“My children are thriving at Tamarack. Where there are developmentally appropriate expectations for children and the learning is integrated with art, outdoor learning and emotional well-being. The teachers are truly incredible. They care so much for the children and go above and beyond to foster a wonderful community.”
Download the Grade-By-Grade Lower Grades Curriculum Chart
THE WALDORF CURRICULUM
Grade school classes at Tamarack Waldorf School gradually develop in a manner that matches the growth of the child, from dreamy first grader to truth-seeking eighth grader.
Each phase of childhood focuses on an overarching theme reflected in that year’s curriculum. Starting with fairy tales as a way to introduce writing, reading, mathematics and science, the curriculum builds from year to year, moving through subjects like fables and Old Testament stories, farming, house building, and Norse mythology.
Ideally, teachers in Grades 1-4, stay with their class as they move through the lower grades. This allows for a continuity of care and understanding of their class’ unique composition.
Learn how the curriculum meets each child developmentally as they move through the grade levels.
Tamarack’s Specialty Classes begin in grade one and are presented in a way that is unique to Waldorf education and meets the child at each stage of development.
APPLIED ARTS & HANDWORK
Drawing, form drawing, painting, and beeswax modeling are fine arts that comprise a vital component of our curriculum. Working with these artistic processes is crucial to developing creative thought and complements the logical, ordered thinking of science and mathematics instruction.
Handwork skills are also taught in the areas of fiber arts (knitting, crocheting, cross stitch). The handwork curriculum is a steady progression of skills that helps support the development needs of the children.
Try your hand at making a window star or braiding using these lessons from our time with virtual learning due to COVID-19.
MUSIC
Music is an essential aspect of who we are as human beings, and a valuable part of the whole educational experience in a Waldorf school. Regardless of past experience, every student has the capacity to participate and engage in music-making to harmonizes and lift their inner nature.
Beginning in grade one, the students receive a wooden pentatonic flute. The purpose of learning this instrument is to help the students develop a sense of musicality. Students hone their listening and memorization skills as well as work on hearing tempo, beat, and melodies.
We have partnered with the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and have an expert teacher presenting music exploration classes to grades 1-3 with Ukulele lessons begining in grade 4.
ART EDUCATION
Although art is infused into our curricular subjects, there has been research done that highlights the benefits of teaching art as a stand-alone subject as well. Art brings joy and appreciation of beauty to our Waldorf students and supports a “head, hearts, and hands” process of learning. It also fosters creativity, tenacity, and imaginative thinking and allows ideas to develop and be expressed.
Art helps to sharpen the ability to see and perceive new ways of looking at the world and to make connections across a variety of concepts and subjects. Students use the skills they learn in art class to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, fine motor skills, and eye-hand coordination.
Research has shown that art engagement leads to improved performance in writing, math, and reading. Art develops an appreciation of others’ work as well as one’s own efforts. It fosters cooperation and provides opportunities to learn from other students.
DRAMA & SPEECH
Drama figures prominently in our arts and literature curriculum. In the drama program, children learn public speaking skills, work on memorization of lines and songs, and as they progress through the grades take on more and more ownership of the plays.
The first grade class typically presents a fairy tale or folk tale that they recite in unison. This helps support the children that might not be ready to present lines independently. As the student’s move to the next grade the teachers are aware of the capacity of what the children can do and intentionally choose plays and roles that help support the children.
Here is an article about Class Plays in Waldorf Schools.
Learn more about class plays in this blog post from March 2021
“I love Tamarack because it is a loving school and it helps us grow from a seed to a flower.””