Lower School Grades 1 -5

Waldorf students formally begin their academic journey in first grade building from the early childhood groundwork in imagination, rhythm, and reverence for the natural world. Through storytelling, foundational work in language, mathematics, and nature studies, children begin to nurture both their intellect and inner life. Practical arts such as knitting and crocheting are introduced, helping to develop fine motor skills, patience, and will. Eurythmy, a movement art unique to Waldorf education, brings stories and sounds into physical expression, growing coordination, spatial awareness, and a connection between body and mind.

Throughout the grades, subjects are brought to life through vivid narratives, artistic exploration, and hands-on experiences that align with the developmental stage of the child. By the end of fifth grade, students have built a strong academic foundation rooted in beauty, rhythm, and meaning—carrying through the awe of early childhood into the middle school years, where a more focused inquiry is supported by their teacher, who guides them toward independent thinking, growing self-awareness, and a deeper sense of responsibility in the world.

Our well-rounded, holistic education is truly whole-child—developing their inner life as much as their social and academic one. Learn more about how we teach.

Memorization and Recitation

A cornerstone of Waldorf education is the memorization and recitation of lyrical and narrative texts—cultivating both intellect and expression. Students begin each day with spoken verses that enliven language and foster a shared rhythm within the classroom. Over the years, they commit songs, poems, and dramatic texts to memory, culminating annually in a class play that brings literature and history to life. As they grow, students also present book reports and deliver short presentations, learning to internalize and articulate their own ideas with clarity and confidence.

This intentional emphasis on memorization increases cognitive abilities and strengthens neural pathways. Through regular recitation and performance, students gain confidence, poise, and a lifelong facility with language—laying the groundwork for future academic achievement and expressive capacity.

Main Lesson Block

A unique component of Waldorf—and now more frequently used in project-based learning programs—is the main lesson block. All children begin the first few hours of their day with their Class Teacher, immersed in a subject or theme, which continues for two to three weeks. 

The following chart is a rough outline of class curriculum. Freedom in teaching is a core pedagogical philosophy and teachers are encouraged to innovate and explore within the curriculum to best fit the needs of the class. Click on the PDF image below to enlarge.

Daily Rhythm at PWS

  • JUMP ROPE | Each day begins with joyful movement for students in grades 1–5. Jump rope offers a rhythmic, full-body warm-up that activates both body and mind—laying the foundation for focused learning throughout the morning.

  • MORNING HANDSHAKE | As the school day begins, every student from grades 1–8 is greeted personally by their teacher with a handshake. This quiet moment of connection is a gesture of mutual respect, presence, and recognition, setting a tone of trust and attentiveness.

  • DAILY VERSE | The classroom day opens with spoken verse—poetry committed to memory and recited aloud. These verses, selected to align with the developmental stage of each grade, inspire reverence for nature, learning, and the unique spirit within each child.

  • MAIN LESSON BLOCK | The first two hours of each morning are devoted to an immersive main lesson, focusing on a single subject or theme from the core academic disciplines: language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies. This deep-dive approach cultivates concentration, curiosity, and a meaningful connection to the material—nurturing skills especially vital in today’s fast-paced, media-saturated world.

  • SPANISH AND MANDARIN | Students begin to learn languages at an early age in Waldorf classrooms because it builds strong neural connections in the brain and fosters a respect and interest in different cultures and experiences.

  • HANDWORK | Through the art of sewing, knitting, and crocheting, students develop fine motor coordination, patience, and perseverance. Creating tangible, useful items—such as dolls, pincushions, or blankets—instills a quiet confidence and a joyful sense of accomplishment.

  • CLASS PLAY | Each year, every class produces and performs a play. Students collaborate to learn lines, build sets, sing, and embody characters—developing expressive language skills, teamwork, memory, and a deep sense of creative ownership

  • WOODWORKING | In our woodworking classes, students learn to shape wood with their hands—sawing, sanding, and constructing tools, toys, or stools. These tactile experiences cultivate spatial reasoning, craftsmanship, and pride in making something lasting and real.

  • MOVEMENT | Children thrive when they move. Daily movement classes provide space for games, coordination, and collaborative physical activity, reinforcing both social skills and physical health.

  • EURYTHMY | Unique to Waldorf education, Eurythmy is a movement art that brings language and music into form through gesture and rhythm. These mindful, flowing exercises support brain integration, emotional balance, spatial awareness, and group harmony.

  • MATHEMATICS | Math is integrated into students' daily lives, including 15-20 minutes worth of homework each evening as they move into middle school. Fundamentals are built upon throughout the younger grades, working towards geometry and algebra as they progress through the grades.

  • ART | Art is woven into the fabric of Waldorf learning. As students grow, they develop increasing technical skill and aesthetic sensitivity. Artistic practice sharpens observation, nurtures imagination, and opens the mind to new ways of seeing.

  • MUSIC | Music lives at the heart of Waldorf education. Singing is part of the daily rhythm, and students learn to play string instruments in the grades—deepening their emotional expression, mathematical insight, and appreciation for beauty.

  • CHORES | The close of each day includes tidying the classroom. Students rotate responsibilities week to week.

  • CLOSING HANDSHAKE | As the day draws to a close, students once again meet their teacher at the door for a parting handshake—a gesture of gratitude, acknowledgment, and closure after a day of shared learning and growth.

  • Waldorf education is rooted in the spiritual and developmental philosophy of Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophy, which emphasizes the profound inter-connectedness of human beings with both the natural world and the spiritual realm. Learn More

  • PWS is the most established Waldorf School in the Portland Metro Region, and the only Nursery through High School Program in the Pacific Northwest. Our strong roots allow for innovation in the classroom, while our steadfast commitment to Eurythmy underscores our dedication to Anthroposophy. Learn More

  • At Portland Waldorf School, we seek to create an inclusive community where our differences are both valued and acknowledged. Celebrating our shared humanity and striving to be our best selves is a priority. Learn More

  • Our entire school campus is a cell-phone free zone. Technology, like daily access to laptops and instructional presentations, is used only in the high school as a tool to help adolescence achieve their specific goals purposefully. Read more

  • Educational Support at Portland Waldorf School is thoughtfully interwoven into the curriculum, honoring each child’s unique developmental journey. From early childhood through sixth grade, our Educational Support Teacher and Administrator works closely with students using a holistic blend of integrative movement, artistic exercises, and academic guidance - methods that nurture both the will and the capacity to learn with purpose and joy.

    In middle school, students are supported by an Educational Support Teacher and curriculum geared toward the growing capacities of early adolescence, while high school students are supported by a robust Life Skills curriculum and program aimed at addressing the needs of the growing adolescent. Both programs build confidence, and help with making informed decisions, problem-solving, communicating effectively, and developing coping and self – management skills that will help them lead a healthy and productive life.

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