Innovative Curriculum
When considering the school day – for all ages of children – the whole child is considered. Throughout the each day, the well-rounded innovative curriculum includes a variety of subject classes. Children continue learning through many different modes of learning. Main lesson typically begins with introductory activities that may include singing, instrumental music, and poetry. In order that students can connect more deeply with the subject matter, academic instruction includes artistic work that includes story-telling, visual arts, drama, movement, vocal and instrumental music, and crafts. Students also have a variety of subject classes, with specialist teachers, each day: Movement/PE, World Language, Handwork, Instrumental Music that complements the morning academic work.
Waldorf Experiences
- Social-Emotional Curriculum
- Technology as a Tool
- Environmental Education
- Current Events
- Community Service
- Enterprise & Fundraising
- Outdoor Education
- Field Trips
- Regional Events
- Community Festivals
At the beginning of the school day, elementary school students delve into a two-hour academic lesson, or “main lesson”. In main lesson, student work on thematic units as project-based meaningful experiences. Academic topics are woven together: literacy and math as well as social studies and/or science. The core curriculum during main lesson includes language arts, math, history, geography, and science with introductory activities that may include singing, instrumental music, and poetry. In order that students can connect more deeply with the subject matter, academic instruction includes artistic work that includes story-telling, visual arts, drama, movement, vocal and instrumental music, and crafts.
Collaborative Learning
In classes, students are the active participants. Social-emotional learning comes first so that all children feel emotionally secure and ready to learn with an innovative curriculum. Teachers, especially in the younger grades but even up into middle school, pause academic lessons to address students’ concerns. Time is built into the daily schedule for students to learn to regulate their own senses. Celebrating unique strengths and talents as well as working on areas for growth, are made easier by a sense of engagement as contributing community members. Cooperation takes priority over competition. This classroom motivation approach also extends to physical education; competitive team sports are introduced when children are a little older and can appreciate the responsibility.
Boulder Valley Waldorf School 