Class Description

As a child turns twelve, a beautiful new being begins to emerge – one who is now capable both of feeling deeply and of holding an objective view of the world around us.

We will meet this developing sense of empathy and understanding for others by exploring other lands and cultures, including the geography of Africa, Europe and Asia, as well as the history of Rome and the Middle Ages. Studying the science of Geology and Minerals of the earth, as well as the Physics of sound, heat, light, and color will enliven the child’s new ability of conceptual thinking.

Mathematics lessons turn toward fractions, decimals, percentages, and the practical aspects of Business Math, such as working with money and calculating profit and loss. Geometry, too, becomes much more precise now as students learn to use a compass and straightedge to create intricate and beautiful forms.

On the cusp of adolescence, undergoing big changes in body, mind, and soul, the twelve-year old child needs both the steady, grounded support of adults and engaging work, such as is offered here. The unfolding of a free and thinking human is a sacred journey, and I would be honored to have you join us.

Class 6 Steiner pedagogy:

Language Arts: Biographies, Grammar, Historical fiction 

Mathematics: Pre-Algebra, Percentage, Interest, Profit/Loss, Geometry

Science: Gardening. Geology, Physics, Intro to Astronomy

Social Studies: Roman History, Troy, World Geography, Life of Christ, Crusades, Mohammed, Islamic people, Medieval Life

Sample Video from Ms. Andrea teaching Class 5:

Handwork With Ms. Maggie

The focus of Class 6 is fine needle work and an introduction to doll making. The students will learn traditional dollmaking techniques to make a handcrafted Waldorf doll, sewn by hand with skin-colored cotton knit fabric and stuffed with wool. The students will first make the doll head, and then draft a pattern for the body as they visualize how the pieces should come together to make a three-dimensional object. Careful stuffing techniques will be introduced as well as new sewing stitches, such as the invisible ladder stitch. Embroidery and basic crochet will be revisited as the face of the doll is embroidered and the cap for the doll hair is crocheted. Students will create a basic wardrobe for their dolls. The time, thought, and effort it takes to make these special dolls will be reflected in the students’ completed projects, all unique with their own character.

Eurythmy Inspired Movement With Ms. Tiffany

The theme of the sixth grade is “Master of the House.” The sixth grader is reminded where he comes from. This year we will work on memorizing the letter gestures forwards and backwards, as well as work with all colors. We will continue our work with walking various forms, as well as, threefold walking and moving through etheric space. For tone eurythmy, we work with rhythm, beat, and pitch in the direction of space, minor scales, and the Interval of the Octave. For copper rods exercises we will work intermediate to advanced rod exercises and activities that involve great concentration and coordination.

American Sign Language with Ms. Rebecca

Themes for Grade 6 are to have a deeper understanding of how grammar and syntax work in American Sign Language. We will focus on good articulation, and having small conversations in American sign language. They will also be exposed to Deaf sub-cultures, types of deafness, physics of sound and ASL poetry.

Music with Mr. Mark

In Music Class 6 we use singing games, dancing games, and sing-alongs to create music together. We explore physically the steady beat, how the beat relates to rhythm, and how beat and rhythm relate to melody in a naturally organic progression. The material we use incorporates aspects of the students’ Main Lesson blocks. Emphasis is on creative expression and musical exploration, where everyone participates together in the creation of beautiful music. Rythmic and Melodic Notation are explored in a fun, organic way that relates to the Feeling Life of the music rather than the Intellectual. We incporporate Intermediate Recorder into our musical explorations (many students have already been playing recorder at this age, and I take that into account as I incorporate complete beginners with those who have some recorder skills, so that we can all progress together). We will also incorporate Beginning/Intermediate Ukelele!