A new collection of 186 studies show that high levels of time spent in nature are associated with positive mental health, cognitive functioning, and academic achievement benefits for kids, while high levels of screen time are associated with depression, anxiety, …
Fractions: Parts of a Whole
By Jennifer Holt, Fourth Grade Teacher Fostering a sense of wholeness in our community and classroom is foundational to Waldorf Education, and this year is certainly no different. In the Fourth Grade, we are one whole class! And yet, we …
In the News: Teaching Kids to Love Science
At City of Lakes Waldorf School, we take an experiential and project based approach to science, which engages students and sparks their curiosity. It also gives them skills that will help them to be more successful in life and work: …
Teaching American History for Our Times
By Jessica Crawford, 8th Grade Teacher The Waldorf approach to history is founded on the idea that human consciousness has evolved over time—and is still evolving. An important point to make right off the bat, and one that has dawned …
In the News: How Learning a Musical Instrument Increases Brain Power
New studies from MIT and the University of Zürich show that when it comes to teaching kids, it’s music—not coding—that actually has long term transferable developmental, cognitive, and academic benefits. According to a summary of the January 2021 study conducted …
A Peek Into First Grade, Part II: Regulation
By Peter Lawton, First Grade Teacher This is the second of a two-part “peek” into the first grade and the four ‘R’s of Waldorf education. The first part explored the first three ‘R’s—reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic. This second part addresses …
In the News: Why Social-Emotional Learning is More Important Than Ever
Teaching social-emotional skills is critically important, both for helping students to be resilient in challenging circumstances, as well as building the empathy and emotional intelligence that students will need for their future. Hand-in-hand with our outstanding academics, our curriculum focuses …
“The Fierce Urgency of Now”: A Peek into 5th Grade
You may have noticed the vibrant installation along the fence in front of our school building—letters made out of twigs and yarn that spell out Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s powerful words: “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” We have our …
In the News: The Importance of Intrinsic Motivation
Research has shown that motivation flourishes when students feel autonomous, supported and competent. According to the New York Times, “Intrinsic motivation is the one [motivation type] that tends to be prized in educational circles, and with good reason. It is …
A Peek Into First Grade
By Peter Lawton, First Grade Teacher First grade is all about the traditional four ‘R’s—reading, ‘riting, ‘rithmetic, and regulation! Reading As part of our various reading activities, students “gather” letters/sounds from the fairy tales they are told each day. Sounds, …