Fourth & Fifth Grade: January 27 - 31, 2025

Jan 31

Dear Fourth and Fifth Grade Parents,

First, a heartfelt thank you to all who attended Curriculum Night! It was wonderful to connect in person, reflect on the school year so far, and hear from the Specialty teachers about the enriching experiences they bring to our students. Your presence and engagement mean so much to us! Thank you as well to those able to join us at our All School Meeting this past Saturday.

Last week, we began our journey into Ancient Persia, a key civilization in our Waldorf curriculum. The students explored the Royal Road – Persia’s great highway that connected distant parts of the empire; Zoroaster, the prophet who introduced the ideas of light and darkness, truth and falsehood; Persepolis – the magnificent capital city, with its Grand Staircase and relief carvings, symbolizing the unity of the empire; and Arabic language, with students practicing writing their names in Arabic, appreciating the beauty and structure of the script.

Ancient Persia is important in Waldorf education because it represents a cultural bridge—a time of great wisdom, order, and artistic achievement that connects the mythic consciousness of earlier civilizations to the more individualized thinking that emerges in Ancient Greece. This mirrors the students’ own development as they grow in independence and moral awareness.

We continue to deepen our work with fractions, and this will remain a daily focus through the end of the year. The students are strengthening their understanding through movement, rhythm, and real-world applications.

This week, we will conclude our studies on Ancient Persia and begin our exploration of Ancient India. This block will introduce students to the Vedas, the caste system, early Buddhist teachings, and great epics like the Ramayana, offering insight into a civilization that deeply influenced spiritual and philosophical traditions worldwide.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for sharing this journey with us!

Announcements and Reminders for Fourth/Fifth Grade:

Please sign up for Fourth/Fifth Grade Parent Conferences.

Valentine’s Day: As has been our tradition at The Garden School, please save all student card/gift exchanges for play dates off campus.