I love the opportunity that the holiday break gives me to catch up on things. In addition to some things that I do just for me (knitting, reading, taking pictures), I’ve done a little bit of catching up on school work. Those pesky block reports and evaluations from our fall blocks have been haunting me and I figured it was about time I got to them. I always enjoy the process of reflecting on the work we’ve done — it’s a wonder I put them off for so long.
In addition to wrapping up the completed main lesson blocks from the fall, I’ve started preparing for our first block of the new year — Geometry. This has got to be my all-time favorite block of sixth grade. (Of course, I know I said that about Rocks and Minerals, and again about Business Math, but who’s counting?) I’m sure I’ll have some fantastic photographs to share once we get going but in the meantime, I thought I’d share the resources I’m using to prepare.
The Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe by Michael Schneider is a great book for seeing the patterns of geometry all over the world. It approaches geometry in a very logical, building way, starting with the idea of unity, or one, as represented by the circle. It builds from there pointing out patterns all the way. Definitely not to be missed.
My other favorite resource for this block is the one that gives the structure for it all — Making Math Meaningful by Jamie York. York is a Waldorf math teacher who has put together this great little guide for teaching all of the middle school math blocks. He gives the basics — not much in the way of creative, inspiring ideas for bringing the material — but great nuts-and-bolts content. Another essential.
Over the next few days I’ll start pulling together all of the little extras — the projects, artistic work and movement that we’ll do to go along with this work. I’m excited to think about the opportunities for the social movement warm-up activities.
By the way, I spent some time today repairing some of the problems with my little store. If you’ve been thinking about purchasing any of my Grade Five Curriculum Guides, now is a great time!
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