The Purpose of Focus Level Elective Courses

Written by Ms. Rebekah Davis, Lead Teacher

This week our Focus students jumped into their semester-long elective classes. Now, maybe you’re secretly asking yourself, “Wait, what grade is Focus again?” Focus refers to our upper elementary students - typically ages 10-11. Your next question might be, “And elementary students get to pick their own classes?” That’s right! Within parameters.

At the Generals level (6-7 yo), students are exposed to a wide variety of subjects and skills. At the Specifics level (8-9 yo), they go deeper and look into the nuances of that discipline and its application. For example, Generals have a My Emotions class, and Specifics use that content to engage in Conflict Resolution class. Throughout these early elementary years students are learning themselves and discovering the natural gifts and inclinations God has given them.

In elective courses, students are able to explore a given subject in greater depth. In a Fermented Foods class this semester, students are learning to make kefir water.

By the time the students get to the Focus level, they know themselves well enough to have notably stronger interest in some disciplines over others. Their classmates know it too. Jimmy is the math whiz! Ali can write a 10 page story over the weekend! Two years of choir class has highlighted musical gifts in many.

Paying attention to these budding gifts, we offer a diversity of classes to the Focus students, and let them select 2 of their classes each day. This semester’s electives span subjects like Fermented Foods & Gut Health, The History of Math, Speech/Debate, Typography, Forming & Maintaining Healthy Habits, Chorale, and Robotics!

The diversity of classes matches the diversity of our students, keeping motivation high for students as they each have ownership over their schedule. Stay tuned for some exciting reports this semester from our Focus electives!