1st Grade
Where stories, numbers, and imagination come alive
First grade is a big step: “real school” begins, but childhood wonder doesn’t end.
At Camellia Waldorf School, our 1st Grade program gently ushers children (around age seven) into the grades with a warm, structured, and imaginative approach. Through rich stories, hands-on activities, and lively movement, students build a deep love of learning that will support them for years to come.
“Our child comes home excited to tell us stories, show us new skills, and share what they’ve learned. We can see their confidence growing week by week.”
Why Families Love 1st Grade at Camellia
1st Grade at Camellia is designed to meet children right at the “seven-year change”—when they’re ready for more formal academics but still learn best through imagination, rhythm, and play.
What makes our 1st Grade unique:
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In-Depth Main Lesson Blocks
Each morning begins with a two-hour main lesson block in a single subject—such as language arts, math, science, history, or geography—when students are most attentive. These blocks last 3–4 weeks, allowing concepts to sink in deeply instead of being rushed. -
Balanced Day: Learning, Recess, and Nature
Academic focus is balanced with recess and time outdoors, including frequent walks and nature observation, so children can move, breathe, and reset. -
Age-Appropriate Homework
Homework is thoughtfully assigned so that it supports learning without overwhelming family time. -
Long-Term Teacher Relationships
Class teachers stay with the same group of students for multiple years, building strong relationships, trust, and continuity that support deeper learning and emotional security.
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A Gentle Beginning to the Grades
Around the age of seven, children transition from early childhood into the middle years—a time often called the seven-year change. In 1st Grade, students arrive with enthusiasm and curiosity, and are welcomed into a classroom where learning is brought with warmth, structure, and beauty.
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Learning Through Story
Children begin to think in images, so the class teacher brings fairy tales from around the world, nature stories, and rich narratives to introduce letters, sounds, and even number concepts. Through these stories, the foundations of writing, reading, and arithmetic are laid in a meaningful, memorable way. -
Active, Engaging Lessons
Learning is kept active and age-appropriate. Students are not expected to sit still for long stretches; instead, lessons are interwoven with movement, rhythm, games, and artistic activities so that head, heart, and hands are all engaged.
1st Grade Curriculum Highlights
Below are some of the key learning objectives for 1st Grade at Camellia Waldorf School, reframed so parents can quickly see what their child will be working toward. Camellia Waldorf
Main Lesson Skills
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Developing positive classroom habits
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Learning to listen, participate, and work within a group
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Practicing focus, comprehension, and respectful communication
Language Arts
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Learning uppercase letters
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Speech and writing exercises drawn from stories
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Oral recitation and choral speaking
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Gentle introduction to reading and early theatre arts
Literature
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Fairy tales from around the world
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Nature stories and poems with strong rhythms
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Folk stories that nurture imagination and moral understanding
Mathematics
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Work with whole numbers
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Introduction to the four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
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Mental math, counting, and estimating skills
Science (Nature Studies)
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Nature-based science through imaginative stories
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Frequent outdoor walks and observation, cultivating curiosity and care for the natural world
Foreign Language
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Spanish introduced with songs, poetry, games, stories, and art activities
Form Drawing
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Practice with straight and curved lines, building spatial awareness, focus, and pre-writing skills
Art
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Wet-on-wet watercolor painting with primary colors
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Drawing with beeswax block and stick crayons
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Creating images related to letters and stories
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Beeswax modeling that strengthens fine motor skills
Music
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Pentatonic flute, singing, and lyre
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Musical experiences that support rhythm, listening, and a sense of harmony
Handwork
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Finger knitting and making wooden knitting needles
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Learning to cast on and count stitches
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Handwork that supports inner math, patience, and fine motor coordination
Movement & Physical Education
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Movement class with fun circles, cooperative and singing games
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Activities that build coordination, balance, social skills, and joy in movement
FESTIVALS
Life in the Wider School Community -
1st Grade students are part of Camellia’s vibrant festival life and community traditions, giving them a sense of belonging and connection beyond their own classroom. Families are invited into seasonal celebrations and school events that mark the turning of the year.
👉 You can learn more about our seasonal festivals on our Festivals page.
More about the 1st Grade
