length, breadth and height

Today at the Clear Spring School, my high school students will practice measuring using framing squares, following exercises described in Joe Youcha's book, Framing Square Math. In preparation for these exercises, I've prepared random sized blocks from pine. I will mark them with letters so each can be identified. The students will determine the dimensions, length, breadth and height.

The point, of course, is that we (including our children) learn best by doing real things. The principle in Educational Sloyd was described as moving from the concrete to the abstract. When education is set up to move the other way, as it most often is, students are left disengaged, and bored. Failure to engage student interest makes what American schools spend on education a colossal waste.

My 4th, 5th and 6th grade students will finish their models of the solar system, and turn pens on the lathe.

My first, second and third grade students will continue making toys for their pleasure, learning and amusement.

Routing the boxes shown and cutting the lids free will wait until much later in the day.

Make, fix, create, and assist others in learning likewise.