Waldorf Grade 5

Comes in a notepad style block of 100 sheets in assorted colours. 16 x 16 cm.

This is a coloured wax paper, traditionally used in the Netherlands for kite making. It is useful for transparencies, folding stars and many other creative projects.

Colours: blue, dark brown, green, dark blue, lemon yellow, golden yellow, light green, orange, pink, red, white.

Made from cellulose pulp (from trees/vegetation).

Made in the Netherlands.

 

Comes in a notepad style block of 100 sheets in 5 assorted colours. 16 x 16 cm.

This is a coloured wax paper, traditionally used in the Netherlands for kite making. It is useful for transparencies, folding stars and many other creative projects.

Christmas colours: blue, green, yellow, red, white.

Made from cellulose pulp (from trees/vegetation).

Made in the Netherlands.

For the "Classics" series of notebooks from Mercurius, they use extremely high quality, heavy, 120g drawing paper that is excellently suited to wax crayons and coloured pencils as well as ink or indian ink.

The covers are made of heavy, 290 g card with leather embossing and bound with a spiral binding.

The dimensions are such that the entire sheet can be used and therefore the books are, for the most part, 20% larger than the comparable A4 format.  This allows for generous use of the book. Naturally, chlorine free paper in all books from Mercurius.

The transparent onion skin paper prevents drawings or text from being smudged.

32 pages, portrait format, 24 x 32 cm (9.45 x 12.6 inches), blank, with onion skin, spiral binding.

Available in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or violet.

Made in the European Union.

For the "Classics" series of notebooks from Mercurius, they use extremely high quality, heavy, 120 gsm drawing paper that is excellently suited to wax crayons and coloured pencils as well as ink.

The front cover is made of heavy, 280 g card with embossing and bound with a spiral binding; whereas the back cover is a 2 mm thick hard, stiff board; thus making these books most suitable to take outdoors or use where a table may not be available. Perfect for projects.

The dimensions are such that the entire sheet can be used and therefore the books are, for the most part, 20% larger than the comparable A4 format.  This allows for generous use of the book.  Naturally, chlorine free paper in all books from Mercurius.

The transparent onion skin paper between pages prevents drawings or text from being smudged.

32 pages, portrait format, 24 x 32 cm (9.45 x 12.6 inches), blank, with onion skin, spiral binding.

Available in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or violet.

Made in the European Union.

These main lesson books were specifically designed to complement the 'RoadMap to Literacy' learning-to-read program.  The reasoning behind the layout, spacing and colour of the lines has been well thought out to help children intrinsically with their literacy journey.

They can naturally be used for one's own homeschooling journey.  Please do have a look at the RoadMap to Literacy curriculum if you haven't already.

Developed for students in the early grades, these main lesson books alternate between blank pages and soft blue lines, 1-inch ruled pages.  With the lines already in these books, lesson time is not spent creating lines (as students often do with large block crayons in their blank notebooks, which is great but takes time each lesson).  Based on indications for what helps students when learning to read and write from Roadmap to Literacy, these books are an innovative aid for students and teachers alike.

Every page is made from quality 120 g paper for beautiful artwork and writing.  These books are a large portrait size in 28 x 35.5 cm (11 x 14 inches).  They are spiral bound with 32 pages starting with a blank first page. 

The lined pages have room for a title and a margin for a decorative border.  

There are 2 options for the thickness of the lines. 

1.  Recommended for Grades 1-3.  The lined portions are 1 inch (~2.5 cm) thick, ruled with a dotted midline, so that each of the sections above and below the dotted lines are ½ inch thick.  The skip space in between lines is also ½ inch.  The lines themselves are in a faint, soft blue colour.

2.  Recommended for Grades 2-4.  The lined portions are 0.6 inches (~1.5 cm) thick, with a dotted mid-line.

The outer front and back covers are available in 6 different colours.

No onion skin.

Printed in the Netherlands.

The balanced blend of moist and dry components form the basis for the leads in STOCKMAR coloured pencils.  Thanks to a precisely balanced amount of high-quality micro-crystalline wax, every colour has its own unique depth and light.  The colours have been carefully selected and are perfectly coordinated.

These STOCKMAR coloured pencils are available in 24 vibrant colours.  They come in triangular and hexagonal forms.  The soft and extra-strong lead boasts excellent sharpening and break-proof properties, and rests stably in the untreated, FSC^®-certified limewood barrel.  

STOCKMAR coloured pencils have a soft but intense, quality color which is dust-free and particularly break-resistant.  A special characteristic is their transparency and glaze.  Applying the glazing technique (layering) will allow children to create especially striking effects and give their pictures depth.

length: 17.5 cm, width: 10 mm unlacquered

 

Stockmar coloured pencils meet highest standards in terms of colour selection, materials and processing. They are produced by using the most modern requirements of health safety, environmental friendliness and sustainability in production.

Stockmar coloured pencils are distinguished by exceptionally luminous colours with a high proportion of pigment, a unique colour coordination system and a soft and powerful application of colour.

This assortment includes superior quality luminous colours based on the extended Goethe Colour Circle. When used together they blend beautifully.

Each pencil has an extra thick lead (6.25mm diameter) in an easy-to-hold triangular shaped pencil (10mm diameter)

They are easy to sharpen and they can be sharpened with any large holed pencil sharpener.

The pencil is made using untreated lime tree wood from sustainable forestry and FSC-certified timber

In Steiner education the triangular grip pencil introduces the pencil grip to the child. It encourages holding the pencil in a relaxed and correct manner. This is important at the stage they begin to formally learn to write. Its thick rounded triangular shaft is designed to help the child develop the perfect pencil grip.

In summary the exploration and introduction of writing and drawing to the child follows the developmental readiness of the child:

First the Stockmar Block Crayons are used to explore colour and form on paper

Next the Stockmar Stick Crayons are introduced to add more direction to the form

Followed by the Triangular Pencil when the child begins to learn to write with its thick rounded triangular shaft designed to develop the perfect pencil grip

Then the Hexagonal Pencil which is an artist quality pencil suitable for children and adults

And finally the Fountain Pen for the speed and pure flow of clear precise writing skills.

Colours included in the 12+1 Tin are:

01 carmine red; 03 orange; 06 yellow green; 07 green ;09 blue; 10 ultramarine; 11 blue violet; 13 rust; 15 black; 24 pink; 42 magenta; 44 mid yellow; and a graphite pencil B

Stockmar coloured pencils meet highest standards in terms of colour selection, materials and processing.  They are produced by using the most modern requirements of health safety, environmental friendliness and sustainability in production.

Stockmar coloured pencils are distinguished by exceptionally luminous colours with a high proportion of pigment, a unique colour coordination system and a soft and powerful application of colour.

This assortment includes superior quality luminous colours based on the extended Goethe Colour Circle.  When used together they blend beautifully.

Each pencil has an extra thick lead (6.25mm diameter) in an easy-to-hold triangular shaped pencil (10mm diameter)

They are easy to sharpen and they can be sharpened with any large holed pencil sharpener.

The pencil is made using untreated lime tree wood from sustainable forestry and FSC-certified timber.  Also AP certified non-toxic.

colour: 01 carmine red | 02 vermilion | 03 orange | 04 golden yellow | 05 lemon yellow | 06 yellow green | 07 green | 09 blue | 10 ultramarine | 11 blue violet | 12 red violet | 13 rust | 14 yellow brown | 15 black | 24 pink | 25 gold | 26 silver | 42 magenta + 1 graphite

 

An aside:

In Steiner education the triangular grip pencil introduces the pencil grip to the child.  It encourages holding the pencil in a relaxed and correct manner.  This is important at the stage they begin to formally learn to write.  Its thick rounded triangular shaft is designed to help the child develop the perfect pencil grip.

