Level: Form I (K–3rd grades)
Subject(s): Art/Art Appreciation, English, Handicrafts, Math, Music/Music Appreciation, Science/Nature Study
Description:
In this 2.5-hour block class, our youngest learners enjoy a kaleidoscope of delights for the mind, ear, eye, heart, and hand:
Folksong, Hymn, and Solfa—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. The folksongs generally follow the AmblesideOnline Curiculum 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.
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 from memory as they are able. We generally follow the AmblesideOnline curiculum rotation for Artist & Composer Study.
Handicrafts—Students learn a variety of handicrafts and the proper techniques that apply to each. We spend 4 weeks on each handicraft, but students are encouraged to take supplies home to continue working on a handicraft at home. 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.
Materials:
$46 per student for teacher-purchased supplies (including nature journal, artist prints, and various handicraft supplies)
Families supply a three-ring binder as well as pencils, colored pencils, and erasers in a pencil pouch.
