Middle Circle is a time of remarkable growth as children begin to see themselves as capable, independent learners. At The School in Rose Valley, third and fourth graders are encouraged to take on new challenges while still learning through curiosity, collaboration, and play. They think critically, take creative risks, and learn to see multiple perspectives.
Learning in Middle Circle is experiential, interconnected, and student-centered. Projects often emerge from children’s questions, classroom discoveries, and current events. Students might create a model government to better understand civic structures, map the community to explore geography and human impact, or design sustainable solutions inspired by environmental studies. Inquiry often extends across disciplines, blending art, writing, science, and mathematics in meaningful ways.
Teachers guide this process by introducing new tools and challenges, helping students test ideas, refine their reasoning, and connect their learning to the world beyond the classroom. Each experience nurtures confidence, independence, and the ability to think deeply and creatively about complex problems.
Through this progressive approach, children learn not only what to think, but how to think—an essential foundation for lifelong learning.
Mathematics
Middle Circle students expand their understanding of mathematical concepts through hands-on exploration, reasoning, and collaboration. They work with multi-digit operations, fractions, decimals, and geometry, developing fluency and flexibility as problem-solvers. Projects in measurement, data, and graphing help them connect abstract ideas to the real world. Students are encouraged to explain their thinking, test different strategies, and see mathematics as a creative and purposeful process.
Literacy and Language Arts
Reading and writing take on new depth as students grow as independent thinkers and communicators. They explore diverse genres—from realistic fiction and biography to poetry and informational texts—learning to analyze themes, structure, and perspective. Writing projects span narrative, expository, and persuasive forms, with a focus on clarity, organization, and voice. Discussions, presentations, and peer collaboration strengthen listening and speaking skills while building confidence and curiosity about language.
Social Studies
Social studies in Middle Circle invites students to explore the human story—how people, places, and cultures connect and evolve. Through inquiry and research, they examine topics such as migration, government, and community, making connections between the past and the present. Hands-on projects and simulations encourage empathy, critical thinking, and an appreciation for multiple perspectives. Service learning and environmental stewardship deepen their understanding of citizenship and collective responsibility.
Social and Emotional Growth
Social and emotional learning is woven into every part of the Middle Circle experience. Students build self-awareness, empathy, and resilience through cooperative projects, class meetings, and reflective dialogue. They learn to manage conflict, express ideas respectfully, and advocate for themselves and others. As they grow more independent, they take increasing ownership of their learning and their role within the classroom community.
Specials
Specials programming in Wellness, Woodshop, Music, Art, Science, French, and Theater enrich and extend classroom learning.
The Middle Circle years represent a turning point in each child’s educational journey. Students begin to see connections between ideas, disciplines, and the world around them. They approach challenges with persistence, communicate with growing confidence, and take joy in discovery.
By combining academic rigor with creativity, reflection, and collaboration, SRV helps students develop the intellectual and social capacities that endure beyond the classroom. They leave Middle Circle not only prepared for the Oldest Group years but equipped with curiosity, empathy, and a genuine love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Middle Circle Curriculum Guide
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