Grade eight

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Teaching as a Lively Art
Marjorie Spock, Anthroposophic Press, Hudson, NY, 1985.

he task of elementary education is to give children an understanding of man and the world, and offer them knowledge so rich and warm as to engage their hearts and wills as well as their minds. Such a basis informs all real intellectual accomplishment in later years. The last year of elementary school not only brings all previous experiences to a new peak, but enables the students to enter meaningfully into life in their own time. They are thoroughly prepared for the next phase of their education and their lives.

History, therefore, is an intensive study of the industrial revolution to the modern day, focusing as well on outstanding individuals such as Napoleon, Jefferson, Lincoln and Edison. It culminates in the sweep of American history.

Geography takes up the same theme, showing the role played by every part of the earth in modern industrial civilization. A comprehensive picture is given of the relationship of mineral resources, plant and animal life to the lives of human beings in various regions of the world.

Physics lessons complement these historical and geographical surveys. The practical uses made of man’s knowledge of all the physical sciences are thoroughly explored. In addition to further studies in acoustics, thermodynamics, mechanics, climate, electricity and magnetism, students are now introduced to hydraulics, aerodynamics, and meteorology.

Chemistry is also considered relative to industry. In organic chemistry, fats, sugars, proteins and starches are identified for the roles they play in building organic matter.

Mathematics emphasizes the practical applications of arithmetic, algebra and geometry. Demonstrations in plane and solid geometry lead to problems in the measurement of surfaces and volume. The study of graphs is introduced. Nature study again takes up human physiology.

Literature focuses on the theme of human freedom in the short story, letters and Shakespearean drama. Painting concerns itself for the first time with highly conscious studies of highlights and shadows in portraits and landscapes. In German and Spanish, students begin study of poetry and metric forms.

Machine sewing an article of clothing, and hand sewing projects are the focus of handwork. Woodworking, devoted to creating toys with moveable parts, requires real skill and imagination. Music takes up Elizabethan music, American music, and symphonic form. Eurythmy complements other studies, with an exploration of poems with tension, relief and contrasting moods.

Physical education and games, as well as international folkdancing, continue.

K • grade 1 • grade 2 • grade 3 • grade 4 • grade 5 • grade 6 • grade 7 • grade 8 • high school