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First Grade Curriculum

The Waldorf Connectionby Donna Ashton

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The Waldorf Connection'sFirst Grade Curriculum

Text copyright ©2015 Donna AshtonPhoto copyright ©2015 Donna Ashton

All rights reserved. No part of this book/curriculum may be reproduced, transmitted, orstored in an information retrieval system in any form or by any means, graphic,

electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, and recording, without priorwritten permission from the author. Meant for individual use only.

First edition: 2015

for more training, guidance and inspiration for your Waldorf-inspired homeschooling-www.thewaldorfconnection.com

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Table of Contents

Notes to Parents 4Your First Grader 5First Grader's Development 6The Feeling of First Grade 7Sample Day Schedule 8About Main Lesson 9Nature Table 10-11Festivals 12-13Prep Work 14Materials List 15First Day of School 16 The Four Temperaments 17-18About Circle Time 19Storytelling 22About Form Drawing 23Seasonal Baking Ideas 24Handwork/craft Ideas 24

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Notes to Parents

When I committed to write this first grade curriculum, I wanted tobring something to the community that was different and as simpleand complete as possible. After years of coaching families and newhomeschooling moms, I find that first grade is a big step.

Explanations, examples and demonstrations are what is needed so youcan grasp what to do. Then, you can add your own flair. I tried tobring this information in an easy to understand format and still allowthe Waldorf Magic to seep in.

Please feel free use this as is, use parts you like as a “springboard”, orjust get a feel for how first grade flows while finding some stories ofyour own to use.

The support story is inspired by my original work from a children'sstory I wrote in 2009. I have gathered my favorite nature stories andfairytales fromamazing authors so that your child may experience these archetypesduring their first grade year.

With love,

Donna

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Your First Grader

Ideally, your child should be somewhere close to 6.5-7 years of agewhen starting first grade. A child that has lived for seven Easters/springseasons and will be 7 for most of first grade is ideal.

Parents are the best judge of first grade readiness. A few Waldorfguidelines to look for are:*loss of baby (milk) teeth- more than 2*can reach arm over head and touch opposite ear (limb growth)*can hop on one foot*can jump rope*can close one eye, then the other*can repeat a clapping rhythm*can concentrate for longer periods of time

All these relate to the 0-7 age phase of childhood that Steiner indicates isthe time the child is learning and growing into their body. Your childneeds to finish this part of their growth before moving into theirhead/academics.

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Your First Grader's Development

Your child is crossing over the Rainbow Bridge as some like to say.

I find it is a time of moving into a different level of consciousness as theEtheric Body begins to move in to this second cycle of life.

Memory awakens around this time and your child may “lose” memoryof earlier events in their childhood.

First Grade is a time to begin bringing academics to your child, but itis also a big extension of kindergarten. The material is brought gently,using main lesson blocks, to give time to absorb.

Play and outdoor activity is still a very big part of the first grader's day.

Keep the joy of being a child in the forefront of your school this year!

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The Feeling of First Grade

Your child has spent the last few years engaged in play. In first gradewe add in a bit of academic thinking, but play is still a very big part ofthe day.

First grade is an extension of kindergarten, in my opinion. It is a bitmore structured, but ample outdoor, free play and pockets of the dayare filled with imagination.

Your child should be able to sit for longer, have better fine motorskills to enable them to wok on craft and handwork projects and beginhandwriting.

If you haven't already, give them daily and weekly tasks to helparound the home.Practical work is another big piece of Waldorf. They can help set thetable, empty the silverware in the dishwasher, make their beds, foldtowels or other helpful activity. This builds a sense of belonging,helping and gives them life skills for the future.

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Sample First Grade Day Schedule:

Morning:Morning Routine (dress, make beds), Breakfast

Laundry

Mid-Morning:Walk

Circle Time Main Lesson

Midday:Lunch and clean-up dishes

Afternoon:Free Play girls Donna work

Mid afternoon:Come together for story Handwork or craft

Late Afternoon:Music practice Meal prep Bath

Evening:Dinner

Clean-up dishes and sweep kitchen floor

Bedtime:(7:30) Get ready (jammies & brush teeth)

Story with candleTuck-in

Late Evening:Grown-up time or reading

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Main Lesson BlocksA unique part of the Waldorf education method is teaching in Main Lesson Blocks. Insteadof teaching math, language arts, science, etc each day, the block concentrates on onesubject for several weeks. This allows time for deep learning, focus, enjoyment andtime for the child to digest the information.

