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Friday, August 29, 2025

September Hearth Circle: The Month of Gratitude

🍂 SEPTEMBER 2025: THE MONTH OF GRATITUDE 🍂


🍁 Monthly Mantra 🍁

(Recite the blessing as you light your Chalice.)

With grateful hearts and open hands,
We honor the gifts each day brings.
We give thanks for the harvest of earth and spirit,
For the kindness we receive and the kindness we share.
We remember our roots, celebrate our connections,
And greet each moment with appreciation and joy.
May gratitude guide our words, our actions, and our hearts.


🕯️Extinguishing the Chalice 🕯️

As we extinguish this chalice, we remember that which we CAN control. Our actions and our attitudes will set the pace for our days and are the ONLY powers we wield in life.


🥮 Friday Fun Days 🥮

September 5: Visit a farmer’s market
September 12: DIY fall crafts
September 19: Birthday holiday for Stephanie!
September 26: Mabon celebration with a gratitude picnic
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What's Happening in September for Eleventh Grade?

11th Grade – September Curriculum Overview

September’s theme is Gratitude. In 11th grade, we’re deepening our understanding of critical thinking, research, and real-world connections. This month, students will explore advanced vocabulary, develop analytical writing, and connect history, literature, and science through the lens of gratitude and societal change. Activities are designed for independence, reflection, and preparing for the rigor of upper high school and beyond.

Weekly Subjects

    Weekly Subjects

    • Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
      • Week 5: Analytical essays on gratitude in literature and society.
      • Week 6: Research writing—practice building and supporting arguments.
      • Week 7: Literary analysis—explore narrative voice and reliability.
      • Week 8: Creative nonfiction—write about a personal experience of gratitude or change.
      • Spelling:
        • Week 5: empirical, deductive, polemic, premise, conjecture, phenomenology, argumentative, narrator, hubris, lampoon
        • Week 6: inference, inductive, treatise, conclusion, corollary, hermeneutics, analytical, omniscient, nemesis, burlesque
        • Week 7: variable, constant, manifesto, validity, theorem, semiotics, reflective, unreliable, pathos, pastiche
        • Week 8: qualitative, quantitative, monograph, soundness, principle, deconstruction, discursive, first-person, mimesis, travesty
      • Reflection Prompt: How does gratitude shape your perspective? Where do you see opportunities for positive change?
    • Math (Mon & Wed)
      • Week 5: Review logic and reasoning in proofs; explore empirical and deductive methods.
      • Week 6: Work with variables and constants in algebraic expressions.
      • Week 7: Apply quantitative and qualitative analysis to real-world problems.
      • Week 8: Practice data interpretation and research statistics.
    • Science (Mon & Wed)
      • Week 5: Explore the scientific method and empirical research in current science news.
      • Week 6: Analyze historical treatises and their impact on scientific thought.
      • Week 7: Discuss reliability and variables in experiments.
      • Week 8: Research qualitative vs. quantitative studies in biology or social science.
    • History & Social Studies (Tue & Thu)
      • Week 5: Investigate the role of gratitude and reform in historical movements.
      • Week 6: Study influential manifestos and their impact on society.
      • Week 7: Analyze the reliability of historical narratives and sources.
      • Week 8: Explore revolutions and the principle of change in government.
    • Art & Music (Thu)
      • Week 5: Satire and lampoon in art and music—create your own piece.
      • Week 6: Analyze pastiche and burlesque in modern culture.
      • Week 7: Reflective art—express gratitude visually.
      • Week 8: Create a collage or visual essay on transformation and change.
    • Physical Education (Mon–Thu)
      • Each Week: Daily movement, mindfulness walks, or outdoor activities to foster well-being.
    • Reading (Mon–Thu)
      • Each Week: Read independently for at least 30 minutes each day. Keep a reading log and reflect on themes of gratitude and change in your books.

    Fun Fridays

    • September 5: Visit a farmer’s market and discuss the importance of food systems and gratitude.
    • September 12: DIY fall crafts—create gratitude journals or autumn-themed art.
    • September 19: Celebrate Stephanie’s birthday with a family gratitude activity.
    • September 26: Mabon celebration—gratitude picnic and nature walk.

    Recommended Free Resources

    September in 11th grade is about gratitude, developing your voice, and connecting your learning to the world. Choose what fits your journey, and make this season one of growth and reflection!

By at

Monday, August 25, 2025

What's Happening in September for Eighth Grade?