In summary the exploration and introduction of writing and drawing to the child follows the developmental readiness of the child:

First the Stockmar Block Crayons are used to explore colour and form on paper

Next the Stockmar Stick Crayons are introduced to add more direction to the form

Followed by the Triangular Pencil when the child begins to learn to write with its thick rounded triangular shaft designed to develop the perfect pencil grip

Then the Hexagonal Pencil which is an artist quality pencil suitable for children and adults

And finally the Fountain Pen for the speed and pure flow of clear precise writing skills.

This Stockmar sharpener is suitable for safe sharpening both thick and thin (colour) pencils with a triangular and hexagonal shape.

The metal grinder, for extra strength, is recessed into the lid and is completely sealable.  The metal grinder includes two steel blades designed exclusively for Stockmar.

The honeycomb-shaped tray is manufactured from FSC certified lime wood.

The steel blades are very easy to change by means of an easily accessible screw.

Made in Germany.

The Stockmar 'Painting & Drawing gift set' is bound to delight those who love to both paint and draw.  The opaque colours and the coloured pencils by Stockmar boast a unique vibrancy and perfectly coordinated colour ranges.  The Stockmar drawing pad provides the ideal surface for drawing with coloured pencils, painting with opaque colours, or applying blending techniques.

The 'Painting & Drawing' gift set by Stockmar is available worldwide with either triangular or hexagonal pencils.  Here it is for sale with triangular pencils in this set.

A beautiful gift set for artists of any level. 

Includes:
~ a set of 12 Stockmar Opaque Watercolour Paints + opaque white tube + paint brush + mixing palette
~ a tin of 18 Triangular Coloured plus 1 Graphite Artist Quality Drawing Pencils
~ a 50 sheet 120gsm Drawing Pad,18.7 x 25.3 cm (7.36 x 9.96 inches)

Made in Germany.

This book has alternating pages of lined A4 writing paper and 120g, 32 x 24cm drawing paper.  It is therefore the perfect exercise/ drawing book for geography as well as other lessons.  The cover is made of 260g, heavy cardboard.

32 pages, portrait format, 24 x 32 cm (9.45 x 12.6 inches), alternating with 1 page lined and 1 page blank.  No onion skin between pages.

Available in green.

Made in the European Union.

Form Drawing Inspiration for Steiner-Waldorf Teachers

by Henrik Thaulow

• This fascinating and beautiful book will allow Waldorf educators, at school and home, to confidently teach form drawing to their pupils
• Includes over 100 form drawing exercises, grouped by grade, and suitable for Classes 2-5
• An insightful introduction explains what form drawing is and why it is important, as well as practical considerations such as paper type, drawing tools, colour and more
  

A practical and inspiring book for Steiner-Waldorf teachers, offering new ways to teach form drawing.  Introduction for Grade 1, and includes over 100 form drawing exercises for Classes 2-5, as well as insights from Rudolf Steiner himself on the importance of this creative activity.

Form drawing, allowing children to understand the idea of a form and encouraging them to recreate it in their own way, is a key principal of Steiner-Waldorf education and its study enriches the teaching of all subjects in the curriculum.

This unique book first explains form drawing and its role in Steiner-Waldorf schools, while also tackling practicalities such as advice on suitable paper and pencils.  It goes on to offer a wide selection of exercises for Classes 2 to 5, with step-by-step instructions on how they can be taught, arranged both by class and by theme, drawing on examples of pupils' work and images of forms from nature and cultural heritage.  Teachers can use these lessons as an inspiring starting point.

This fascinating and beautiful book will allow Waldorf educators, at school and home, to confidently teach form drawing to their pupils.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part 1: Getting Started
What Is Form Drawing?
Basic Forms
Types of Exercise
Practical Considerations
Creating Your Own Form Exercises

Part 2: Practical Exercises
Class 2 Exercises
Class 3 Exercises
Class 4 Exercises
Class 5 Exercises
Botany Exercises
Cultural and Historical Exercises

Part 3: Living Lines, Living Thoughts
Living Lines
Living Thoughts
Rudolf Steiner on Form Drawing
Epilogue
Bibliography
Acknowledgements

Softcover, 192 pages, with over 800 colour illustrations.  227 x 227 mm.

Floris Books.

Fun Whittling Project for Adventurous Kids

by Frank Egholm; Translated by Anna Cardwell

• Packed with ideas to fuel your child's creative energy and help them find a new outdoor hobby this season
• Wood carving can help improve concentration, creativity and dexterity
• Help parents share hygge and lagom values with their kids with this on-trend hobby
• Includes 180 colour illustrations and easy to follow step-by-step instructions
• Ideal for around 10 or 11 years of age, a great time to introduce woocarving.  Some children a little younger with guidance and interest, and of course anyone at any age older may also enjoy.

Wood carving is the perfect outdoor hobby for adventurous children. Teach them how to make toys, games and even jewellery with more than fifty fun whittling and wood carving projects, each fully-illustrated with easy-to-follow instructions.

Looking for an outdoor hobby to engage your children and encourage them to be crafty and creative? Wood carving is not only easy to learn and fun to do, but almost everything you need to get started can be found for free -- right outside your door!

Together you can craft a tumbling tower game, a racing car toy, a dolphin necklace or even a handy coat hook! With more than fifty activities at levels for beginners and up, children can create something useful, beautiful or fun (often all three!) out of wood.

Learning wood carving not only helps to improve children's concentration, creativity and dexterity, it's also invaluable in teaching them how to handle knives safely.

Adventurous children will be thrilled to learn woodland skills, while nature-loving parents will enjoy rediscovering the lost art of whittling with their kids.

Table of Contents

Contents
Introduction
Difficulty levels
Whittling guidelines
Getting started
Finding a whittling knife
Protective gear
Wood
Where to find fresh branches
Dry wood
Wood carving
techniques
Whittling away from the body
Whittling towards the body
Practical tips
Sharpening knives
Saws and garden shears
Splitting wood
Colouring wood
Sanding wood
Carving seat
Whittling and reading

Animal figures
Bird made from a single branch
Bird with a feathery tail
Bird made from the end of a branch
Lifelike bird

Pigs and dogs
Fence with string or rails
Dolphin
Seal
Snake
Games
Pig throwing
Game pieces
Tower of Hanoi
The four confounding squares
Toys
Racing car
Spinning tops
Spinning top with handle and pull string
Whittled top

Softcover, 128 pages. 180 colour illustrations. 195 x 178 mm.

Frank Egholm is a lecturer, author and former woodwork teacher who worked for many years at the Rudolf Steiner School in Vordingborg, Denmark. Frank also designs and develops his own wooden toys and games, and is married to the illustrator Lillian Egholm.

Anna Cardwell is a translator who lives in Edinburgh, UK.

Floris Books. 2018.

by Thomas Wildgruber

• A comprehensive illustrated teachers' manual which provides a complete artistic curriculum for Classes 1 to 8
• Helps teachers to develop children's skills using 280 practical exercises
• Techniques demonstrated include guide colour exercises and perspective drawing

A comprehensive teachers' manual which provides a complete artistic curriculum suitable for Steiner-Waldorf Classes 1 to 8 (ages six to fourteen).

Painting and drawing are key artistic expressions which play an important role in children's physical, emotional and spiritual development. This comprehensive teachers' manual provides a complete artistic curriculum for Classes One to Eight in Steiner-Waldorf schools (age six to fourteen).

At each stage, the book demonstrates the skills that teachers can help children to develop. There are 280 practical exercises for teachers to use, and over 800 drawings and paintings as inspiring examples of artistic possibilities. The curriculum moves from free drawing, to guided colour exercises, to precise perspective drawing.

The exercises draw on elements of the Steiner-Waldorf curriculum at appropriate ages, incorporating themes from fables and legends, the Old Testament, Norse mythology, animals, Ancient Greece and botany.

Throughout, the author draws on art theory and shows that art is truly a universal language.

The book is also suitable for adult self-study.

Softcover, 384 pages with 800 colour illustrations.

229 x 210 mm.

