Can I just say that I LOVE the fact that Rick Tan from the Davis Waldorf School is a year ahead of me in the cycle?
Just as I’m starting to think about next year — my block rotation, fun ideas for main lesson . . . math practice, Rick Tan posts the perfect explanation of the sixth grade year in three simple words — stones to stars.
At my recent parent evening I spoke with the parents about the sixth grader. I explained how 12-year-0lds search the world for cause and effect. They want to see that there is lawfulness underpinning this crazy world. They’re so desperate to see this lawfulness because, whether they know it or not, they are about to become subject to the turbulent winds of adolescence. Sixth grade is all about helping them find solid ground. Especially in two main lesson blocks — Rocks and Minerals and Astronomy.
- Stones — They are hard and dull and lifeless. They are about as far away from imagination and intuition as you can get. But, if we really look at them, perhaps we can find some sort of interest. Yes. Just when you’re beginning to despair in the depths of the material world — notice that these depths give us some firm ground to stand upon. You know that lawfulness you’re looking for? Stones will give it to you.
- Stars — Is your neck starting to ache from looking down? Go ahead, turn your gaze upward. You can. That’s where you’re headed, you know. See those stars? They’re made from the same stuff as the stones. Is it indulgent and fanciful to look at something as beautiful as the heavenly world? Well, yes and no. It is beautiful. But, you know that lawfulness you’re looking for? Take some time to gaze at those beautiful, heavenly bodies for awhile.
There’s lawfulness in beauty, too.
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