Seventh Grade marks the birth of the intellect with the need to experiment and explore the world. The thirteen to fourteen year old needs to question authority, pushing the boundaries of what is known or allowed. Powers of reasoning are being exercised and judgments about the world are formed. The child is developing the capacity to stand back from its own feelings and with this distance can come perspective, the beginnings of objectivity.
The study of the Renaissance provides a backdrop for much of the seventh grade year, providing lessons in history, science, mathematics, geography, literature and art. The Renaissance artist wished to be recognized for his own work, the scientist challenged old truths with newly developed tools for measuring the world, the religious rebel rejected the dictates of authority and wished to know God directly. Likewise, the adolescent is driven by these forces.
Meeting the adolescent's need for critical judgement, we are more exacting, focusing on measurement in math, science and art. We are hands on whenever possible, grounding concepts in the real world. Independent projects in the Renaissance and Age of Exploration are a means for the student to go deeper into a subject of interest. Language exercise and drama explore the realm of human feeling.
Lands & Oceans
Physical Geography of the world
Seventh graders return to wet felting and the wonderful world of sculpting in three dimensions in wool. There are so many possibilities with felting, but a typical project is to make a pair of slippers. They might also continue with their sewing skills from sixth grade to make a doll by hand.
In the older grades the children begin to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of music, song, instruments and rhythm. The children study music from the times, regions and cultures they are studying to gain a deeper more enriching understanding of different people and movements in consciousness from around the world.
Bi-weekly Hike/Nature-Based Field Trip
Physical activity is a key component in Waldorf education. Seen as a necessity for all children, movement throughout the day supports learning and physical development.