What is happening in October for PreK?

PreK – October Curriculum Overview

Welcome to October in PreK! This month is all about transformation, exploring autumn’s changes, and celebrating creativity. Activities are hands-on, playful, and designed for gentle learning indoors and out. Choose what fits your child and enjoy the magic of fall together!

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 9: Listen to and retell “Pumpkin, Pumpkin” or another favorite fall story. Act out the story with props or stuffed animals.
  • Week 10: Autumn Words—Learn and practice new fall vocabulary (pumpkin, leaf, harvest, scarecrow, etc.).
  • Week 11: Letter Exploration—Trace and build the letters P, O, and H with playdough, seeds, or craft sticks.
  • Week 12: Story Creation—Make up a story about a magical pumpkin patch and draw pictures to go with it.
• Math (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 9: Counting—Count pumpkins, gourds, or leaves on a nature walk or at home.
  • Week 10: Sorting—Sort small pumpkins, leaves, or acorns by size, color, or shape.
  • Week 11: Patterns—Create AB patterns with orange and green items, or with fall stickers.
  • Week 12: Measuring—Compare the height or circumference of pumpkins using string or blocks.
• Science & Nature (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 9: Pumpkin Investigation—Open a pumpkin and explore seeds, pulp, and smell. Draw what you see.
  • Week 10: Leaf Changes—Collect and press colorful leaves; talk about why leaves change color.
  • Week 11: Weather Watch—Notice cooler days and longer nights; chart sunny, windy, or rainy days.
  • Week 12: Animal Changes—Talk about how animals prepare for winter (squirrels, birds, etc.).
• Social-Emotional & Practical Life (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 9: Trying New Things—Encourage trying a new fruit, activity, or game this week.
  • Week 10: Helping Others—Make a small “helping hands” chart or do a kindness project as a family.
  • Week 11: Feelings—Talk about feeling brave, excited, or even a little scared (use costumes or stories).
  • Week 12: Celebrating Change—Share what you’ve learned this month and something you want to try next.
• Art & Music (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 9: Pumpkin stamping or painting with orange and green paint.
  • Week 10: Leaf crowns or autumn garlands with real or paper leaves.
  • Week 11: Sing “Five Little Pumpkins” and play with rhythm instruments (shakers, bells, etc.).
  • Week 12: Costume dance party or parade—dress up and move to favorite fall music.
• Movement & Outdoor Play (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily outdoor play, jumping in leaf piles, animal walks (crawl like a spider, hop like a frog), and exploring the pumpkin patch or garden.

Recommended Free Resources

• Storyline Online – Free video read-alouds by actors.
• PBS Kids – Educational games, shows, and activities.
• Starfall – Free early literacy and math activities.
• Cosmic Kids Yoga – Yoga and mindfulness videos for young children.
• Nature Scavenger Hunt Printables

October is a time for transformation, creativity, and exploring the wonders of autumn. Choose the activities that fit your family, and celebrate each new discovery together!

What is Happening in October for Eleventh Grade?

11th Grade – October Curriculum Overview

October’s theme is Transformation. In 11th grade, students will explore how transformation shapes literature, history, science, and their own lives. This month’s lessons focus on major revolutions, paradigm shifts, and cycles—both in society and in nature. Activities encourage critical thinking, research, and creativity as students connect academic learning to the changing world around them and prepare for Samhain and the heart of autumn.

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 9: Analyze transformation in literature—focus on paradigm shifts, anomaly, and extrapolation.
  • Week 10: Write a satirical essay or parody on a current event. Study phenomenon, interpolate, paradox, assertion, postmodernism, allegorical, limited, reversal, slapstick.
  • Week 11: Research and present on a major transformation in history or science. Spelling focus: comprehensibility, agreement, optimization, contradiction, classify, exchange, poetics, gloss, clarify, approve.
  • Week 12: Creative writing—compose a short story or poem on the theme of transformation. Spelling focus: readability, alignment, refinement, paradox, categorize, negotiation, narratology, lexicon, expound, sanction.
  • Spelling:
    • Week 9: anomaly, extrapolate, exposition, fallacy, proposition, structuralism, didactic, third-person, recognition, farce
    • Week 10: phenomenon, interpolate, narrative, paradox, assertion, postmodernism, allegorical, limited, reversal, slapstick
    • Week 11: comprehensibility, agreement, optimization, contradiction, classify, exchange, poetics, gloss, clarify, approve
    • Week 12: readability, alignment, refinement, paradox, categorize, negotiation, narratology, lexicon, expound, sanction
  • Reflection Prompt: How do you see transformation at work in your own life, in literature, or in society this month?
• Math (Mon & Wed)
  • Week 9: Explore mathematical transformations (functions, graphs, symmetry).
  • Week 10: Study paradoxes and logic puzzles related to change and cycles.
  • Week 11: Analyze data on societal or scientific revolutions.
  • Week 12: Create visual representations of transformation (charts, infographics).
• Science (Mon & Wed)
  • Week 9: Investigate paradigm shifts in science—major discoveries and their impacts.
  • Week 10: Study natural cycles (seasons, life cycles, energy flow).
  • Week 11: Research scientific revolutions and their societal effects.
  • Week 12: Conduct an experiment or project on physical or chemical transformation.
• History & Social Studies (Tue & Thu)
  • Week 9: Examine major revolutions (political, social, scientific) and their causes.
  • Week 10: Compare ancient and modern celebrations of transformation (Samhain, harvest festivals).
  • Week 11: Explore the role of communication and negotiation in social change.
  • Week 12: Present a research project on a transformation in your community or the world.
• Art & Music (Thu)
  • Week 9: Create transformation-inspired art (collages, metamorphosis sketches).
  • Week 10: Compose or analyze music that represents change or cycles.
  • Week 11: Study satire and parody in visual and performing arts.
  • Week 12: Design a Samhain altar or seasonal centerpiece.
• Physical Education (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily movement—nature walks, stretching, outdoor games, or mindfulness practices.
• Reading (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Read independently for at least 30 minutes each day. Reflect on stories or biographies about transformation and resilience.

