Laying the Foundation for Lifelong Learning

The Class 1 curriculum at Nairobi Waldorf School Trust is designed to ignite curiosity and instill a love for learning. By integrating academics with creativity and practical activities, we nurture the intellectual, artistic, and physical development of each child. This year is dedicated to cultivating positive classroom habits that will support their educational journey ahead. The students, along with their teacher, lay the groundwork for a strong and evolving relationship, while fostering a sense of community and collaboration within the class during this important year of new beginnings.

Main Lesson: A Dynamic Start to the Day

The Main Lesson is the cornerstone of the Class 1 curriculum, offering an immersive two-hour session each morning. Key topics are introduced through engaging storytelling, imaginative exploration, and hands-on activities. Highlights include:

• Language Arts: Introduction to consonants (B, D, F, G, etc.) through storytelling and dynamic movement, fostering early literacy and creative expression.
• Mathematics: Exploration of numbers and their archetypes (e.g., “one” represents unity), counting up to 100, and working with Roman and Arabic numerals to build numerical literacy.
• Form Drawing: Developing motor coordination and spatial awareness by drawing straight and curved lines, which lay the groundwork for writing skills.

Specialty Subjects

Class 1 students engage in a variety of subjects that inspire creativity and broaden their skills:

• Music: Singing, recorder playing, and percussion help children develop rhythm, breath control, and vocal production. Songs often align with seasonal themes, culminating in performances during festivals.
• Handwork: Activities such as knitting enhance fine motor skills, patience, and eye-hand coordination while fostering creativity and a sense of accomplishment.
• Painting: Exploring color and form nurtures artistic expression and emotional balance.
• Swimming: Progressive lessons focus on mastering flutter kicks, backstroke, and water confidence, blending physical coordination with water safety skills.
• Games and Movement: Activities like hula hoops, dodgeball, and jump rope build gross motor coordination, spatial awareness, and teamwork.

Kiswahili: Building Language Foundations

Kiswahili lessons incorporate songs, storytelling, and playful interaction to introduce children to greetings, body parts, family members, and numbers. These rhythmic and engaging sessions develop pronunciation, vocabulary, and confidence in using the language.