Week 1                      Review (student led)

In a series of self-reflective exercises students imaginatively look into their past and future to develop a clearer view of who they are and who they want to be. Students will “flesh out” our plans for the year by suggesting field-trip locations, guest speakers, and special activities.

 

Weeks 2-4                 Geometry (Mathematics)                                 Block 1

Last year students explored some of the concepts imbedded in shapes. This year students will be working with compass, protractor, and squares to draw complex shapes. Precision drawing nurtures a deep conceptual understanding of shapes and leads to an artistic exploration of astronomical relationships between the sun, moon, earth, and Polaris. Students will discover and explain awesome mathematical phenomenon and their human relevance or application.

Project: We will create a 2012 calendar of beautifully illustrated geometric shapes, theorems, and principles that might be sold at Winter Fair to raise funds for a purpose of the students’ choice.

 

Weeks 5-6                 Fractions (Mathematics)                                  Block 2

We will approach the study of Fractions and Decimals in terms of business math and practical experience. Calculations will deal with hands-on situations and problems that the students must manage and solve. For example, we will combine measurement with number skills to determine the yield (of tea leaves) from raspberry canes harvested on a field trip to Duncan’s property. We will explore “balance sheet” math for the production, sale, and distribution of the raspberry leaf tea and geometry calendars.

 

Weeks 7-10              Decimals (Mathematics)                                   Block 3

We will begin with the ancient origins and evolution of decimals. Then we will and incorporate them into our understanding of the four processes (+. —, x, /) and business math.

Multi-disciplinary, project-based mathematics will allow us to review and expand our knowledge of Fractions and Decimals in productive and meaningful ways. What follows below is a summary of expectations and guidelines for the class. It is organized under the name of each strand of mathematics studied.

 

Weeks 11-13            Ancient Greece (History)                                   Block 4

We will step away from myth and toward history in the Greek “Golden Age.” We will look at architecture, politics and religion with a focus on the Parthenon, the statue of Athena, and the Agora. The life and times of iconic figures including Alexander the Great will also be of great importance to us. Finally, an overview of the Greek Olympics will help us prepare for the Waldorf School Olympic Games.

 

Weeks 14-16            Zoology (Life Science)                                         Block 5

Zoology involves the study of animals in their natural environments. We will depend on previous botanical studies to help us interpret and explore the experience of various kinds of animals. Our zoology block will rely heavily on field trips and excursions. Destinations include Amherst Island’s Owl Woods, the Queen’s Biology Station, Battersea Beach and Big Sandy Bay.

 

December Holiday

 

Weeks 17-19            Physics                                                                   Block 6         

We will be studying acoustics, optics, and magnetism. Physics provides an opportunity to extend our zoology block as we will be studying the relationships between sound and hearing (with a focus on bats, whales, crickets, moths), light and vision (carnivores, herbivores). The magnetism component provides an opportunity to extend our mineralogy/geology block as we explore the properties of different rocks and minerals.

 

Weeks 20-22            Astronomy                                                       Block 7         

We will be studying the relationships between the earth, moon, and sun using the naked eye and geometric drawing. Students will be asked to step outside and monitor the moon’s movement through the night sky at different times of the year. We will also explore the relationship between Polaris and latitudes.

 

Weeks 23-25            Dramatic Arts (Performance)                              Block 8         

Dramatic Arts refers to the processes of learning to use artificial behaviour, including posture, gesture, and tone, to impress or arouse emotions and behaviours in a target audience. We focus on Dramatic Arts in one block of study and integrate it into daily activities. Students will develop a performance for the March Assembly. We are grateful for Ned Dickens’s guidance in this process.

“Exposure” is also an important aspect of Dramatic Arts curriculum for students in Kingston. I will strive to create opportunities for exposure to a wide range of dramatic productions representing many cultures. Please send me a note about any interesting dramatic productions.

Our integrated Dramatic Arts and Music programs provide the kinesthetic and rhythmic foundations for advanced numeracy and literacy skills development. Current research about memory reveals it is stored in the tissues involved in tasks as well as the related parts of the brain. This fact might be a “no-brainer” for most of us but it is nice to be affirmed by research findings.

 

March Holiday

 

Weeks 26-28            Geology                                                                    Block 9

In Geology we will explore the nature and qualities of various rocks, minerals, and fossils. We will begin with a local study of limestone, granite, mica, and uranium and related issues before moving on to a more global study of minerals and humans. There are obvious connections to make between geology and zoology (primary succession involves the unique ability of lichens to grow on rocks), geology and physics (magnetism and acoustics), geology and art (sculpture, paint, architecture), geology and astronomy (Ned tells me of a recent CBC report about a diamond planet!). Geology will be another field-trip heavy block of study with destinations including local rock-cuts, museums, and masonry sheds.

 

Weeks 29-31            Zoology (Life Science)                               Block 10       

We return to zoology in the spring/summer so that we can extend our study of animals to another season.

 

Weeks 32-34            Language Arts                                                        Block 11

In younger grades we focus on developing the situational and “mythical” thinking naturally associated with riddles, fables, parables, and metaphors. We are now at the point where writing and reading involves more rational and logical thinking, more definitions, categories and syllogisms.

“Real Spelling” will be integrated with other subjects. “Real Spelling” focuses on word morphology, etymology, and phonology. In this approach “Word Sleuths” unveil the highly ordered, structured, and predictable nature of the English language. Students develop a deep understanding of root meanings and origins of words as well as the principles that inform affixes (pre- and suff-), singular-plural, and discrepancies between sound and spelling.

Sentence study in the Language Arts block will revolve around the verb and noun, subject and predicate. Students will unlock the secrets of punctuation, especially of periods and commas, through kinesthetic and dramatic activities. As discussed in the Mathematics and Dramatic Arts sections above, “the relationship between movement and gesture, speech and thinking is key to all aspects of language teaching” (Rawson and Richter, 105).

By the way, great grammar lessons are found in recipes!

 

Weeks 35-36            Greece & Rome Block                                 Block 12       

We return to Ancient Greek History to trace the fall of the Golden Age and the subsequent rise of Rome! This block lays the foundation for next year’s focus on Rome and the Middle Ages.

 

Weeks 37-38                        Overflow (8 days)                                                  

Summer Holidays