Christopherus Homeschool Resources
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Donna Simmons' curriculum materials are so clear and accessible.

I often recommend them, both as a starting point for new parents who are just beginning to study Waldorf Ed., and to more seasoned homeschoolers looking for curriculum ideas. Donna's words are like an offer of a reassuring hand, to make me feel: 'I can do it' and to help me relax and know that my instincts are right.

She deeply understands developmental readiness, and her encouraging words have often helped me to observe my child with a fresh perspective, and to relax, knowing that I don't need to push the learning process ... Having Donna's books to refer to is like having a wry and witty best friend, just an arm's length away, ready to share her wisdom and encouragement.

Thea Bodger,
homeschooler and Waldorf early years teacher

We received our books this morning. They are absolutely fantastic.

We feel blessed to have come across your website under Waldorf homeschooling. Have always wanted to incorporate Steiner into our lives, but had no access to the school itself and found some Steiner books over my head/ hard to read. Everything in the books I have skimmed through rings so true and feels so right. They incorporate humor and give me all the ideas and info that I have been seeking in this technocratic world! Thank you so very much for these books.

Anneke and Craig

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your work.

I'm finding the whole homeschool thing very challenging, and one downfall of all this waldorf stuff for me is that I now have such high standards of how I want things to be. When things get hard, and I yell at the children, act like a child myself and totally lose it,(which is daily) I come back to your books, your audios and this forum [Waldorf at Home]. And now, as I read the books, I can sort of hear your voice and your intonations. I really like your sense of humour, and combination of common sense and yet strong opinions. Anyway, I just wanted you to know. Thank you.

Carla
Australia

Thank you SO much for your follow-up!

I did receive both the order and the audio download. I was so impressed with each and every item that I ordered and am anxious to listen to the audio download. In fact, I am going to use the Christopherus Curriculum with my daughter! What I have read, so far, answers a multitude of questions and fills so many gaps that I am experiencing with [another homeschool] curriculum.

Many, many thanks for providing such creative, thoughtful, fulfilling and practical ways to connect and teach my daughter! These resources truly exceed my expectations! (I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the schedule provided with each block, as well as the blocks, themselves.) THANK YOU!
Sincerely,

Jennifer Moore

You make homeschooling do-able.

Reflecting back on all the wonderful Christopherus works that I own, Joyful Movement, the overview, the nature book, form drawing, the Kindergarten book, the drawing book, several of your second grade materials (animal legends and the math book), and now Living Language, I just wanted to send another big thank you to Donna and the entire Christopherus gang.

Two years ago we started our homeschooling journey with Enki and I was overwhelmed! I loved the story materials, but the guidance was very lacking. Without Donna's materials I would have never figured out how to use the wonderful Enki stories. (and I'm a self-educated, intelligent gal! I just didn't have the time to wade through all those binders and binders of resources and read through the vast amount of theory. And I lacked the teaching experience to be able to turn all that theory into something useable and do-able).

I find Donna's take on Waldorf, homeschooling, and unschooling echoes my own very closely, and so I find comfort in her practical, down-to-earth guidance. She has helped me to be able to navigate our own course on our homeschooling journey. I just want to make sure she knows how much I appreciate these materials, and the heart and soul that she and her entire family have poured into them. Thank you so very much.

Chris
Ohio, USA

I just placed an order.

I was trying to get along without ordering Saints and Heroes and 2nd Grade Mathematics, using the many other resources that I have, but I was realizing that I was missing your voice, conciseness and direction. I constantly struggle with the balance of unschooling and getting in the Waldorf framework. Your books make me feel like I can check off certain Waldorf principles balancing it with our natural family rhythms and my interests.

Ellen

I found Christopherus a couple of weeks ago and it has been such a blessing.

I think I read nearly every word on your website in the first few days! I've listened to several of your audio downloads. Your voice is so calming and reassuring, to say nothing of the helpful content.

All I can say is that I feel inspired and empowered, in a word, nurtured, in my role as a mother and as a woman. I felt myself exhale. I hadn't realized I was holding my breath! It was like 'oh my god, somebody out there gets me. Somebody out there knows what I'm trying to do better than I do and she's done it, AND she's willing to share her insight and wisdom!'

Thank you! Thank you!
Most sincerely,

Areatha

I can't tell you what your work has meant in my life, and I can't imagine my life without the many gifts of Christopherus.

The Overview, especially, has been my guide since the day I first held it in my hands, and although we drift off to this and that, it's the backbone of what I do here at the Egan Family Homeschool. How can I ever thank you?

