Class 2M have settled rather beautifully into the new year. We have been very busy and attentive in our studies and our play.
The year began with The Dragon’s Celtic Tale where we delicately absorbed the trials and tribulations of the three fisherman’s sons. Continuing with our prior learning of sounding out letters and words, the children have begun the process of creating their own sentences while working in small groups.
Our second main lesson was Mathematics, beginning with a wonderful exploration of symmetry, which we began to discover everywhere in nature! In a beetle, a butterfly, an eagle, a leaf and even within our own very own face! Symmetry was a wonderland of joyful discovery, and we followed on with our work on number patterns and counting.
Our final main lesson for the term has been the ‘Animal Dreamtime’ stories. We have contemplated the beauty of Aboriginal art and drawn our own depictions. The lesson began with the tale of Rainbow Serpent who, in the beginning, when all animals were peacefully sleeping underground, pried open a small part of the crusty earth layer. He then slithered upon and across the earth, creating indents and mountainous landscapes. Once his work was complete, he encouraged the frogs to peep out and come forth, where he promptly tickled them until water flowed from their mouths creating the waterfalls, lakes and oceans we know of today.
Handwork is sustaining our motor development, supporting the progression of ‘nimble hands creating nimble minds.’ We are busily creating beautiful name tags and Celtic knot embroidery spheres, using long stitch. These will adorn our newly dyed handwork bags.
We have sung autumn songs galore, played in the sunshine, amongst the sunflowers, and fed the new baby ducks. We have run through the rain, sailed paper boats at Crystal Creek, raked grass, mulched a garden bed and danced a multitude of bush dances. Our days are overflowing with exploratory play and good old-fashioned hard work! A beautiful balance of mind, body and soul.
I wish you all a wonderful upcoming term break. Perhaps you are lucky enough to be one of those who get to take off into the air once again like a bird with open wings. Perhaps you get to discover some wonderful new places or sacred sites within which the Rainbow Serpent so graciously prepared.
With respect and admiration for our wonderful school community,
Maria Moston
Class 2 Teacher