For our Ibn Battuta Unit, we included a variety of resources from non-fiction books and picture books to hands-on projects to cook books. One thing we could not find were pre-made kits for our projects. I couldn’t even find a craft book (though I’m certain one is available). So we resorted to making our own projects from scratch which we do from time to time.

Our lessons are more hands-on when the students are younger as these activities serve their learning in an engaging way. Often I like to include pre-made kits to our hands-on approach. I love the options available and often kits include materials or products I cannot source otherwise. For this unit, we could not find any kits so we made came up with our own projects and interactive lessons

We love to include recipes when we do our history units as it’s a great way to experience the culture from afar. For this unit, I purchased modern yet vintage cookbook recommended to me by my friend who is married to a Moroccan. Even though Ibn Battuta spent much of his life traveling, we focused on ‘Magrib’ or Moroccan recipes.

For our West Africa Unit, we included a variety. of resources from non-fiction books and picture books to hands-on projects to cook books. One thing we could not find were pre-made kits for our projects. I couldn’t even find a craft book (though I’m certain one is available). So we resorted to making our own projects from scratch which we do from time to time.

Our lessons are more hands-on when the students are younger as these activities serve their learning in an engaging way. Often I like to include pre-made kits to our hands-on approach. I love the options available and often kits include materials or products I cannot source otherwise. For this unit, we could not find any kits so we made came up with our own projects and interactive lessons

We love to include recipes when we do our history units as its a great way to experience the culture from afar. For this unit, we purchased modern cookbooks rather than historic cook books. And while we could have chosen recipes that were a bit more historical or included more local ingredients, we decided on a variety. And with the Silk Road and Spice route, many foods and spices made their way all to West Africa.

Physics is introduced gradually, beginning in Grade 6 and deepening through Grades 7 and 8, always grounded in direct, sensory experiences before abstract theory. In Grade 6, students explore acoustics, optics, heat, and magnetism through hands-on demonstrations. The focus is on careful observation and describing phenomena in precise, vivid language. In Grade 7, the curriculum introduces mechanics and electricity. Students examine simple machines, levers, and pulleys, observing how force, work, and motion interact. By Grade 8, physics becomes more analytical and quantitative. Topics such as hydraulics, aerodynamics, and electromagnetism are explored.

Chemistry is introduced in Grade 7 and further developed in Grade 8, always beginning with observation and experience before moving into theory. In Grade 7, students explore combustion, acids and bases, and the transformative nature of substances through dramatic, hands-on demonstrations. In Grade 8, chemistry becomes more structured and analytical. Topics such as the lime cycle, photosynthesis, and industrial processes like fermentation and metal refining are explored.

Anatomy is introduced in Grade 7 with a focus on the human being as a harmonious whole, rather than a collection of isolated parts. The approach is both reverent and artistic, emphasizing the wisdom and beauty of the human body. Lessons begin with major systems such as the digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems, exploring how each one supports life and interacts with the others.

Explore the complete list of resources used for our botany main lesson block. Included our books, games, kits, activities, and more. Once I’ve gathered all of our resources, I map out our lessons and activities. Once the main lesson block is over, I review the materials we used and share our reflections on the resources, project activities and lessons.

Curious to see what of Waldorf main lesson for botany looks like? You can explore the lessons we’ve done for our botany block and unit. While they are organized, according to the curriculum for botany, many of our unit study lessons are included. I hope it leaves you inspired!

The hands-on approach is my favorite way of learning and teaching. It engages the whole student in an activity which research has shown helps students retain information better, longer and more completely. Additionally, it is a personal love of mine to do hands-on activities whenever possible. What I love about projects is that it can include multiple grades, ages and abilities. Each student produces work according to their skill set.

How we put together an Ancient Egypt Waldorf main lesson block is subtly different than how we put together an ancient Egypt unit study. Putting together a unit study on a subject area offers freedom to collect books and projects that interest you and your students. Explore historical fiction, cook books, premade kits and hands-on projects.

Chalk drawings are often paired with main lessons as both an educational tool as well as a visual inspirations. In Waldorf education, using the imagination, thinking in pictures and creating art are highly praised and encouraged. For our Ancient Egypt block, we did multiple chalk drawings on small vertically placed chalk boards

Our Ancient Egypt block was filled with hands-on projects. Many of these projects were pre-made kits which made the execution of these lessons easy and often more affordable than if I had sources the materials on my own. Some of our favorite projects were purchased again when we did our Egypt block for a second and third time.

Whenever possible, adding food to a block will enhance and bring joy to everyone. Sometimes we try historical recipes, other times we include current cultural dishes, but always we thrill at the opportunity to try something new. The bonus is when those recipes we tried for a block become family favorites we make again and again.