Lower School Curriculum
Green Meadow is a private school that inspires true engagement in learning.
Overview
Our rich, integrated Lower School curriculum is designed to engage the vivid imaginative nature of the child from ages 7-11, weaving together storytelling, geography, history, nature studies, world language and world culture, with practical arts, music, gardening and community service work. Our teachers stay with their class through several grades, helping develop a classroom community as the students move through their academic journey confidently.
The waldorf Difference
The Morning Lesson
The morning starts with a rich, hands on integrated Morning Lesson. Meeting a subject area through varied lenses children develop a rich inner tapestry of understanding. Teachers loving interest and careful observation, guides lesson planning so that each child can be well met. Academics, arts, movement, and hands on learning shapes each morning lesson.
a unique private school
Lower School Curriculum
In the Lower School years, the child’s burgeoning intelligence grapples with ever-larger horizons—in time and space, in history and science. Students are engaged in a curriculum that highlights hands-on learning and seamlessly integrates academics and the arts. Each discipline enriches the other, deepening students’ understanding of all subjects. All grade school students participate in world languages (Spanish and German); vocal and orchestral music; handwork and woodwork; science, math, movement, history, and language arts.
We Let Children Be Children
As the students grow and develop physically, and we help them to grow academically, we don’t lose sight of their childhood. Outdoor recess twice a day at all ages lets our students imagine, play and move in the ways they need to be healthy and happy, while practicing social awareness and skills. Vibrant festivals bring the whole school together for seasonal celebrations and keep joy and spirit in the curriculum.
Grades 1-3
Children move from early childhood into the second phase of childhood at age six or seven. This change is marked by a new readiness for formal learning. These are the years in which every child, no matter what their gifts, is an artist at heart, and the teacher’s task is to inform intellectual knowledge with aesthetic experience. All subjects, mathematics, science and social studies, woodwork and knitting, sports and second languages (both German and Spanish) are taught imaginatively and artistically. The teachers address the children’s feelings as well as their intellect – in pictures and stories, in color, rhythm, drama, and music. Thus, what is learned becomes a living part of the child and the class community.
Grades 4-5
Our developmental curriculum takes note of a significant change toward the end of a child’s tenth year. There is an awakening to a new sense of self and a related change in the relationship with the environment. At this time natural science and history are introduced as subject areas. In an age appropriate manner, the students gain a greater degree of autonomy in their work. Emphasis is placed on developing good habits with regard to homework and music practice. This “second phase” of the elementary school grows organically out of the first three years.
Beyond the Classroom
Ready to Join Our Community?
Green Meadow is transforming education, and we want your family to join us in our mission.
