Sixth & Seventh Grade: March 10-14, 2025

Mar 14

Hello, Middle School Families,

Our work this week during the Algebra block focused on proving theorems. In traditional math curriculums, students are given a formula, and several practice problems with said formula. In contrast, Waldorf education allows students to experience a proof or theorem before ever working with the formula, so that they have a clear understanding of why it works. Similarly, the concept of Algebra was introduced with the idea of a balanced scale. Through that experience, as the class is doing an algebra problem, they have that clear visual in their mind - “What is done to one side of the equation must also be done to the other” because if not, then the scale will not be balanced! We worked with manipulatives to prove Theorems from Two Parallel Lines and a Transversal, and then finally, what the class was waiting all block to prove, the Pythagorean Theorem! Lastly, we rounded out the week and finished the block with a celebration of Pi Day.

Last semester, I put out the call for small businesses to come and speak with our class, and Ki Ieva helped to organize fellow Latvians, Inga and Evija, to come to our Middle School class and share about their business. It was such a wonderful experience for the students to hear how their initial idea has grown into a full-time business. Using donated clothing and fabric destined for landfills, Inga and Evija make custom tote bags, wallets, handbags, etc. Some of their biggest sellers are eco-friendly bags, wallets, and upcycled crossbody bags (due to the word usage on some items, please preview the links yourself). We learned about their process, their inspiration, as well as how they travel the country for markets to sell their products. The students asked plenty of questions and were able to view several of their products (they brought to the school versions of their products that didn’t have any writing on them). Their new product line, “Mākslas Connection,” is all about bringing communities together. Using art, they create new products. Our students participated in painting a canvas, which they will then cut apart and make a bag from. The class is very excited to see what becomes of it! Thank you again, Ki Ieva, for organizing this, and Inga and Evija for sharing with us!

In Flute, the students are practicing several Renaissance songs for Grandfriends Tea. Ki Gaby has shared this recording of one of their songs for students to play along with when they practice.

Announcements and Reminders for Sixth/Seventh Grade: