In Class 5F, we have been exploring the wonders of the natural world while also turning our attention to the large world map that adorns our classroom wall. The children have begun pinning all the places they have visited, sparking organic conversations and curiosity about cultures and countries they may have never considered before. This visual journey has been an exciting way for the class to connect with the wider world, laying the foundation for a deeper understanding of geography and cultural diversity.

This term, we began with our Ancient India Main Lesson, the first of the ancient cultures we explore in Class 5. This journey through the myths and stories of Ancient India allows the children to look beyond themselves and towards the cosmos, embodying the spiritual and expansive thinking that marks this age. The mythology helps the students grasp the significance of life beyond the material world, introducing them to creation stories, the gods, and essential tales such as those of Krishna from the Mahabharata, Rama from the Ramayana, and the Buddha. Each story was carefully selected to help the children develop an understanding of the greater spiritual gesture of humanity moving beyond the individual.

This block is also an opportunity to deepen the independent writing skills developed last year. The students are working on self-editing and improving their structured writing, allowing them to express their ideas more clearly and confidently.

Botany is a major focus in Class 5. The children are immersing themselves in the rhythms of nature. As they tend to their own garden plots in groups, they are becoming active participants in the life cycles of the plants they care for. They will witness how the plants grow, how they interact with insects, and how the changing seasons shape their development. This deepened connection allows the children to move from being mere observers of nature to active stewards, engaging with the living processes of the earth. Through this work, they come to understand that they, too, are part of the great cycles of life, fostering a sense of reverence and responsibility for the natural world.

In craft, the students are working on their desk mats through guided drawing, focusing on form and the development of shading techniques. This artistic work supports their growing intellectual and emotional capacities, allowing them to understand deeper layers of beauty and structure.

Class 5 is a year of balance. The children stand at a midpoint between early childhood and adolescence, where they can engage with the world both intellectually and creatively. By nurturing their physical, spiritual, and intellectual growth through lessons in mythology, nature, and art, we help the children strengthen their inner sense of harmony. It’s a joy to witness their journey!

Felicity Crockett
Class 5 Teacher