Critical Thinking and Learning Beyond the Classroom
Using what you know to create something new is a hallmark of learning in fifth and sixth grades. At these grade levels, students are beginning to want control of their school life. (Remember those hugs parents used to get before kids ran into class? This is when they tend to be met with groans. Don’t worry, you can still hug them at home!)
Our teachers encourage students’ growing independence by intentionally teaching the planning and organizational skills needed for students to successfully manage their time and assignments. Our teachers also maintain close communication with families. At NGFS, this stage in development brings new freedoms and new responsibilities. Students are asked to think seriously about how they work, what they are doing well, and where they might need to stretch a bit further. Working one-on-one with teachers, students set their own goals and develop specific steps to achieve these goals. Choices about projects gives them the freedom to pursue topics that interest them and also asks them to take into account what they want to achieve and what their schedule permits. At this level, they don’t always make the right choices, but, as one of their teachers says, “Here, we teach them that it’s okay to make a mistake. It’s not a tragedy, but an opportunity to learn. It’s one of the most important things we teach; talk to any scientist, the big advances in science? They come from learning what works and what doesn’t.”
A highlight of fifth and sixth grade at NGFS are the fall and spring trips that take our learning way outside the classroom! While studying Ecosystems, students conduct valuable in-class research and experiments; but how do we build real respect for these biologically diverse communities? Through a trip to the Okeefenokee Swamp, and canoeing through the wetlands! Our goal is to bring students out into the world not only to enhance their studies, but because it is critical for them to become aware of their obligations as responsible local and global citizens.
Ask any NGFS student about trips in these grades and watch their faces light up. They may be telling you what they learned from their excursions, but you’ll be hearing what they learned about themselves.