Grade School Curriculum

Movement & Games

In movement and games classes students develop a healthy sense of themselves, an ability to sense space and to move with intention. All eight grades have two sports and games classes per week; in the older grades this is often a double period of 90 minutes.

In the early grades movement and games are introduced primarily as rhythmic games, for example, circle games, hand-clapping games, bean bag activities and jump rope. In the middle years games in which the individual within the group is featured become much more important. In keeping with its study of ancient Greece, the fifth grade learns the events of the Greek Pentathlon: javelin, discus, long jump, wrestling, and running.

In the spring the class joins other area Waldorf schools in a fifth-grade Olympiad. In the older grades competitive games are introduced. The students enthusiastically play volleyball, basketball and capture the flag. Archery is introduced in the sixth grade, as well as juggling and circus skills. Our school is fortunate in having large outdoor spaces for activities that demand fields. We also have a wonderful hill, perfect for sledding in the winter.

Our students have two recesses during the day which they spend outside in all seasons of the year. At those times of day the campus is teeming with activity: a game of basketball in one corner, kickball in another; some children are playing tag while others are engaged in imaginary play in one of the play houses. We are also very proud of our after-school sports program. From grades five through eight children may enroll in our fall cross-country team or tennis in the spring. In winter, students in grades six through eight enjoy playing basketball against area schools.