The
Chennai
Waldorf School

A Time of Balance and Harmony

Fifth graders have new capacities for thought and reflection, and begin an exploration of human history and world geography. They are creative, confident, and eager to work cooperatively. They have an emerging sense of personal responsibility and community.

 

 

1. LANGUAGE ARTS:​

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•  Literature – Ancient Greece & Ancient China

•  Grammar- Parts of speech, Active and Passive verbs, Types of sentences and Punctuation

•  Creative writing, Letter writing, oral reports and presentation

•  Write simple research reports from student readings and observations

•  Speech work increases in complexity

•  Drama continues with scripted plays, blend of individual parts for each student and choral work

 

2. MATHAMETICS:​

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•  Work with fractions using all four operations (including division of fractions using the reciprocal)

•  Add/subtract mixed numbers by finding common denominators and regrouping

•  Name place values (whole numbers and decimals)

•  Practice four basic operations on whole numbers (multiple digit), long division using estimation and rounding of numbers

•  Know multiplication tables out of sequential order

•  Continue practice in “mental math,” speed calculations

•  Discover prime numbers, factors, common factors, rules of divisibility

•  Decimals – introduce, understand decimal notation, decimal fractions, interchange between fractions and decimals

•  Carry out all four processes with decimals

•  Calculate area and perimeter for rectangles and squares

•  Begin geometry with freehand geometric drawing

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3. SCIENCE:​

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Botany is introduced in Grade 5. Students learn about plants in context to their environment. The development of the complexities of the plant world is studied through the local and extended flora ranging from the primitive fungi to the vascular plants.

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4. HISTORY:

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Ancient History and Mythology are studied beginning with Ancient India, Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt and Greece.  These places are studied mainly through myths, legends, stories, geography and sometimes, cultural experiences.

 

5. GEOGRAPHY:

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Kids learn about the seven neighbouring countries of India..  We look at the configuration of the land and how specific regions are connected to the economics of the area as well as the culture of each place.

 

6. TAMIL & SANSKRIT:

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Activities based on the four skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) are part of the curriculum. Formal grammar is introduced. Songs, poems and story book reading are done regularly.

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7. FORM DRAWING:

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In the fifth grade the children can draw the shapes from the language of nature. The growth forms in the different types of wood can be discovered. The veins of a leaf has a gesture from the centre to the circumference. Threefold and fivefold symmetry discovered in flowers and fruits. Interest for the forms in nature and in the different cultures is stimulated.  Braided patterns are continued and forms drawn from the cultures of India, Persia, Egypt and Greece plant forms, the labyrinth and Acanthus.

 

8. SPECIALITY SUBJECTS:

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Hindi, French, Classical dance, Classical vocal, Performing Arts, Violin, Recorder, Pottery, Painting, Handwork, Origami, Craft and Physical education are done simultaneously.

 

9. PHYSICAL EDUCATION:

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•  ATB (Awareness Through The Body)

•  Cooperative games and sports

•  Gymnastics

•  Yoga

•  Pranayama

•  Tai-chi

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AKSHAR gives lots of importance to the traditional games of Tamil Nadu and KOLAM is also taught to the kids. Separate schedule is set aside for Health & Safety for it is obviously a very important subject.

 

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