Children move into the second phase of childhood at the age of six or seven. This change is marked by a new readiness for formal learning.
Fairy tales from around the world, animal tales, nature stories and stories of enlightened people nourish the class. In first grade, an appreciation and familiarity with the sound of letters and language, combined with a clarity and strength in handwriting practice are emphasized. For the Seconds, in-depth, complex and formal reading instruction takes place. For all, a thorough understanding of the meaning and relationships between numbers is practiced through highly visual and physical math activities that involve all four math processes. In addition, outdoor time, free-unstructured imaginative play, handwork, flutes, singing and movement circles round out and support learning during this enjoyable year.
At this age every child is an artist. The teachers address each child’s learning with pictures and stories, in color, rhythm, movement, outdoor time and music. What is learned becomes a living part of the child.
A Sample Grade One Rhythm
