Day 122
For one year, 365 days, this blog will address the Common Core Standards from the perspective of creating an alternate, ambient learning environment for math. Ambient is defined as “existing or present on all sides, an all-encompassing atmosphere.” And ambient music is defined as: “Quiet and relaxing with melodies that repeat many times.
Why ambient? A math teaching style that’s whole and all encompassing, with themes that repeat many times through the years, is most likely to be effective and successful. Today’s post features a block plan for the Grade 2 year.
Math By Hand, a Waldorf-inspired curriculum, is set up for teaching in blocks. In Grade 2 there are four math blocks that are divided into 15 days each. These can be adjusted if needed, and it is also possible to convert the block content into full-year daily lessons.
The advantages to teaching in blocks are many. Yearly planning is easier, and because the lessons are taught in 1 – 2 hour blocks in the morning, teacher / student focus is greater. Afternoons are freed up for art, handwork, games, field trips, family time, etc. Knowledge ensues in an environment dedicated to imaginative, creative knowing, where student and teacher alike surrender to the ensuing of knowledge as a worthy goal.
September Legends / Lower Case Letters
October Math Block 1: Times Tables Chart / Tables and Fables
November Fables / Writing and Reading
December Nature Studies / Legends
January Math Block 2: 4 Processes Review / Place Value
February Legends and Fables / Writing and Reading
March Math Block 3: Times Tables / Tricks and Patterns
April Nature Studies / Fables
May Math Block 4: 4 Processes Practice with Regrouping
June Class Play
