Waldorf Geometry: Why Do We Wait Until Sixth Grade to Introduce Tools?
Q: Why does Waldorf Geometry wait until grade six to introduce the compass and straightedge?
(This post is part of a series in which we answer the most common questions we receive in our inbox re: homeschooling, Waldorf curriculum/pedagogy, and whatever else comes our way! Click here to read more from the series!)
A: Waldorf education approaches geometry differently than other pedagogies, especially when it comes to the progression of how the material is presented and explored.
One of the primary ways that Waldorf geometry curriculum sets itself apart from other methods, is in the fact that we wait to introduce the compass and straightedge until the sixth grade.
Why? It all goes back to where the child is in their development!
Though simple, geometry tools help to create intricate, varied forms!
To explore sixth grade geometry, we first need to take a step back to fifth grade. The fifth grader is in a very special place in their development. They are experiencing a time of true balance in their physical body, and are still connected with the more mystical and magical aspects of the natural world, while beginning to explore the realities of the world in which they live.
Fifth grade geometry is designed to meet the child right where they’re at in this unique phase of development.
The geometry curriculum is explored using only freehand techniques, (no tools quite yet!) which allows the student to utilize their sense of balance, symmetry and appreciation of beauty all through the lens of geometry. Working freehand allows the child to truly connect on a deep, soul level with the forms; their ability to draw, create, and apply their skills in geometry comes only from within, independent of outside influence or assistance.
When a student enters into sixth grade, everything is beginning to change. They are entering puberty, meaning their emotional and physical being is in flux, and they are often ready for new and more challenging ways to learn.
It’s the perfect time to bring tools into the geometry curriculum: a straightedge for the lines, and a compass for the arcs!
A geometry form in progress- all created with a compass and straightedge!
The sixth grader craves a new way of learning, a different way of being challenged, and is looking for order in the new chaos they are experiencing inwardly. The geometric tools provide this experience in deeply impacting and meaningful ways.
With the compass and straightedge, the sixth grader is able to create forms that are precise, orderly, and follow a certain set of rules that are true not only on their paper, but in the whole of the natural world. They have explored these rules in fifth grade, but in a more artistic, free way, and now, they are ready to add in the tools to find a new, more precise perspective on geometry.
Because the student has already explored geometry in fifth grade, the sixth grader does not rely on the tools, instead, tools are used as a way to deepen and enhance their understanding of the vast world of geometry.
As the student is changing, so too must the curriculum, and sixth grade is the perfect time to bring in the addition of tools to geometry. The compass and straightedge, though seemingly simple, provide a vehicle for the student to further their exploration into geometry, and therefore, their exploration into the whole world- mathematics, biology, chemistry, art history - geometry is truly found in everything!
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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!