CLASS FIVE
Fifth grade is a time of relative balance between childhood and adolescence, between the inner feeling world and the emerging world of intellectual objectivity.
The curriculum of the fifth grade mirrors this balance by beginning with the creation myths of ancient Persia, Mesopotamia, Ancient India, and Egypt and culminating in the study of ancient Greece. Students train all year for the pentathlon, a classic Olympiad competition held at the end of the year with other Waldorf schools. They also continue to plot their place in their world and culture through a study of East African Geography and History.
In math, students continue their work in fractions and begin decimals. They begin become accomplished knitters by knitting socks or leg-warmers. They also learn to sing and play recorder in parts to find the balance between the individual and the harmonious whole.
In botany, students begin by observing and drawing the plants, and expand upon their study and observation skills with field trips to surrounding parks, gardens, and nature conservatories.
