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Investigator Learning 
(ages 9-12)

Students at this age are ready to take more responsibility for their own learning.  They learn how to manage their time, choose work that will help them learn, and use their own questions to increase knowledge. In academics, they spend time building literacy and math skills they already have.  Science and social studies topics are explored as students learn how to research, choose reading material, and create their own experiments.  
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Our Approach to Academics

Literacy
By this age, reading and writing are usually fluent.  We continue to teach writing using the Brave Writer model, working with students to write with more planning, organization, and purpose.  Most literacy topics at this age are integrated into other classes, as children use literature to study a period in history or examine a theme. But students still work on creative writing in our Writer's Workshop on Thursdays.  
In addition to writing, students study literature as a way to connect with the world.  Through literature, they can explore people and places they normally wouldn't get to visit.  They can experience challenging situations without having to suffer. 
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Through literature circles, shared reading, independent reading, and integrated classes, students investigate many different kinds of literature.  MindSpark teachers help them to not only connect with the characters and situations in the stories, but also help them investigate the craft of writing, use of language, and underlying messages from authors. 

Mathematics
We follow a Montessori-approach when teaching math to Investigators. Though topics are more abstract, students use concrete materials to develop a strong foundation in complex operations, fractions and decimals. Students progress through these topics at their own pace during math workshops, where teachers offer individual support as needed.  
Math topics in this learning group vary widely, but usually includes fluency in operations, decimals, fractions, and ratio & proportions.
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Science & History
Students in this learning group are moving beyond the simple act of exploring science and history topics.  Investigators dig deeper into topics they can relate to and find ways to make connections.


We integrate these topics into afternoon "Expedition Learning", where teachers guide students through thoughtful discussions, help them investigate deeper, and connect important science and history to their lives.  

2017-18 Calendar
<Explorers (ages 5-9)
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Teens (ages 12-15)>

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CONTACT US
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​9767 Rhodus Street, Suite B
Conifer, CO  80433
720-460-1649
​kim.mindspark@gmail.com
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  • Home
  • Classes
    • Academics
    • International Towne
    • Spring Ski Clinic
    • Stagedoor Theatre
    • Spring Expedition
    • Enrichment
    • Teen Movie Nights
    • DCPA Events
    • Outdoor Education
    • Summer Programs >
      • Hiking Club
      • Free Summer Workshops
      • Family Adventures
      • Summer Camps
  • Explore Mind Spark
    • Who We Are
    • Our Philosophy >
      • What We Believe About Learning
      • Research Backing Our Philosophy
      • Assessments and Grades
    • Developmental Learning >
      • Explorers (5-9 yrs)
      • Investigators (9-12 yrs)
      • Teens (12-15 yrs)
    • Our Community >
      • How Learning Happens
      • Mountain Homeschoolers
      • Mountain Parenting
    • Blog
    • Book Lists
    • FAQs
  • Enrollment
    • Calendar
    • Tuition
    • Registration
    • Payments
  • APPLY NOW
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