Wild uncharted waters await!

Get ready to dive deep into the legends and lore of merfolk around the world, as well as sirens, sea witches, and other creatures of the deep. Each class will have some storytelling, singing, science, geography, history, and more. And because this is a limited ongoing class lasting through the summer, you will be able to pause your subscription if needed for your own summer adventures. Each class must have at least two learners in order to run. 

Ms. Annette has a Waldorf-inspired, low-tech teaching style, focusing on storytelling and conversation. Learners are encouraged to share their ideas and form relationships, building a brave space to share their ideas and work. She teaches classes that are collaborative and encourage the learners to take ownership in constructing the class.

Week of June 19. The Lure of Merfolk
During this week, we will look at the earliest records of merfolks' existence, including written accounts and works of art. Beyond art and literature, we will explore relics and artifacts of the existence of mermaids as well as think about why merfolk are so fascinated with humans. Why do they want to be where the people are? This week we will explore a map of the seven seas, learn some mermaid music, and create our own art and artifacts showing what merfolk and their worlds might look like.

Week of June 26. The History of Merfolk
Merpeople and humans have a long and documented history, but both have always been a little afraid of the other. We'll look at the history between merfolk and people and travel back in time and look at petroglyphs, or cave paintings, from a time when mermaids and humans coexisted peacefully as well as creating our own tales (or tails!) of what happened to create a rift between the two worlds. This week we will create our own petroglyphs and discuss peacemaking strategies and techniques.

Week of July 3. No Class

Week of July 10. Part of Their World
What exactly is a merperson, and how are they different from a siren? This week we'll dive into biology as we look at the anatomy of a mermaid and merman with a special focus on the tail. We will create diagrams, design mermaid tails, and learn about and compose various siren songs. 

Week of July 17. Merfolk Friends
Not only are there merpeople and sirens in the Seven Seas, but there are many other creatures with whom they coexist. Many times, merfolk have an underwater companion or two that stay with them and guide them through their life. This week we will look the various layers of the ocean as well as the inhabitants that live there. As we visit and recreate each layer, you will have a chance to choose your own underwater companion. 

Week of July 24. Customs of the Merpeople
Despite spending most of their time causing a commotion under the ocean, merpeople also have their own customs, especially when it comes to merfolk moons, suns, and stars. Additionally, they make use of underwater objects for everyday purposes just like we do here on the ground. Merfolk also have their own rituals for celebrations, birthdays, holidays, meals, sports, and more! Get ready to create a merman recipe, make up rules for a mermaid game, and figure out what merfolk might do with various items found under the sea.

Week of July 31. Underwater Royalty
How do merfolk become rulers? This week we'll explore Sea Kings and Sea Queens. How will we manage all the comings and goings throughout the Seven Seas? How does Sea Royalty correspond with everyone and make sure order is maintained? Maybe instead of royalty, you'd rather be the Royal Advisor or part of the Royal Guard. This week we'll look at the science of storms and create a storm using body percussion. We'll create a crown and trident and design an underwater palace. Learners will be encouraged to create a diorama and share it in the online classroom.

Week of August 7.  Beware the Sea Witch! And Other Mermaid Tales
There are many legends of the Sea Witch and her lair, as well as stories about merfolk from around the world. This week we'll explore stories we already know about mermaids, as well as other mermaid tales such as The Little Mermaid fairy tale, The Legend of the Sea Glass, The Tale of the Scale, The Cursed Sand Dollar, and more. Learners are encouraged to create illustrations of the stories as they are told, and we'll also create crafts to go along with the stories.

Week of August 14. No Class

Week of August 21. The Seven Seas
We end where we began-- exploring the Seven Seas as well as meeting the merfolk who are in charge of each area. Each sea is real and can be found on a map, and has its own marine life, environment, kingdom, and culture. Which sea would you want to rule over? What kind of ruler would you be? This week we will use materials to create our own ideas for a palace and/or throne. We will also vocalize like the seven daughters of King Triton.