Fun Fridays

• October 3: Pumpkin patch visit and story time.
• October 10: Leaf rubbings and fall crafts.
• October 17: Nature center visit and outdoor exploration.
• October 24: Samhain prep—make lanterns or ancestor altars.
• October 31: Samhain celebration with stories, crafts, and seasonal treats.

Recommended Free Resources

• Literature & History:
  • CommonLit – Free Reading Passages
  • Khan Academy – World History
  • Open Culture – Free Textbooks & Resources
• Science & Math:
  • Khan Academy – Geometry
  • Science Buddies – Project Ideas
  • Exploratorium Science Snacks – Hands-On Activities
• Art & Creativity:
  • Tate Kids – Art Activities
  • Chrome Music Lab – Music Creation Tools
• Classroom:
  • RHE Homeroom

October in 11th grade is about transformation—of knowledge, society, and self. Embrace change, honor the past, and let your creativity and critical thinking shine this season!

What is Happening in October for Eighth Grade?

8th Grade – October Curriculum Overview

October’s theme is Transformation. In 8th grade, we’re exploring how change shapes nature, society, and ourselves. This month, students will dive into myths and legends, examine revolutions in history and science, and reflect on cycles of life through hands-on projects and creative expression. Activities are designed for critical thinking, collaboration, and connecting learning to the world around us as we prepare for Samhain and the heart of autumn.

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 9: Write a myth or legend about transformation. Analyze how change is portrayed in literature.
  • Week 10: Explore satire and parody; write a short story or skit with a twist ending.
  • Week 11: Research and present a real-world example of transformation (personal, historical, or natural).
  • Week 12: Reflect on cycles—how do stories, seasons, and societies change and renew?
  • Spelling:
    • Week 9: anomaly, extrapolate, exposition, fallacy, proposition, structuralism, didactic, third-person, recognition, farce
    • Week 10: phenomenon, interpolate, narrative, paradox, assertion, postmodernism, allegorical, limited, reversal, slapstick
    • Week 11: comprehensibility, agreement, optimization, contradiction, classify, exchange, poetics, gloss, clarify, approve
    • Week 12: readability, alignment, refinement, paradox, categorize, negotiation, narratology, lexicon, expound, sanction
  • Reflection Prompt: Where do you see transformation in your own life or in the world around you this month?
• Math (Mon & Wed)
  • Week 9: Explore geometric transformations (rotation, reflection, translation).
  • Week 10: Analyze patterns and symmetry in nature and architecture.
  • Week 11: Study statistics and probability using real-world data.
  • Week 12: Create and interpret graphs to show cycles or changes over time.
• Science (Mon & Wed)
  • Week 9: Investigate transformation in ecosystems—decomposition, metamorphosis, and cycles.
  • Week 10: Study the science of autumn: why leaves change color, animal adaptations, and seasonal cycles.
  • Week 11: Explore scientific revolutions and paradigm shifts.
  • Week 12: Conduct a simple experiment showing physical or chemical change.
• History & Social Studies (Tue & Thu)
  • Week 9: Investigate historical revolutions and major societal transformations.
  • Week 10: Compare ancient and modern celebrations of transformation (Samhain, harvest festivals).
  • Week 11: Research how cultures honor ancestors and cycles of renewal.
  • Week 12: Present a project on social or scientific change in your community or the world.
• Art & Music (Thu)
  • Week 9: Create transformation-inspired art (masks, metamorphosis drawings, or ancestor portraits).
  • Week 10: Compose or perform music that represents change or cycles.
  • Week 11: Build a model of an ancient structure or monument.
  • Week 12: Design and decorate a Samhain altar or seasonal 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 reflect on stories of transformation or change.

