Grade 3
The central guiding principle of the curriculum of class 3 is a response to the changing consciousness of the child who is turning nine. The curriculum is meant to reassure, to nurture, to help the child to move ahead with confidence through this sometimes difficult transition.
Language
The ancient creation stories such as from the old testament, and how people transformed the earth for food, shelter and clothing.
Students become familiarised with lower case, capital letters, cursive writing and some parts of punctuation too.
Most of the students read independently. They are able to retell stories in complete sentences and compose simple summaries of main lesson material and are encouraged to write about their daily experiences often.
Mathematics
The theme of measuring is introduced - early imperial measures like hands, spans, feet and cubits; the need for standardised measurements and the evolution of the metric system.
Practical measuring activities help the child to get a ‘measure’ of the world around them.
Physical Development
Variations of skipping; spinning hula hoops and walking while spinning the hoops; bean bag movements with verses; introduction to a few yoga postures; regional dances, etc.
Art
Wet on wet watercolour painting and drawing.
Handwork
Stitching mats and juggling balls; wrapping threads and yarns together to form a dreamcatcher; knitting woollen socks and animal figure, etc.
Form Drawing
Forms and weaving patterns that morph effortlessly from one to another.
Music
Building the sense of rhythm & notes; singing and playing the recorder as a group as well as individually; exploring rhythmic beats through the body, etc.
Practical Work
Engaging in sowing & harvesting veggies in the garden; mending shoes, house-building activities etc
Practical work is consciously made part of Grade 3, as around this age, children may often wonder where they fit into the world, and learning about various professions may help them see how others have found a place and a way to contribute to society and the world around.
Stories of creation and of how people transformed the earth for food, shelter and clothing give children a sense that 'if they could do it, I can do it too'.
Understanding 8-9yr Olds
A 9 year old experiences a shift in consciousness. The child becomes more self-conscious, more aware of his/her separation from others. There is a new sense of being cut off from the joys of early childhood. There is a moving away from parents and friends and a moving into the world of one’s own self.
A Day in Grade 3
Each morning begins with exercises in recitation, singing, and rhythmic activities.
Then tecaher formally welcomes chidlren to the classroom for the 'Main Lesson'. This would be an hour & a half long time where in teachers & chidlren have a short interaction & sharing from their daily life. This is followed by a morning prayer and then class proceeds for the main lesson/subject related work.
Every month the focus is on studying one subject such as English, Hindi, Maths etc. For the one full month they study various topics under that subject using arts & movenets integrated deeply in every main lesson.
The class then takes a washroom & fruit break, after which they go for an hour long outdoor play. Children play structured social games initiated by teachers as well as freeplay which is child-led.
After returning from the play, class has their lunch together, followed by another subject related class or arts based work such as handwork or music class. The day at Aarambh for grades end at 2pm.