The child moving up to year 3 is turning 9 years old. They still respond deep in their beings to what might be called the Divine. In nature and in the history of mankind the divine is expressed in the great myths and legends that form the basis of our cultural development
It is what the teacher is, as a full human being, that they long to respect. The growing distinction between the outer, harsher world and the inner garden of the soul can become threatening and the children may feel vulnerable. For the first time the child experiences a deepening insecurity in the world. They need clarity, order and form and the guidance of a loving authority as they experience a struggle of the opposites within themselves. This is when Literature of Creation and Tradition and of Authority and Rulership is explored.
The pictorial aspects of the developing capacities are in the foreground and through the arts the material is presented in such a way that the feeling-life of the child is touched and educated in a full and healthy way.
MOVEMENT is an important focus for this development. This is the year when the students start Bothmer Gymnastics.
The generative impulse is Ancient Persia in this year. Stories of Ahura Mazda and Zarathustra bring images of duality, dark and light, to the students.
Along with all the possible stories leading the children through this year they will explore practical activities of farming, gardening and building.
English/History
English covers grammar introducing the parts of speech, sentence structure and punctuation, spelling, story writing, poetry, the reading program visiting the library and getting home readers. The back ground Literature is chosen from Creation stories, stories of the Old Testament and of Ancient Persia. English reaches as well into the Farming and Building Main Lessons.
Mathematics/Form Drawing/Geometry
Mathematics emphasis is on measurement, measurement of Length, Weight, Capacity, of Time and Money. Mathematic Processes and Strategies are continued and Form Drawing is practiced.
Science/Home Surroundings/Geography
Farming, Gardening and Building form the content for the lessons. These lessons have a strong practical component which can be taught in the Afternoon lessons and may also be incorporated partly into the Morning lessons. Link
Arts
The arts include pencil shading, wet on wet painting, felting, drama, singing, playing recorder . The students start the strings program choosing either cello or violin to play. Link
Craft/Technology
In craft students embroider, felt, make masks using paper mache and work with string craft.Technical studies teach for example cubby building, model making, woodwork, making simple musical instruments, using and making tools, like quill pen, hardwood sing stick, making paper, wooden sundial and meal preparation.
Movement
Movement lessons include throwing field balls, cooperative games, obstacle courses, swimming, indoor games, bushwalking and Bothmer and traditional Gymnastics, concentration and cooperation games. Link