First Grade: Setting the Stage for a Lifelong Love of Learning

A little boy energetically walking up some outdoor steps.

Waldorf First Graders are learning how to learn: they learn from and with one another, and from their environment. First Graders are deeply connected to the world around them and Waldorf teachers develop this consciousness by nurturing deep reverence, respect for others, and interest in the world.

A love of language starts with nature stories and fairy tales. Children learn that letters are symbols infused with meaning and artistry. In arithmetic, students begin by experiencing the qualities of numbers, instead of seeing them as abstract symbols. From here, the children explore addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division through physical objects. Through the rhythm of each day, the first grader's world is filled with richness, beauty, and possibility.

Learn how diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are woven into our curriculum.

Main Lesson Topics

  • The alphabet

  • Form drawing

  • Arithmetic

  • Nature stories and fairy tales

 

Special Subjects

  • Spanish

  • Games

  • Choral music

  • Handwork

  • Eurythmy

  • Drawing

  • Painting

  • Beeswax modeling

  • Drama

  • Flute

First Graders explore color in their painting lessons, building the foundation for understanding composition and relationships on the color wheel.