Teaching American History for Our Times

Beautiful Civil Rights lesson book page, handwritten and illustrated by an 8th grade student

By Jessica Crawford, 8th Grade Teacher The Waldorf approach to history is founded on the idea that human consciousness has evolved over time—and is still evolving. An important point to make right off the bat, and one that has dawned …

In the News: How Learning a Musical Instrument Increases Brain Power

A 4th grade student learns to play the xylophone

New studies from MIT and the University of Zürich show that when it comes to teaching kids, it’s music—not coding—that actually has long term transferable developmental, cognitive, and academic benefits. According to a summary of the January 2021 study conducted …

A Peek Into First Grade, Part II: Regulation

By Peter Lawton, First Grade Teacher This is the second of a two-part “peek” into the first grade and the four ‘R’s of Waldorf education. The first part explored the first three ‘R’s—reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic. This second part addresses …

In the News: Why Social-Emotional Learning is More Important Than Ever

5th grade students participate in the outbreath activity of clay modeling, as part of our focus on emotional regulation.

Teaching social-emotional skills is critically important, both for helping students to be resilient in challenging circumstances, as well as building the empathy and emotional intelligence that students will need for their future. Hand-in-hand with our outstanding academics, our curriculum focuses …

“The Fierce Urgency of Now”: A Peek into 5th Grade

You may have noticed the vibrant installation along the fence in front of our school building—letters made out of twigs and yarn that spell out Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s powerful words: “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” We have our …

In the News: The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation

Research has shown that motivation flourishes when students feel autonomous, supported and competent. According to the New York Times, “Intrinsic motivation is the one [motivation type] that tends to be prized in educational circles, and with good reason. It is …

A Peek Into First Grade

By Peter Lawton, First Grade Teacher First grade is all about the traditional four ‘R’s—reading, ‘riting, ‘rithmetic, and regulation! Reading As part of our various reading activities, students “gather” letters/sounds from the fairy tales they are told each day. Sounds, …

Pentathlon Reflections

On Thursday, September 24 our sixth grade students participated in a unique Pentathlon event as a culmination of their studies of Ancient Greece that typically takes place in the spring of their fifth grade year. We are proud of all …

A Peek into First Grade Distance Learning

By Annikki Bloomquist, 1st Grade Teacher This week the first graders have been wrapping up their block on Nature Studies and literacy. Throughout the block the children have been encouraged and asked to observe a budding tree as its leaves …

7th Grade Poetry

By Jessica Crawford, 7th Grade Teacher On the eve of May Day, the 7th grade students shared their poetry with their parents and teachers at a Zoom Poetry Reading Evening. The students were very poised and presented their work beautifully—both a poem by …