Moving fully in the world
Movement class is part of the Waldorf curriculum from first through eighth grades.
Children engage in a variety of creative games and exercises during Movement which are designed to supplement classroom learning and provide an opportunity for activity outdoors, in addition to the outdoor free play time during recess. Originating from the same understanding of child development that informs the academic curriculum in a Waldorf school, games are chosen with a purpose. For instance, the Movement teacher may introduce a game designed to emphasize social inclusion or create a lesson which fosters mastery over a sequential set of tasks. They may choose a sport to strengthen endurance or an activity with the goal of learning to play by the rules. Movement is a class much enjoyed by the student body and eagerly looked forward to in the schedule.
In Fifth Grade when the students study Greek history, there is a focus on beauty, form, and athleticism in Movement. The year culminates in a Greek Olympiad where Fifth Grade classes from several regional Waldorf schools gather to compete in a two-day Pentathlon. The Games, designed to imitate the ancient Greek contests, allow students to engage in five Olympic events: long jump, javelin, discus, foot racing, and upright Greek wrestling. Each team includes students from each participating school, providing not only athletic competition but also the opportunity for fellowship and society amongst new friends.
