Curriculum

In the curriculum of the Waldorf schools, much of the education in academic subjects takes place in blocks, usually of 3–5 weeks duration.

Each pupil generally writes and illustrates a self-created textbook representing the material learned in the block.

Subjects include:

• Language, literature, and history
• Mathematics
• Nature and science
• Art, crafts, and handwork
• Foreign languages
• Music
• Eurythmy
• Physical education

First Grade

Form Drawing

Writing:

• introduction to the alphabet

• block capital letters

Mathematics:

• the quality of numbers,

• counting to 100,

• Roman and Arabic numerals,

• the four processes (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

Nature Study

Singing and introduction to the Recorder

Handwork: Knitting

Eurythmy

Foreign Language

Painting, Beeswax Modelling, Crayon Drawing

English:

• fables from around the world,

• study of the saints,

• introduction to reading,

• grammar

Mathematics:

• continuing work with the four processes,

• Column Algorithms

Form Drawing

• drawing forms that lead to cursive handwriting

Nature Study:

• through Aesop’s fables,

• work of Thornton W. Burgess,

Indigenous history and culture

Singing and Recorder

Handwork: Knitting, Crochet

Eurythmy

Foreign Language

Painting and Modelling

English: intensive study of grammar

Structured Word Inquiry

Writing: introduction to cursive handwriting

Mathematics of Practical Life:

• Time, Temperature,

• Weight & Volume,

  linear measurement (integrated into Housebuilding),

Trade Goods & The Development of Currency

Form Drawing

Social and Environmental Studies:

• Farming & Gardening,

• Housebuilding

• Fibers & Clothing

Cultural Studies: stories of the Old Testament, Jewish festivals

Drama

Singing: singing in rounds

Recorder

Handwork: Spinning, Weaving

Eurythmy

Foreign Language

Painting

Sports

English:

• work in grammar continues

• introduction to composition writing through personal narratives

Tall Tales (which ties in nicely with Local Industry)

Geography and Local History/Industry – map skills, landforms & water features

Zoology: comparative study of human being and other animals

Cultural Studies: Norse mythology

Mathematics: Introduction to Fractions

Form Drawing: Celtic knots

Singing: singing two-part songs

Orchestra: choosing a string instrument

Handwork: Embroidery, Cross Stitch, Macrame

Eurythmy

Foreign Language

Painting

Sports

Ancient Cultures & Mythology

• India

• Persia

• Mesopotamia

• Egypt

• Greece

North American Geography – Biomes

Botany

Geometry

Mathematics: Fractions and Decimals

Singing and Orchestra

Handwork:

• Woodworking

• Knitting

Eurythmy

English: reading, writing, and grammar

Composition: Friendly letters

Foreign Language

Painting

Sports

History – the transition from ancient to modern:

• Greek history,

• the decline of Greece,

• the rise and fall of Rome, and

• the effects of these cultures on European civilization up through the Middle Ages

World Geography (continents, oceans, flags of the world)

Geology

Astronomy

Physics:

• Acoustics

• Optics

Geometry

Business Mathematics: Formulas, Percents, Graphing

Singing and Orchestra

Handwork: Woodworking

Eurythmy

English: reading, writing, and grammar

• Composition: Business Letters

• keyboarding

Foreign Language

Painting

Sports