I listened to the therapeutic talk yesterday and it was so interesting, and then, at the end, you said a sentence that knocked me off my feet and made me remember why I chose Waldorf and why it's healing "powers" are so important in this day and age. My youngest daughter is "gifted" (whatever that means) and is nowhere near appropriately incarnated into her body. That's what happens when you let in-laws and "experts" and fear lead you astray from what you know is truth. Thank goodness for your voice of reason Donna. You help me in more ways than I can ever express.

And as to the Overview, when I'm feeling a little overwhelmed I often just flop it open and pick a phrase or sentence that will inspire me in that moment. This trick has *never* failed me. Never.

As you know, I love to buy your books - for myself, as gifts, and for any reason I can think of! I will continue to support Christopherus this way as long as I can. I couldn't do it without you.

Penny

I'm absolutely thrilled with the books that I've purchased from you!

We are into our Language Arts block, and Madison, my six year old, is loving every minute of the Prince's adventure with the Wise Woman. I am too. This is the most creative and fun way to learn! Maddie asked me today on her way down the hall......."Mom how does a "j" go again?"......and then before she turned the corner.....in the most satisfied voice she said, " never mind, I know, ....like the jester."

My husband is in school full time right now, and very busy with his studies. Maddie can't wait to show him, when he comes home, her latest pictures in her main lesson book. She's so proud of what she's learned and of her artwork.

It feels so rewarding to watch her shine like this. As I've shared with you before, we are new to the Waldorf approach, and I am continually grateful that we've found it, and you. What a difference your books have brought to our home. We love circle time so much more now that we've been using the Joyful Movement book. My two year old son and four year old daughter join in singing and clapping.
Many, many thanks for all your hard work!

Mary G.











 

  Fourth Grade Package
Fourth Grade Package

 

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A full year of challenging, inspiring and nurturing lessons for 4th grade at home.

Fourth Grade Package includes: Please note that the following book, which is available separately and as part of the First Grade Curriculum, remains an essential component of fourth grade: The Christopherus Fourth Grade Curriculum

Fourth Grade is an exciting and far-ranging year of mythology, story, math, geography, science, practical and artistic work and much more. As the 10 year old child finds her place in the world and her awakening sense of independence, she seeks guidance in relating to questions of good and evil, both in the world and in herself. The lively stories of the Norse myths and the moral ambiguity of the Old Testament stories following the death of Moses speak deeply to this need.

Fourth grade is a time when children become more consciously aware of their surroundings – first lessons in geography speak to this. The human being's relation to the animal kingdom also helps the child deepen his understanding of the world.

Mathematics:

Our math curriculum picks up on the experiential and hands-on practical math (mainly measurement) from last year and formalizes this. Other math topics include area and perimeter, factorization, prime numbers and fractions.

Four Elements:

Unique to Christopherus, our Four Elements main lesson is a first basic exploration into physical science, focusing on earth, fire (heat), air and water in nature. Based on Walter Kraul's excellent little book, Earth, Water, Fire and Air, this is a main lesson that gets you out of the house and creating toys and gadgets which harness the power of the elements.

Practical Considerations:

Our curriculum is packed with realistic advice – so you can make 4th grade work for you. Our Practical Considerations section includes a full schedule, broken down by block and describing not only the sequence of main lessons, but of subject lessons as well. We give ample teaching advice; explain the relevance of the curriculum to the needs of the ten-year-old child; discuss legal requirements; and help you plan to meet your family and child's unique needs.

In Addition:

We also offer guidance and advice on a range of other lessons, including Health & Safety, Cooking, Gardening, Foreign Language and Games/Movement/Sports.

As always, our curriculum is designed to give step-by-step instructions with a clear progression of the year's lessons, while also remaining flexible and open to meeting the needs of widely different children and family circumstances.

This year's schedule consists of 15 weeks in the first semester and 19 in the second. We now assume a five-day week and help parents create an "independent Day Five", when their child is mainly working alone on work from the rest of the week.

Although we lay out the year and the progression of lessons, we also encourage (and seek to enable) you to change things as you see fit. Our materials are used across the globe and, because we help parents understand the hows and whys of the curriculum, it can be made to work for just about anyone's situation.

Here is an outline of our Fourth Grade Curriculum:

Main Lessons: Subject Lessons:
  • Language Arts - Grammar, reading, handwriting (page 109), writing (page 132), composition, spelling; how to teach; full sequence of lessons; the slower and quicker student; books to read aloud; and much more.

  • Math (refer to our Fourth Grade Mathematics)

  • Music - General guidance; rhythm and percussion; playing and singing music; music notation; and a selection of songs.

