Grades 1-4: Awakening a Passion for Learning

In the early grades, the academic work is carried through the arts, a medium that comes naturally to children at this age. Writing, drawing, painting, storytelling, and drama engage them and enliven their work, enhancing their ability to absorb what they learn in a meaningful way.

Children learn without the use of textbooks, media presentations or worksheets. Instead, the curriculum is carefully and creatively taught through discussion, demonstration, illustration, games and thoughtful stories.

Math begins through rhythmic games and the creative use of objects, allowing children to discover patterns as they progress from the four key processes-- addition, subtraction, multiplication and division-- to fractions in 4th grade.

Reading & writing are taught organically. Children first listen to stories, copy poems, and draw pictures that bring letters to life in the child's imagination. Learning to write and read arises naturally, creating confidence and eagerness that is often lost when skills are taught abstractly.

Music, including songs, wooden flutes and string instruments, offers balance and support to the daily academics.

Practical arts, including building, cooking, knitting, caring for animals, and gardening help ground the children and give them a true sense of what is required to care for themselves, other creatures and the earth.

Download a pdf outlining the Waldorf curriculum for grades 1-8