6th Grade – Middle Ages
The sixth grade recently started a new block studying the Middle Ages. This rich and multifaceted subject has us traveling all over Europe, learning the geography of the region, hearing stories about knights and chivalry, trying our hands at drawing our own illuminated manuscripts, and exploring castles, architecture, religion, and society.
5th & 6th Grades – Flip Books
The fifth and sixth graders’ last book report was in a flip book format! They read Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, and each one of their carefully drawn flip books was as unique and imaginative as its creator.
See the 7th Grade section for photos of
- 5th, 6th & 7th Grades exchanging Secret Santa gifts
- 6th & 7th Grade Latin America block
5th Grade – Handwork
Fifth graders are managing knitted stitches on three needles to make socks! Creating a three-dimensional project (and then repeating the whole process for the second sock) is a wonderful challenge that the fifth grade students skillfully meet.
6th & 7th Grades – Latin American Studies
Grades 6 and 7 embarked on a study of Latin America during the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Holiday Breaks. They delved into the physical, cultural and political geography of the region and each student chose a country to research more deeply, as well. They chose a wide variety of countries, from Costa Rica to Chile (and many more!)
Latin America is incredibly diverse in all aspects of geography and provided the classes with a deeper understanding of how nations are influenced and how they take charge of their identity. The classes looked at the physical terrain and landscape of these countries as well as the ancient cultures that rose and fell (or survived). Next they looked at the modern day countries of Latin America and discussed important issues relating to them.
Borrowed slates from the first grade classroom help the sixth grade students refine their elephant drawings.
The next step will be to create a final drawing for the paper pattern.
5th & 6th Grades – Physics
The fifth and sixth graders have been marveling over the wonders of physics in light, sound, and heat.
The fifth, sixth and seventh graders are combining this year for a nice-sized orchestra.
A few of the features they are working on:
- “The Avengers”
- “When I’m 64”
5th Grade Ancient India Studies
Fifth grade Ancient India studies culminated in the retelling and illustrating of the Indian epic poem The Mahabarata.
6th Grade Asian Geography
Sixth Grade Asian Geography has focused on understanding the wide diversity of cultures in Asia, cultural gifts, and founding history of several Asian cultures.
5th Grade Botany
The fifth graders explored botany while expanding their experimentation skills. They were able to gain a deeper understanding of how environmental factors affect plants. Have you ever wondered how the sprouting and growth of seedlings might be affected by rotation on a turntable or the addition of salt or sugar to their water source? Ask our fifth graders!
Geometry in Grades 5 and 6
The fifth and sixth grades started a formal geometry class this year and they are loving it! Up until this point, geometry has been experienced through freehand forms. Beginning in first grade with basic shapes and moving through fourth and fifth grade with more complicated forms such as Celtic knots. Around the time of middle school, students are introduced to a more formal style of geometry using tools such as the compass and protractor. Geometry can be a truly magical experience for children as they see what looks like a basic shape unfold into a kaleidoscope of forms. When we marry the practical aspects of geometry such as angles with art, we allow students to engage in the experience of the form while also learning the higher principles of mathematics. This makes it a great deal more fun for them and provides many lessons on forms, their properties, and their relationship to other forms.
Below is an example of a hexagon unfolded into a “hexaflower!” Beautiful shading techniques and designs were chosen by the students. Some 7th graders also provided some of their forms from their geometry block this year.
Mrs. Griffith spent time getting the fifth graders ready for their day of teaching first graders how to knit their first stitches. “Under the fence, Catch a sheep, Back we go, and Off we leap!”
First Knitting Day for 1st Grade
A lovely tradition of Waldorf schools across the world is that each year the fifth graders bring the very first stitches of knitting to the first graders. It is a beautiful pairing because fifth graders are returning to knitting (for the first time since second grade) and are knitting socks at the same time the first graders are seeing knitting for the very first time. The little ones look forward to their time with the big, golden fifth graders, and it brings to the foreground a wonderful, warm part of the fifth graders as they nurture the first graders through this process. The passing on of knowledge is a moving, magical moment!