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EmilyC
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| Posted: Sept 27 2007 at 9:05am | IP Logged
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I really like the idea of having main lesson blocks for our studies, but I'm wondering how it works. I looked up information about it, and it looks like there are math blocks, language blocks, etc. So, how does it work exactly? Would we focus on just math for a few weeks, then move on to a focus on history, then language, etc.? When we're doing a language block, would we not do any math? I could see how my dd would definitely benefit from this, but I'm concerned about her forgetting things between blocks. I feel like we try to cram too much into a day, and I would love to instead, have one main focus.
Could someone please explain this to me a bit more? Thanks!
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Erin
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| Posted: Sept 28 2007 at 3:45am | IP Logged
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Emily
I'm only learning all this myself so I may be wrong, but.. I think that an area may be focused on for say a month, ie. for LA you focus on spelling. Now I'm not too sure how Waldorf schools do it but I am still doing maths and LA just not both on one day. If you would like to see how this works for your family why don't you trial it for a given period of time, say a month. You could well be surprised, keep us posted if you give it a go. 
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~Rachel~
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I think you need to think of it as a 'unit study' approach.
I am more inclined to do a 'block study' approach... which is the method espoused in the Latin Centered Curriculum... this way we do the 'main lesson' book for different subjects daily, but it is an ongoing study in each of those lessons.
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katilac
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| Posted: Sept 28 2007 at 12:50pm | IP Logged
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Here is a link I found that explains the waldorf take on it. I can't seem to find out exactly if you are doing NOTHING else, or concentrating on one subject, but I haven't had time to read it carefully.
ETA the link 
www.waldorflibrary.org/Journal_Articles/RB6107.pdf
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EmilyC
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Ok, so the way I think I'm understanding it, is for each block, you focus on just one subject, but you delve deeply into that subject. So, say we are studying Math for one block, and we'd start with a story about the topic we're studying (maybe multiplication) and then work on some problems, then make a page for the MLB, maybe play some games...etc. And then move on to the next block at the end of the month or however long you've set to study that subject.
I wonder if this really works. I like the idea of it, becaue I tend to feel harried by the end of the day, worrying if I've covered everything. Plus my dd tends to be one to rush through each subject, so maybe spending more time on just one would work better for her. One subject at a time seems like it would sink into the child's mind better as well--less info to have to take in each day.
Ok, I think I'll try this. We tend to work in unit studies anyhow, so it won't be that big of a jump.
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Emily,
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JuliaT
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| Posted: Sept 28 2007 at 2:40pm | IP Logged
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I'm confused about all of this. Does main lesson blocks mean that you do just one subject for a month? Then move on to another subject? If that is the case, wouldn't you run the risk of your child forgetting what he learned in the previous blocks?
Or is main lesson blocks just a Waldorf term for unit studies. You cover one topic for one month, say Roman history, but you cover all of the subjects(math, science, spelling, grammar, etc.) under that topic. I like the sound of doing it this way because you can become more immersed in your subject and your topic. It seems I am rushing through our work so that I have time to work with everybody. Working with just one topic but doing different things with that topic sounds very calming. But it also sounds like alot of work. You would really have to be on the ball to have activities for each age group plus for each subject.
Am I totally off base here. Can someone clarify this for me, please?
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Julia
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EmilyC
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| Posted: Sept 28 2007 at 2:48pm | IP Logged
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From what I've read, the idea is that the child sleeps on the subject when you aren't currently studying it. So, say you do a 4 week math block. You immerse yourself in math for 4 weeks, then move on to another subject, maybe a nature study block. While you're studying nature, the child is supposed to be absorbing the math that was studied. When you come back to math at a later time, you pick up where you left off, I think. I think the idea is to come at a subject and many different angles, which I like. I think it makes sense.
I figure we'd add math games to Circle Time, and do work in her math journal a few times a week when we weren't doing a math block. I'm not completely comfortable just dropping math for 6-8 weeks at a time, and I know my dh wouldn't go for that either.
Does that make sense?
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Emily,
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JuliaT
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Yes, it does make sense. Thank you, Emily. My concern in doing school this way is that my dd, who is horrible in math, would suffer from not doing it every day. But I like your idea about doing math games and review during circle time. I could also sneak some living math activities during our main lesson time.
I like the idea of focusing on just one subject for a long period of time. The way we are doing school now, I always seem so rushed to get everything done. I don't like that feeling.
