6th Grade

In a Waldorf 6th grade, new conceptual capacities are awakening as they near adolescence. The sixth grade curriculum as well as the needs of the individual students become increasingly more complex as they enter and move through middle school. The sixth grade experience is a firm and intentional step into the outer world. As the children near age 12, changes in their physical body are dramatic. Hormones begin to affect the feeling and emotional life, as well as physical maturity - the differences between male and female development becomes an area of interest. As students’ feeling world begins to quickly change, they study Geology and Mineralogy, learning about volcanoes, which can mirror inner explosive feelings of puberty. The class typically takes a field trip to Mt. Lassen to experience an active volcanic atmosphere and to push their bodies with a hike up the mountain, 10,000 feet up. There is increased awareness of gravity and weight in their bodies - and Astronomy is studied. The outdoor field trips bring opportunities for night sky observations. The themes of sixth grade are carefully chosen to meet both the inner and outer child and the significant changes of puberty. Sixth grade students are ready to grasp cause and effect which opens up a new way to approach subject matter. Students are often interested in establishing order and structure, and the study of Ancient Rome and Medieval times are the perfect backdrop for these times. There is a quest for beauty, contemplation and justice and there study of the Middle Ages meet this well.