Posts Tagged "Integral Curriculum"
Our Great Adventure
July 16, 2024
Like many grandparents, we received a call one day from our son, Marcus. He had an interesting suggestion: wouldn't it be nice if we moved from Iowa to Northern Virginia to be closer to our family in Vienna? How thoughtful! How tempting! Then, doubts set in. Isn’t it more expensive in Virginia than in Iowa? How far is that again? We’ve lived here sixty-eight years and have deep roots. Will we find a good church? Nonetheless, we took that leap of faith (no pain, no gain), and the rest, as they say, is history.
We are now very settled and quite content with our new home. In retrospect, our connection with Lorien Wood School in Vienna, Virginia, has been a large and meaningful part of our life story here. Our volunteering experiences have embellished our lives with wonderful opportunities, meaningful relationships, and rewarding instructional experiences. You see, we are teachers. That’s who we are. We are also volunteers. That’s also who we are. This is how we have spent more than fifty years of our lives, and it has been time well spent.
Here is what we are currently discovering about all of that: it is hard to take the volunteer out of the volunteer, especially when it feels like Lorien Wood is the place we want to be on Fridays. I (Steve) was given the privilege of working with Form 3 (4th & 5th Grade). I have most recently been working with Mrs. Grizzard and Ms. Kime, whom I fondly refer to as "my teachers." That is because, yes, they have taught me a thing or two along the way. It is also because we are like a team, helping, encouraging, and blessing each other! Together, we do the same for each individual student!
They might say that my role is leading a "Reading Seminar." I tend to say that I am just "doing my thing." This means that I love to interact with the students. I try to develop them in various ways such as their critical thinking skills, spirituality, focusing on others, and finding pleasure in reading, just to name a few.
In class, we read books that connect with their Social Studies units. Every single book over the two-year rotation is outstanding. We find many important things to stop and focus on as we learn to read slowly and thoughtfully. For example, as we read Banner in the Sky, Rudi finds himself alone and stuck high up on a mountain. He is basically unprepared to spend the night, and as the sky darkens, he becomes fearful. His thoughts turn to his Father in heaven and to his earthly father who died on this same mountain, perhaps even near this same location. His thoughts turn to The Lord’s Prayer, and he begins to recite it out loud.
We stop reading to let the students share their thoughts and feelings. Together, we take a good look at the Lord’s Prayer. I suggest to them that this is a gift which Jesus has given to each one of us. It is the prayer that we can pray when we don’t know what to pray. It is the prayer that teaches us how to pray.
We proceed to watch the Andrea Bocelli version of this prayer set to music, and they are enthralled by it. These young ones are so open to spiritual things, and I love these times of stoking wonder and awe in their learning! We can’t wait to continue reading to find out what our next discovery will be.
We draw from a variety of reading materials. Even the most simple can sometimes yield useful and profound lessons.
"Think! Think and wonder. Wonder and think. How much water can fifty-five elephants drink?"
You may have guessed that the author is Dr. Seuss and the book is Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!. In class, we discuss this wonderful skill that we can use just about all of the time! What is the author’s message to us? Wonder and then think. We talk about "wonder" in terms of proposing questions (I wonder why ___?), and then we talk about thinking in terms of considering many and varied possible answers to the questions which we have generated. (Maybe it’s because ____.). At this point, it is interesting and helpful to turn to neighbors and share ideas with each other. Wonder and think about the world around you. God’s world. Lorien Wood School effectively nurtures a Biblical worldview.
Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
This mental exercise leads us to an increase in our knowledge base and a better understanding of God’s wonderful creation. It is so heartwarming to actually see the results of a Lorien Wood experience in these young lives. They demonstrate the good thinking skills that have become a part of who they are. I love hearing their many and varied ideas, often equally valid. Marlena and I have been very warmly accepted by the Lorien Wood community. They have given us both the amazing and wonderful opportunity to combine our previously separated teaching experiences, religious and secular, into one very fulfilling teaching position.
Journeying Through the Chesapeake Bay Watershed: A 6th Grade Adventure
May 20, 2024
A Year Set Apart
The Watershed Year is a unique program at Lorien Wood that sets our sixth graders apart from others. It is a year-long exploration of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River watershed region, where students delve into a curriculum that seamlessly integrates history, science, literature, art, music, and geography. Through this holistic approach, students gain a deep understanding of the interconnectedness between land, people, and water.
