Mansfield Steiner School

The Main Lesson is joyful learning.

Class 6 recently completed their Roman History Main Lesson. They took a deep dive into Roman Life through the foundation of Rome to the establishment of democracy and the expansive power of the Roman Empire.

Their Roman projects are a wonderful reflection of their enthusiasm and interest in various Roman subjects such as jewellery, mosaics, the Colosseum, Emperor Nero and the Pont du Gard aqueduct. During their project presentations, local Councillor (and alumnus) Tim Berenyi visited to share his ‘Pizza democracy’ analogy as well as tales of his time at our school, when the largest class had 10 students

Maths through myth. History through story.

In Steiner Education subjects like maths, history, and science are often introduced through fairy tales, myths, and narrative.

Class 2 have been exploring the structure of number work in their Layout of Sums Main Lesson. Inspired by the stories of The King of Ireland’s Son, the students are counting, adding, and subtracting two-digit numbers.

Story is a natural gateway to understanding

Do you remember a story from childhood that taught you something you never forgot?

It is cold and wet which means mud! What fun. These prep students added a little more water to a puddle, mixed some dirt, mashed with their feet and then jumped and splashed and laughed and giggled. Gumboots essential!

The snow may not have been the most memorable part of the Year 7 & 8 camp, but the conversations certainly were, as this teachers reflected:

"Between chopping vegetables and washing dishes, my place in the lodge became a little like a bird trough, where students would briefly stop by, share a story, a thought, a worry, a laugh, or a piece of emerging gossip, before flying off again. In those fleeting moments, I was reminded of the privilege of walking alongside young people as they make the journey from childhood to adulthood.

Sometimes the most important thing parents, teachers, and caring adults can do isn't to have all the answers, but simply to be there. Grateful for the opportunity to listen, connect, and learn from such a remarkable group of young people. "

Our Morning Star 4-year-old Kinder children are making Gnomes in craft. It is a simple and fun activity to make at home in this cold weather.
You will need wool felt, embroidery floss and wool stuffing.

1. Cut out the pattern (2 rectangles with a triangle on top) and place it on your piece of felt.
2. Trace around the pattern with a pen and cut out carefully inside the pen line.
3. Split the 6 strands of the embroidery floss in half so that you have 2 lengths with 3 strands of thread in each. Thread 3 strands onto your needle and put a knot in end.
4. Fold the felt hat section in half so that the sides are together.
5. Using blanket stitch, stitch sides from the bottom of the hat to the end of the hat together. Use a stop stitch to secure and cut off the tail.
6. Then blanket stitch from the bottom of the skirt to the opening of the face. Use a stop stitch to secure and cut off the tail.
7. Thread a new 3 strand thread and running stitch from one side to the other of the opening so that you can gather this later and leave the tread hanging.
8. Use lambs wool to fill the gnome beginning at the top of the hat and finishing at the base, (not to much).
9. Finish by gathering around the neck and tie a bow so the gnome body is formed.
10. Sit the gnome next to you at the table and pour a cup of tea to share.