8th Grade – September Curriculum Overview

September in Eighth Grade is all about gratitude, critical thinking, and exploring the world—past and present. Our learning journey this month connects history, science, language arts, and geography, with hands-on projects and opportunities for independent exploration. Activities are designed to spark curiosity, build research skills, and encourage students to see connections across subjects and cultures.

Weekly Subjects

  • Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
    • Week 5: Write a gratitude journal entry and reflect on a family or cultural tradition. Practice spelling words about the Renaissance and humanism.
    • Week 6: Research a major world event or movement (e.g., Reformation) and present your findings. Summarize and discuss nonfiction texts.
    • Week 7: Interview a family member about their favorite autumn memory or tradition. Write a descriptive narrative using new vocabulary.
    • Week 8: Explore the concept of revolution and change in societies. Write a letter or editorial about a change you'd like to see in your community.
    • Spelling:
      • Week 5: Renaissance, humanism, patron, perspective, fresco, apprentice, guild, manuscript, innovation, invention
      • Week 6: reformation, protestant, indulgence, heresy, doctrine, martyr, edict, excommunication, denomination, council
      • Week 7: voyage, navigation, longitude, latitude, caravel, astrolabe, circumnavigate, colony, conquistador, expedition
      • Week 8: revolution, constitution, independence, declaration, amendment, federalism, ratify, sovereignty, confederation, bill
    • Reflection Prompt: What does gratitude mean to you? How do you see change—big or small—in your community or in history?
  • Math (Mon & Wed)
    • Week 5: Review estimation, place value, and comparing numbers in historical contexts.
    • Week 6: Work with fractions and percentages in real-world scenarios (trade, population, etc.).
    • Week 7: Explore map scales and geographic coordinates.
    • Week 8: Analyze data related to historical revolutions or cultural changes.
  • Science (Mon & Wed)
    • Week 5: Investigate inventions and innovations from the Renaissance and beyond.
    • Week 6: Explore the scientific method—how did past thinkers challenge old ideas?
    • Week 7: Study navigation and early exploration—how did science shape discovery?
    • Week 8: Discuss how revolutions in science changed societies.
  • History (Tue & Thu)
    • Week 5: Dive into the Renaissance—art, philosophy, and cultural rebirth.
    • Week 6: Learn about the Reformation and its global impact.
    • Week 7: Explore the Age of Exploration and key explorers.
    • Week 8: Study the roots of revolution and independence around the
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Sunday, August 24, 2025

What's Happening in September for Fifth Grade?

5th Grade – September Curriculum Overview

September in Fifth Grade is a time for gratitude, deeper thinking, and exploring the changes of autumn. This month, we’re connecting math, science, language arts, and history through the lens of estimation, place value, geography, and the wonders of the natural world. Activities are hands-on, open-and-go, and designed for both independent and family learning. Let’s celebrate curiosity and community as we step into fall!

Fifth graders working together on fall crafts and gratitude journals in a cozy, autumn-themed classroom.

Weekly Subjects

  • Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
    • Week 5: Write a gratitude journal entry and share a family tradition or recipe. Practice spelling words about value and estimation.
    • Week 6: Research a continent or country and write a short report. Practice sequencing and summarizing nonfiction texts.
    • Week 7: Interview a family member about their favorite autumn memory. Write a descriptive paragraph using new vocabulary.
    • Week 8: Explore balance and change in nature. Write a letter to a community helper or create a poem about autumn.
    • Spelling:
      • Week 5: value, digit, million, hundred, thousand, estimate, compare, greater, lesser, equal
      • Week 6: fraction, numerator, denominator, simplify, equivalent, divide, multiply, decimal, percent, portion
      • Week 7: continent, country, boundary, region, climate, mountain, plain, plateau, riverbank, valley
      • Week 8: canyon, prairie, desert, tundra, peninsula, island, coastline, border, capital, state
    • Reflection Prompt: What are you grateful for this month? How do you see change happening in your family, community, or nature?
  • Math (Mon & Wed)
    • Week 5: Practice estimation and comparing numbers. Use real-life examples like shopping or cooking.
    • Week 6: Work with fractions—identify, compare, and use them in recipes or crafts.
    • Week 7: Explore basic geography through map reading and coordinate grids.
    • Week 8: Review place value, estimation, and fractions with games and group projects.
  • Science (Mon & Wed)
    • Week 5: Observe seasonal changes in plants and animals. Start a simple weather log.
    • Week 6: Study food webs and how living things prepare for autumn.
    • Week 7: Investigate different landforms and their formation.
    • Week 8: Explore balance in ecosystems—what happens when things change?
  • History (Tue & Thu)
    • Week 5: Learn about family heritage and traditions. Share a story or recipe from your culture.
    • Week 6: Explore world geography—continents, countries, and landforms.
    • Week 7: Research how communities celebrate autumn and harvest time.
    • Week 8: Study the autumn equinox (Mabon) and its significance in different cultures.
  • Music (Tue)
    • Week 5: Listen to autumn-themed music or folk songs.
    • Week 6: Try rhythm games with fall objects (acorns, leaves, etc.).
    • Week 7: Make homemade shakers or simple drums.
    • Week 8: Write a simple song or chant about gratitude or the harvest.
  • Art (Thu)
    • Week 5: Create a gratitude jar or collage with fall colors.
    • Week 6: Draw or paint a map of your neighborhood or town.
    • Week 7: Make leaf rubbings or fall crafts using natural materials.
    • Week 8: Design a harvest or Mabon-themed centerpiece.
  • Physical Education (Mon–Thu)
    • Each Week: Daily movement—nature walks, stretching, outdoor games, or scavenger hunts.
  • Reading (Mon–Thu)
    • Each Week: Read independently for at least 30 minutes each day. Add to your reading log and share a favorite book with your family.

