Age appropriate learning
At Marin Waldorf School, a child's education in academic subjects includes hands-on learning through music, painting, sculpture, movement and woodworking. Grades 1-4 is a time for children to understand the relationship between themselves and the world around them. Providing space and encouragement through this developmental stage enables the child to become stable, balanced and self-sufficient.
1st Grade
The child has completed the formation of their physical body and is ready to begin work with their mind. Children learn best at this age by entering the world with love, sympathy and wonder.
Curriculum: Imaginative stories, exploring nature, music, foreign language, handwork and painting
2nd Grade
The child is like a butterfly who has just emerged from the chrysalis sitting upon a leaf poised for flight. This is the time when they discover their relationship with the world around them. They are eager to participate in everything that comes to their attention.
Curriculum: Drama, poetry, painting, grammar, arithmetic, nature study, handwork, foreign language, flute.
3rd Grade
This is the “Crossing Point” for a child. They start to question everything and feel separate from the world. They sometimes suffer from loneliness and fear. At this time it is important for the child to learn self sufficiency.
Curriculum: Practical farming and gardening, building shelters, drama, music, foreign language, long division, measurement and grammar.
4th Grade
The child is “Encountering SELF” This is a time where they are finding stability and strength as an individual yet working harmoniously together.
Curriculum: Human and animal studies (zoology), geography, long division, fractions, geometry, composition writing, violin, foreign language.