects of learning style, quickly and simply,
in language that is easily understood by everyone. Please feel free
to read more about the Learning
Styles Profile.
GVS offers
Customized Curriculum for families who want an alternative to regular
curriculum. A Learning Styles Profile is used to determine the students
learning style. Once students are enrolled, we forward their LSP and
enrollment forms to the curriculum consultant; she schedules a phone
conference with the parent to create the curriculum for each child.
A specific list of recommended materials, (books, CD-ROMs, videos,
etc.), and information on how to order them will be provided to you.
Customized Curriculum covers the cost of the Learning Styles Profile
and the curriculum consultation. You purchase the books and materials
based on the recommendations in the customized curriculum plan.
The regular cost for a
consultation is $395. Enrolled families pay $335.
Families who
are not interested in enrolling to receive teacher support but do
want to work with GVS to put together a customized curriculum plan
can do so at the regular price.
View
a sample Learning Styles Curriculum Consultation plan.
Unschooling Program:
Some
students are already very independent learners; they know what they
want to learn and how to go about it. Some families have been traditional
homeschoolers for years and already know how to provide an excellent
learning environment for their children. At Global Village we acknowledge
and support the value of this type of education. We will work with
you in designing and documenting a non-traditional unschooling program
that meets legal requirements as well as the unique needs and interests
of your family. You can purchase any Global Village courses that interest
you, as well as designing your own. When you contact us, let your
enrollment advisor know that you are interested in our unschooling
program option.
Design
Your Own Curriculum:
You
and your family will research and choose materials that you would
like to use throughout the school year. You submit your list
to Global Village. We will review it for grade level, content, etc.
Once approved, you will purchase the materials and begin. There
is a $125 fee for the review of the proposed curriculum. There
is no curriculum fee, as you will be purchasing materials on your
own.
Purchasing Curriculum only:
Families
may purchase books or course materials without enrolling in Global
Village School. However, this option does not provide you with a Global
Village teacher or with other support services, nor does it imply
that you are enrolled in our school. Read more about this option here.
Typical
Enrolled Student Costs
Costs
vary depending upon the type of curriculum
and teacher
support needed. Sales tax (CA residents only) and shipping are
additional.
3rd
grade, Quarterly Review tuition, customized curriculum:
3rd grade Quarterly Review tuition for the year: $950
Customized curriculum consultation (Learning Styles Profile included):
$335
Curriculum: TBA (purchased on own)
Total GVS cost: $1,285
6th grade, Regular tuition, regular curriculum:
6th grade Regular tuition for the year: $1,450
Regular curriculum: $165
Curriculum: TBA (purchased on own)
Total GVS cost: $1,615
Please
see our how
to enroll page for more information about the enrollment and payment
process.
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