In Class 2 we have been delving into an exciting Maths main lesson called Magical Mystery Math.  We are following the story of the characters from Numberland that we have met in previous main lessons.  King Counting and Queen Equals and the number gnomes of Numberland are joined by another character – a Pattern Gnome!  This little gnome feels he is not a proper number gnome because he loves patterns more than numbers.  But with help of our Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division gnome many mysteries about shapes and patterns and their relationship to number are being discovered. 

We have been using wool and golden stars to create shapes and patterns on our carpet as we work to solve the mystery at hand.  We have practiced on our little chalkboards, folded and cut up paper shapes and drawn in our Main Lesson books.  Sometimes the arrangements of numbers, shapes and patterns are quite amazing and it really does seem like magic!

It has been quite exciting in Handcraft as some of our knitted gnomes have been ‘born’ and many others are nearing completion.  Completed gnomes are having many knitted accessories created for them including gnome sized scarves, handbags and backpacks.  Even little kittens as their pets!

Many thanks to Pat, Beatrix’s grandma, who comes regularly to our Monday afternoon knitting sessions and is a great help with deciphering the knitting pattern and sorting out tangles and dropped stitches. 

Our painting skills continue to develop as we discover new techniques for water colour painting.  The peace and quiet as everyone concentrates on the colour and form is a lovely moment on painting day.  We have been using secondary colours to create mood and movement in our paintings.

Definitely some of the favourite times in the week are running games for Morning Fitness as well as Friday Free Play.  This self-directed free time sees the children knitting, playing recorder, drawing, writing, performing puppet plays, building, inventing and generally creating through collaborative group work or individual self-motivation.  It is a lovely and therapeutic time for all!