Floris books.

 

Reviews

'A superbly structured manual on drawing and painting in the class teacher years. In over twenty years as a class teacher in Britain and Germany, this is one of the most inspirational and useful books I have come across. I hope that colleagues throughout the world will benefit from its approach.'
-- Sven Saar, Freie Waldorfschule Wahlwies, Germany

'It's a wonderful guide to every type of painting and drawing experienced within Waldorf education. Almost every section contains step-by-step guides and thoughtful commentary. The pictures alone are so inspiring. This is the book I had wished for when I started homeschooling...I absolutely adore this book.'
-- Schooling from the Heart blog

'Wow! What a book. Thomas Wildgruber has been a class teacher and an art and craft teacher since 1979. This book is his life's work, dedicated to teaching children and teachers about painting and drawing. With over 800 color photographs and covering first grade through eighth, the richness of the 384 pages can be overwhelming. But exciting!'
-- Waldorf Today

'A comprehensive guide for teaching painting...This will surely take its place as a fundamental resource'.
-- Rudolf Steiner Library, Anthroposophical Society in America

'a great all-in-one resource that would be really helpful!'
-- Swizerite blogspot, waldorfcurriculum.com

'This is the book we all have been waiting for!'
-- Waldorf Without Walls newsletter

 

Author

Thomas Wildgruber was born in Germany in 1946. He studied philosophy, political science and journalism. He was a research assistant in the field of international development and politics, and subsequently trained as a Waldorf teacher in Mannheim. Since 1979 he has been a Waldorf class teacher, and craft and art teacher. His encounter with the painter Lajos Boros led to efforts to develop art education out of the 'pictorial resources'. He gives courses to teachers on the theme of 'Painting with rules of play'.

You can also visit the author's own website at http://www.kunst-didaktik.de

Arts and Crafts in Waldorf Schools - An Integrated Approach

Edited by Michael Martin; Foreword by Wolfgang Schad

• Covers all aspects of arts, crafts and handiwork, including woodwork, forestry, metalwork and pottery
• Written by experienced Waldorf craft teachers
• Shows how arts and crafts help children to develop on many different levels

Arts and crafts are a core part of the Steiner-Waldorf curriculum, helping children to develop emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually, as well as learning practical skills.

This comprehensive book addresses every aspect of arts and crafts, including woodwork, forestry, metalwork, stone carving, clay modelling, pottery and much more.

Written by experienced Waldorf craft teachers, this comprehensive book is an invaluable tool and resource for Middle and Upper School (Classes 5 to 13).

The book is also suitable for adult self-study.

Softcover, 304 pages with over 300 black and white illustrations.

240 x 208 mm.

Floris books, 3rd edition.

 

Author

Michael Martin has been a handwork teacher at the Waldorf school in Nuremberg, Germany, for many years.

by Michael Howard

This is an in-depth study of the important educational topic of developing the 'will' of our children, as well as developing their bodies and minds.

Explores the nature of the 'will' in children, and offers practical exercises based on sculpture to help develop the will in a healthy, positive way.

After exploring the nature of the will, Michael Howard then offers some practical exercises and activities for teachers and parents.  Projects include indoor sandboxes, form modelling, seed drawing, sand modelling, modelling human and animal forms, stone carving, wooden spoons and bowls, and working with platonic solids.

Comprehensively illustrated, this is a challenging and thought-provoking book for all educators.

Includes advice and practical ideas and guidelines for modelling, woodworking, carving, for Grades 1 and up.

Softcover. 228 x 152 mm. 124 pages.

Floris books, 2015.

 

 

About the Author

Michael Howard was born in Vancouver, Canada, in 1946. He has taught sculpture to adults and children for over 30 years.  He edited a collection of lectures entitled Art as Spiritual Activity: Rudolf Steiner's Contribution to the Visual Arts.  He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.

This beautiful 170 gr heavy sketching paper is cut into perfectly squares, this means that it is perfectly suitable for drawing Mandalas etc.

It is used frequently in the artistic therapy. It is suitable for colour pencils, graphite, charcoal, pastels, but also for (aquarelle) painting.

100 sheets per pack. 170 gsm weight.

Made in Germany.

**Please note: prices include consideration for higher cost of shipping for largest sizes to most destinations.  Discounts on larger sizes available for local Ottawa pick-up.

A soft eraser for coloured and graphite pencils. A nice size for a child's hand.

Sold individually.

30 x 22 x 8 mm (1.18 x 0.87 x 0.31 inches).

Made in the EU for Mercurius.

A triangular, soft graphite pencil (B Grade) for the first exercises in handwriting, or for adults who prefer a smooth writing pencil.

The triangular grip encourages a stable and proper habit for positioning and grip with the pencil.  They are also a little larger diameter than regular pencils.

Unlacquered, super smooth and gently rounded wood feels lovely in the hand.

Dimensions: Pencil diameter is 10 mm (0.39 inch).  Lead diameter 6.25 mm (0.25 inch).  Pencil length is 175 mm.

Made in Taiwan by Stockmar.

A triangular, soft graphite pencil (HB Grade) for the first exercises in handwriting.

Unlacquered.  The triangular grip characteristic of Lyra Ferby pencils encourages a stable and proper habit for positioning and grip with the pencil.  They are also a little larger diameter than regular pencils.

Comes in short (Ferby) or long (Super Ferby) versions. The short pencil can be nicer in the hand to manage for a younger child.  The long pencil will last longer.

Dimensions: Pencil diameter is 10 mm (0.39 inch). Lead diameter 6.25 mm (0.25 inch). Short Ferby is 120 mm long (4.72 inches).  Long Super Ferby is 'regular pencil length' of 175 mm (6.89 inches).

Made in Germany or France.

A hexagonal, soft graphite pencil (B Grade) for a comfortable grip for  for adults who prefer a smooth writing pencil.

The hexagonal grip encourages a stable and proper habit for positioning and grip with the pencil.  They are also a little larger diameter than regular pencils.

Unlacquered, super smooth and gently rounded wood feels lovely in the hand.

Dimensions: Pencil diameter is 9.9 mm (0.39 inch).  Lead diameter 6.25 mm (0.25 inch).  Pencil length is 175 mm.

Made in Taiwan by Stockmar.

Nest Notes: Some schools may have rulers on a list of items for students to have earlier, we could suggest learning about the metric and or imperial system in Grade 5 as a good time to introduce the ruler.

Solid wood.  Length: 32 cm (12 inches).

Made in Germany for Mercurius.

Manufactured with certified wood from sustainable forestry.

Written and compiled by Kevin Avison

This popular book is a useful and practical resource for Steiner-Waldorf teachers with detailed suggestions and checklists for teaching all lessons for Classes (Grades) 1 to 8.

The extensive appendix features a compilation of planners for the Waldorf teacher's use, as well as a collection of example record tables for both students and their teachers.

Avison's sage advice provides an interesting and easy-to-navigate handbook for creative classroom activities and management.

Softcover, 144 pages.  24 x 20.8 cm.

Floris Books, 3rd Edition.