When the block is over, that subject is “laid to rest” and a new one is started.

(Example: Math for 4 weeks, then Language Arts for 3 weeks.)

In the first grade, your child is just beginning to learn basics concepts of writing, readingand math. Rudolf Steiner thought children would learn and retain information better if theyhad the opportunity to learn, let it rest and then go over it again.

You will see the first grade year divided into these Main Lesson Blocks in the YearOverview and syllabus.

Main Lesson is the time when the actual curriculum material is being presented to yourchild. Depending on the age/grade it can last from 20 minutes to 2 hours.You can choose to do the main lesson in the school room setting,a casual living room oreven outside Don't limit yourself, but get creative and make it fun.

In a first grade main lesson, the teacher (mom or dad) would present a chalkboard drawingand then tell a story (fairy tale) to introduce a letter of the alphabet. Then the teacher andchild draws a representation of the story in their main lesson book. The next day the storyis re-told back to the teacher by the child and a summary sentence, paragraph or letter isadded to the main lesson book.

Most material is told through stories, especially during the early grades. Math, science,history and geography are brought through wonderful stories.A helpful tip for learning astory; read the story 3 times, make an outline of the mainplot/ideas/characters. You can usethis outline if you need while telling the story.Don't worry about not rememberingeverything about the story.

Enjoy yourself and it will come across that way to your child.

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Nature Table

Whether a low, interactive display that children are free to explore and add to, or ahands-off “look-but-don't-touch” display, a nature table can provide much more than areflection of nature’s seasons within the home. It can be set up on a small table, a wall-mounted shelf, or even a small tree stump brought indoors.

A nature table should be a thing of beauty and interest for the entire family. A naturetable can also provide a peaceful destination for a soul-feverish child, a small andmysterious scene which a child can dream into, and an inspiration for an impromptustory, perhaps told to distract a child while preparing to go out of doors (“see that littlepinecone there on the nature table? It looks like a squirrel nibbled on one of its scales!Once there was a squirrel who lived a big oak tree. Its branches reached out over a littleblue house, yes, like ours....”).

What follows are some ideas for what to put on your nature table throughout theseasons. One rule of thumb is to only have items/images from nature and made ofnatural materials on your nature table. It can also be sweet to have a simple drawn orpainted image of nature as a decoration in and amongst the natural objects and orcharacters. Some people enjoy creating the same landscape (ex. river, bridge, tree) withnuanced changes as the seasons come and go.Creativity feeds the soul of the nurturer and refreshes us in our task of caring forchildren. Enjoy your creative process! Your children certainly will!

Winter (Advent, St. Nick, Hanukkah, Christmas, Three Kings/Epiphany...)o Colors- white, blues, browns,o Themes& objects- Elementals, King Winter, Jack Frost, woodland creatures,gnomes, stars, crystals, rocks, holly leaves, chestnuts, paper snowflakes, pine boughs

Spring(Candlemas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, May Day, Mother’s Day...)o Colors- brown, lighter greens, pale yellows, pale pinkso Themes& objects- Mrs. Thaw (a cleaning woman with a broom who sweepsaway the snow), or Lady Spring (where this gentle lady steps the snow melts and crocuses pop up!), birds (eggsand nests too), hearts, rabbits, chicks, raindrops, lambs, little pot of growing bulbs, branches of pussy willow orforsythia in a water-filled vase.Summer (Whitsun, St. John’s, Father’s Day...)o Colors- pink, purple, yellow, light blue, greeno Themes& objects- bees, butterflies, vase or pot of flowers, sunshine, turtles,frogs

Fall (Halloween, Michaelmas, Thanksgiving, Martinmas, Lanterns...)o Colors- orange, yellow, red, browno Themes& objects- harvest, farmers, wheat stalks, pumpkins and gourds,pinecones, colorful leaves

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Nature Table

Nature Table examples

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Festivals & CelebrationsAutumn Equinox Sept. 21

Michaelmas Sept. 29

Martinmas Nov. 11

St. Nicholas Dec. 6

St. Lucia Dec. 13

Winter Solstice Dec. 21

Epiphany/ThreeKings

Jan. 6

Candlemas Feb. 2

Spring Equinox Mar.20/21

May Day May 1

Summer Solstice June 21

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Donna's Festival Ideas

Michaelmas - We usually make dragon bread and I tell the story of George and thedragon( www.mainlesson.com) Older children you can tell “Michael and The Dragon stories” . Make a shield to help defend against evildragons.

