Torchlight’s Level 5 curriculum for learners ages 10-14 is titled Equity & Ethics. In Level 5, we take a short, diverted path from a heavy history focus, although history is woven in, to a social studies core with a geography spotlight. Our materials will take us from the inner workings of cities to globalization and citizenship, helping us see how our current civilizations function from within and the relationships we maintain for the greater benefit of all people.

We will look at our global community and how we can become effective global citizens. We will dismantle our natural tendency to stereotype by learning how our brains work and when categorization is helpful versus harmful. Then we will build tools to help us better understand our global neighbors and ourselves, no matter our differences.

Art is getting edgy with Torchlight’s The Art of Rock & Roll, vol. I, a 19-lesson, self-contained curriculum that introduces learners to genres, movements, and music rebels. We focus on rock and roll artists and those who influenced them and were influenced by them. Art lessons, such as design, photography, and more, are woven throughout the genre and artist studies, activities, extensive listening experiences, and music history. Level 5 will also mix art with our geography lessons, creating a hands-on, fun look at maps, biomes, and habitats.

We started our Brave the Page novel writing journey in Level 4. If you are new to Torchlight, we are guided through this project with Brave the Page in conjunction with National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), and it culminates in becoming a published author! We will try our now-experienced hand at creative writing in a second novel-writing project before moving on to a new writing focus in Level 6.

Level 5’s poetry will help us understand how to read poetry more deeply. Instead of sprinkling poetry throughout our year, we will pair our studies with a literature selection that uses poetry to explore life’s truths through the eyes of poets.

Each of Level 5’s literature selections uses Torchlight’s Literature Primers. The Primers provide insight into the book’s value, vocabulary, possible concerns to watch for while reading, and inquiry-based discussion opportunities. Literature Primers will prepare you as a learning partner without tying you to a script, creating more natural and authentic conversations. Our literature will take us to different countries and cultures, take a glimpse into mental health and activism, and provide some own-voices representation of the beautiful diversity of the human race, among other themes. We will observe a character’s self-discovery through depression, with a strong support system and changing circumstances. We will follow a Malaysian pelesit as they unpack past harm to learn the true meaning of friendship and settle into their identity as they grow and change. From outward activism to internal struggle, we will explore what drives humanity.

Science will be integrated through Scientific Connections through Inquiry (SCI) Level 5, biome studies with projects, and a collection of fantastic science trade books paired with scientific topics explored in our literature selections. Learners will participate in Torchlight’s inaugural Book Club Reader program (BCR), from the Amazon and its trees to constellations and black holes. BCRs are assigned to learners and allow deeper dives into topics tied to the main subjects. They are given a recommended reading pace to keep the selections aligned with their academic work and are asked to lead discussions in a book club format with their learning partner.

Lastly, Torchlight’s The Art of Navigating Finance will introduce the basics of money and sound financial decision-making through lessons paired with activities that help them put their skills and understanding into practice. We will finish the finance unit with studies on responsible consumerism, an inoculation against common marketing techniques that will prepare learners to evaluate psychological tactics to get them to spend. The Art of Navigating Finance will provide a more holistic look at finances for a balanced economic future.

Let’s welcome a worldview-expanding academic year with Torchlight Level 5!

Torchlight Level 5: Ethics & Equity

Daily and Weekly Lesson plan with prep pages for 36 weeks of:

• Literature, Poetry, Vocabulary, Social Studies, Geography, Science, Arts, Equity & Ethics.
• Writing and editing opportunities linked to the literature & a long-term writing project.
• Linked book list
• Weekly library checklist
• Linked media within each lesson
• Additional linked
  • Supplemental lists (books, apps, media, etc.)
• Extension activities for seamless further or elevated learning within each week
• Torchlight’s exclusive Literature Primers Include:
  • Torchlight’s intent when scheduling the book (educational value)
  • Vocabulary
  • Notes on possible secular and ethical issues prior to scheduled readings
  • Socratic-inspired discussion outlines
  • Engagement opportunities
• Vocabulary Journal (My Vocabulary Spell Book)
• List of alternate/replacement books for easy tailoring of the program to suit each family’s needs
• Original activities to solidify learning and skills
• Recommendations for Math and Grammar (added by learning partners)

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The Art of Rock & Roll

Purchase separately here

IMPORTANT NOTE: Included in Level 5 Bundle, PLEASE DO NOT DOUBLE PURCHASE. The Art of Rock & Roll, vol. I is part of the Torchlight Level 5 bundle, which provides a discount on this individual study. Unfortunately, we cannot offer retroactive discounts if The Art of Rock & Roll, vol. I is purchased separately from Torchlight Level 5.

The Art of Rock & Roll, vol. I: Beginnings through 1980 is a 19-lesson self-contained curriculum that explores the rock and roll genre through its history, influences, artists, listening, activities, and hands-on art projects—The Art of Rock & Roll, vol. I is a diverse modern look at how art can affect change and reflect life. The study includes a list of optional extension books, resources, and literature selections that align well with the study material. This study is scheduled within Torchlight Level 5: Equality & Ethics and can be purchased as part of a Level 5 bundle, or it can be used as a stand-alone program and paired with any program of your choice.

Study length: 62 pages. Can be printed double-sided.

The Art of Navigating Finance: Introduction to Finance & Responsible Consumerism

Purchase separately here
IMPORTANT NOTE: Included in Level 5 Bundle, PLEASE DO NOT DOUBLE PURCHASE. The Art of Navigating Finance: Introduction to Finance & Responsible Consumerism is part of the Torchlight Level 5 bundle, which provides a discount on this individual study. Unfortunately, we cannot offer retroactive discounts if The Art of Navigating Finance is purchased separately from Torchlight Level 5.

Torchlight’s The Art of Navigating Finance: Introduction to Finance & Responsible Consumerism is a 16-lesson finance lab that will introduce the basics of money and sound financial decision-making through lessons paired with readings and activities that will support them in putting their new skills and understanding into practice. The closing lessons include studies on responsible consumerism, an inoculation against common marketing techniques that will prepare learners to evaluate psychological tactics to get them to spend. The Art of Navigating Finance will provide a more holistic look at finances for a balanced economic future.

Study length: 58 pages. Meant to be printed single-sided to allow the cutting of game pieces and materials.