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Unique to Waldorf schools is the class teacher, who often remains
with the class from first to eighth grade. The teacher presents
the main lesson each day. He or she takes long-term responsibility
for the student’s academic education, as well as for their
physical and social development. The relationship that develops
between teacher and student over the years parallels the continuity
in the curriculum and fosters self-assurance and confidence. The
teachers work in partnership with the parents to guide, motivate,
protect and encourage the student.
In the elementary grades, each class begins the day with a two-hour
main-lesson period, the academic cornerstone for the day. The
main lessons are planned in a block system. Each block lasts
from three to six weeks during which a specific academic subject
is examined in depth. The students keep thorough notebooks of
the main lesson studies. They transcribe, amplify, and illustrate
these notes in main lesson books that become more than a means
of recording and reinforcing learning. The books are a primary
stimulus to further study as an aesthetic creation in which students
take great pride.
In practical and cultural activities, the teacher’s objective
is to present all subjects creatively to meet the children’s
needs at each stage in their development. Because the children
are actively engaged by the participatory presentation, the lessons
are alive and meaningful. Each student’s imagination is stimulated
and disciplined.
The students’ day continues with special subject classes
including: Spanish, German, Physical Education, Eurythmy, Handwork
and Woodworking. Taught by faculty who are specialists in their
respective fields, these classes are designed to broaden students’ cultural,
social, and practical skills and capacities. Two languages, Spanish
and German, are taught from the first through the eighth grade.
Eurythmy, a performing art of movement that incorporates music
and speech, is also done throughout the elementary years. Vocal
music is part of the students’ daily life at school and everyone
learns to play the recorder beginning in first grade. Each child
is encouraged to learn a second instrument beginning in the third
grade. By the fifth grade each class has its own orchestra. Handwork
begins in kindergarten and continues to grow in sophistication
through the grades, from knitting to designing and making clothing.
While the young children have games and plenty of outdoor activities,
the Physical Education program begins in third grade. The students
learn folk dancing and gymnastics in addition to traditional sports.
Woodworking is added in the fifth grade. Students learn about the
quality of wood while working on designing and carving skills.
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