Classes
First Grade Overview
Reading & Writing
The Language Arts curriculum for First Grade Waldorf Schools is steeped deeply in imaginative stories and activities. Fairy tales are the backdrop for introducing and working with the alphabet. Language Arts lessons include regular, quiet reading time to practice new skills, repeated speech work for articulation, and memory work through poems and drama. Language Arts blocks include:
Introduction to letters of the alphabet through storytelling
Work thoroughly with consonant and vowels sounds, rather than just naming the letter- a crucial point when learning to read.
Spelling Rules
Short word families (CVC)
Silent E rule and long vowels
Consonant blends
Independent writing of short sentences
Building on previous skills
Capitals and periods
Language Arts lessons include regular, quiet reading time to practice new skills; regular speech work for articulation, and memory work through poems and drama
Arithmetic
There are three Math Main Lessons blocks, as well as daily practice.
Introduction to Numbers and Counting
Roman and Arabic numbers
Counting with verses and games and skip counting
Working with math manipulatives
Introduction to all four math processes: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
Skill-building, Recognizing Patterns, and Sequencing
The Arts
Drawing, Painting, and Form Drawing
Beeswax modeling
Handwork
Drama/Class Play/Music
Second Grade Overview
Language Arts
In Second Grade, the Language Arts curriculum stories predominantly alternate between animal fables and legends of the saints, prophets, and higher hero beings. Blocks and lessons include:
Review of all spelling and grammar rules from grade one:
-CVC, silent ‘e’, consonant blends, and short sentences
New spelling rules and weekly spelling quizzes
-vowel blends (diphthongs and other combinations), continued consonant blends
Grammar Lessons
-Lessons begin with the terms ‘doing’ (verb), ‘naming’ (noun), and ‘picture’ (adjective) words
Reading and writing practice
Arithmetic
Review, practice, and build on all First-Grade math material
Continued rhythmic work with counting- preparing for times tables
Begin mastering times table
Horizontal addition and subtraction with double digits
Horizontal multiplication and division
Introduction to Place Value
Number lines
Vertical addition and subtraction
Vertical addition and subtraction with borrowing and carrying
Focus on Times Tables
regular practice of math facts for all four processes
artistic drawings (i.e., math flowers)
The Arts
Drawing and Painting
Beeswax modeling
Handwork
Drama/Class Play/Music
Form Drawing and beginning cursive
Third Grade Overview
Language Arts
Many stories for Third Grade lessons come from the Old Testament. Additionally, the Third Grade is rich in activities with the Living on Earth blocks, which include Farming and Gardening, Clothing Around the World, and Shelters Around the World. Blocks and lessons include:
Transition to cursive handwriting
Review of all spelling rules from grade two
New spelling words and quizzes given weekly
Review of verbs, nouns, and adjectives; introduction to adverb
Introduction to types of sentences and punctuation
Reading assignments and homework
Simple compositions
Research and report on a chosen shelter
Math
Review and practice from Grade Two
Horizontal and vertical addition and subtraction with carrying and borrowing
Times Tables
Measurement has an important place in third grade mathematics and is incorporated into the Living on Earth Series
Time: ancient to modern
Dry and wet measurement (brought in farming and cooking)
Linear Measurement (introduced in OT and continued in the Shelters block)
Money: ancient to modern
Long Multiplication and Division
Specialty Classes and the Arts
Drawing, Form Drawing, and Painting
Drama/Class Play/Music
Handwork, including spinning and weaving
Gardening and Cooking
Form Drawing and beginning cursive
Building