1st grade curriculum: Fur, Feathers, Skin and Scales

Our unique 1st grade curriculum is the first of its kind - offering the core academic fundamentals while incorporating movement, stories, songs, and crafts, all the while maintaining an unwavering focus on the connection to nature. Some of the key elements of our curriculum are:

Waldorf Inspired: Lessons are thoughtfully aligned with each stage of development and offer rich, multi-sensory experiences through art, movement, storytelling, music, and practical skills. Routine and rhythm create a sense of stability and comfort, helping children feel grounded, secure, and ready to learn. We weave in many elements of Waldorf education to honor the natural rhythm of childhood and nurture the whole child: body, mind, and spirit.

Singular Nature Focus:  We carry one nature topic across all subjects rather than changing topics several times a day with each academic subject. Fur, Feathers, Skin and Scales is the singular lens through which all academic subjects are learning. This methodology is a key differentiator that sets us apart from others, be it homeschool, private or public schools.

Our year-long nature focus is Fur, Feathers, Skin, and Scales.  Each block or unit of study is based upon 8 animals  (2 in each of the four categories - Fur, Feathers, Skin, and Scales).  During each block we study their behavior, habitat, biology, and culture.  These attributes inform the study focus for each individual lesson.  The child learns Language Arts, Science and Making through these lenses.

Lessons are rooted in story: Because stories are at the heart of how children make meaning of the world, they help children learn. Each tale is thoughtfully crafted or adapted by us to meet developmental needs of the child and introduce key concepts. These stories are not off-the-shelf—they’re bespoke and alive with purpose and woven with intention.  Stories are the foundation of our main lessons. Stories not only entertain—they also shape memory, foster empathy, and anchor abstract concepts in lived experience.

Free Curriculum Samples

Fur, Feathers, Skin and Scales Sample

This sample includes the introduction, table of contents and the first 4 week block: Newts. The lessons include language arts, science, making and nature journaling.

Math Companion sample

This sample includes the math lessons for the first 4 week block - Newts

language arts sample

This sample includes the introduction, table of contents and the first 4 week block: Newts. The lessons include language arts, science, making and nature journaling.

Learning Through Nature

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Learning Through Nature ·