A significant portion of instructional time in the Watershed Year is dedicated to hands-on field experiences. Students have the opportunity to explore local streams and rivers, studying the ecology of the region firsthand. This allows them to gain invaluable insights into God's design for watersheds and their role as stewards of the environment. Through various projects and investigations, they also explore the historical and cultural significance of the watershed, drawing connections between past and present environmental issues.
Favorite Field Study Locations: Nature Preserves & Shenandoah Hikes
The Watershed Year includes several field visits to nature preserves and hiking trails in the Shenandoah region. These visits offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay watershed while learning about its diverse ecosystem.
Virginia State Arboretum
One of the favorite field study locations is the Virginia State Arboretum, a serene sanctuary boasting diverse plant collections and picturesque gardens. It is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts featuring a robust collection of native and non-native species all in one place. There are wetlands, meadows, test plots for the restoration of the American Chestnut, and different types of landscapes that feature a variety of plant and tree species.
Sky Meadows State Park
Sky Meadows State Park is another class favorite where students can embrace their inner naturalists as they hike through historic landscapes and enjoy breathtaking views of Virginia's Piedmont Region. The park features a Historic estate with a rich colonial and civil war history. Exploring this field excursion offers a unique blend of science, history, and nature, creating a truly enriching experience.
Patuxent Research Refuge
Founded in the 1930s by President Roosevelt, the Patuxent Research Refuge was not only created to preserve a tract of forest and wetlands outside of Washington, D.C., but also to act as a place where wildlife research can take place. That makes Patuxent the only National Wildlife Refuge established to support wildlife research. Studies on climate, endangered species, and habitat are some of the research that happens here. Patuxent serves as an enduring testament to Roosevelt and his "Tree Army," offering students the opportunity to wander its trails and witness the fruits of nearly a century of conservation efforts
Historical Landmarks: Exploring the Past within the Watershed
Exploring historical landmarks is an integral part of the Watershed Year curriculum. Students have the opportunity to visit significant sites that hold both historical and natural importance within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Manassas National Battlefield Park
One of the highlights is the Manassas National Battlefield Park, where students explore Civil War sites amidst picturesque landscapes. This blend of history and nature offers a unique learning experience as students learn about the turbulent realities of conflict during the Civil War. We read about the Battle of Bull Run in an original Harper’s Weekly article and visit the very site of the Civil War’s first brutal engagement. Exploring the battlegrounds where a pivotal moment in our nation's history unfolded is a solemn experience for Watershed students. They come face-to-face with the same fields that soldiers, some not much older than the average 6th grader, encountered 163 years ago, offering a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the past.
Alexandria Archeology Museum
In the heart of Old Town Alexandria, lies the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, where archaeologists are diligently uncovering the city's past to this day. Students have the unique opportunity to engage with and tour the museum alongside archaeologists, collaborating to unravel the mystery behind the discovery of an 18th-century ship buried along the Potomac coast in Alexandria. Through hands-on experiences and learning about dendrochronology, the science of dating events using timber growth rings, this excursion becomes an essential component of the Watershed curriculum.
The Piscataway National Park
Named after the indigenous Piscataway Indians who still inhabit the area, this National Park offers a poignant opportunity to tread upon the ancestral lands of its original inhabitants prior to European colonization. With numerous hiking trails winding through its expanse, students are led along paths affording views of the river, including Mount Vernon, before delving into the woods to identify familiar species like pawpaw, persimmon, various oak, and hickory. As one of their initial outings, practicing species identification remains a fresh endeavor, emphasizing the significance of recognizing common species across different locations.
Our Favorite Overnight Camping Adventure
Sixth Graders participate in three overnight camping trips throughout the Watershed Year. These trips provide an incredible opportunity for students to connect with the environment and learn valuable life skills.
In early Spring, Watershed visits First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach. The crew embark on an adventure through historic Coastal Virginia, where they camp on the historic grounds of Cape Henry, where the Jamestown settlers first landed 415 years ago. Exploring the Bay, our students immerse themselves in the wonders of North America's largest estuary. Students also visit the Virginia Aquarium’s Marine Science Center, increasing their understanding of the Bay’s ecosystem and their role in conservation efforts.
