From Grades Teacher Libby Case:
The Waldorf curriculum relies heavily on a multi-sensory approach to education. When preparing lessons for the class, teachers attempt to present the material in ways that meet all the different learning styles of the class. They do this through traditional means of learning -- reading and writing; but they also do this through story, song, dance, and games. So when teachers were told they would be teaching from their homes and not seeing the students on a daily basis, they were presented with quite a challenge. Our grades teachers here at OVWS have risen and met this challenge in many diverse and creative ways. I thought I would share a few of those with you.
To begin with, all teachers initially prepared and sent home packets and materials to their students containing three weeks of lesson plans. These included readings, writing assignments, math worksheets, main lesson books, class readers, colored pencils, paints, beeswax, clay, and recorders. These packets were well organized and included suggested daily schedules, step by step guidance for completing assignments and teacher availability to help with work. Beyond that, teachers are reaching out to their students in a myriad of ways.
In grade one, In addition to all of the wonderful practice sheets on writing and math, teacher Dana Cudney has been sending her flute lessons to her students via video. Students receive audio recordings of songs they have been learning in class as well review of poetry and math games. She has a weekly read aloud session with the whole class which the students love.
In grade two/three teacher Lottie Maker greets her children daily with an audio greeting that goes over the work of the day. She has created a Google file that her families can access that contains weekly recorded songs and stories. She meets daily with certain students and maintains direct contact with each student at least once a week.
In grade four/five, teacher Libby Case has been guiding her students through a study of Ancient Egypt through stories, readings, paintings, drawings and clay work. She meets with her whole class once a week on a Zoom call and with individuals at least once a week, and more as needed, to go over assignments. Each morning her students are greeted with a written welcome letter that recaps the work from the previous day, presents the work of the current day and gives a heads up for what is to come. After April break her students will be receiving a daily audio file of the story of the day.
Middle school teachers Jane Hill and Lindsey Benton began teaching beyond the classroom with packets just like the rest of us. They have since moved to daily Zoom lessons with their class. Both have embraced this new method of teaching and are making it work. Ms. Hill is teaching Physiology utilizing numerous hands on exercises to demonstrate the functions of the body. Ms. Benton performs organic chemistry experiments for the students out of her kitchen and has students give some of them a try in their own kitchen.
French, On-the-Land and handwork teachers, Jan Erkelens, Kelly Davis, and Kate Camilletti, all prepared assignments and materials for students to pick up and in addition have prepared audio files and video instructions for the students. Some have directed students to online resources to help with learning songs and new skills. Ms. Davis has all students getting outside each day, exploring nature and keeping a nature journal.
All and all it is a challenging but creative time for all of us here in the grades. We could not do any of it without the support of the parents at home! We are so grateful for this amazing community and we thank everyone for all you are doing during this time. Our greatest hope is that families will feel supported, connected, and loved.
