 Each
day begins with Main Lesson, a two hour period devoted to
a particular subject for a block of time, usually three
to four weeks. Academic
subjects are presented imaginatively to engage the whole-hearted
participation of the students: physically, cognitively and
emotionally, incorporating movement, music, modeling, painting
and drawing along with traditional skills.
The Main Lesson is taught by the class teacher, who
leads the students through the grades, one year after another,
building on past lessons and laying the foundation for future
studies.
Main
Lesson is followed by an array of special subjects encompassing
a broad range of activities. All grades participate in foreign languages,
physical education, eurythmy and handwork. Orchestra, chorus and woodwork are added in the middle grades.
Special subjects are taught by special subject teachers. This multi-faceted approach engages the
children's interest in all subjects and engenders a love
of learning.  Foreign
languages are an intrinsic part of the elementary school
curriculum with an emphasis on conversation and on learning
through doing. Languages are introduced through games, singing, reciting and
plays, with grammar and simple reading beginning in the
fourth grade.
Handwork
and crafts are also an important part of the school curriculum.
Not only do these activities strengthen the will,
they also develop coordination and concentration, a sense
for form and design, and an appreciation for the beauty
in everyday objects.
THE CORE CURRICULUM
| BASICS
|
ARTS |
PRACTICAL
ARTS |
| Science Math
Language Arts
History Geography
Two Foreign Languages
(French and German) |
Recitation and Drama
Eurythmy Instrumental and
Vocal Music Painting
Modeling Drawing |
Handwork
Woodwork Physical Education
Animal
Care Gardening |
OUTDOOR EDUCATION AND ATHLETICS
The Hartsbrook School offers numerous outdoor education
activities and athletics in the upper grades. In the early
grades, students go on nature hikes. By third grade, canoe
and camping trips are planned. Upper grade trips include
a botany trip to Cape Cod, spelunking in 6th grade, a ropes
course in 7th grade, orienteering and an outdoor adventure
for the 8th grade trip. Physical education classes help
the students develop a healthy sense of movement, refine
their athletic skills, and learn the importance of good
sportsmanship. Currently, after-school soccer, skiing/snowboarding,
and ultimate Frisbee are offered with plans to include volleyball,
fencing, lacrosse, basketball, and golf in the near future.
Special
Features of The Grades
| GRADE
1 |
GRADE
2 |
GRADE
3 |
GRADE 4 |
| Pictorial
and phonetic introduction to letters
Reading approached through writing
Arithmetic: Introduction to addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division
Fairy tale, folk tales and nature stories |
Reading and writing
Multiplication tables
Numerical Patterns and forms
Time and calendar work Legends,
Fables & nature stories |
Reading and spelling
Writing original stories
Grammar, punctuation and parts of speech
Cursive writing Multiplication
with higher numbers Weight,
measurement, money Study
of Practical life - farming, housing, clothing
Old Testament stories as an Introduction to History
Begin stringed instruments
|
Reading,
telling, writing, composition and grammar
Introduction to fractions
Nature study - The animal kingdom
Local geography and map making
Norse myths and sagas |
| GRADE
5 |
GRADE
6 |
GRADE 7 |
GRADE 8 |
| Reading,
spelling, compositions, grammar, letter writing
Begin literature and library
skills Fractions, decimals,
freehand geometry Nature
study - the plant kingdom
Physical and Economic Geography
Ancient Civilizations through Greece
Begin orchestra Begin woodworking
|
Letter
writing, grammar and essay writing
Literature and library skills
Earth science Business math,
Geometry, pre-Algebra Introduction
to Physics Physical and Economic
Geography II Roman and Medieval
history |
Grammar, creative
writing, essays and compositions
Algebra and Geometry Physics
II Introduction to Chemistry
Biology - Human Physiology
and Health Cultural Geography
I History of the Renaissance,
Reformation and Age of Discovery |
Creative and expository
writing Grammar review
News reporting Review of
basic Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
Physics III Chemistry II
Biology II - Human Anatomy
and Physiology Cultural Geography
II History - 1600 to the
present |
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