 

Table of Contents

SECTION ONE
1.0 The Imponderables
1.1 Readiness for Class One
1.2 Checklist: Class One Readiness
1.3 Starting Out -- Class One
1.4 Recording and Self-evaluation
1.5 Checklists for Classes One--Three
1.5.1 Numeracy
1.5.2 Form Drawing
1.5.3 Literacy
1.5.4 Other Skills
1.6 About Imitation
1.7 ...and Circle Time
1.8 Movement Skills for Classes One--Four
1.8.1 Class One Movement Skills Checklist
1.8.2 Class Two Movement Skills Checklist
1.8.3 Classes Three and Four Movement Skills Checklist
1.8.4 Classes Four and Five Checklist
1.9 Classes Four and Five Skills Checklist
1.9.1 Numeracy
1.9.2 Literacy
1.9.3 Other skills
1.10 Classes Six and Seven Checklist
1.10.1 Numeracy
1.10.2 Geometry
1.10.3 Literacy
1.10.4 Other skills
1.10.5 Movement skills

SECTION TWO
2.0 Planning Ahead
2.1 Preparation
2.2 Readiness
2.3 Review
2.4 Rehearse
2.5 And the Fourth "R"!
2.6 The Curriculum
2.7 Curriculum and Basic Skills
2.8 Class One
2.8.1 Morning Lesson: Form Drawing
2.8.2 Morning Lesson: Stories/Literacy
2.8.3 Morning Lesson: Understanding the Natural Environment
2.8.4 Morning Lesson: Number
2.8.5 Non-Morning Lesson
2.9 Class Two
2.9.1 Morning Lesson: Form Drawing
2.9.2 Morning Lesson: Literature and Language
2.9.3 Morning Lesson: Arithmetic
2.9.4 Non-Morning Lesson
2.10 Class Three
2.10.1 Form Drawing
2.10.2 Morning Lesson: Literature and Literacy
2.10.3 Morning Lesson: Practical Activities
2.10.4 Morning Lesson: Mathematics
2.10.5 Non-Morning Lesson Subjects
2.11 A Selection of Lessons from the Curriculum for Classes Four–Eight
2.11.1 Morning Lesson: Arithmetic -- Class Four Fractions (two Morning Lessons are envisaged -- possibly three)
2.11.2 Morning Lesson: Human and Animal -- Classes Four and Five Zoology, Botany in Class Six
2.11.3 Morning Lesson: History -- Class Five
2.11.4 Morning Lesson: Physics -- Classes Six and Seven
2.11.5 Morning Lesson: English -- Class Seven
2.11.6 Morning Lesson: The Human Body -- Anatomy and Development -- Class Eight 36
2.12 Morning Lessons
2.12.1 Shaping the Morning Lesson
2.12.2 Elaboration of These Points
2.12.3 The 'Problem' of Transitions
2.12.4 Some Ideas for 'Circles'
2.12.5 Recall: Why and Some Alternative 'Hows'
2.13 Parent and Teacher -- Enthusiasm for Education!
2.13.1 Suggestions for Class Evenings
2.14 Of Meetings and Learnings
2.14.1 Guidelines for Child Study

APPENDICES
Appendix A Movement Skills
Appendix B Checklist: Indicators of Possible Special Learning Needs
Appendix C An Interpretive Device
Appendix D A Possible Foundation Script
Appendix E Number Orientation -- to help your children face number symbols correctly
Appendix F Self-evaluation
Appendix G Planners and Record Sheets
Appendix H Record Keeping -- for individual children
Appendix I When Nothing Seems to be Working
Appendix J Your Most Precious Resource -- care for your voice!
Appendix K How Are Your Children Sitting?
Appendix L An Aid to Note Taking

 

Downloadable forms are available for this book (all PDF format):
Daily lesson planner
General observations and responses
Lesson planning sheet
Record keeping for individual children -- morning lesson
Record keeping for individual children -- subject lesson
Record sheet -- free writing
Record sheet -- handwriting
Record sheet -- key skills
Record sheet -- reading early stages
Record sheet -- silent reading
Record sheet -- speaking and listening
Record sheet -- speech
Teaching Skills summary
Year Planner

Edited by Heather Thomas

An invaluable collection of poetry for use by teachers at every stage of school life from primary to mid-teens.

The poems are arranged by age of the child from six to fourteen, and provide support for the subject matter of lessons from botany and physics to history and astronomy. They encompass a wide variety of moods from gratitude and wonder at the natural world to the courage and heroism of individuals pitted agains the odds, and range from ancient Egypt to modern times.

Works by well-known poets -- Shakespeare, Blake, Wordsworth, Browning -- are found together with the refreshingly unfamilar.
Sections on alliterative verse, riddles, tongue-twisters, action verses and the seasons of the year provide a stimulus for practical activities in the classroom. Also included are meditative verses for teachers to help them deepen their understanding of the children in their care.

A resource book to treasure, it will awaken a love of poetry in both young and old.

Recommended for children ages 6-12 years.

Hardback, 368 pages.  234 x 156 mm.

Floris books, 1998.

by Charles Kovacs

Charles Kovacs characterizes different plants, from fungi, algae and lichens, to the lily and rose families.  He describes the parts of each plant and their growth cycle.

A classic resource for Steiner-Waldorf teachers for botany, Classes 5 and 6 (age 10-12).

Softcover, 112 pages.  216 x 138 mm.

Floris Books.

Printed in the United Kingdom.

Reviews

'I always find Charles Kovacs' books such a joy to read; they are so information and never fail to demonstrate a new way of looking at things. I recommend this book to both teachers and parents as a sensitive and thoughtfully presented introduction to botany for children.'
-- Rosemary Usselman, New View, Spring 2006

Have you ever wondered how plants work? Or why we eat the fruit of one plant, but the leaves of another? What’s the big deal about growing things—and how do we decide what we need to grow in the space we have? Discover the whole life cycle of food, from sowing and saving to planning and planting, and—most exciting of all—harvesting the food you’ve grown. In Grow, you’ll get all the inspiration and knowledge you need to get out there and start planting.

Included inside:

• A visual guide to the world of plants—what they need to grow, how to care for them, and more
• Grow your own pizza! How to plant for a recipe, with fruits and vegetables in pots or a whole vegetable garden
• Pull-out activities including a runner-bean growth chart, a Fruit Pairs game, Rainbow Taste Wheel (turn the dial to find out which vitamins are found in each fruit and vegetable), and four sheets of stickers

Hardcover with neat 'screw' binding, 80 pages.  8.25 x 7.125 inches.

Roost Books.

 

About the Author:

Ben Raskin is the Head of Horticulture at the Soil Association in the UK, and a father to two. He runs courses and training on organic growing and launched the Soil Association’s flagship Organic Apprenticeship Scheme in 2007. Ben developed an interest in gardening while working on an organic vineyard in northern Italy and has worked in horticulture for eighteen years.

 

by Sanjay Patel

A 21st century retelling of a 2500-year old story

One of Hindu mythology's best-loved and most enduring tales gets a modern touch: Artist and veteran Pixar animator Sanjay Patel lends a lush, whimsical illustration style and lighthearted voice to one of Hindu mythology's best-loved and most enduring tales. Teeming with powerful deities, love-struck monsters, flying monkey gods, magic weapons, demon armies, and divine love, Ramayana: Divine Loophole tells the story of Rama, a god-turned-prince, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita after she is kidnapped by a demon king.

• Illustrated tale features over 100 colorful full-spread illustrations, a detailed pictorial glossary of the cast of characters who make up the epic tale, and sketches of the work in progress
• An ancient mythology with timeless, essential and meaningful themes
• Sanjay Patel is the author of The Little Book of Hindu Deities while an animator and storyboard artist for Pixar Animation Studios, he worked on numerous films, including Monsters, Inc. ; A Bug's Life; Toy Story 2; Ratatouille; The Incredibles; and Toy Story 3. His short film Sanjay's Super Team was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film

Fans of Sanjay Patel's The Little Book of Hindu Deities: From the Goddess of Wealth to the Sacred Cow and Ganesha's Sweet Tooth will be entranced by the images and story in Ramayana: Divine Loophole. Fans who love Greek mythology, Celtic mythology, roman mythology, Chinese mythology, and mythological creatures books will enjoy this timeless story from another ancient culture.

From princesses in peril to gripping battles, scheming royals, and hordes of bloodthirsty demons, Ramayana: Divine Loophole is the ultimate adventure story presented with an unforgettably modern touch.

• Great book for the entire family to enjoy together
• An engaging way to teach children about Hindu mythology

Hardcover, 186 pages.

Chronicle Books.

