After a wonderful experience of being at one with the world students in the third grade begin to experience themselves as separate beings. This is recognized as a realization of selfhood, and at The Waldorf School of Philadelphia we call this the nine year change.

In language arts third grade students formally begin their formal study of grammar through an introduction to the parts of speech. Cursive writing is also introduced. Students also become connected with the practical experiences of life through hands-on learning about measurements, building, farming and gardening. Third grade students will hear stories from the Hebrew Testament which nourish the nine-year-old’s awakening inner life.

Main Lessons:

Arithmetic and measurement, farming, building, Hebrew scriptures, language arts, grammar, cursive writing

Special Subjects:

Gardening, textiles, Spanish, physical education, choral music, handwork, drawing, painting, modeling, Eurythmy, drama, recorder