Hmmmm, I need to think about this some more.
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Julia
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katilac
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| Posted: Sept 29 2007 at 2:54pm | IP Logged
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I poked around online a bit, and found examples of different variations on the main lesson block idea (from Waldorf schools).
It seems that many, if not most, of the schools do a small amount of practice in subjects other than the main lesson. For example, they might do a few mental math problems. What they all seem to deem important is that new CONCEPTS are only taught during the lesson block for that topic. So the child will learn and master fractions during that block, but they will come up again for brief practice.
Languages "and other subjects that need regular review" are done daily. Language arts is addressed across the curriculum in whatever your topic is, but I didn't find details on that.
I may try my own adaptation of this. Something like:
Latin daily
Review of mastered concepts in various subjects daily (rotate, and I think the key will be to make them QUICK)
Main lesson block
Hmmm, might be worth a try.
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EmilyC
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| Posted: Sept 29 2007 at 3:22pm | IP Logged
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So here's my plan. I'm going to try out this Main Lesson block thing, because I think it sounds like a good idea. I'm going to start out with a math block, just because the kids have been on a math kick lately.
Here's my schedule:
We'll start with Circle Time (prayer, songs, poetry, math drill games like tossing a ball back and forth counting by 2s, 5s, 10s, etc., possibly additon war, things like that)
Then, dd will work on spelling and copywork while my twins each read to me.
We'll break for a snack, then proceed with the main lesson block.
After that we'll have outside time, followed by chores and lunch.
After lunch we'll have a family read aloud, then have quiet play, or handcrafts. We'll also do afternoon liturgical teas (including Catholic Moasic) when there is a feast day.
My dd has been doing the Hogwarts unit, so she'll probably work on that in the afternoons as well.
And that's pretty much it. I'm loving the relaxed pace of it. We so need that right now.
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Emily,
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JuliaT
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Emily, I love your plan! I have been thinking about this lots since yesterday afternoon (I know, I so need a life.) I have decided that I am going to give it a go as well. If it doesn't work, well, I am only losing a month. I keep telling myself that is not a big deal.
I think we will start with World History because that is my favourite subject and there is so much that you can do with that. I will also use math practise in our circle time, as well as some review woven throughout our mainlesson in the context of history.
Our math blocks will be three weeks alternated between other blocks. There is just something in me that cannot leave math alone for a longer period of time.
In a few weeks, I would love to hear how your math block is going.
Blessings,
Julia
mom of 3(8,6,4)
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JuliaT
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| Posted: Oct 10 2007 at 9:24pm | IP Logged
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I thought I would give an update. We have been doing the mainlesson blocks for a week and a half now. I LOVE doing school this way. It is nice to just concentrate on one subject. This way we can delve in on a much deeper level. We are doing more hands on activities now because we have time to do them. Our days are much calmer now that we don't have to rush to get through the 5 or 6 subjects that was scheduled for the day.
Julia
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Erin
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Julia
On a practical note how did you end up actually implementing it? Are you doing a subject a day? or a subject for a number of weeks? or...?
So pleased to hear you are happy and relaxed, it is how it is meant to be isn't it
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EmilyC
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| Posted: Oct 11 2007 at 10:34am | IP Logged
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My update: We tried it, but it didn't really work out. Dd kept asking when we could do other stuff, she missed the history, and her favorite--spelling.
So, I'm thinking of a way to modify so we can cover stuff she wants to do, but in a more relaxed way....any ideas?
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Emily,
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vmalott
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Why not try a block for history...maybe 2 weeks at most? And, well, if she enjoys spelling, let her do it everyday if she wants.
Or you could take a note from Theresa's blog and adapt your schedule to have a block each day of the week.
Valerie
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JuliaT
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| Posted: Oct 11 2007 at 2:35pm | IP Logged
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Erin, we are doing one subject for a number of weeks. The number varies according to the subject. Right now we are doing history so it is a 4 week block. Next is math and it will be a 2 or 3 week block. We will be doing math for every other block, so I don't panic.
Julia
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Willa
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Valerie Bendt, who wrote a book about unit studies, had a few basics she covered every day besides the unit. You could go through a few little things she likes and then spend the rest of the time focusing.
Another idea: You could have choices, like Montessori shelves but on paper. She could choose the things she wants to work on in a given day, within limits -- like a buffet. This is something like what I'm doing with my 11 year old.
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: A question about main lesson blocks
