Seasons of Joy Main Lesson: Colorful Adventures in Parts of Speech and Grammar

In this 8-week Waldorf-inspired class, learners will review the parts of speech while also strengthening their writing skills and striving to construct sentences that are both creative and grammatically correct.

We will begin with a review of the four main parts of speech while looking at what every sentence must have: a noun (naming word), a verb (doing word), a capital letter at the beginning, and a punctuation mark at the end. We will then move into adverbs and adjectives, avoiding run-on sentences, common and proper nouns, proper punctuation in simple sentences, prepositions, conjunctions, and pronouns.

Classes will be structured so that learners will be active and involved. While there will be time spent sitting and writing, we will also play games, move, and share ideas. I prefer to use chalkboards and chart paper and limit tech to the Zoom platform as much as possible, in keeping with Waldorf-inspired philosophy. Additionally, we will utilize other Waldorf techniques such as color-coding the parts of speech, using a main lesson book, writing on unlined paper when possible, and actively learning with our whole bodies. We look at sentences from whole to parts and through storytelling.

My teaching style is creative, collaborative, and interactive. Students will be given lots of time to share ideas with one another and will be encouraged to actively help one another critique and correct their work. No prior knowledge is needed, although coming in with a basic knowledge of nouns, verbs, and how to write a sentence are helpful, as is a basic familiarity of Waldorf education. This class is geared towards fourth grade language arts curriculum. Please note that due to the social nature of this class, it will only run if three or more learners are enrolled.