Sanjay Patel is an animator and storyboard artist for Pixar Animation Studios, where he has worked on features that include Monsters, Inc., A Bugs Life; Toy Story 2; and The Incredibles. He has also worked on The Simpsons for Fox and with legendary cartoonist John K., creator of Ren and Stimpy."

Translation & Interpretation by Jack Hawley

The Bhagavad Gita has been called India's greatest contribution to the world. For more than five thousand years, this great scripture has shown millions in the East how to fill their lives with serenity and love. In these pages, Jack Hawley brings these ancient secrets to Western seekers in a beautiful prose version that makes the story of the Gita clear and exciting, and makes its truths understandable and easy to apply to our busy lives.

The Gita is a universal love song sung by God to His friend man. It can't be confined by any creed. It is a statement of the truths at the core of what we all already believe, only it makes those truths clearer, so they become immediately useful in our daily lives. These truths are for our hearts, not just our heads.

The Gita is more than just a book, more than mere words or concepts. There is an accumulated potency in it. To read the Gita is to be inspired in the true sense of the term: to be “inspirited,” to inhale the ancient and ever-new breath of spiritual energy.

Softcover, 224 pages.  5 x 8"

Published by New World Library.

 

Reviews:

“A commendable book. The author 'walks us through' this classic scripture from India in moving prose that reads as smoothly as a child's adventure tale.”
— The New Times

“An extremely delightful translation. Lord Krishna's terms have all been presented faithfully by the author...with depth of knowledge and insight. The author has thoroughly understood this universal [spiritual] classic.”
— The Hindu, India's foremost national newpaper

A Traditional Flood Story from Southern India

by Chitra Soundar; illustrated by Frané Lessac

When Pattan finds a yellow-flower vine wilting in his valley, he replants and cares for it, watching as a pumpkin appears and grows taller than the goats, taller than the elephants, as tall as the very mountains.  When a terrible storm rages across the valley, Pattan wonders if perhaps his pumpkin can save the seeds and grains and saplings, the goats and birds and bison, and protect them all as the storm clouds burst and the waters rise.  Frané Lessac’s brilliantly hued artwork is a feast for the eyes, while Chitra Soundar’s thoughtful retelling is a fascinating example of the kinds of stories told the world over — and the differences that make each version unique.

Retold & Illustrated by Ludmila Zeman

Gilgamesh, half-god and half-man, in his loneliness and isolation becomes a cruel tyrant over the citizens of Uruk. To impress them forever he orders a great wall to be built, driving his people to exhaustion and despair so that they cry to the Sun God for help. In answer, another kind of man, Enkidu, is sent to earth to live among the animals and learn kindness from them. He falls in love with Shamhat, a singer from the temple, and he follows her back to Uruk. There, Enkidu, the “uncivilized” beast from the forest, shows the evil Gilgamesh through friendship what it means to be human.

Softcover, 24 pages.

Recommended by the publisher for ages 7-9 years.

Nest Notes: Recommended by Nest as part of Waldorf pedagogy for children in Grade 5 studying Ancient Mesopotamia.

Published by Tundra Books.

Retold & Illustrated by Ludmila Zeman

In this second volume in the Gilgamesh trilogy, Enkidu joins Gilgamesh in the quest to slay Humbaba, the monster who has attacked the city and caused great destruction, including the death of the beautiful singer, Shamat. Gilgamesh and Enkidu successfully slay the monster and in so doing, Gilgamesh attracts the attention of the goddess Ishtar. In rejecting her advances, he incurs her revenge and an attack by the Bull of Heaven. Enkidu manages to kill the bull, but is slain by Ishtar, striking at the bond between the two friends. Shattered, Gilgamesh vows he will destroy the last monster: death.

Softcover, 24 pages.

Recommended by the publisher for ages 7-9 years.

Nest Notes: Recommended by Nest as part of Waldorf pedagogy for children in Grade 5 studying Ancient Mesopotamia.

Published by Tundra Books.

Retold & Illustrated by Ludmila Zeman

In his final quest, Gilgamesh, still mourning the death of his dear friend Enkidu, sets out to find the key to immortality. His journey is perilous. He must fight ferocious serpents and wild lions. He travels through bitterly cold caves, across scorching deserts, and over the fatal waters of the Sea of Death. Finally he arrives at the palace of Utnapishtim, the only human who knows the secret of immortality. Utnapishtim sets Gilgamesh a test to stay away for six days and seven nights, but Gilgamesh fails. His last hope, a flower of eternal youth, is eaten by the goddess Ishtar, who exacts her revenge. Finally, Enkidu comes from the underworld to show Gilgamesh true immortality: the king will be remembered for his good deeds, courage, and love for his people.

Softcover, 24 pages.

Recommended by the publisher for ages 7-9 years.

Nest Notes: Recommended by Nest as part of Waldorf pedagogy for children in Grade 5 studying Ancient Mesopotamia.

Published by Tundra Books.

by Roger Lancelyn Green

These stories include the great myths - of Amen-Ra, who created all the creatures in the world; of Isis, searching the waters for her dead husband Osiris; of the Bennu Bird and the Book of Thoth.  But there are also tales told for pleasure about magic, treasure and adventure - even the first ever Cinderella story.

Recommended by the publisher for readers 10 years and up.  Ideal for studies of Ancient Egypt in Grade 5 of Waldorf pedagogy.

Softcover, 256 pages.

Puffin Books.

This fun, fact-filled book for kids ages 6–9 is the ultimate guide to Ancient Egypt, from pharaohs to mummies. Entertaining and educating young readers through a combination of close-up images, quirky trivia facts, quiz questions, and fascinating tidbits, it’s the perfect book for any kid who can’t get enough of this remarkable civilization.

How big was the Egyptian Empire? Why was the Nile so important? How were mummies made? Find out the answers to these questions and more in DKfindout! Ancient Egypt, which features photographs of artifacts and relics, as well as maps and illustrations depicting the structure of Egyptian society, from famous pharaohs to common farmers, and the extent of their civilization. This book explores every facet of Ancient Egypt’s iconic culture, including its many gods and goddesses, its hieroglyphic writing system, and its most well-known landmarks, like pyramids, obelisks, and sphinxes. From papyrus to pottery, DKfindout! Ancient Egypt details this civilization’s lasting impact in a unique and fun way.

Vetted by educational consultants, the DKfindout! series drives kids ages 6–9 to become experts on more than 30 of their favorite STEM- and history-related subjects, whether Vikings, volcanoes, or robots.  This series covers the subjects that kids really want to learn about—ones that have a direct impact on the world around them, like climate change, space exploration, and rapidly evolving technology—making learning fun through amazing images, stimulating quizzes, and cutting-edge information.  The DKfindout! series is one that kids will want to turn to again and again.

Recommended by the publisher for ages 6-9 years old.  Recommended by Nest owners for ages 10 years and up.  This is a rich book with a lot of details and content.

Softcover, 64 pages.

DK Publishing.

Reviews

 

Written & Illustrated by: Ralph Masiello

Draw like an Egyptian...

Emerging on the fertile banks of the Nile River over five thousand years ago, ancient Egypt was a place of mummies and pharaohs, pyramids and temples—a place that sparks the imagination. Young artists can dive into the underworld with Anubis, jackal god of the dead; creep past a sentinel sphinx with the body of a lion and the head of a falcon; bow down to the beautiful Queen Nefertiti; or give praise to the murdered god Osiris, all while learning to draw the symbols of the mysterious and ancient civilization of Egypt.

Step-by-step instructions help young artists create their own representations of this incredible culture, and annotations throughout the book provide a glimpse into the history and mythology of ancient Egypt. Bonus steps provide ways to customize drawings with historically accurate symbols and other details.

Recommended for ages 8-12 years.

Softcover, 48 pages.  8 ¹/₂ x 11 inches.

Published by Charlesbridge.

