Galileo
10:00am – 3:00pm Fridays
Galileo / Ages 8 - 10
Scroll down to view more detailed class descriptions for our 8-9 age group.
Main Lesson Teacher: Ms. Lynlee
Students join us on Fridays from 10:00am to 3:00pm for a Waldorf-inspired schedule that includes: Main Lesson, Yoga/Mindfulness, Lunch, Main Lesson (continued), and Botany.
MAIN LESSON- The main lesson is a deep dive into a subject for a period of time. Important skills will be incorporated, such as writing and composition, grammar, literature, the arts, math, vocabulary, spelling, and more. Storytelling, art activities, practice with writing, grammar, spelling, poetry, and sharing with the class may all be infused into this time and the teacher will differentiate instruction based on student skill level. Example topics include: local geography, Norse Mythology, marketplace, cursive and creative writing, measurement, speech and debate and more. This class will include engaging projects and activities to reinforce each topic. Additional main lesson activities are outlined below.
Artistic Projects- will consist of a variety of activities ranging from crafts, puppets, drawing, painting, and modeling. Art is the foundation for creativity and innovation, it can be centered on a theme or free flowing, and it’s also a time to teach children to take pride in their work and to sometimes move at a slower, more peaceful, pace.
Outdoor and Recess Times- These activities will be incorporated into the day so that students have a natural balance of active play time and time to quietly focus.
YOGA/MINDFULNESS- This class begins with an alignment-based yoga practice to build strength, mobility, and body awareness. We then take those physical skills to our mental and emotional lives. We learn skills to help us regulate emotions, navigate fear, increase self-compassion and self-confidence, and strengthen our relationships.
BOTANY Class: Exploring the Magic of Plant Life-
Step into a world of wonder as we dive into the beauty and mystery of plant life in this engaging and nature-inspired botany class. Designed to awaken a child’s connection to the Earth and her green treasures, this class combines science, storytelling, and hands-on exploration to nurture a lifelong love for the natural world. Children will venture outdoors to identify local plant species, observe their unique characteristics, and create their own nature journals filled with drawings, notes, and personal discoveries. Through guided activities, they will develop an intimate relationship with the Earth and its green guardians. This class weaves together the science of botany with the enchantment of nature, encouraging children to see plants not just as living organisms, but as sources of inspiration, wonder, and connection. By fostering a sense of magic and mindfulness, we aim to cultivate respect, curiosity, and love for the Earth. No prior knowledge is necessary—just a sense of wonder and a love for being outdoors. Join us in discovering the magic that grows all around us!
What We’ll Discover:
The Secret Life of Plants: Learn how plants grow, thrive, and communicate with the world around them.
Trees as Teachers: Explore the wisdom and importance of trees, understanding their role in our ecosystems.
Photosynthesis Magic: Uncover the fascinating process that powers plant life and sustains our planet.
Native American Plant Stories: Hear traditional tales and wisdom about plants and their uses, fostering a deep respect for cultural heritage and nature.
WALDORF FESTIVALS
Our students spend time preparing for Waldorf festivals and holidays. These are special times to learn about and celebrate. This will be a time for storytelling, art, crafting, literature, poetry, song, and excitement. Examples of festivals or seasonal days include Martinmas, Michaelmas, Christmas, Candlemas, St. Nicholas Day, May Day, and more. We will work on crafts and art projects to further enhance your family celebrations at home. We will not focus on the religious aspects at school, but encourage you to do so at home or make it your own in however works best for your family. These special festivals are integral to the rhythm of life and passing of the seasons. In celebrating seasonal holidays, the goal is to develop in the child (and adult) a sense of the rhythm of the seasons and the passage of time, and a sense that there is something bigger than himself.
“The original idea of any sacred festival is to make the human being look upward from his dependence on earthly things to those things that transcend the Earth.” – Rudolf Steiner
Even more than that, though, we take these moments as opportunities to show gratitude both for the time we’ve been granted together, and anticipation of the gifts of time that lies ahead.
Waldorf Answers explains our focus on festivals further:
“Seasonal festivals serve to connect humanity with the rhythms of nature and of the cosmos. The festivals originated in ancient cultures, yet have been adapted over time. To join the seasonal moods of the year, in a festive way, benefits the inner life of the soul. Celebrating is an art. There is joy in the anticipation, the preparation, the celebration itself, and the memories.”