Level: Form I (K–3rd grades)
Subject(s): Art/Art Appreciation, English, Handicrafts, Math, Music/Music Appreciation, Science/Nature Study
Description:
In this weekly 2.5-hour block class, our youngest learners enjoy a kaleidoscope of delights for the mind, ear, eye, heart, and hand:
Hymn and Recitation—Students sing a traditional Hymn and recite Scripture together as a large group. We focus on one Bible passage for 8 weeks, and one hymn for 4 weeks. This passage is also recited and the hymn is sung together in the Lunch Assembly. Also, students are invited to prepare a short poem, Bible verse, or passage of interest to recite for the class.
Folksong—Students learn folksongs to sing together. Songs come from a variety of time periods, cultures, and languages. Some include movement or games to play together. We focus on one folksong for 4 weeks.
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. Students are presented with a variety of artists and composers each year. They study four artists and four composers with a total of 15-16 distinct pieces of artwork and musical compositions, 3 or 4 works from each artist / composer. Artists and composers are carefully selected to include featured men and women from a broad variety of time periods, cultures, countries, backgrounds, and creative styles.
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, and beading.
Math Games—Students play a variety of math games to reinforce math concepts that they are learning at home and in class. Students practice various math concepts with rotating themes in a fast-paced group game, puzzle, or activity called “Five Minute Math”.
Materials:
Families are required to supply the following items:
- Three-ring binder for hymns, scriptures, and paintings (2″–2.5″)
- Pencils and erasers in pencil pouch
- Colored pencils and sharpener
Due to the nature and duration of the class being mostly outdoors, families must also supply and send students with the following:
- Backpack
- Water bottle, large or extra large, preferably insulated
- Snacks
- Closed-toe shoes that are okay to get wet or muddy
- Weather-appropriate attire: (The class will be outdoors in all weather except thunderstorms and severe conditions!)
- Sun hat
- Rain boots and raincoat with hood
- Winter jacket/coat and mittens
- Recommended: Sunscreen and Bug spray (applied by parents)
- Towel or blanket (recommended for student to sit on; can be rolled and strapped to backpack)
Note that staff and instructors will not apply sunscreen and/or mosquito repellent; it is recommended for parents to apply to their students before class.
The following classroom supplies and learning resources will be provided by the instructor:
- Nature Journaling sketchbook
- Art prints
- Handicraft supplies
- Nature Collection Box
