per class
Celebrating the Full Moon: Learning About the Lunar Phases
Completed by 46 learners
Ages 6-11
Live One-Time Class
Live video meetings
Meets once
3-10 learners per class
45 min
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hoursAssessment
Students will be provided with handouts that they can use at home to practice and reinforce the learning. Caregivers can use these materials to complete and informal assessment.Class Experience
US Grade 1 - 4
Flower Moons, Blue Moons, Harvest Moons, Worm Moons—have you ever wondered about the stories behind these ancient names? In this class, we'll explore the fascinating meanings of the Moon's many names, with a special focus on this month's full moon: The Wolf Moon. We'll dive into why the Moon has phases, learning about its orbit around the Earth and the Earth's journey around the Sun. Using models and a second camera, I will demonstrate the lunar cycle, guiding students in identifying each phase: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent. To enrich the learning experience, we'll enjoy interactive storytelling, songs, and poetry inspired by the Moon. Together, we'll create a guided illustration of the lunar cycle, representing the Moon's journey around the Earth. Students are encouraged to share their knowledge, ask questions, and express their creativity. At the end of class, everyone will have a chance to present their illustrations and reflect on what they’ve learned. Join us on this celestial adventure to uncover the mysteries and beauty of the Moon! Students will receive handouts before class that may be printed and used to enhance the learning. However, this is not required. After class students will receive another set of handouts that may be used to review and the learning at home!
Learning Goals
Objective:
Students will be able to:
1. Name the phases of the moon and identify them based on a model.
2. Identify which phase of the moon occurs in various locations in its orbit around Earth.
3. Describe why only one side of the moon is visible from Earth.
4. Identify the name and origin of the full moon this month
Other Details
Supply List
We will be creating an illustration of the phases of the moon together. Children will need paper and crayons or colored pencils. They may also print the handouts, but this is not required.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Student will be provided with handouts created by the instructor that they may print to use at home. However, this is not a requirement for the class.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
Get $10 off my classes with coupon code FRIENSPRINGFUN10 until Mar 23, 2025. Look through my classes at https://outschool.com/teachers/noraryszka-yahoo-com and enter the coupon code at checkout.
Welcome to The Friendly Forest School!
I come to you with a wealth of knowledge, classroom experience, and a passion for teaching young children though play.
My classes follow a Waldorf-inspired approach that focuses on the holistic development of children, ensuring that academic skills are nurtured in an engaging and imaginative manner.
A predictable peaceful rhythm, delightful melodies, American Sign Language, and captivating tales (often set in the Friendly Forest) infuse every lesson, making learning a joyful exploration!I
By embracing the ebb and flow of nature's cycles, my goal is to help children feel grounded, secure, and ready to absorb knowledge with open hearts and curious minds.
ABOUT ME:
My journey in education began in the summer of 2001 with an internship in Early Childhood Education at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis. After earning my Bachelor's Degree from Purdue University, I worked as a social worker and case manager for young children in LaPorte, Indiana.
I later moved to Phoenix, AZ, where I transitioned into Special Education, working as an in-home therapist for children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. My focus was on developing expressive language through American Sign Language, as well as supporting the whole child through sensory integration and positive behavior strategies. In 2005, I was honored to be named Arizona’s "Caregiver of the Year" by the Governor.
In 2006, I earned my Master’s Degree in Special Education and began teaching in a K-6 self-contained classroom. During this time, I developed an award-winning, school-wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program rooted in peace and mindfulness. For this work, I received the "You Make a Difference" award from the Osborn School District.
My daughter, Eleanor, was born in 2010, and in 2013, I left the classroom to focus on motherhood full-time. That same year, my youngest daughter, Annalise, was born. During this time, I embraced Waldorf philosophies at home and began homeschooling using Waldorf and Montessori-inspired methods.
In 2017, I founded my own Early Childhood Center, Let’s Play Learning, which provided a developmentally appropriate curriculum centered on the belief that young children learn best through hands-on exploration of the natural world, a thoughtfully prepared environment, and nurturing guidance from both caregivers and skilled educators. When the pandemic began, I transitioned to teaching online—a shift I have come to love!
In my classes, I strive to cultivate a culture of peace and mindfulness, integrating academic learning with nature, imaginative play, storytelling, and artistic expression.
Today, I live with my family just five minutes from the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.
Reviews
Other classes by The Friendly Forest School with Ms. Nora, M.Ed.
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