Starting Waldorf First Grade
Let’s talk all things first grade!
In Waldorf education, there is so much emphasis placed on the transition from kindergarten to first grade, and in many ways, it’s for good reason! The child is ready to transition into the grades, and with that comes a need to approach things a little differently: structure, routine, storytelling, academics, art, and everything in between!
Feeling a little overwhelmed already at how to do it all, and keep yourself sane? We can help.
First, take a nice, deep breath.
Know that you don’t have to do ALL. THE. THINGS. to make a Waldorf grade one curriculum work for you and your child! (And if you’re totally new to homeschooling, click here!)
Start here with our resources and courses; they provide a wealth of information, guidance, and content to support your first grade planning! You’re not alone in this, we promise :)
Let’s get started!
Explore first grade art and all that it entails!
Let’s start at the beginning: what is first grade art curriculum? What kind of artistic experience will the children enjoy in first grade, and what role does the educator play in creating a beautiful and supportive learning space?
We’ve put together this piece as a starting place for you - we’ll be answering frequently asked questions about Waldorf art in first grade, and providing you some helpful resources to help make your artistic journey doable, meaningful, and fun!
Click the image to read more about painting in first grade.
Painting with your first grade child can be a truly rewarding and enriching experience, and it’s easy to get started! Amanda Mercer (our amazing course creator!) and Robyn Wolfe (Waldorfish All-Things Creator) have written a piece that walks one through the “whys” of first grade painting; it’s all about creating a meaningful experience (while keeping it simple, - and who doesn’t love that?!)
“Painting lessons create opportunities for students to develop an intimate understanding of the colors through their imaginations, movement, and imitation. When the teacher brings the lessons in partnership with short verses and stories...the children live into each experience fully. ”
Click the image to read Rev’s form drawing post.
First grade form drawing can be incorporated seamlessly into your weekly curriculum. Need an introduction to form drawing in general? Rev Bowen, our form drawing course creator, has written the perfect post to get you inspired, and to get you started!
“The forms themselves, as finished works, may become beautiful, but they are not nearly as important as the processes through which we explore and embody the movements. Form drawings, as finished pieces, are merely the footprints left in a medium such as pencil on paper, evidence of the wonderful movements of the human being and the cosmos. Form drawing, as a practice, can be an essential path of human development.”
Click the image to read more about storytelling.
Children learn in many ways (through movement, music, and poetry…to name a few!) but one of the key ways a first grader learns is through the ancient art of storytelling!
Traditional first grade Waldorf curriculum uses stories to introduce each letter in the alphabet, each number, and many other aspects as well. Stories create connections, context, and enliven education in a very real way!
Now, you may be saying to yourself, “But I don’t know any stories!” or cringing at the idea of memorizing a fairy tale everyday for a lesson…
Here’s the thing: You already are a storyteller! Seriously!
Our dear friend Sara Renee Logan has written a series of posts that are sure to inspire, empower, and give you the confidence to start incorporating your own stories and others into your weekly routine. Trust us; you’ve got this!
Click here to explore the in’s and out’s of Waldorf art!
We love all things art (can you tell?) and have been reminded time and time again of its value when it comes to enlivening academics with all things artistic.
Have you ever wondered where this approach comes from, and what, exactly, art does for a growing child? Our friend Cristina Havel has written a resource for you, illustrating the true impact of artistic curriculum in Waldorf education.
“Artistic endeavors sharpen two very important human skills: the ability to shape, or see, and the ability to perceive, or distinguish. When practiced over time using diverse techniques across a variety of subjects, something very special emerges: the ability to shape and perceive new ways of looking at the world.”
Waldorf Art for Beginners
First grade art curriculum can include many things: crayon, pencil, watercolor painting…so many options and fun mediums to choose from!
But, are you feeling a little stuck? Like there are too many decisions and things to figure out to incorporate art into your weekly rhythm?
Click the image to learn more about this course!
Waldorf art is for everyone!
We’ve got you covered! Check out our Waldorf Art for Beginners course; not only does it include a variety of techniques and mediums to work with, each lesson provides in-depth guidance and instruction; perfect for those just starting out!
Grade One Painting Course
Watercolor painting curriculum in first grade is truly unique, incredibly special, and completely doable for you to do at home with your child! It’s true!
Amanda Mercer, a Waldorf-trained teacher (and overall cool human) has created a truely supportive course for those wanting to bring watercolor painting to their first grader. Not only do the lessons include original verses and step-by-step guidance, they also show how to cultivate a calm, encouraging, and experiential mood with each progressing lesson.
Why wait to get started?
Click here for a free sample from Grade One Painting!
Get started with first grade watercolor art today!
Click the image to learn more about this course!
Does making form drawing a part of your weekly first grade rhythm sound... Exciting? Daunting? A little bit of both?
Remember, you don’t have to do all the things yourself; let us handle the form drawing curriculum for you!
Rev Bowen, a master Waldorf teacher, has created a course specifically for the first grade child that guides you through the ins and outs and hows and whys; everything you need to bring this rich Waldorf homeschool curriculum into your rhythm and routine!
Click here for a free Form Drawing Lesson!