Math Transforms An Entrance At Housatonic Valley Waldorf School

Third graders at the Housatonic Valley Waldorf School brought curriculum to life through a recent building project.

The Housatonic Valley Waldorf School had the goal of making a more welcoming entrance to the playground and a more level ground to walk on. With guidance from Ian McCann, local builder and father of third grader Conor McCann, and carpenter Christopher Gray, husband of second grade teacher Amalia Pretel-Gray, the third graders designed, built, and installed a trellis at the entrance of the school’s playground.

A gate is planned for an addition to the installation, and in the spring climbing plants and flowers will also be added. As part of the curriculum, all Waldorf third graders work together on a project each year. According to the school, this year’s project was intentionally planned during a math main-lesson block (focused on linear measurement) and continued during a practical activities block. Students participated in drilling, sawing, and hammering on the trellis project.

During the practical activities block, students made artwork inspired by the project, and wrote short stories about the experience.