Form I Kaleidoscope

Description:

By popular demand, Bluebonnet opened a fourth section of Kaleidoscope for 2023–24 in order to allow more students to participate in this 2.5-hour block class, in which our youngest learners enjoy a kaleidoscope of delights for the mind, ear, eye, heart, and hand:

Folksong and Hymn—Students learn folksongs and hymns to sing together. We focus on one hymn and one folksong for 4 weeks and we listen to a variety of folksongs on rotation.

Recitation—Students recite Scripture together. We focus on one Bible passage for 8 weeks, and this passage is also recited together in the Lunch Assembly. Each week students are invited to prepare a short poem, Bible verse, or passage of interest to recite for the class.

Nature Study—Students take nature walks outside and also observe and study objects from nature brought to class by the teacher. Students are encouraged to bring specimens from nature for study also. We study the specimens through discussion, nature journaling, and interaction with the object. Students explore various parts of nature and their environment through observations based on rotating themes.

Artist & Composer Study—Students study classical music and works of art through observation (attentive looking and listening) and discussion. They also practice copying master paintings both by sight and creating their own interpretations based on the pieces of art.

Handicrafts—Students learn a variety of handicrafts and the proper techniques that apply to each. We spend roughly 4 weeks on each handicraft. Some handicrafts we have done in the past have included: origami, kirigami, sewing, embroidery, rock painting, weaving, loom knitting.

Math Games—Students play a variety of math games to reinforce math concepts that they are learning at home. We use the RightStart Math Games curriculum along with various other manipulatives and hands-on materials. Students study various math concepts with rotating themes.