Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Families,
Last Tuesday and Thursday, Thomas Hemelaar, a Waldorf teacher from the Netherlands, visited our class and worked with the students with clay. Before getting to work, Mr. Thomas told a story about a herd of elephants visiting a watering hole in the African Savanna, describing the landscape and the herd's movements in great detail. The students listened intently to Mr. Thomas when he continued sharing his personal experience of an elephant encounter in Tanzania. The class then used clay to create miniature landscapes with watering holes and shady trees to accommodate their own small herd of elephants. On the second day, the students learned to make individual elephants from clay to complete the project. Mr. Thomas modeled to the children how to create the animal from one piece of clay without taking it apart or joining limbs. For that, the students first formed a sphere. By gently pushing the clay around on the sphere with their fingers, they gradually created the elephant's legs, head, trunk, and ears in one piece. Finishing the project took time and patience, and the students gained confidence the more their elephants took shape. The elephant project was fun; the students enjoyed learning new techniques and being creative. When asked for the week's highlight, many students agreed it was working with clay.
This week, our class is finishing our Human and Animal block. The students have been assigned a project to create an animal diorama at home. Please return the finished projects to school before Wednesday, September 13, when the students will present their creations and their written report (being completed at school) to the class.
Tomorrow, September 6, is Curriculum Night! Please note our meeting time is 6 pm. We will enjoy a circle activity, review our weekly schedule, and hear an overview of the Fourth and Fifth Grade curriculum. We look forward to seeing you on campus for this adults only event.
Announcements and Reminders:
Please send your child in with bug spray; the mosquitos are active! The Repel brand seems the most effective.
Bring rain gear, including boots, daily! It can be left at school and stored in the shed.
Hard-soled, closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers are required at Creekcess.
Upcoming Events:
9/5 Joyful Beginnings and Kindergarten Curriculum Night 6 pm (adults only)
9/6 Grades 1- 5 Curriculum Night 6 pm and Sixth Grade 7 - 8 pm (adults only)
9/16 Community Workday 9 am - 12 pm
9/22 Half Day - Day of Courage
9/25-9/29 Fall Break (No School)
Warm Regards,
Gaby
