1st Grade

The Child

As they leave the dreamy mood of Early Childhood, first graders begin to awaken to the world around them. They are ready to learn in a new way. The first grade student has developed the new capacities needed for learning and absorbing knowledge and for seeking out friends with whom they can develop deeper, more long-lasting relationships. First grade children however, still have just as much energy as they did in kindergarten, so it is vital that the teacher engage this lively bunch with creativity and activity in all lessons.

The Class

First grade has daily routines that provide structure and rhythm for both independent work and group activities. Letters are initially introduced through oral storytelling and chalkboard drawings that engage the student’s imagination and strengthen memory. Verses reinforce the sounds, while recall, discussion and dramatization hone memory, comprehension and language skills. The four basic mathematic processes are personified and introduced through engaging stories. They study numbers by using their voices and bodies in rhythmic and physical activities, through lively counting, sequencing work and movement. Appreciation of cultural history is encouraged through stories from around the world. Introduction into science is brought through direct nature observations.

    • Addition

    • Subtraction

    • Multiplication

    • Division

    • Form drawing

    • Intro to letters & writing

    • Intro to reading & phonetics

    • Stories from around the world: folklore & fairy tales

    • World songs

    • Poems & plays

    • Nature stories

    • Spanish

    • Nature observations & stories

    • Pentatonic flute

    • Singing

    • Watercolor Painting

    • Beeswax Modeling

    • Sewing

    • Knitting

  • Eurythmy, developed by Rudolf Steiner, is an art of human movement set to music, poetry, or speech. It is intended to be a complement to intellectual learning. By studying eurythmy, students learn dexterity of movement, grace, poise, balance, and concentration. They also develop a sense for sound and space and a feeling for social harmony.

    • Group & collaborative games

    • Hikes