Dear Sixth Grade Families,
Last week, the class read and wrote summaries of the stories of the constellation commonly known as Orion’s Belt: Hina and the Shark and The Pharaoh's Soul. The class also drew this constellation in three different ways, representing how each illustration and interpretation of the star connections relates to that culture's story: a Pharaoh for Egypt, a canoe and fish for the Islands of Tonga, and Orion’s Belt for the story from Greece.
Twelve of the most well-known constellations - those belonging to the Zodiac- were the focus of the remaining Main Lessons last week. These constellations are seen on the ecliptic, the path that the sun, moon, and planets take through the sky from our view on Earth. The class was rapt with interest in learning about the various stories behind the Zodiac constellations, especially how some of the stories intertwine (such as how Scorpio chases Orion through the night sky!). To further foster this curiosity, each student researched their own Zodiac constellation, pulling out pertinent information from various sources to make a cohesive summary of their Zodiac Sign.
This week, the class was also introduced to drawing with black chalk. During the first session, the students had some time to familiarize themselves with their new materials: drawing paper and black chalk. Quite different from watercolor painting, chalk/charcoal drawing works within the nuances of light and shade between black and white and is a way of coming to meet the students’ rapidly fluctuating soul life at this age.
Please help your child practice their section for the Thanksgiving presentation this Friday! When we return from Thanksgiving Break, we will head back to Ancient Rome with Ki Melissa during the Main Lesson. Ki Lesley will continue to teach the class after the Main Lesson for math, charcoal sketching, and our Cyber Civics curriculum.
Announcements and Reminders:
Please remind your child to continue practicing the Haudenosaunee Address of Thanksgiving for the Thanksgiving Luncheon on Friday, November 17.
We hope you will join us this Friday, November 17, for the Thanksgiving Luncheon. We will begin in the sanctuary at 11 a.m. Following the opening in the sanctuary, you will check out your child at the picnic tables and then proceed down to the playground for the picnic. Please plan to bring lunch for all family members. Desserts are provided by the school. To ensure there are enough treats for all, children must be accompanied by an adult to choose their dessert. Please bring blankets and/or camping chairs.
Upcoming Events:
11/17: Thanksgiving Luncheon 11 am - Half Day
11/20 - 24: Thanksgiving Break (No School)
12/02: Prospective Family Open House: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
12/07 - 08: Winter Spiral
12/20: Grades Assembly - 12:00 p.m. & Last Day of Fall Semester - Half Day
With Gratitude,
Ki Lesley and Ki Melissa
