7th Grade



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.

​

Language Arts


  • Composition
  • Spelling
  • Reading
  • Grammar
  • Poetry
  • Speech
  • Drama
  • Creative Writing



Mathematics


  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Graphs
  • Positive & Negative Numbers
  • Formulas



Natural Sciences


  • Human Physiology & Nutrition 
  • Physics (continued)
  • Mechanics
  • Current Electricity
  • Chemistry: Inorganic 


Earth Sciences

​

  • Lands & Oceans

  • ​Physical Geography of the world 



Social Sciences


  • Renaissance
  • Age of Exploration



Fine Arts


  • More advanced watercolor Painting
  • Form and Freehand Drawing
  • Advanced Drawing
  • Charcoal drawing
  • Pastels
  • Modeling
  • Class Play



Handwork


  • Advanced wet felting
  • Making wet felted slippers
  • Continuing sewing with dollmaking


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.


Music


  • Recorder
  • Singing in parts and in rounds
  • Strings- Violin and Viola
  • Music reading & writing 


 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.

​


Physical Education


  • Team games/ Ball Games
  • Cooperative Games
  • Continuation of Medieval/Greek Games

  • Bi-weekly Hike/Nature-Based Field Trip

  • Recess/Free Play
  • Eurythmy


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.