Mapmaking & Local Geography: Waldorf Main Lesson Block

Using a whole-to-part approach, students move from global to local perspectives by creating maps, sketches and a miniature landscape that becomes an evolving class notebook. Activities include compass practice, bird's-eye mapping, observing local soil and waterways, identifying biomes, and producing a main lesson book of drawings, reports and models.

Materials needed:

Each week, students will need the following:

*A main lesson book. I personally suggest blank paper in a three-pronged folder or notebook so learners do not feel constrained by the number of pages in the book, but you can also purchase or make a main lesson book or use any sort of blank book. Pages should be blank and without lines.

*Colored pencils, crayons, pencil, and other writing and drawing materials.

• Paints, preferably watercolors, in at least red, blue, and yellow, along with watercolor paper, a painting board, and a paintbrush. A handout on preparing watercolor materials will be provided

• Modeling beeswax, clay, or playdough for modeling

If additional materials are needed, they will be sent out in the weekly email as well as added to the class description.