What's a Day Like in the Microschool?
Dream It.
We start the day with encouragement, motivation, and morning prayer before beginning our academic work.
Self-Expression
Students have time to ease into the morning with music and a peaceful activity such as quietly drawing or stretching, anything that helps them to pleasantly transition into the day.
Gratitude
With the option of writing freely or using a guided prompt, they use gratitude journals to reflect on things for which they are thankful.
Inspiration
This part of the morning rotates each day. Sometimes we have a brief lesson from the Bible. Other times we discuss someone (past or present) who has done something incredible to impact the world. Students will learn to make S.M.A.R.T. goals and be encouraged to create and share a weekly goal.
Plan It.
Here's where we give students the tools they need to pursue their dreams and conquer their goals. They learn math, language arts, and critical thinking skills.
Mixed Age Groups
Since our groups consist of mixed ages, we use a blended learning model. A portion of this time is used for teacher-led instruction in small groups, and another portion consists of self-paced independent learning following Montessori methods.
Grades 3rd and under are tech-free, with a focus on hands-on learning. Grades 4th-8th experience a blend of instruction time with a guide, small group collaboration, and online learning. All students rotate between time with a guide and independent learning time.
Struggling and Advanced Learners
If a student needs more help in a particular area, we can send home reinforcement assignments and, if needed, move them to a more fitting group. At Creation Acre, students are not shamed for operating on the level that is best for them.
It’s important to us that we meet students where they are and get them where they need to be. In the same way, advanced students can move up in any subject without age or grade restrictions.
Build It.
Learning for the sake of learning isn’t very exciting, but using knowledge to do what energizes us is a wonderful experience! We explore STEM, art, history, and the Bible, all with an emphasis on student-directed projects.
Thinkers Hub
This is an extension of language arts where students have guided discussions on age-appropriate current events and examine books through Socratic discussion. We don’t discuss controversial politics or subjects that are personal to each family. Instead, we use this time to strengthen critical thinking skills and engage in literature in a fun way.
Independent Studies
Students have the option to complete an independent study in an area of interest. Maybe they want to work on a fascinating science project beyond what the group is doing. Or maybe they want to study the evolution of text messaging. Whatever it is that’s interesting to them, we will help them learn about it and come up with a project and presentation idea for sharing with others. These can range from simple, one-day projects to very detailed, semester-long projects. Therefore, the materials and supplies for independent studies will be the responsibility of the parents.
Electives Taught by Experts
While we offer electives taught by our team, there will be times when we want to consider additional electives that require hiring an expert. For example, American sign language, advanced cooking lessons, or instrument lessons, would call for an outside teacher. As a group, staff and parents can decide if this is something we’d like to pursue.