Halloween- Don't forget to leave extra candy out for the sugar sprites! It is cold now and they will needthat sugar to get through the winter. They will reward the candy donation with trinkets, books, feathers,stones.

Martinmas - We make paper lanterns (many different patterns out there) We sing I go with my littlelantern by Jodie Mesler www.HomeMusicMama.com I tell a story then we walk a trail through our yardwith our lanterns. Sometimes we have a bonfire.

Advent- We make our own wreath from greenery in our yard (evergreens, rosemary, berries etc.). EachSunday we say the verse for that week and light a candle. We add the next "piece" to our wreath. Oneweek it is plants, stones, animals, & people.I love Reg Downs book “Festival of the Stones”. We readeach chapter after lighting our candle- it coincides with the weeks.

St. Nick- We read the stories of bishop Nicholas ( www.stnicholascenter.org/) We put out our shoes and acarrot for the horse. In the morning there are treats and trinkets inside our shoes on the front porch.

Winter Solstice - My favorite. We make our own spiral in the back hard by trimming evergreen bushesand laying them in a spiral pattern. We put a tree stump in the middle with a large wide candle. On thenight, we sing a song and tell a story about the dying sun king and the birth of the new sun. We walk inand light our candle from the large one on the stump and place our candle somewhere on the spiral. Thebest part is that we don't turn on any lights in the house- We light tons of candles around and no lightsfor the evening.

Epiphany/3 kings Day - This is 12 days after Christmas and supposedly when the 3 kings brought theChrist child his gifts. We always bake a King cake. Inside is hidden a bean or special coin (washed).Whoever gets the gift Is king for the day and gets to pick what we do! I make a simple honey or spicecake.

Candlemas - We always celebrate by guessing if the groundhog will see his shadow. Years past I had thegirls act out a short play about this. We make candles! It is several hours project but a lot of fun. Onlinetutorials abound or check library craft books.

Spring equinox - We are prepare and plant our spring garden.We also plant the wheat grass that will beready for Easter ( check dates as you will need about 10 days to get the grass really long for baskets)

May Day -The girls gather the morning dew and splash on their faces to keep them "fair maidens". Wehad a maypole one year. We use a tree trunk in our yard to decorate each year with ribbons and beads.We make bouquets from fresh flowers in our garden, then drop them off on neighbors doorsteps, ring thebell and hide.

Summer Solstice -Bonfire and burn a small section of our Christmas tree. We dance around the fire andsing the summer sun song. We make sun cookies. Dark and light cookie roll representing the sun and the return of the darkness.Wego to the beach to watch the sunrise and it is most magical! Also leave something out for the fairies andthey always leave a small gift.

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Prep Work

What to do to get ready to teach first grade:*Read through the basic outline of lesson blocks. *Read 4-5 stories from each block to get the flavor of what you will beteaching.*Most blocks have drawings or examples to inspire you. Feel free to draw whatI have already done for you or pick your own inspiration from the story.*Do a run-through of circle time before leading it with your child*Practice drawing with the block crayons and chalk.*Practice mixing the paints and using the wet-on-wet techniques.*Get familiar with the instrument you will be using to teach (if applicable)

Create a flannel board which can be used to tell and recall your fairy tales.Make figures of a man, woman, girl, boy, several animals, crown(s) for kingand queen or prince/cess. You can add items as you go through the year andstories. Your child can use it as they retell the fairy tales or act them out.

I recommend printing out the planner portion and using it to add notes,resources, project ideas. Keep in a 3-ring binder or use the pdf version in afolder on your desktop.

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Materials List

Desk, table or place to do work (child’s chair needs to be correct height so feet flaton floor)

Chalkboard (can be hung on wall or moveable)Chalk (colored prang or mercurious and white)

Candle to light for circle time (beeswax natural)

Main lesson book(s)-can use artist pad or make your ownBlock crayons (red, blue, yellow)Stick crayons Coloring pad (make your own with newspaper & brown bags click here)

Stockmar paint (red, blue, yellow)1” natural paint brushHeavy painting paper 90-120lbPaint board

Handwork supplies:Knitting needles/wool yarn (6.5-7)

Recorder or Flute

Homeschool Notebook to keep organized

Beeswax for modeling and projects

*Don’t forget a set of most of the above for YOU. As the teacher as youwill be modeling it for them while they watch.

