Class 5 Steiner
Celebrating Learning
Kii 5S families,
Main Lesson
This term, 5S has been venturing into the fascinating world of plants through our Botany Main Lesson. We began our journey with the intriguing life of fungi — once thought to be plants but now known to belong to their own unique kingdom. From there, we explored algae, another organism no longer classified as a plant, yet believed to be the life form from which the first simple plants evolved.
Next, we discovered the remarkable partnership between fungi and algae that live together in symbiosis to form lichen. We then studied one of the earliest simple plants, the beautifully structured moss, before moving a few hundred million years along the evolutionary timeline to learn about ferns. The children were awestruck by the incredible process through which the fern’s striking leaves slowly unfurl.
Our next focus was on conifers, one of the earliest seed-producing plants, and now we are exploring the life cycle of flowering plants. This has coincided perfectly with the sprouting of the bean seeds the children planted a few weeks ago — providing a living example of each stage of germination. The excitement has been wonderful to see as each child proudly observes their seed reach a new stage of growth.
I have been incredibly impressed by the amount of information the children have been able to recall and the exquisite detail in their botanical drawings. The quiet concentration that fills the classroom as each child observes the shapes and colours of plants so carefully is truly a joy to witness.
Our writing focus during this main lesson has been information writing — describing the parts and functions of plants using clear, precise language and organising information logically.
Please enjoy the photos from our wonderful excursion to the Botanical Gardens — a perfect way to bring our botany studies to life!
Maths
Our current Mathematics unit is Financial Maths. The students have been developing their skills in working with money through both mental estimation and precise written calculations. They are learning to round numbers to make quick mental estimates for everyday financial situations, as well as to apply accurate methods when solving real-life money problems.
Some students have also been practising how to mentally calculate common percentages to work out discounts and sale prices, helping them understand how mathematics is used in real-world shopping and budgeting scenarios.
Literacy
This term, the students in Grade 5 have begun Literacy Circles. They have been divided into four reading groups, each exploring a different novel. Every week, each group sets a reading goal and assigns rotating roles: Discussion Director, Summariser, Passage Picker, Connector, Word Master, and Illustrator.
These roles encourage students to engage more deeply with their novels, strengthen comprehension, and build confidence in sharing ideas. They also develop important skills such as critical thinking, teamwork, active listening, and respectful discussion. Through these conversations, students are learning to express their opinions clearly, consider different viewpoints, and make meaningful connections between the stories they read and their own experiences.
Each week, the students look forward to reading the next part of their novels, showing real excitement for the stories, pride in their contributions, and commitment to the shared learning process.