In Eighth Grade, each student is asked to undertake an in-depth, independent research project. Shepherded by Eighth Grade Class Teacher, Joseph O’Donnell, and supported by mentors within and beyond our WSL Community, the students this year were encouraged to select a topic that truly drew them in deeply.
Read MoreThe Seventh Grade just completed their latest Science Block in Inorganic Chemistry, guided by guest teacher Jeanette Voss. The class's studies began with a look at the origin and history of both the word and the practice of Chemistry. Investigation, experimentation and observation of the four primary elements of matter (fire, water, air and earth) were all a part of the work.
Read MoreCurrently, in the second grade classroom, you’ll find a beautiful chalk drawing from the tale of Malindy and the Devil, an African American Folktale familiar in areas of Virginia, Georgia and the Carolinas. The image and story come from the book Herstories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales and True Tales. In second grade, the students are moving from the fairy tales of first grade to stories of the saints, fables and folktales. They are exploring the realm of human traits, the polarities from the good to the bad. These morality tales instruct them on how to be good friends and classmates, creating a cohesive community.
Read MoreThe eighth grade recently finished their Main Lesson block: Revolutions. The exploration focused on the French, American, and Industrial Revolutions. As part of their study, the students designed and created artistic projects over three weeks, presenting pieces relevant to the particular time period or the theme of change, including: paintings, models, creative writing, clothing, and multi-media sculpture. They also took in field experiences, visiting the Lexington Green and sites along the Freedom and the Black Heritage Trails.
Read MoreThe sixth grade has just completed their Medieval History block, concluding with the Ceremony of Noble Good, often referred to as the Knighting Ceremony. The Ceremony stands as an opportunity to commemorate and celebrate an important rite of passage—moving from childhood into young adulthood.
Read MoreCongratulations to the seventh grade on their extraordinary performance of Don Quixote! The play was an incredible tour de force, with dynamic staging and costuming, puppetry, music and wonderful acting. Bravo!
Read MoreRecently, in the third grade’s currency math block, the students had a wonderful time creating their own merchandise for the various stores in the “Third Grade Snowflake Mall.” After making gifts in school and at home, the students priced their items and each child was given an allowance of “school money” to spend at the mall.
Read MoreDuring their journey through the grades, Waldorf students learn of, and through, a broad range of world religions and cultures. Within this array, students experience the contributions and perspectives that each worldview brings to every discipline, from math, science and astronomy to music, art and culture. These rich explorations of different cultures and worldviews are matched with the developmental needs of the students.
Read MoreThe Autumn season brings two celebrations to the Spanish classroom: Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) and the Day of the Dead “Dia de los Muertos.”
Read MoreAt the beginning of the school year, the third grade embarked on a project to solar dye wool felt that they would then sew into pencil cases. Through this hands-on project, the students discovered how elements from the natural world are used in practical aspects of life, such as garment manufacturing. Learning was brought to life as the students actively participated in the process of fabricating their own pencil cases—they were inspired by the beautiful colors rendered by the plants while gaining some dexterity in the process!
Read MoreMany of our classes have incorporated Black History within the context of their curriculum, not only for this month, which is Black History Month, but throughout the school year.
Read MoreThe third grade recently embarked on their Measurement Main Lesson, which included skill-building, hands-on experiences with distance, height, width, weight and time measurement calculations as well as money. The class will explore other “life skills” this year, such as cultivation of food, building of shelters and the manufacture of garments. By gaining experience in these life skills, students begin to see the world objectively, which demystifies it and contributes to their confidence and ability to engage with the world around them.
Read MoreThis Lunar New Year we say goodbye to the year of the Ox—and greet the energy of the Tiger. Popular interpretations suggest that the Year of the Tiger will be about making big changes. This will be a year of risk-taking and adventure. We’re finding enthusiasm again, both for ourselves and for others. Everyone is fired up, generosity is at an all-time high and social progress feels possible again. Here at WSL, the students in grades 1–5 have been preparing for this holiday in Mandarin Class.
Read MoreGeometry teaches flexible thinking. Apart from knowing the traditional concepts of symmetry, triangles, parallel lines, angles, etc., it teaches students to visualize objects and to think about or to reason about their spatial relationships. In the 8th grade geometry block called, Mensuration, Stereometry, and Loci, the class practiced the constructions of geometric forms, built Platonic/and Archimedean solids, and created beautiful depictions of functions in the study of curves, called loci.
Read MoreOn Wednesday, October 27, our seventh and eighth grade students with some faculty and staff, had the opportunity to meet Simon Gronowski and hear him speak. Mr. Gronowski, who is 90 years old, traveled to the US from his home in Belgium to be honored as a co-recipient of the 2021 Terezin Legacy Award and to meet with the students at the Waldorf School of Lexington.
Read MoreThursday, September 9th marked the first day of our 51st school year, and we are so happy to be back! Despite the damp weather, the day commenced with joy and anticipation; students and teachers were ready to begin this new school year.
Read MoreDue to safety regulations during the pandemic, it was not possible to continue our music program for the wind players without making significant changes. We transitioned to Orff instruments in order to give the wind players a way to continue with an ensemble experience—to continue developing their rhythmic and listening skills. Join Mr. Glenn Dickson, our Wind Instructor & Orchestra Leader, as he gives a view into our Middle School Orff classes.
Read MoreMany in our community had the opportunity to view some, or all, of the Inauguration proceedings on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. It was a rich experience, filled with history, symbolism and inspiration. Learn how our Middle School teachers brought this event into their classrooms.
Read MoreWaldorf teachers are considering their curricula for all grades with diversity and equity issues in mind. How can we teach our students to talk about race? How can we equip them to see, hear and understand different points of view? How can we help our students create a future that brings the promise of the United States Declaration of Independence to fruition for all?
Read MoreThe seventh grade year, a year full of the dramatic transformations of adolescence, is a perfect time for chemistry! In this latest blog post, written by Seventh Grade Class Teacher Lauren Smith, discover how our middle school science program offers direct, observable experiences of scientific phenomena both inside the classroom and in nature. This practice allows the students’ observations to lead to their own conclusions.
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