Continuing the Journey
As our sixth graders continue their journey through the Watershed Year, we are excited to witness their growth, curiosity, and appreciation for the natural world and the rich history of our region. The experiences and knowledge they gain during this year have a lasting impact on their understanding of the environment and their role as stewards of the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Stepping Back in Time: The Lorien Wood Historic Ball
April 19, 2024
Step into the past with our middle and high school students as they recently participated in the Lorien Wood Historic Ball at the enchanting Old Town Hall in Fairfax City. This experiential opportunity serves as the culmination of our semester's Humanities studies on the Revolutions Era, where students explored pivotal moments in history, including the English Civil War, the American Revolution, French Revolution, and the American Civil War as part of the Watershed curriculum for 6th graders.
Integral Learning in the “Revolutions” Unit
At Lorien Wood, we believe in breaking down the barriers between subjects and fostering a holistic approach to learning. Our integral approach to education shines brightly in the "Revolutions" unit, where students delve into the interconnectedness of history, science, and culture. Through collaborative projects and experiential learning opportunities, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the era's political and social landscapes. From sketching historical figures like Ludwig Van Beethoven and Abigail Adams to presenting their research findings, students immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of history, gaining invaluable insights into the human experience.
Dressed for the Occasion
The Historic Ball isn't just a celebration—it's an immersive journey into the past. Students meticulously research the clothing styles of their chosen historical figures, from the elaborate attire of Thomas Jefferson to the Elizabethan fashion of Protestant England. Donning period-appropriate attire and the requisite white gloves, they step into the shoes of their characters, embracing the formalities and social graces of the era. With attention to detail and a deep understanding of historical context, students get to bring their characters to life.
Dancing Through the Ages
In preparation for the ball, students learn the art of historic dance. Guided by our dedicated music teachers, they practice traditional dances such as the Waltz, Virginia Reel, Quadrilles, and the Grand March. Overcoming initial apprehensions, they master the choreography and come to embrace the joy of dancing with their peers. With dance cards in hand and partners by their side, they enter the ballroom with confidence and grace, ready to showcase their newfound skills and revel in the spirit of the era.
A Feast for the Senses
As the evening unfolds, students are treated to a sumptuous feast that transports them back in time. They indulge in historically appropriate delicacies, from petit fours and macarons to madeleines and ham biscuits. Sipping on spiced punch and savoring each bite, students experience the culinary delights of centuries past, immersing themselves fully in the sights, sounds, and tastes of history.
Developing Lifelong Learners
As a Christian school in Northern Virginia that embraces Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy, Lorien Wood believes that children are designed with an innate sense of wonder. Our curriculum serves as a daily invitation for students to engage all their senses actively. The Historic Ball, marking the culmination of our Revolutions Unit, stands out as a beloved experience for our middle schoolers, immersing them in a sensory-rich journey. As a result, students not only relish the learning process but also cultivate a lasting sense of wonder that accompanies them into their high school years.
Learn more about Experiential Learning at Lorien Wood.
Loaves & Lessons: Crafting Bread and Cultivating Curiosity in Form 1
April 05, 2024
Embarking on their journey through Form 1, students at Lorien Wood, a private school in Vienna, delve into a period of holistic growth, encompassing social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.
Within our carefully structured daily activities, emphasis is placed on fostering independence, self-confidence, and cooperative group dynamics through hands-on, interactive experiences. These pivotal years promise a tapestry of discovery and joy as young learners explore their role in God's world.
Truth & Tales
As part of their exploration within the "Truth and Tales" unit study, Form 1 students delve into the realms of real truth and fanciful fairy tales. In the study of truth, they immerse themselves in the incredible miracles of Jesus, including the profound lesson of faith illustrated through the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 with merely 5 loaves and 2 fish. Students learn about the elements of a story and how stories help us understand real truths.
The Science of Breadmaking
An integral aspect of this unit involves delving into the science of breadmaking. Students eagerly dive into crafting their loaves from scratch, unraveling the mysteries behind bread's rising process. Through hands-on experimentation, they discover the role of yeast in producing carbon dioxide, which in turn creates the bubbles responsible for the bread's rising. Students learn about the conditions necessary for yeast's growth and fermentation, gaining insights into the living organism's requirements for warmth, moisture, and nourishment.
Form 1 students delight in mixing ingredients, observing the dough rise, and kneading with gusto. They learn the valuable lesson of “waiting” for the yeast to do its good work through each stage of the bread-making process. Excitement mounts as they eagerly anticipate sharing their mini loaves with their families at home.
