Sixth Grade

Developmental Profile of an Sixth Grade Child*

In the sixth grade, the harmony and balance often experienced in the previous year fades, and pre-adolescent struggles begin to appear. Physically, the child’s limbs are suddenly growing. Emotionally, the child is at times feeling critical, uncomfortable and longs to be part of a group. The 12-year-old witnesses what may be described as the loss of childhood and the birth pangs of the individual.

At this age, the teacher aims to work with the children’s growing orientation towards the outer world. As new capacities for thinking emerge, the children can be led to understand causal relationships at work in the world. The students can be challenged and are capable of high standards in their school work.

Educational Experience

Sixth grade is the gateway to preadolescence and idealism. The curriculum serves to ground the students, to inspire them to venture out toward the unknown and to offer an introduction to their quest in life. This year is both an ending and a beginning.

History/Social Studies
From Ancient Rome through the Middle Ages.
Literature
Tales of chivalry, poetry, ballads.
English and Grammar
Grammar, descriptive/expository writing, business letters, debates.
Foreign Language
Reading texts, humorous stories, free translation; Latin.
Geography
North and South America; the Earth’s configuration.
Sciences
Physics; geology and mineralogy.
Mathematics
Percentage, money interest, ration, proportion, decimals,
tables & charts, geometric drawing algebraic formula.
Music
Descant, alto, and tenor recorders; strings & winds.
Drawing
Exact geometric drawing, black and white drawing.
Painting
Landscapes, color contrasts, triads, spectrum.
Handwork
Sewing: stuffed animals, pattern making.
Woodwork
Begin using saws, rasps, gouges, etc. to shape wood.
Modeling
Bas-relief in Roman style.
Eurythmy
Tone intervals; bass & treble voices; poems; musical forms.
Physical Education
Circus Arts; Medieval Games.

* The Educational Tasks and Content of the Steiner Waldorf Curriculum, Edited by Martyn Rawson and Tobias Ritcher