“My children are thriving at Tamarack, where the expectations are developmentally appropriate and learning is integrated with art, outdoor learning, and emotional well-being. The teachers care deeply for the children and go above and beyond to foster community.”
LOWER GRADES CURRICULUM
At Tamarack Waldorf School, our faculty develop classes that grow gradually with the children. From dreamy first grader to truth-seeking eighth grader, each year focuses on an overarching theme.
Teachers begin with fairy tales as a way to introduce writing, reading, mathematics and science, then build through the years onto fables and Old Testament stories, and Norse mythology.
Our teachers move with the students for the first five years.
In Waldorf education, teachers stay with their class as they move through the lower grades. This allows for a continuity of care and understanding of their class’s unique composition.
Read more about
a day in the life at Tamarack….
Grade One
Grade Two
Grade Three
Grade Four
Read more about
our specialty classes
Applied Arts & Handwork
Drawing, form drawing, painting, and beeswax modeling are an integral part of our curriculum. These artistic practices nurture creative thinking while beautifully complementing the logical, sequential thinking developed through math and science.
Our handwork curriculum—knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitch—offers a steady progression of skills that supports healthy childhood development, fostering focus, perseverance, coordination, and confidence along the way.
Music
Music is an essential aspect of who we are as individuals, and a valuable part of the Waldorf educational experience. Every student has the capacity to participate and engage in music-making to harmonize and lift their inner nature.
In grade one students receive a pentatonic flute to help develop a sense of musicality. Students hone their listening and memorization skills as well as work on hearing tempo, beat, and melodies. Students learn how to play the ukulele beginning in grade four.
Drama & Speech
In our drama program, children learn public speaking skills, work on memorization of lines and songs, and progress to take on more and more ownership of the plays.
The first grade class typically presents a fairy tale or folk tale that they recite in unison. This helps support the children that might not be ready to present lines independently. As the student’s advance, teachers become aware of each child’s strengths and capacity, and intentionally choose plays and roles that help support the children. Read more on Class Plays in Waldorf Schools.