Class 3 News

Werte Class 3 Families,

It is with great pleasure that I join Class 3 this term. Together we have embraced a few changes, embarked on meaningful work, and enjoyed the challenges that come with such tasks. Transitions can be a testing time, and I understand I have big shoes to fill knowing the children’s admiration of Jessica. I happily report everyone’s resilience and continued enthusiasm for what we do both in and out of the classroom. 

We have started the term with our ‘Building a Home’ Main Lesson. This incorporates English, Mathematics, History and Geography learning areas as we explore homes in the Natural World as much as what we as Human Beings can create. Our first activities and discussion were around the garden and the homes animals and insects build. We looked further afield to ‘Country’ as we develop the concept that Country is Home to the Arrernte People. Class 6 students then very reverently accompanied us to Crystal Mountain, inspiring wonder and awe in us all. This is such a magic Main Lesson for meeting the Class 3 children where they are in their personal transition:

One of the first needs of human beings living on earth is to establish a shelter to dwell in. Such shelter provides protection from the elements and allows creation of an individual sense of space. With the change that takes place during the 9th year (with the separation that occurs between the child’s inner world and the outside world), the child works to establish themselves on the earth as an individual, beginning to take hold of their own destiny. The child in Class 3 seeks a way in which their will may be brought into relationship with this new home – the Earth. The child needs more boundaries and to be provided with practical challenges, tasks that give them responsibility with material things. They need to be given opportunities to explore and work with the material world, so they may feel themselves a part of it and so come to care for it. 

This Main Lesson provides practical experience of building structures. It fosters social understanding as the children learn about different kinds of houses around the world. They may also consider the sort of houses that human beings have made since earliest times. The children will also look at the many different trades needed to create a home. They learn that human life is ‘community’, and each person is dependent upon (and contributes to) the social networks within that community. (Jacobson, 2013)

This is also a very exciting time when Class 3 children are given their House Building Project to do at home. I have sent home a letter describing this project that is due before the end of Term 2. Please reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you to those who have introduced themselves to me. If there is anything you would like me to know about your child that will help me to meet them socially, emotionally and/ or academically, I invite you to make a time to meet with me. The best way to do this is via megan@alicesteiner.nt.edu.au 

Megan x