 

Reviews:

"Inside a bright and attractive cover is a short introduction and a “Choose your tools” chart of drawing instruments. Then there are more than a dozen different Egyptian symbols and pictures for budding artists to replicate. Masiello uses the method made popular by Lee J. Ames’s “Draw 50…” series (Doubleday), starting with a basic shape and showing how details can be added one step at a time. He also includes extra suggestions for ambitious artists. Each finished picture is printed in full color and accompanied by a short paragraph that tells an interesting fact about the subject matter. Some of the drawings are quite complicated but they are broken down into manageable sections. For example, one spread shows how to draw the body of Isis, while the next shows how to draw the head. The complexity of some of the drawings may be intimidating to less-confident students, but most are doable for the target audience. Ting Morris’s Arts and Crafts of Ancient Egypt (Smart Apple Media, 2006) has a variety of craft ideas and more background information than this offering, but it does not focus on drawing. Masiello’s book is a great resource for ancient-civilizations units." ~ School Library Journal

"Step-by-step instructions for drawing Osiris, Anubis, Isis, and other gods as well as symbols and structures are accompanied by facts and full-color, finished products. Share this with teachers planning ancient civilzation units and budding Egyptologists and artists." ~ Curriculum Connections.

 

by Ingri D'Aulaire and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire

Preface by Michael Chabon

"I doubt I would have grown up to be the writer and artist I became had I not fallen in love with D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths at the age of seven."—R. J. Palacio, author of Wonder.

Now updated with a new cover and an afterword featuring never-before-published drawings from the sketchbook of Ingri and Edgar D'Aulaire, plus an essay about their life and work and photos from the family achive.

In print for over fifty years, D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths has introduced generations to Greek mythology—and continues to enthrall young readers.

Here are the greats of ancient Greece—gods and goddesses, heroes and monsters—as freshly described in words and pictures as if they were alive today. 

No other volume of Greek mythology has inspired as many young readers as this timeless classic. Both adults and children alike will find this book a treasure for years to come. 

“For any child fortunate enough to have this generous book . . . the kings and heroes of ancient legend will remain forever matter-of-fact; the pictures interpret the text literally and are full of detail and witty observation.”—The Horn Book

“The drawings . . . are excellent and excitingly evocative.”—The New York Times

A New York Public Library’s 100 Great Children’s Books|100 Years selection

An NPR 100 Must-Reads for Kids 9–14 selection

Recommended by the publisher for children ages 8-12 years.  Recommended in Waldorf pedagogy for Grade 5 (9-11 years old).

Hardcover, 208 pages.

New York Review, Children's Collection.

Praise

"[These] works, especially the books of Norse and Greek myths, were and remain crucial to me, and now to my own children. The interest in mythology that was kindled by those two books has endured throughout my life, and has directly influenced my own writing in countless ways…The Norse book was always my favorite, though. I must have read it a dozen times at least by the time I was nine or ten."
— Michael Chabon

An Epic Maze Adventure

by Helen Friel & Ian Friel; Illustrator Jesús Sotés

Odysseus has been away from home for many years, and he is finally making his way back to his family on the island of Ithaca.

It will be a dangerous journey and on the way he'll face treacherous challenges of all kinds.  If you're feeling brave enough, step aboard his ship and help him on his way!

The publisher recommends for ages 7-12 years.  We recommend for 10-11 years, which coincides with Ancient Greek Grade 5 studies in Waldorf school curriculum.

Hardcover, 48 pages.  296 x 228 mm.

Published by Laurence King.

This block set is the alpha and the omega of all foreign language sets.  Literally. Our Greek language set includes 24 blocks, and features letters, numbers, and 24 different animal pictures.  Made from sustainable Michigan basswood and painted with bright colors, it doesn't get any more iconic than this.

24 1.75" cubes (44 mm).

Ages 2+.

Made in USA.

Edited by Kevin Avison, Martyn Rawson and Tobias Richter; Translated by Johanna Collis

This book is a comprehensive overview of what is taught in Steiner-Waldorf schools, and why.

As well as describing the content and methods of the Waldorf curriculum, this book provides a clear overview of the ideas behind the approach. It includes:

-- a summary of the ideas underpinning this unique form of education
-- a survey of child development in relation to the curriculum
-- a description of key elements in the Waldorf approach
-- sections on evaluation and assessment
-- self-management
-- Early Years education
-- a horizontal curriculum for Classes 1 to 12
-- a vertical curriculum for each subject

This handbook is indispensable for all Steiner-Waldorf schools and teachers.

Previously published as The Educational Tasks and Content of the Steiner Waldorf Curriculum.

Softcover, 384 pages.

Floris Books.

Reviews

'[An] impressively accessible and imposing book... Part 1 can be read as a very useful general introduction to the Steiner Waldorf approach, whilst the remainder of the book is more of a handbook rather than a cover-to-cover read - but it is no less useful or engaging for that. The book will serve as a very useful resource for parents as well as for teachers... It is difficult to imagine a more comprehensive contemporary overview of Steiner Waldorf education than this... This is surely one book that the contemporary Steiner teacher, of whatever age group or level of experience, will find it essential to have on her or his book shelf.'
-- Richard House, New View

A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds

In a companion volume to his award-winning adaptation of The Odyssey, the incomparable graphic novelist Gareth Hinds masterfully adapts Homer’s classic wartime epic.

More than three thousand years ago, two armies faced each other in an epic battle that rewrote history and came to be known as the Trojan War. The Iliad, Homer's legendary account of this nine-year ordeal, is considered the greatest war story of all time and one of the most important works of Western literature. In this stunning graphic novel adaptation — a thoroughly researched and artfully rendered masterwork — renowned illustrator Gareth Hinds captures all the grim glory of Homer's epic. Dynamic illustrations take readers directly to the plains of Troy, into the battle itself, and lay bare the complex emotions of the men, women, and gods whose struggles fueled the war and determined its outcome. This companion volume to Hinds’s award-winning adaptation of The Odyssey features notes, maps, a cast of characters, and other tools to help readers understand all the action and drama of Homer's epic.

Softcover, 272 pages.

Candlewick Press.

Recommended for ages 12 years and up (Grade 7 and up).  Some schools have been known to teach it for Grade 6 (eleven years old and up), and some eager children might enjoy to read it already during Grade 5 studies of Ancient Greece in Waldorf pedagogy, although it could wait until Grade 6 when Ancient Greek studies crossover to Ancient Rome.  The book has some quite graphic violent illustrations.

 

Reviews:

In his latest graphic novel adaptation of a classic text, Hinds (The Odyssey) condenses Homer’s epic poem of gods and mortals at war, covering most of the major events and adding supplemental material that expands the story slightly beyond the original...The most striking scenes are the battles, presented in intimate detail and in awe-inspiring, sweeping overviews. Hinds’s relatively plain language retains just enough meter to hint at the cadences of the work, and, together with the dynamic art, creates an accessible entrée to an enduring classic.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Clear scaffolding, well-chosen abridgements, readable prose, and stunning art invite readers into this exceptionally compelling version of the episode of the Trojan War handed down through Homer’s Iliad...Readers who have struggled to follow the poetry of the standard text or to become emotionally invested in a summary will have no such difficulty here; Hinds has truly produced an easy-to-follow, engrossingly cinematic blockbuster on the page.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

"Sing to me, O Muse, of the rage of Achilles": a rousing graphic rendition of Homer's great epic...An expertly crafted rendition and a welcome invitation to younger readers to immerse themselves in the ancient past.
—Kirkus Reviews

This modern graphic novel retelling of Homer’s epic immediately draws in readers with its artistry and readability...This is a well-done adaptation of an important, thought-provoking poem.
—School Library Connection

As with his treatment of The Odyssey (rev. 11/10), Hinds offers an ambitious and compelling comics adaptation of a Homerian epic...By highlighting the efforts of the goddesses, along with amending Helen’s understanding of her role in the war, Hinds makes an effort to address the story’s inherent hypermasculinity, reminding readers that “the war is the work of angry gods and angry men.”
—The Horn Book