Fun Fridays

  • September 5: Visit a farmer’s market and explore local produce.
  • September 12: DIY fall crafts—make leaf rubbings, bookmarks, or autumn decorations.
  • September 19: Birthday holiday for Stephanie! Celebrate with a favorite family activity.
  • September 26: Mabon celebration with a gratitude picnic and nature walk.

Recommended Free Resources

September in 5th grade is about gratitude, exploring new ideas, and connecting learning to real life. Choose what fits your family, and enjoy a season of curiosity and growth!

By at

Monday, August 4, 2025

What's Happening in August for Fourth Grade?

4th Grade – August Curriculum Overview

Welcome to 4th Grade! August is a month for exploring local geography, animal studies, and epic stories. We’ll map, compare, research, and create—tying together nature, math, art, and community. Activities are hands-on, flexible, and inspired by holistic, blended learning. Choose what sparks your child’s curiosity and enjoy a month of discovery together!

Fourth grade children learning and collaborating in a bright, cheerful classroom with books, art, and nature projects. The students are working together, smiling, and engaged in group activities. The room is filled with natural light and colorful decorations.

Weekly Subjects

  • Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
    • Week 1: Read and retell a folktale or traditional story from your region or another culture. Retell it through drawing, acting, or writing.
    • Week 2: Begin a “Field Journal”—describe and sketch a local animal, comparing its habits to your own.
    • Week 3: Write a story or poem from an animal’s perspective. Share with family or friends.
    • Week 4: Create a news article about an event in your region (real or imaginary), focusing on observation and detail.
    • Spelling:
      • Week 1: region, state, river, mountain, forest, legend, hero, journey, wild, map
      • Week 2: animal, compare, traits, observe, journal, fur, feather, paw, scale, track
      • Week 3: poem, story, voice, wild, quiet, bright, gentle, strong, swift, wise
      • Week 4: news, report, detail, event, action, local, fact, source, share, reflect
    • Reflection Prompt: What animal or story inspired you this week? How do animals and people adapt to their environments?
  • Math (Mon–Thu)
    • Week 1: Mapmaking—measure and draw a map of your room, yard, or local park. Add compass directions and a legend.
    • Week 2: Practice fractions using recipes, crafts, or dividing objects found in nature (leaves, fruit, sticks).
    • Week 3: Long division with real-life problems (sharing, grouping, or organizing supplies).
    • Week 4: Collect and graph data from animal observations or local weather.
    • Let your child choose how to show their work: drawings, models, or digital tools.
  • Science & Nature (Mon–Thu)
    • Week 1: Animal studies: observe, journal, and compare a local animal’s traits and behaviors to your own.
    • Week 2: Explore local geography—take a nature walk and record landforms, rivers, and plants.
    • Week 3: Research an animal or ecosystem and create a mini-presentation or diorama.
    • Week 4: Study the water cycle or weather patterns, connecting them to your region’s geography and animal life.
    • Reflection Prompt: What did you discover about your region and its creatures this month?
  • Social Studies & Community (Mon–Thu)
    • Week 1: Map your region—include landmarks, water features, and habitats.
    • Week 2: Research and present on a local animal, plant, or historical figure.
    • Week 3: Interview a community member about changes in the local environment or animal life.
    • Week 4: Share your map, research, or story with your family or local group.
  • Art & Handwork (Mon–Thu)
    • Week 1: Draw or paint an animal from your journal or a scene from a favorite story.
    • Week 2: Create a model or puppet of a local animal using recycled or natural materials.
    • Week 3: Try weaving, sewing, or clay modeling inspired by animal forms or habitats.
    • Week 4: Make a mural or collage of your region’s geography, animals, and people.
    • Focus on process and observation, not just the finished product.
  • Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
    • Each Week: Daily outdoor play, animal walks (move like your favorite animal), nature hikes, and mapping scavenger hunts.
    • Encourage sensory exploration and movement inspired by the land and its creatures.