  • Form Drawing - Picks up where our form drawing book leaves off (which you will need if you are new to Waldorf education and have not previously done form drawing with your child). This year's form drawing curriculum features Celtic and Norse knot forms (page 367) as well as geometric forms. Complete step-by-step instructions.

  • Handwork and Crafts - A full year of crocheting (page 442), knitting, quilting, needle felting, paper crafts, whittling, macramé and other projects. Much of this curriculum was developed by our colleague Lisa Marshall and is sure to delight.

  • Drawing, Painting and Modeling - Step-by-step painting and drawing advice (page 417). All modeling instructions are contained in Learning About the World Through Modeling (an integral part of the Fourth Grade Curriculum).
  • We hope you are as excited about our fourth grade curriculum as we are!

    We invite all people wishing to work with the Christopherus Curriculum packages to consider purchasing either or both our Waldorf Curriculum Overview for Homeschoolers and From Nature Stories to Natural Science. These books will considerably broaden and enrich the homeschool parent's way of bringing Waldorf to one's homeschool.

    Read Fourth Grade Curriculum Testimonials

    Read our Publications Age Guide for additional publications for Fourth Grade

    Further information about the Christopherus Curriculum

    Order the complete package for Christopherus Fourth Grade below.

    Important note for non-US customers: To order the Fourth Grade Package with metric measurement components for math (instead of standard US measurements) be sure to choose the metric option below.

    If you already have one or more of the components and do not require the full package you may order the components individually.


    Item# Item Name Our Price Qty Add
    CHR1004 Fourth Grade Package
    $435.00
    CHR1004M Fourth Grade Package (metric)
    $435.00
    XXX-1004 Fourth Grade Components - Order Individually Below:
    $0.00
    CHR0024 Fourth Grade Syllabus
    $340.00
    CHR0023-1004 The Human Being And The Animal World (Two 4th Grade Main Lessons)
    $26.00
    CHRB0022-1004 Fourth Grade Mathematics Bundle
    $50.00
    CHRB0022M-1004 Fourth Grade Mathematics Bundle (metric)
    $50.00
    OPRH021-1004 D'Aulaires' Book Of Norse Myths
    $24.95
    OPSB009-1004 Earth, Water, Fire And Air - Playful Explorations In The Four Elements
    $25.00
    Check the items you wish to purchase, then click

      Additional Recommendations... (also read our Publications Age Guide for more recommendations)

    Painting In Waldorf Education Learning About The World Through Modeling Fourth Grade Audio From Nature Stories To Natural Science
    $18.00
    $24.00
    $14.00
    $39.00
    Painting in Waldorf Education (Bruin and Lichthart) Learning About the World Through Modeling (Arthur Auer) Fourth Grade Audio From Nature Stories to Natural Science - A Holistic Approach to Science for Families


    5 of 5
    | Total Reviews: 1

      Customer Testimonial
     
    Teacher Finds 4th Grade Curriculum Outstanding June 22, 2011
      From: Helena Trainer from Denmark, Western Australia  
    I just wanted to let you know that I think the Christopherus Curriculum is outstanding. I am especially very appreciative of all the effort and extras you have put into the manual. You have it all there for me.

    As a teacher who is charged with the responsibility to teach fourth grade students, I find there is possibly no better resource than the Christopherus Fourth Grade Curriculum.

    I would highly recommend this Steiner/Waldorf based curriculum because it has many elements that make it an outstanding resource. The teachers’ notes and lesson plans will also make integrating of the resource into the existing school curriculum much easier. The whole curriculum is teacher friendly, easy to navigate and picks up on all the key main lesson topics of fourth grade in a Steiner School.  It is also reassuring as a teacher to know that this resource has been used by many Steiner/Waldorf teachers in Western Australia.

    The Christopherus Fourth Grade Curriculum gets to the heart in a wonderful way, both through the main lesson material, and through the carefully thought out activities which creatively introduce the children to the fascinating world in which we live. It is a curriculum which is rich with ideas, but at the same time acts as a catalyst for the teacher, inspiring further investigation and sparking fresh ideas.

    Helena Trainer
    Third and Fourth Grade Teacher
    Golden Hill Steiner School
    Denmark, Western Australia



    Browse for more books and audios in the same categories as this item:

    THE CHRISTOPHERUS CURRICULUM
    THE CHRISTOPHERUS CURRICULUM > 4th Grade
    PUBLICATIONS AGE GUIDE
    PUBLICATIONS AGE GUIDE > LOWER GRADES
     


    Christopherus Homeschool Resources
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