Waldorf 5th Grade Geometry Curriculum: Building a Strong Foundation
A freehand geometric form of growing circles.
In Waldorf curriculum, fifth grade marks the beginning of geometry studies.
Thus far, students have built their understanding of forms through Form Drawing lessons and their abilities in spatial awareness, pencil grip, balance and symmetry have grown through those experiences.
In fifth grade, it's time to jump into Geometry, and begin exploring its foundations!
The fifth grade child is in a particularly special time in childhood, often referred to as the “golden age.” Physically, they are balanced and graceful; stronger and more sure in their movements than that of a young child, and without the awkwardness that often marks the physicality of a teenager.
Inwardly, they are uniquely in-between the magic of early childhood and the realism of middle school. They are discovering a newfound curiosity and desire to understand how the world works in the present and what has happened in the past – all while finding beauty and magic in every aspect.
Finding beauty in truth- the fifth grader is ready to explore geometry!
Fifth grade geometry curriculum is rich, challenging, and fun!
Geometry is everywhere, and one aspect of the fifth grade curriculum is finding geometry in nature, history, and all around us! The pyramids of ancient Egypt, the columns of ancient Greece, petals on blooming plants in Botany, exploring the patterns of music: geometry fits into all these subjects in various ways. Fifth graders have a fascination for the world around them, and finding geometry in different and unexpected places cultivates an appreciation and sense of wonder for the subject.
With geometry comes a whole new set of vocabulary and meanings, and it is important that the fifth grader explores these in a way that feels alive and engaging.
Instead of simply memorizing terms and definitions, vocabulary can be explored through movement and hands-on experiences to forge connections. For example, instead of discussing what “circumference” means, a fifth grader may walk the circumference of a large circle drawn with chalk. A “diameter” and “radius” can be created with popsicle sticks; quadrilaterals can be compared through a dramatic skit about the evolution of angles and sides. The fifth grader gains true understanding of vocabulary through doing, exploring, and connecting.
Drawing freehand is a key aspect of the fifth grade curriculum- no tools just yet, as those will be introduced in sixth grade. The fifth grader is experiencing a balance and symmetry in their own physical bodies and inner life that will soon change through puberty, so it is a truly perfect time to cultivate their relationship with geometry without leaning on anything other than their own skills and abilities.
Drawing freehand is all about practice and improvement- not perfection!
With finding geometry in nature and experiencing its language through doing, the fifth grader dives into drawing forms. Variations of triangles, circles, and quadrilaterals are drawn throughout many practice sessions, all culminating in a “final form” which is beautifully shaded and created with care and effort.
In a practical sense, the practice of drawing builds their capacities in creating geometric forms that are accurate and balanced. As well, drawing freehand connects the child with geometry on a deep soul level, because they have experienced it in a direct and organic way.
Geometry curriculum evolves with the growing child as they progress through middle school and beyond. The sixth grader will learn to use tools, the seventh grader finds patterns and sequences, and the eighth grader shifts their thinking into the abstract and 3D world.
But to move forward into the upper grades and the ever more complex world of geometry, the student needs a strong and true foundation that is cultivated through the fifth grade curriculum.
Are you looking to bring freehand geometry into your homeschool classroom? We can help!
Click here to learn more about our course that provides a full year’s worth of geometry curriculum for the growing fifth grader.
About the Authors
Robyn Beaufoy is Waldorfish’s CEO, and also a course instructor for Simple Season (coming soon!), Waldorf Art for Beginners, and Weekly Art Foundations. You’ll find her intuitive touches and influences throughout everything Waldorfish offers. Robyn has been in the world of education for over 25 years, with an MA in Education and a certification in Waldorf teaching - she also homeschooled both of her children for some of that time. In 2012 Robyn co-founded Waldorfish.com, creating it with the vision of making Waldorf inspired-art and pedagogy more accessible, joyful, and doable for homeschoolers all over the world.
Caitlin Amajor is Waldorfish’s course instructor for Geometry grades 5 & 6, and Botany, as well as our Administrative Assistant. From a young age, Caitlin has been immersed in Waldorf education, attending a Waldorf school from K-8. After receiving a BA in History, Caitlin gained her certification in Waldorf teaching, and spent seven years as a Waldorf class teacher in the upper grades. With a special fondness for watercolor painting and geometry, Caitlin loves bringing Waldorf education to her students all over the world, and seeing their own individuality and style bloom from the curriculum!