Fifth graders are entering “the golden year of childhood," demonstrating inner and outer balance, strength and confidence prior to the turbulence of adolescence. This golden year is complemented and supported by the themes of beauty and balance in mythology from ancient civilizations, Greek and Egyptian history, botany, and freehand geometry. While education in prior years focused on mythology and imagination, this year we transition to looking, seeing and being curious, while studying historical events and cultures and customs. Fifth graders continue building on their skills in grammar, reading and writing, and begin developing an understanding of abstract concepts as they learn about factoring, decimals and geometry.
The Sixth grade child moves into the indomitable desire to “conquer” the world, challenge reputed truths, and test both inner and outer limits. The curriculum follows how this development is mirrored in history, from the Roman Empire and the rule of kings, Caesars and emperors, to the invasion of the barbarians and the eventual rekindling of faith and chivalry through the Middle Ages. In science, the new subjects of astronomy, mineralogy and physics focus on the observation of phenomena in the world, providing a sense of balance and order to the twelve-year-old’s turbulent inner life. In math, the lawfulness, precision and beauty of geometry are explored with the introduction of the compass, while the pragmatism of business math helps the twelve-year-old become––in the sense of economics––more worldly.
(adapted with language from the Center for Anthroposophy and the New Amsterdam Fifth Grade Overview)