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First Day of School

The first day of homeschool can be fun and exciting for the entire family. Just becauseyour child isn't “going off to school” doesn't mean you can't create a special celebrationto honor this milestone in their life (and yours!).

Here are a few suggestions, but get creative and see what you can come up with.

*Have a special breakfast

*Have your spouse walk your child to the front door to "meet the teacher".

*Take the First Day of Homeschool picture. Have your child stand by a chalkboardwith their year written in chalk or they can hold a small sign with their grade on it.

*Pass out the new materials and show them anything like crayons, Lyra colored pencilsor new main lesson books.

*Create a special drawer, shelf, bin or basket where they will keep their supplies.

*Design a first day or first week project to ease into lessons; making the first day*extra* fun.

*For the first day/week I believe less is more- don’t try to do everything the first day.Stagger what you are introducing. Example: don't paint, do music lessons, modelbeeswax all on the first day.

*You set the tone for your homeschool so have fun and be confident in your teaching.

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The Four Temperaments

Rudolf Steiner talked about how understanding the fourtemperaments can be a tool for communication with yourchild. First described by the ancient Greeks, thesetemperaments are likened to the four elements and evencharacters in well-known childrens' books.

CHOLERIC: FirePhysical: Short or average build with tendency to brown or red hair. Walks with a firm, purposefulstride has a strong pulse.Social: Comfortable with others and enjoys being “center of attention” & leader. Understands what is going onaround them. Likes to lead or make the plans.Food: Do well with foods that are cool and moist to balance their fire. Will not eat large meals unless in socialsituations. Add fuel with hot drinks and warm food to rebalance. Calm with raw or cool.Personality: Energetic & makes a good leader. Can be quick tempered, but also quick to forgive and move on.They have a purpose, they like a challenge, have a need to be 'first' Self-confident which could lead to them feeling“above” others if unbalanced. They live in the “now” and need to work on patience. Cholerics are full of passionand are extremely innovative. They can’t take criticism and won’t admit being wrong. Children need a strong rolemodels and heroes. Winnie-the-Pooh Character: Rabbit.

SANGUINE: AIRPhysical: A slim, balanced body type with eyes that shine. Light bouncy walk like air.Social: Makes friends easily. Is friendly, talkative and very giving. Speak eloquently.Food: Likes to try new things, avoid sugary snacks.Personality: Loves to experience many things but can be seen as flighty or shallow. Optimistic. Loves beauty &new fashion. Can leave things undone be unreliable and be impatient. Winnie-the-Pooh Character: Tigger.

PHLEGMATIC: WATERPhysical: A round body that can be overweight without exercise. Tend to be dark blond or blond. Lumbering walkwith sleepy eyes.Social: prefers to be on the edge of social situations, very loyal and a great friend. May appear shy, but it justwithin.Food: They love food! Are motivated by eating and eat well.Personality: Very thorough; loves to finish what they start. Can be hard to switch gears or get started.Thoughtful, and objective. They think deeply and act slowly. Character: Winnie-the-Pooh.

MELANCHOLIC: EARTHPhysical: Tall, thin with dark brown or black hair. Social: Is cautious with making friends and will have1 to 2 close relationships.Food: Picky eater with strong preferences, enjoys sweetsPersonality: Very detail-oriented, meticulous and loves order and rules.Can be over emotional and serious, buthas a sense of humor. Can sympathize with others’ troubles. Winnie-the-Pooh Character: Eeyore.

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Teaching to Temperaments

How can you slant your lessons to inspire you child's temperament?

There are small ways to keep your child engaged, motivated, excited and in-touchwithwhat really speaks to them. Add these elements (and many others) when you feel youneed a changeor added motivation.

Choleric: a challenge, something to overcome. This child will love the opportunity togive his ideas. ex. A timed project, ideas to find a solution to a problem,

Sanguine: beauty, trying new things

Phlegmatic: food, loyalty, finishing a project or getting it right

Melancholic: helping others, concern

You can also add these elements to the fairy tales and stories you tell. A phlegmatic will love to hear about an enormous picnic in the woods filled withyummy treats.

A sanguine will be thrilled to listen to details of clothes worn, scenery details andbeautiful items.

Use your knowledge of the temperaments and how your child learns and responds tocreate lessonsthat enhance learning.

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Storytelling -your vehicle to teach

In the Waldorf-inspired curriculum teaching is done through stories, music & the arts.

