Fifth GradeA year of confidence, curiosity, and expanding horizons.
Fifth Grade brings a wonderful balance between the imagination of childhood and a growing capacity for thoughtful observation and independent thinking. Students become increasingly capable of taking on meaningful challenges while maintaining a sense of joy, wonder, and connection with those around them.
The curriculum invites students to explore humanity's shared story through the study of the great ancient civilizations of India, Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Through stories, biography, mythology, art, and history, students encounter cultures that continue to shape our understanding of science, mathematics, philosophy, government, and the arts. These studies encourage students to ask thoughtful questions about what it means to live with courage, wisdom, beauty, and integrity.
Ancient Civilizations
As students' awareness of the natural world deepens, they embark on a rich study of botany, discovering patterns, relationships, and the remarkable diversity of plant life. Time outdoors, observation, artistic work, and hands on experiences foster both scientific curiosity and a growing appreciation for the living world.
Botany and the Natural World
Mathematics and Language Arts
Mathematics continues to build strong computational skills while introducing new concepts such as fractions, decimals, ratios, and proportion. Language Arts emphasizes thoughtful reading, expressive writing, grammar, and research, helping students communicate with increasing confidence and clarity.
Geography and Mapmaking
Geography broadens students' understanding of North America through the study of its diverse landscapes, cultures, watersheds, and ecosystems. Artistic mapmaking and project work invite students to see the relationship between people, place, and the natural environment.
The Waldorf Pentathlon
One of the year's most anticipated experiences is the Waldorf Pentathlon, where fifth grade students gather with peers from neighboring Waldorf schools to celebrate the ideals of ancient Greece through athletic events that cultivate perseverance, grace, cooperation, and joyful effort. The experience emphasizes personal growth, respect for others, and the celebration of each student's unique strengths.
Music, Handwork, and Community Life
Throughout the year, students continue to develop creativity, resilience, and practical skills through Music, Handwork, Farming and Gardening, and Games and Movement. These experiences strengthen the capacities of head, heart, and hands while nurturing a deep sense of belonging, responsibility, and care for the greater community.
At Cedar Springs, Fifth Grade is a year of growing confidence, a time when students begin to recognize not only what they are capable of accomplishing, but also the unique gifts they bring to the world around them.
Caitlin Amajor
Our Teacher
Caitlin Amajor is excited to explore the 5th grade curriculum this year! After receiving a BA in History with a European Concentration from UC Santa Cruz, Caitlin gained her certification in Waldorf teaching from Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks, CA. As a class teacher in the upper grades, teaching grades 5-8 over a period of seven years, she gained a deep love for the middle school curriculum and all that it entails. Some of her favorite subjects to teach are Geometry, Physics, Painting, and History. Over the past seven years, Caitlin has worked for Waldorfish.com as a course creator and instructor, as well as an administrative assistant. This work has cultivated a connection with the homeschooling community, and expanded her ability to bring Waldorf curriculum to a wider community through new and creative methods. In her free time, Caitlin enjoys spending time with her family, baking, and traveling.