First grade acts as a bridge between the kindergarten and the grade school years. It begins with the discovery that behind all forms are two basic principles: the straight and the curved line. Children find these shapes in their own bodies, in the classroom, and in the world beyond. Straight and curved lines are then practiced through walking, drawing in the air and sand, on the blackboard, and finally, on paper. These form drawings train motor skills, awaken children’s powers of observation, and provide a foundation for introducing the alphabet.

Language

Through fairy tales and stories, first-graders are introduced to each letter of the alphabet. In this way they experience the development of language in a very concrete yet creative way. Instead of abstract symbols, letters become actual characters that they have a real relationship with.

Math

In a similar way, children first experience the qualities of numbers before learning addition or subtraction: What is “oneness?” What is there only one of in the world? The four processes may be introduced as four gnomes who are searching for jewels—Mister Plus always tries to carry more jewels than his pockets will hold; Mister Minus, on the other hand, is always losing his jewels. Stones, acorns, or other natural objects are used to introduce counting. Only after considerable practical experience in adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing are the written symbols for these operations introduced.

Music

First graders enter the world of music through the pentatonic scale. In this scale all the notes have a harmonious sound in any order they are played. Songs are based on seasonal themes. Playing the pentatonic flute develops finger coordination, concentration, and breath control.

Art

Painting in the first grade is intended to give children an experience of working with color rather than attempting to create formed “pictures.” Their feelings for form are encouraged through beeswax modeling and crayon illustrations. In coloring, they imitate their teacher’s work, attempting to draw whole shapes rather than filling in outlines.

Special Subjects

Special subject teachers augment the classroom teacher’s work by providing introductory lessons in Spanish, German, music, handwork, gym and eurythmy.

We encourage you to visit our school to learn more.  Visit the Calendar page for the dates of next School Tours and Events.

To learn more about our application process, please visit the Application Process page.

To apply for Grades enrollment, please visit the Apply page.