Recommended Free Resources

August in 4th grade is about exploring your place in the region, understanding animals and geography, and connecting with stories and nature. Choose what fits your family, and enjoy a month of discovery!

By at

What's Happening in August for Eleventh Grade?

Eleventh Grade – August 2025 Curriculum Overview

Welcome to Eleventh Grade! This month, our learning focuses on advanced critical thinking, research, and creative expression. We’ll explore complex texts, dive into scientific inquiry, and connect history to the present. Assignments are hands-on, open-and-go, and designed for both independent and collaborative learning.

Eleventh graders collaborating on advanced science experiments, analyzing historical documents, and working on creative writing projects in a modern high school classroom. Lab equipment, history posters, books, and student presentations visible. Mature, focused, and intellectually engaged atmosphere.

Daily Subjects

  • Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
    • Week 1 (Aug 4–7): Analyze a literary essay or speech; write a response focusing on argument and evidence.
    • Week 2 (Aug 11–14): Practice research skills: find, evaluate, and cite sources for a short research paper.
    • Week 3 (Aug 18–21): Creative writing: draft a short story or poem inspired by current events or personal experience.
    • Week 4 (Aug 25–28): Reflective writing: compose a letter or journal entry about your growth and goals for the year.
  • Spelling (Mon–Thu)
    • Practice your list each day. Define the words, use them in sentences, and take a quiz at the end of the week.
    • Week 1 (Aug 4–7): analysis, evaluate, context, deduction, hypothesis, epistemology, narrative, protagonist, catharsis, satire
    • Week 2 (Aug 11–14): synthesis, critique, subtext, induction, theory, ontology, expository, antagonist, anagnorisis, irony
    • Week 3 (Aug 18–21): paradigm, thesis, discourse, logic, axiom, aesthetics, descriptive, foil, peripeteia, sarcasm
    • Week 4 (Aug 25–28): hypothesis, argument, dialectic, syllogism, postulate, metaphysics, persuasive, confidant, hamartia, parody
  • Reading (Mon–Thu)
    • All Weeks (Aug 4–28): Read independently for at least 30 minutes each day. Keep a reading log with book title, author, and minutes read.
  • Physical Education (Mon–Thu)
    • All Weeks (Aug 4–28): Move every day! Choose from stretching, yoga, calisthenics, sports, or nature walks.

Math & Science (Monday and Wednesday)

  • Math
    • Week 1 (Aug 4 & 6): Advanced algebra review: functions, equations, and graphing.
    • Week 2 (Aug 11 & 13): Statistics: interpreting data and probability basics.
    • Week 3 (Aug 18 & 20): Trigonometry: sine, cosine, tangent, and real-world applications.
    • Week 4 (Aug 25 & 27): Math in society: financial literacy, budgeting, and taxes.
  • Science
    • Week 1 (Aug 4 & 6): Scientific method and experimental design; plan and begin a simple experiment.
    • Week 2 (Aug 11 & 13): Biology: genetics, heredity, and DNA basics.
    • Week 3 (Aug 18 & 20): Chemistry: chemical reactions, balancing equations, and lab safety.
    • Week 4 (Aug 25 & 27): Environmental science: ecosystems, sustainability, and climate issues.

History/Social Studies (Tuesday and Thursday)

  • Week 1 (Aug 5 & 7): Analyze primary sources from the Enlightenment era.
  • Week 2 (Aug 12 & 14): U.S. Government: Constitution, branches, and civic duties.
  • Week 3 (Aug 19 & 21): World history: revolutions and their impact on society.
  • Week 4 (Aug 26 & 28): Research a social movement and present findings.