The Importance of Hands-on Learning
Engaging the senses is fundamental to our approach at Lorien Wood. As a Form 1 teacher, I love to incorporate hands-on activities tailored to the five senses, enriching the learning journey for our kindergarten and 1st-grade students. By infusing stories with interactive elements, we ignite their curiosity and foster a deeper comprehension of our curriculum. Recognizing the importance of play at this developmental stage, hands-on experiences breathe life into our unit material, making learning a vibrant adventure.
For those curious to replicate our experience at home, here's a link to the Breadmaking in a Bag recipe we use in class. Happy Baking!
Learn more about our integral curriculum!
The Quest for Beauty: Nurturing the Soul Through Classical Learning
March 15, 2024
"Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel." - Socrates
At Lorien Wood, a Christian school in Northern Virginia, we approach teaching through an integral lens grounded in our distinctives: Teaching grounded in classical study and joyful discovery, nurturing the uniqueness of each child, and cultivating character based on a biblical worldview. While each of these elements is integral to one another, woven together like a tapestry, we want to highlight the integral role classical learning plays in equipping our students to engage in the joy of lifelong learning.
Classical Education at Lorien Wood
The pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness is at the heart of our curriculum. In Latin, these essential truths Verum, Bonum, and Pulchrum form the foundation of all that we do in the classroom. Through the classical models of inquiry-based learning, Socratic seminars, and lectures, we cultivate a love of learning and foster intellectual growth in our students. Form 2’s unit on the “Quest for Beauty: Creative Heroes” is a wonderful illustration of how beauty, truth, and goodness are pursued in the classroom.
Inquiry-based Learning in the Lower Grades
On this Quest for Beauty, we invite 2nd and 3rd graders to ponder the following essential questions: 1) What is beauty? 2) How has the Fall marred our understanding of and ability to capture beauty? 3) Who is the source of all beauty? 4) Why should we pursue beauty? 5) What does color teach us about God and His creation? These essential questions invite students to think more deeply as they study how beauty is revealed through literature, music, and art.
Journeying with Shakespeare and Crafting Poetry
The study of the life and works of William Shakespeare is a foundational element of classical study. Shakespeare dedicated his life’s work to finding and portraying all that is true and beautiful in this life through the written word. In his plays, we also see things which are not beautiful and not true, a result of how sin has marred our understanding of beauty. We read aloud a children’s abridged version of his tragedy Hamlet, noticing the flaws and mistakes characters experience in this play in light of following the Lord (pride, greed, and guilt). We consider Shakespearian words and poetry, and students create their own poems based on iambic pentameter. The life and plays of Shakespeare inspire us in our own quest for beauty, as we seek to discover and share this excellent aspect of God’s character in ways that honor Him.
Harmonizing with Bach
In our journey through history, we encounter Johann Sebastian Bach, whose musical compositions reflect the divine beauty of God's creation. Through a read-aloud of Anna Harwell Celenza's "Bach's Goldberg Variations," students gain insight into Bach's artistic genius and his unwavering commitment to glorifying God through his music. We discover how Bach faithfully reflected God’s beauty and served others with his gifts in musical composition – on every single one of his musical compositions, Bach proclaimed: Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God alone!
Form 2 students also embark on a study of jazz in their "Quest for Beauty." They learn yardstick dancing, where two or more students have to keep a yardstick balanced between them to highlight that in jazz, someone might be improvising creatively or doing something unexpected, but it still connects and beautifies the song as a whole.
Exploring Beauty through Art
Transitioning to the realm of modern art, students explore the works of famous modern artists including Mark Rothko, an American painter known for his abstract expressionist style. Rothko's use of color and form challenges us to consider the emotional and spiritual dimensions of beauty, inviting us to explore the depths of our own perceptions and experiences.
The culmination of this unit is a field trip to the National Gallery of Art’s East wing to tour their collection of modern and contemporary art. Students eagerly observe the live paintings they have been studying and participate in art-making activities designed to prompt deeper reflection on both the art and the artists themselves.
Through classical learning and immersive experiences, we seek to empower our students to seek beauty in all its forms and to cultivate a deep appreciation for the wonders of God's creation. "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” proclaims Psalm 150 (one of our memory work verses for this unit). At Lorien Wood School, a private school in Vienna, we celebrate the enduring power of these timeless truths–verum, bonum, pulchrum– to nourish the mind, body, and spirit.
Explore the integral curriculum at Lorien Wood!