Fun Fridays

• October 3: Pumpkin patch visit and story time.
• October 10: Leaf rubbings and fall crafts.
• October 17: Nature center visit and outdoor exploration.
• October 24: Samhain prep—make lanterns or ancestor altars.
• October 31: Samhain celebration with stories, crafts, and seasonal treats.

Recommended Free Resources

• Mythology & History:
  • Ducksters – Greek Mythology
  • History for Kids – Mythology
  • Khan Academy – World History
• Science & Nature:
  • Nat Geo Kids – Autumn Leaves
  • Weather Wiz Kids – Seasons
  • Exploratorium Science Snacks – Hands-On Activities
• Math:
  • Khan Academy – Geometry
  • Math is Fun – Transformations
• Reading & Literacy:
  • CommonLit – Free Reading Passages
  • ReadWorks – Reading Comprehension
• Classroom:
  • RHE Homeroom

October in 8th grade is about transformation—of nature, knowledge, and ourselves. Embrace change, honor the past, and let your creativity shine this season!

What's Happening in October for Fifth grade?

5th Grade – October Curriculum Overview

October in Fifth Grade is a month of transformation, creativity, and honoring traditions. We’re diving into geometry, mythology, and autumn science while exploring the cycles of nature and celebrating Samhain. Lessons are hands-on, flexible, and designed for both independent and family learning. Let’s explore, create, and connect as the seasons change!

Weekly Subjects

• Language Arts (Mon–Thu)
  • Week 9: Read and retell a myth or legend. Write your own version with a twist.
  • Week 10: Explore the structure of stories—identify plot, characters, and setting in mythology.
  • Week 11: Write a letter to an ancestor or create a story inspired by family history.
  • Week 12: Reflect on transformation—how do characters (and people!) change over time?
  • Spelling:
    • Week 9: grammar, sentence, subject, predicate, verb, adjective, adverb, conjunction, pronoun, preposition
    • Week 10: essay, revise, edit, draft, publish, introduction, conclusion, topic, thesis, evidence
    • Week 11: myth, legend, hero, monster, labyrinth, oracle, prophecy, immortal, mortal, wisdom
    • Week 12: Olympian, trident, lightning, chariot, lyre, shield, helmet, spear, temple, offering
  • Reflection Prompt: Who are your heroes, in stories or real life? How do you honor your ancestors or family traditions?
• Math (Mon & Wed)
  • Week 9: Introduction to geometry—explore shapes, angles, and symmetry.
  • Week 10: Measure and draw polygons. Identify sides, angles, and vertices.
  • Week 11: Practice classifying shapes and finding patterns in nature.
  • Week 12: Create geometric art or mosaics using polygons and symmetry.
• Science (Mon & Wed)
  • Week 9: Study the science of autumn—why do leaves change color?
  • Week 10: Investigate animal adaptations for fall and winter.
  • Week 11: Explore the moon phases and their role in seasonal celebrations.
  • Week 12: Conduct a simple experiment on decomposition or composting.
• History (Tue & Thu)
  • Week 9: Learn about myths and legends from different cultures.
  • Week 10: Compare ancient and modern celebrations of the harvest and ancestors.
  • Week 11: Research Samhain and how it’s celebrated around the world.
  • Week 12: Present a story, poem, or art project honoring family or cultural traditions.
• Music (Tue)
  • Week 9: Listen to music inspired by myths or legends.
  • Week 10: Try rhythm games with autumn themes.
  • Week 11: Explore traditional Samhain or autumn festival songs.
  • Week 12: Compose a simple melody or chant for the season.
• Art (Thu)
  • Week 9: Create myth-inspired masks or puppets.
  • Week 10: Make leaf prints or autumn mosaics.
  • Week 11: Design a Samhain altar or ancestor collage.
  • Week 12: Carve a pumpkin or make lanterns for Samhain.
• Physical Education (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Daily movement—nature walks, leaf hunts, outdoor games, or stretching.
• Reading (Mon–Thu)
  • Each Week: Read independently for at least 30 minutes each day. Add to your reading log and share a favorite myth or autumn story with your family.

Fun Fridays

• October 3: Pumpkin patch visit and story time.
• October 10: Leaf rubbings and fall crafts.
• October 17: Nature center visit and outdoor exploration.
• October 24: Samhain prep—make lanterns or ancestor altars.
• October 31: Samhain celebration with stories, crafts, and seasonal treats.

Recommended Free Resources

• Geometry & Math:
  • Khan Academy – Geometry
  • Math is Fun – Geometry
• Mythology & History:
  • Ducksters – Greek Mythology
  • History for Kids – Mythology
• Science & Nature:
  • Nat Geo Kids – Autumn Leaves
  • Weather Wiz Kids – Seasons
• Reading & Literacy:
  • ReadWorks – Reading Comprehension
  • CommonLit – Free Reading Passages
• Classroom:
  • RHE Homeroom

October in 5th grade is about transformation, honoring the past, and finding inspiration in the changing world. Choose what fits your family, and enjoy a month of creativity and connection!