Arrestingly, Mr. Hinds depicts the meddling immortals in translucent, sugary Easter-egg colors. This initially whimsical-seeming decision has the effect of highlighting the mocking distance between the fickle, impulsive Olympians and the flesh-and-blood men and women who pay the price for divine caprice on the earth below...Those who know the epic will find an engrossing and rewarding account: gory, affecting, unforgettable.
—The Wall Street Journal

Unpacking ‘The Iliad’ as a reader is one thing; adapting it for comics is a hurdle of a different magnitude. Enter Gareth Hinds, the Vermont-born artist who has reworked literary classics from Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe and more. His magnificently realized graphic telling of ‘The Iliad’ — in its wealth of muted watercolored hues and evocative landscapes — condenses a more than 20-book-length poem into 251 pages of narrative comics. It follows an equally sweeping interpretation of “The Odyssey,” which had a loose, sketchbook-style look as compared with its spiffy successor.
—Los Angeles Times

This is no mere comics adaptation of an ancient classic. Through his intricately illustrated panels, Gareth Hinds brings us The Iliad’s depth, brutality, and power. A Herculean effort worthy of the original.
—Gene Luen Yang, Michael L. Printz Award winner for American Born Chinese

With his graphic novel retelling of The Iliad, Gareth Hinds has created a work of such scope and power that it boggles my mind. It truly lives up to the — dare I say it — epic scale of the original poem.
—George O’Connor, author of the New York Times best-selling Olympians series

by Astrid Lindgren, the author of Pippi Longstocking.

On the night Ronia was born, a thunderstorm raged over the mountain, but in Matt's castle and among his band of robbers there was only joy - for Matt now had a spirited little black-haired daughter.  Soon Ronia learns to dance and yell with the robbers, but it is alone in the forest that she feels truly at home.  Then one day Ronia meets Birk, the son of Matt's arch-enemy.  Soon after Ronia and Birk become friends the worst quarrel ever between the rival bands erupts, and Ronia and Berk are right in the middle.

A Puffin book.

Softcover, 176 pages.

Recommended for children 8 - 12 years of age (although some children as young as 7 years may also enjoy, but some people recommend waiting til 10 years old even to introduce the book).

This book is recommended by:

• 'WaldorfInspirations.com' for Grade 5 reading
• 'Blossom and Root' for Grade 3 reading

by Jamie York, Mich Follari, and Randy Evans

An inspirational and easy-to-use resource book for teachers of Grades 4-12 who want to add interest and engagement to maths lessons. 

Are you looking for a new math challenge for your students?

Do you need a resource of ideas that will give your students the opportunity to experience the thrill of mathematics?

And, what about providing a good puzzle or game that will give everyone the understanding of true problem-solving?

Randy Evans, Mick Follari and Jamie York have combined their knowledge and skills to create a puzzle and game book that is a perfect reference for the math classroom and for middle school and high school teachers everywhere.

The Purpose of This Book

This book is intended as a resource for math teachers in grades four through twelve, in part, to supplement the normal classroom material, such as Our Making Math Meaningful^™ middle school and high school workbooks.

There may be times when things seem to get dull and the students begin to lose their spark.  It is then that the teacher knows it is time to do something different.  This book provides ideas for that “something different.”

What Makes This Book Unique?

There are many math puzzle books available today.  However, it can be daunting for a teacher (especially a teacher in the lower grades for whom math is not a specialty) to pick up a math puzzle book that consists of a couple hundred puzzles, and find a good one that would work well for tomorrow’s math class.

This book is specifically geared toward the teacher who needs to find an excellent puzzle or game for tomorrow’s math class.  We have tried to limit the number of puzzles and games to just a few excellent ones.  We have categorized the puzzles according to grade level.

More about this book:

• It is intended that all puzzles listed under the middle school years ought to be solved without the use of algebra. Several of the high school puzzles use some algebra.
• Any puzzle may also be used for grades older than what it is listed for.
• Solutions to every puzzle appears at the end of the book.
• The intention in this book is to have just a few excellent games for the teacher to choose from.
• Math Magic Tricks. These great attention-grabbers help to develop a sense of wonder for numbers. They are especially effective in grades 5-7, but can also be used in the higher grades as an interesting algebra exercise to show why a given math magic trick works.
• Classroom Activities. This is a modest collection of activities that could possibly turn out to be the highlight of the year for a math class.

READ THE REVIEW IN WALDORF TODAY! by clicking HERE.

Barb, a parent, writes: If you want to make math interesting to students (they say 4th through high school, it is a great resource for anyone wanting to make math more interesting).
This book has (all segmented by grade) puzzles, games, math magic tricks, classroom activities (and of course solutions for the over 200 puzzles, games etc.
Why this book? The authors have collected very good puzzles for each grade, with the intent to provide students with the experience of a mathematical thrill, NOT just memorizing rote procedures.

Want to bring your math classes alive? sprinkle in some of these teasers… Having watched how author Jamie York creates stories and challenges for his students, it makes me wish I had teachers as interesting and engaging as this.
Bust the myths of “math is hard” and “Math is not interesting” with the puzzles in this book!!

Jamie York math is suited to Waldorf education but is known for being rigorous, and is used by homeschoolers and classroom teachers across curricula and pedagogy.

Softcover, 174 pages. 

5.5 x 8.5"

3rd Edition Published by Jamie York Press.

Printed in the Unites States.

 

by Barbara Beck

For young readers with a passion for drawing or creating beautiful buildings, The Future Architect’s Handbook takes them on an exhilarating journey into the world of architecture.

Within the pages of this book, aspiring, young architects will learn about the four essential drawings used by professionals: the site plan, floor plan, section, and elevation.  

Perfectly tailored with the middle grades (ages 9–12) in mind, this book engages the reader with vivid explanations and illustrations. The concept of drawing each plan to scale is demystified, empowering young minds to develop an eye for precision and accuracy.

Explore the vast array of architectural styles prevalent today: from sleek modern structures to timeless classical masterpieces, each style is beautifully showcased, igniting the imagination and nurturing a deeper appreciation for the art of architecture.

Enter the world of architects and discover the boundless possibilities that await within the pages of The Future Architect’s Handbook.

Hardcover, 48 pages.

9.13 x 8.13 inches

Schiffer Publishing.

The Ancient Egypt Memory Game

Illustrated by Léa Maupetit

Travel back in time to Ancient Egypt and match up to 20 pairs to learn more about how the Egyptians lived. 

Why did they shave their heads but wear wigs, use dark eye make-up, and worship dung beetles? How did they invent toothpaste and which internal organs did they keep before mummification?  Whoever collects the most points wins!

Includes 20 matching pairs on 40 cards, and a great booklet with explanatory text. 

Developed in conjunction with the British Museum.

Recommended by the publisher for ages 7 years and up.  Recommended by Nest in particular for ages 10-12 years, or for Grade 5 study of Ancient Egypt in Waldorf pedagogy.

Text by Anna Claybourne.  Illustrations by Léa Maupetit.  Design by Katerina Kerouli.

Laurence King.  Published in China.

by Sharon Creech

Winner of the Newbery Medal and the Children's Book Award, this is a breathtaking book, a modern classic in the making.

Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked two moons in his moccasins.

What is the meaning of this strange message left on the doorstep?  Only Sal knows, and on a roadtrip with her grandparents she tells the bizarre tale of Phoebe Winterbottom, Phoebe’s disappearing mother and the lunatic.  But who can help Sal make sense of the mystery that surrounds her own story . . . and her own missing mother? 

In her own singularly beautiful style, Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech intricately weaves together two tales, one funny, one bittersweet, to create a heartwarming, compelling, and utterly moving story of love, loss, and the complexity of human emotion.

Thirteen-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle, proud of her country roots and the "Indian-ness in her blood," travels from Ohio to Idaho with her eccentric grandparents. Along the way, she tells them of the story of Phoebe Winterbottom, who received mysterious messages, who met a "potential lunatic," and whose mother disappeared.

