The Miwing children have begun Class 2 with the expected gusto and exuberance one would expect from a child in their eighth year. We have certainly left behind the dreaminess of Class 1 and its cosy garden corner, and have exploded into our new expansive playground with swings!
We have steadily moved through the first three Main Lessons for Class 2. We put our lower case letters to work in sentences inspired by several Aesop's Fables. Narrative is still the most significant manner in which pictorial imagery can be presented to and received by the Class 2 child. Fables brought in this way deliver the stern morals and consequences they hold, gently and with depth. Academically - our work with these fables, alongside First Nations Australian and Jakarta tales, will continue throughout the year in middle/practice sessions to further develop our lower case letters and gain an understanding of writing conventions.
Our second Main Lesson on mathematical place value saw us visit Farmer Equals' farm and use his magic counter to count up his large harvests. The basic concept of place value in mathematics is paramount. It is the foundation of every maths concept from primary to algebra level maths and is essential for a complete mathematical understanding.
In our class, Farmer Equals used his pockets for units, sacks for groups of ten, baskets for 10 sacks and, finally, a horse and cart for 10 baskets. Using story and pictorial representation allows the children to understand the abstract concept in a way that is more natural and developmentally appropriate for them. The trick is moving to numerals as the only representation - this will take time and lots of practice.
Lastly, the children have delighted in a Science Main Lesson on the water cycle with Ari. This follows the story of a water drop and its adventures.
Also, this year the children have begun a Japanese cultural immersion with Katsuko. Katsuko brings songs, games in japanese and creative activities which celebrate Japanese art and culture. The children are always very excited on Katsuko day! The class continues its wonderful work under the guidance of Kira in eurythmy as we work with mirroring our movements through form drawing.
So you can see, we have had a robust start to Class 2, and look forward to all our adventures ahead throughout the year!
Lisa Hylan
Class 2 Miwing Teacher
We have steadily moved through the first three Main Lessons for Class 2. We put our lower case letters to work in sentences inspired by several Aesop's Fables. Narrative is still the most significant manner in which pictorial imagery can be presented to and received by the Class 2 child. Fables brought in this way deliver the stern morals and consequences they hold, gently and with depth. Academically - our work with these fables, alongside First Nations Australian and Jakarta tales, will continue throughout the year in middle/practice sessions to further develop our lower case letters and gain an understanding of writing conventions.
Our second Main Lesson on mathematical place value saw us visit Farmer Equals' farm and use his magic counter to count up his large harvests. The basic concept of place value in mathematics is paramount. It is the foundation of every maths concept from primary to algebra level maths and is essential for a complete mathematical understanding.
In our class, Farmer Equals used his pockets for units, sacks for groups of ten, baskets for 10 sacks and, finally, a horse and cart for 10 baskets. Using story and pictorial representation allows the children to understand the abstract concept in a way that is more natural and developmentally appropriate for them. The trick is moving to numerals as the only representation - this will take time and lots of practice.
Lastly, the children have delighted in a Science Main Lesson on the water cycle with Ari. This follows the story of a water drop and its adventures.
Also, this year the children have begun a Japanese cultural immersion with Katsuko. Katsuko brings songs, games in japanese and creative activities which celebrate Japanese art and culture. The children are always very excited on Katsuko day! The class continues its wonderful work under the guidance of Kira in eurythmy as we work with mirroring our movements through form drawing.
So you can see, we have had a robust start to Class 2, and look forward to all our adventures ahead throughout the year!
Lisa Hylan
Class 2 Miwing Teacher