First Day of Waldorf 6th Grade

Elizabeth (I think I can call Lou, Elizabeth on this blog now) began 6th grade this week. She was eager to see her classmates and excited about her studies this year. 6th grade was Helen's favorite year at Waldorf. There was so much growth, beauty, and truly engaging work.

Some of the highlights of 6th grade include heightened academic expectations (and only 1 recess!), art with the beloved upper grades art teacher, and the year-end Knighting Ceremony and Medieval Games. Here's how her teacher put it:

The sixth grade curriculum offers the students a rich and varied palette of subjects to challenge their newly developing thinking capacities. Studies in history reach back to ancient Rome and continue through the fall of the Roman Empire and into the Middle Ages. The history focus will be supported and enhanced with geography studies of Europe and the Near East. Studies in science begin with the earth and the study of geology and mineralogy and move to the expanse of the stars and the study of astronomy. There will be an introduction to physics. Math studies include an introduction to geometry and support practical thinking through a study of percent and business math. English studies will continue throughout the year through the deepening of reading, writing, spelling and grammar skills.

The year has started off with a bang. Lou is reading From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and is examining character, setting, and other elements of the book. She has begun European geography with a family immigration research project. She's deep into a complete review of all past arithmetic. She has begun to sew a doll, carve a bowl and learn music for two orchestras.

She's on fire. She came home from her first orchestra rehearsal giggling..."Mom, it was so crazy hard. I loved it!" It's going to be a great year for Lou.

ps: the recipes and comments on my last post were most welcome. I'll be reporting on our new routines soon.