As Sal entertains her grandparents with Phoebe's outrageous story, her own story begins to unfold—the story of a thirteen-year-old girl whose only wish is to be reunited with her missing mother.

Recommended for young readers ages 9-13 years.

Softcover, 256 pages.

MacMillan Publishing.

Printed in the United Kingdom.

by Ruth Sawyer; illustrated by Valenti Angelo

Recommended for young readers ages 8-12 years (Grades 3-7).

Growing up in a well-to-do family with strict rules and routines can be tough for a ten-year-old girl who only wants to roller skate.  But when Lucinda Wyman's parents go overseas on a trip to Italy and leave her behind in the care of Miss Peters and Miss Nettie in New York City, she suddenly gets all the freedom she wants!  Lucinda zips around New York on her roller skates, meeting tons of new friends and having new adventures every day.  But Lucinda has no idea what new experiences the city will show her.... Some of which will change her life forever.

Winner of the Newbery Medal in 1937.  A classic novel that combines charm, shocking tragedy, and coming of age.

Softcover, 192 pages.

Published by Puffin Books.

 

Reviews:

“A refreshingly lively and genuine story.”—The New York Times

by Charles Kovacs

A retelling of Greek mythology and history as recommended for Steiner-Waldorf curriculum Grades 5-6 (ages 10-12 years).

This welcome new addition to Charles Kovacs' work contains legendary stories of mythical heroes and historic figures from the dawn of western civilization.  Through the fearless deeds of Heracles, Theseus and Odysseus to the Golden Age of Athens and the conquests of Alexander the Great, the narrative vividly portrays the journey from the mysteries of antiquity to the birth of modern medicine, science and philosophy.

Softcover, 176 pages.

Floris Books.

Printed in the United Kingdom.

 

About the Author:

Charles Kovacs was born in Austria. He left his native country in 1938 at the time of the Anschluss and joined the British Army in East Africa. After the War, he settled in Britain, and in 1956 he took over a class at the Rudolf Steiner School in Edinburgh, where he remained a class teacher until his retirement in 1976. He died in 2001. His extensive lesson notes have been a useful and inspiring resource material for many teachers. He is the author of The Age of Revolution (Floris Books 2003) and Parsifal and the Search for the Grail (Floris Books 2002).

by Louise Fitzhugh

The Classic Edition paperback. 

Soon to be an animated series starring Golden Globe nominee Beanie Feldstein and Emmy Award winner Jane Lynch, it's no secret that Harriet the Spy is a timeless classic that kids will love!

Harriet M. Welsch is a spy. In her notebook, she writes down everything she knows about everyone, even her classmates and her best friends. Then Harriet loses track of her notebook, and it ends up in the wrong hands. Before she can stop them, her friends have read the always truthful, sometimes awful things she’s written about each of them. Will Harriet find a way to put her life and her friendships back together?

Recommended for young readers ages 8-12 years.

Includes a sneak peek at Harriet Spies Again at the end.

Softcover, 320 pages.

Published in the United States by Yearling, Random House Kids Books.

"What the novel showed me as a child is that words have the power to hurt, but they can also heal, and that it’s much better in the long run to use this power for good than for evil."—New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot

A New York Public Library's 100 Great Children's Books 100 Years selection

"Finding Harriet as a young writer in the mid 1960s was inspiring.  It meant I wasn’t the only one who wanted to tell stories about kids who were real." — JUDY BLUME

“I don’t know of a better novel...that made more readers of my generation want to become fiction writers. I love the story of Harriet so much I feel as if I lived it.” — JONATHAN FRANZEN, author of Freedom and The Corrections

"Harriet the Spy bursts with life." — School Library Journal

"The characterizations are marvelously shrewd." — The Bulletin

by L. Frank Baum

Dorothy thinks she is lost forever when a terrifying tornado crashes through Kansas and whisks her and her dog, Toto, far away to the magical land of Oz. To get home Dorothy must follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City and find the wonderfully mysterious Wizard of Oz. Together with her companions the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion whom she meets on the way, Dorothy embarks on a strange and enchanting adventure. With a charming introduction by award-winning Cornelia Funke, The Wizard of Oz is one of the twenty wonderful classics being relaunched in Puffin Classics in March 2015.

Recommended by the publisher for ages 10 years and up.

Softcover, 224 pages.

Puffin Classics.

Printed in Great Britain.

About the Author:

Born in 1856, in Chittenango, New York, L. Frank Baum is best remembered for his monumental 1900 classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. He returned frequently to the magical world he'd created, writing 13 books set in Oz. His considerable literary output included 55 novels, 83 short stories, over 200 poems, and many miscellaneous writings, including scripts and "lost" novels. He passed away in 1919.

by Jules Verne; translated by Anthony Bonner.

With an introduction by Ray Bradbury.

An American frigate, tracking down a ship-sinking monster, faces not a living creature but an incredible invention -- a fantastic submarine commanded by the mysterious Captain Nemo.  Suddenly a devastating explosion leaves just three survivors, who find themselves prisoners inside Nemo's death ship on an underwater odyssey around the world from the pearl-laden waters of Ceylon to the icy dangers of the South Pole . . .as Captain Nemo, one of the greatest villians ever created, takes his revenge on all society.

More than a marvelously thrilling drama, this classic novel, written in 1870, foretells with uncanny accuracy the inventions and advanced technology of the twentieth century and has become a literary stepping-stone for generations of science fiction writers.

Recommended for young adventurers 9 years and older.

Softcover, 448 pages.

Printed by Bantam Books in the United States.

About the Author:

Jules Verne was born in France in 1828 and died in 1905. His collaboration with the publisher Pierre-Jules Hetzel was wildly successful, producing many brilliant novels in the burgeoning genre of science fiction: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and Around the World in 80 Days, among others. Verne is the second most translated author in the world, after Agatha Christie and before Shakespeare.

Bud’s got an idea that those flyers will lead him to his father. Once he decides to hit the road to find this mystery man, nothing can stop him—not hunger, not fear, not vampires, not even Herman E. Calloway himself.

An excerpt from the book available at the publisher's website here.

Recommended for Grade 5 and up.

Hardcover, 288 pages. 5.7" x 8.6" x 1" thick.

Printed in the Unites States by Delcacorte Press.

Reviews:

“[A] powerfully felt novel.” —The New York Times AN ALA BEST BOOK FOR YOUNG ADULTS

AN ALA NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK
AN IRA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD WINNER
NAMED TO 14 STATE AWARD LISTS
 
“The book is a gem, of value to all ages, not just the young people to whom it is aimed.” —The Christian Science Monitor
 
“Will keep readers engrossed from first page to last.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
 
“Curtis writes with a razor-sharp intelligence that grabs the reader by the heart and never lets go. . . . This highly recommended title [is] at the top of the list of books to be read again and again.” —Voice of Youth Advocates, starred review

by Jacqueline Woodson

According to Roman legend, what famous twins were raised by a she-wolf? Who wrote the epic poem, The Aeneaid? What famous leader brought law and stability, yet was stabbed to death by a group of senators? Life in ancient Rome was certainly not for the faint of heart! In G is for Gladiator: An Ancient Rome Alphabet, readers are given an A-Z introduction to ancient Rome, including its social, political, and civil customs and practices.Husband-and-wife writing team Debbie and Michael Shoulders explore topics such as Roman law, architecture, mythology, and of course, the ultimate "fight club" (gladiatorial combat).From the relaxed surroundings of the public baths to the rigid codes of the military legions, Rome's ancient civilization is unveiled. Colorful, entertaining artwork from Victor Juhasz, the illustrator of Z is for Zeus: A Greek Mythology Alphabet, brings it all to vivid life.

Hardcover, 40 pages.  11 x 12".

Sleeping Bear Press.