The Logic Stage (Grades 5-8)

The CGS Middle School Program corresponds to the period when children begin to think more analytically.  The emphasis is on the application of logic to all the academic areas.  The strong skill base acquired in the Early Elementary Program is now employed in the service of critical thinking. 

Language Arts

Formalized reading comprehension instruction continues in grades 5-6 at CGS with the Making Connections program.  The comprehension skills are applied to literature from the history topics studied in Middle School.  In the Grammar Stage, the students read children’s versions of classical literature; during the Logic Stage they read original or unabridged works.  In the Grammar Stage, they could retell a story’s plot and characters – the “who”, “how” and “what.”  During the Logic Stage, the salient question for them to answer becomes “why?”  For example, when reading The Iliad in fifth grade, the students must formulate a response to “Why was the Trojan War unworthy of Hector?” - a very different query than “Who was Hector and what happened to him?” which they answered in first grade.  Similarly, sixth grade critically reads Beowulf, seventh grade revisits A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and eighth grade tackles The Jungle.

Formal grammar instruction continues with the Grammar, Usage and Mechanics (G.U.M.) series and the Writing Strands program is implemented for composition.

Logic

Formal logic is taught at CGS in the seventh and eighth Grades.  Overall, the class provides an in-depth study of the classical syllogism to provide a framework for deductive reasoning.  Students learn the kinds of logical statements, the ways propositions can be opposed, the ways in which they can be equivalent, and the rules for the validity of syllogisms. 

Math

The Singapore Math Program continues to be used in grades 5 and 6 (see description under Early Elementary).    In grades 7 and 8, CGS uses the New Elementary Mathematics (NEM) Program to provide instruction in algebra and geometry.  NEM is a challenging math series with a proven international track record.  Emphasis is placed on the development of better understanding of mathematical concepts and their applications, as well as on proficiency in problem solving, mathematical reasoning and higher order thinking.  Middle school children at CGS participate in an annual international math competition.

History

In the Logic Stage, the study of history shifts from learning the facts about a set of stories to understanding the story of the world as one long, sequential and interconnected account of cause and effect.  As with literature class, the study of history in Middle School is centered around the question “Why?”  The students’ reading, writing, science, art and music are integrated and organized around the outline provided by history.  The Middle School repeats the Early Elementary cycle of themes as 5th grade studies the Ancients, 6th grade is immersed in Medieval Times, 7th grade explores the Early Modern and 8th grade examines the Modern world.

Science

Science in the Logic Stage is characterized by the making of connections.  Students learn to make connections between the branches of science, between science and history, and between the scientific method and the rules of logic.  They use the logic of the scientific method to test new knowledge through experimentation.  The Middle School course of study using the Real Science-4-Kinds series is Biology in 5th grade, Astronomy and Earth Science in 6th grade, Chemistry in 7th grade and Physics in 8th grade.   

Foreign Language

Spanish is the modern language studied by grades 5-8.  Students continue with the Wright Group program that they began in Early Elementary.

Latin instruction continues from the Early Elementary program for grades 5-8.  Latin is integrated into the English curriculum for grammar and vocabulary development.

Music

As in Early Elementary, the Music Program in Middle School continues to be focused on developing cultural literacy and cognitive skills.  To promote cultural literacy, the integration of music into the curriculum deepens in scope to include a survey of Music History.  For example, while studying Greece, fifth graders may compose a song in the Dorian Mode.   Sixth graders may research and sing folk songs from the Middle Ages.  In the seventh grade, students learn to distinguish the “Baroque” sound, and in eighth grade they learn how to hear the difference between Classical and Romantic Music. Neuroscience suggests that music can improve cognitive development, and specifically, that rhythm instruction may have the strongest effect on temporal and sequencing tasks.  Accordingly, in the CGS Middle School, rhythm instruction continues and increases in complexity.

Art

The CGS Middle School Art Program continues with Project Time, which is designed to provide daily practice in creative thinking and non-verbal reasoning. The children work in a wide range of 2-D and 3-D media, receiving direct instruction in technique and guidance towards developing a sense of aesthetics.  Since Project Time is integrated with the literature, history and science curriculum, the students’ study in technique is framed within a survey of Art History.

Drama

Drama at CGS is also integrated with the literature, history, and science curriculum.  Twice a year, Middle School students showcase topics they have studied through plays or musical revues.

Physical Education

Mens sana in corpore sano.  The ancient Roman ideal of "a healthy mind in a healthy body" is validated by current scientific evidence.   Physical activity is necessary for a strong and healthy body.  And neuroscience supports the benefits to the brain and academic achievement as studies suggest a connection between physical activity and increased levels of alertness, mental function and learning.  Therefore, we provide daily physical education.  The period is divided into three sections:  exercises to promote fitness, skill development and sports.