Telling a story is very different from reading a story. When you digest the material andspin it back to your child, you bring it through your eyes and experiences.

You can also inspire your child by adding details that appeal to the temperament or aloved animal. By raising or softening your voice you add drama and you can pick up thepace if you seem to be losing your child.

Waldorf recommends that you tell the fairy tales and other stories as much as possible.To help: read the story a week before, a few days before and the night before you will tellit. Grasp the main plot/outline of the story. Every detail does not need to be recalled andit is preferable that you add your own touch to the telling.

Do your best, but don't worry if you need a cheat sheet.

First Grade Support Story

Throughout this first grade year, I weave a story that binds all the main lesson ideas, andthemes together into a beautiful tale that you and your first grader will love.

I will break the story into tiny chapters to be “told” before introducing concepts andletters. I find it keeps the year cohesive and creates a love for these characters.

Feel free to read this part to your child (or recall it and “tell” it). I tried to make it simpleyet powerful images to guide throughout the year.

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Circle Time

Why do we do Circle Time?Circle is a time to celebrate life through songs,verses, & movement.It creates anopportunity to work on balance, gross & fine motor skills, listening, polarities. Circlesrepresent one of the common forms found in natureDoing activities in a circle gives the children a sense of community which brings a feelingof safety and inclusion.

You do not have to stand in a circle! Find a comfortable area of the room were you canmove freely.

Light a beeswax candle and take a moment to breathe and be present. Circle is meant to befun! Your child is unaware of the benefits and should only be excited to learn the songs &movement exercises.

Take the time to learn the songs and verses before you try to lead it with your child. Usenote cards or an outline if you need a prompt.

This curriculum includes a base circle for 3 seasons. Use it as a springboard for yourcreativity. Add something you love or something your child enjoys once you get the feelfor the flow

Why Have a Morning Circle?Morning circle helps...*Wake up their bodies so the children are alert and ready the rest of the day*Child is grounded*To stimulate the brain*Gives you a place to work with things you’ve introduced during class time*You introduce remedial exercises if needed*Train the “etheric” or habit body through repetition*The child develops a sense of reverence*Develops memory as well as gross and fine motor skillsYou observe the children in movement and see where they might need help *Create a fun atmosphere and is a great way to start the day

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Form Drawing Why form drawing?

What is so special about form drawing is that it is a dynamic, whole body experiencewith an emphasis on the process rather than the final product. The results are notabout fine, subtle eye/hand movements used in drawing, but instead it is more aboutwhole-body movements that are momentarily captured on paper based on an innerexperience or perception. Instead of trying to reproduce an object seen in the outerworld, it stimulates an inner feeling for special orientation.

It introduces the basics of straight line and curved line before children write lettersand numbers. It may be used to help balance the temperaments. It develops anartistic, confident hand. It develops spatial reasoning. And it may be usedtherapeutically.

Benefits of Form Drawing

It develops the will forcesGives the child a sense of self-movement and balanceThey feel joy and enthusiasm as they connect to the stories and imagesRunning forms help to bring harmonious breathing

It can be used as a diagnostic tool—through observation one can learn about:

TemperamentHow a child responds to challenge and frustrationDegree of care a child takes with their workWhether or not a child tends to rush Where a child is in terms of spatial integrationHow well a child processes instructionsA child’s ability to focus and concentrate It helps to balance the soul forces—

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Seasonal Baking Ideas by Month

Sept.- Berries- preserves, jams

Oct.- Apples- apple crisp, caramel apples

Nov.- Pumpkin- pies, pancakes, muffins

Dec.- Holiday treats- family recipes, cookies

Jan.- Comfort- soups, scones

Feb.- Breads- herb, cheese

Mar.- Early greens- salads, edible flowers

Apr.- Spring – hot cross buns,

May.- Cakes- mayday, cupcakes

June.- Fruit- fruit salad, muffins

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Handcraft Projects by Month

Sept.- Wheat Braid craft Wet felt snail

Oct. - Wet felt pumpkin Fairy house

Nov.- Indian corn necklace craft Pinecone people

Dec.- homemade gifts

Jan.- Knit scarf Birdseed balls

Feb.- Candle Making (use sheets of beeswax) Wet felt valentine hearts

Mar.- Pinwheels Knit recorder case Apr.- Wet felt eggs Tissue butterflies

May.- May Day bouquets Flower crowns