Kindergarten, First, and Second Grades

Kindergarten

A Waldorf kindergarten is a warm, homey, welcoming environment infused with a comforting and purposeful rhythm of practical activities and imaginative play that help to nourish a sense of wonder while building a healthy foundation for later academic growth. Since young children naturally imitate those around them, it is important to surround children with role models worthy of imitation. Activities such as baking, painting, storytelling, beeswax coloring, modeling with beeswax, gardening, finger knitting, and free play with simple, open-ended toys are the basis of a Waldorf kindergarten experience.

We suggest the following Books and Supplies for the Kindergarten year:

Books
Kindergarten with your 3-6 Year Old (Donna Simmons--Christopherus) A great resource for embarking on a holistic Waldorf kindergarten and pre-school curriculum at home
Coloring with Block Crayons (Sieglinde de Francesca) Step-by step instructions to create luminous drawings using vivid beeswax crayons
LMNOP and all the letters A to Z (Howard Schrager) Introduces the alphabet creatively with lovely illustrations and verses about the letters

Supplies
Beeswax block crayons
Beeswax stick crayons
Stockmar watercolor paint
Good quality watercolor paper
A painting board and resealable glass jars
Modeling beeswax
A variety of natural toys and playthings including silks, simple dolls, wooden blocks, and items from nature such as rocks, shells, etc

First Grade

Children typically begin first grade at age 7 when they are entering a new stage of development. They are beginning to transition from the dreamy state of the very young child to a more imaginative, lively, world eager for more formal learning that addresses their sense of imagination , beauty, and goodness. Waldorf first graders are attuned to the spoken word through fairy tale stories and verses, and will also begin to learn about the written word. They will be creatively introduced to the alphabet and often writing simple sentences by the end of the year. They will also explore the world of numbers and the four arithmetical processes. Other subjects include handwork, foreign language, music, and movement activities. Creative arts are interwoven throughout the curriculum.

We suggest the following books and supplies for First Grade:

Books
Favorite Grimm's Tales All of the classic Grimm's tales, beautifully illustrated
Coloring with Block Crayons (Siegelinde de Francesca) Step-by-step instructions to create luminous drawings using vivid beeswax crayons
LMNOP and all the Letters A to Z (Howard Schrager) Introduces the alphabet creatively with lovely illustrations and verses about the letters
The Wise Enchanter (Shelly Davidow) A wise and enchanting tale of a journey through the alphabet
Knitting for Children (Bonnie Gosse) Easy, satisfying projects for beginning knitters
The Seven Year Wonder Book (Isabel Wyatt) Delightful stories that highlight the rhythm of yearly festivals

Supplies
Large Main Lesson Books
Beeswax block crayons
Beeswax Stick crayons
Stockmar watercolor paint
Large paint brush
Good quality watercolor paper
A painting board and resealable glass jars
Modeling beeswax
Wooden knitting needles and wool yarn
Naturail craft materials
Wooden recorder
A variety of natural toys and playthings including silks, simple dolls, wooden blocks, and items from natures such as rocks, shells, etc.

Second Grade

Second graders are more aware of opposing qualities in the world around them bringing a new aspect of social judgment to their surroundings. Ideas like generosity vs. selfishness and bravery vs. cowardice are illustrated in animal fables and stories of the saints and other holy people that vividly portray qualities such as strength, hope, bravery, and virtue. They may also learn to play simple songs on the recorder and will work with form drawing which will help them with cursive writing.

We suggest the following books and supplies for Second Grade:

Books
The Fables of LaFontaine Well-illustrated fables for Second Grade
Teaching with the Fables: A Holistic Approach (Siegelinde de Francesca) Integrated, holistic, inspiring methods for teaching the fables. This approach is useful for many subjects throughout the grades
The Eight Year Old Legend Book (Isabel Wyatt) Collection of adventure stories based upon tales Buddha told the monks 2,500 years ago. These stories describe how wisdom and thoughtfulness triumph over selfishness and greed.

Supplies
Large main lesson books
Beeswax block crayons
Beeswax stick crayons
Stockmar watercolor paint
Large paint brush
Good quality watercolor paper
A painting board and resealable glass jars
Modeling beeswax
Wooden knitting needles and wool yarn
Additional natural craft materials
Wooden recorder
A variety of natural toys and playthings including silks, simple dolls, wooden blocks, and items from nature such as rocks, shells, etc.