Day 164
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 will continue reviewing the Common Core ELA standards, which are listed in blue and are followed by their ambient counterparts.
English Language Arts Standards > Language > Grade 2
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.4B
Use a known word as a clue to the meaning of an unknown word with the same root (e.g., addition, additional).
Making sense of words is essential, but this tends to be fairly analytical. Which is why it may be better to wait until Latin and Greek roots can be presented and adequately understood. Worksheets are not optimal tools for learning, at this or any other age. The first of the images below is a second grade morning workbook. How much nicer would it be to get the day moving with recitation and math set to movement? The second image is a Common Core worksheet on the subject. Of all the examples listed below the third, the cootie catcher, is the most likely candidate because it’s such a hands-on tool. However, making learning tools from the ground up is preferable.
There’s a sense of ownership and buy-in that comes with creating self-made tools. The Math By Hand materials consist mainly of instructions, lessons, and activities that center around a variety of hand-made tools. Waldorf students make not only learning tools but all their main lesson books which document every single thing they’ve learned. Together with handcrafts like knitting, crocheting, and sewing, as well as home and garden arts, the Waldorf student is well-rounded in both multiple learning styles and graceful, self-sufficient living,
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. Tune in tomorrow to continue with the Common Core ELA standards and their ambient counterparts.