Music (Tuesday)

  • Week 1 (Aug 5): Explore the evolution of music genres in the 20th century.
  • Week 2 (Aug 12): Analyze lyrics and composition in protest songs.
  • Week 3 (Aug 19): Study a classical or contemporary composer’s influence.
  • Week 4 (Aug 26): Create and share a playlist or original piece inspired by your studies.

Art/Handwork (Thursday)

  • Week 1 (Aug 7): Create a visual interpretation of a historical event or scientific concept.
  • Week 2 (Aug 14): Design a political cartoon or infographic.
  • Week 3 (Aug 21): Experiment with mixed media to express a personal or social theme.
  • Week 4 (Aug 28): Curate a mini-exhibit of your month’s work with artist statements.

Recommended Free Resources

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What's Happening in August for Fifth Grade?

5th Grade – August Curriculum Overview

Welcome to Fifth Grade! August is a time for deeper learning, independent thinking, and connecting ideas across subjects. This month, our learning is inspired by Ancient India and Botany, with a focus on gratitude and the harvest season. Activities are hands-on, open-and-go, and designed for both independent and family learning. Choose what fits your child and celebrate growth together!

Fifth graders doing hands-on activities: drawing mandalas, plant observation, friendship bracelets, reading. Bright classroom with nature decor.

Weekly Subjects

  • Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
    • Week 1: Read a folktale or traditional story from India or another culture. Write a summary, and identify the main idea and key details.
    • Week 2: Explore stories of planting and growth. Write a sequence of steps for planting a seed and summarize the story.
    • Week 3: Practice friendly letter writing to a community helper and write about what community means to you.
    • Week 4: Reflect on what you’ve learned this month and write about your favorite lesson or discovery.
    • Spelling:
      • Week 1: ancient, India, river, lotus, tradition, culture, festival, temple, sacred, wisdom
      • Week 2: summary, detail, paragraph, retell, sequence, narrative, describe, event, organized, structure
      • Week 3: botany, photosynthesis, chlorophyll, root, stem, leaf, flower, seed, germinate
      • Week 4: pollinate, stamen, pistil, pollen, fertilize, fruit, blossom, harvest, orchard, agriculture
    • Reflection Prompt: What did you enjoy most in language arts this week? How would you like to share your work—with family, friends, or your community?
  • Math (Mon & Wed)
    • Week 1: Place value review—read, write, and compare numbers up to the millions.
    • Week 2: Introduction to fractions—color and divide shapes, find fractions in real life.
    • Week 3: Addition review—practice multi-digit addition and create your own word problems.
    • Week 4: Mixed review of place value, fractions, and addition.
  • Science (Mon & Wed)
    • Week 1: Draw and label the parts of a plant. Observe a real plant and journal your findings.
    • Week 2: Explore the plant life cycle. Draw each stage and sprout a seed in a jar or cup.
    • Week 3: Study local plant communities. Go outside, observe, and record three different plants.
    • Week 4: Investigate surprising plant facts or conduct a simple plant experiment; share your findings.
  • History (Tue & Thu)
    • Week 1: Introduction to Ancient India—find India on a map and learn two interesting facts about its geography or culture.
    • Week 2: Daily life in Ancient India—compare routines then and now with a Venn diagram.
    • Week 3: Community helpers—identify important jobs in Ancient India and in your own community.
    • Week 4: Research a harvest festival from any culture and present your findings.
  • Music (Tue)
    • Week 1: Listen to traditional Indian music or folk songs.
    • Week 2: Try simple rhythms or clapping games.
    • Week 3: Explore instruments or create your own homemade percussion.
    • Week 4: Review favorite music from the month or create your own song.
  • Art (Thu)
    • Week 1: Draw a mandala inspired by Indian art.
    • Week 2: Decorate a seed jar or plant sprout container.
    • Week 3: Make a friendship bracelet from yarn or thread.
    • Week 4: Create a gratitude collage—draw or cut out images of things you’re thankful for.
  • Physical Education (Mon–Thu)
    • Each Week: Move every day! This could be stretching, yoga, calisthenics, outdoor games, or nature walks.
  • Reading (Mon–Thu)
    • Each Week: Read independently for at least 30 minutes each day. Keep a simple reading log with book title, author, and minutes read.

Recommended Free Resources

August in 5th grade is about deepening knowledge, building independence, and connecting learning to the real world. Choose what fits your family, and celebrate each step of growth!

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