Specialty Programs
The Art of Interdisciplinary Education
At Live Oak Charter, Main Lesson work is integrated with projects that occur in the specialty classes of Handwork and Movement/Spatial Dynamics, while Performing Arts and Music happen in the classroom as part of the core curriculum in grades 1-8. Along with the development of manual skills, we see the development of certain human qualities, such as: rhythm, endurance, stamina, and focus. For the older students, it is also a useful introduction to real work.
Multi-skilled Students
In spending time each week in these creative processes, students are provided with a wonderful opportunity to participate in practical activities that build interdisciplinary skills, aesthetic sensibility, and confidence in one’s capacity to create & express from a variety of materials and mediums.
At Live Oak Charter, Main Lesson work is integrated with projects that occur in the specialty classes of Handwork and Movement/Spatial Dynamics, while Performing Arts and Music happen in the classroom as part of the core curriculum in grades 1-8. Along with the development of manual skills, we see the development of certain human qualities, such as: rhythm, endurance, stamina, and focus. For the older students, it is also a useful introduction to real work.
Multi-skilled Students
In spending time each week in these creative processes, students are provided with a wonderful opportunity to participate in practical activities that build interdisciplinary skills, aesthetic sensibility, and confidence in one’s capacity to create & express from a variety of materials and mediums.
Handwork
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“In the Waldorf curriculum, handwork brings balance between intellectual and movement activities, allowing students to experience the struggle, joy, and care required in the creative process. The rhythmic repetition of knitting and crocheting strengthens a child's concentration and hand-eye coordination. It also enhances math skills through counting rows and stitches, measuring out patterns, and creating three-dimensional items. Children learn to correct their mistakes and value quality, utility, and hard work.”
At Live Oak, each grade engages in handwork to support both what is being taught in the Main Lesson curriculum and the child’s development. The Handwork program is designed to “strengthen the will” while deepening coordination, sequential memory, and spatial awareness. |
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Knitting begins in the 1st grade as students learn to use two needles, promoting cross-body movement as well as integrating math through the counting of stitches. As their skills progress, crochet and basic stitchery are introduced. In the intermediate grades cross-stitch and embroidery are taught. By the 6th through 8th grade, students try their hand at three dimensional pattern and object development, doll making, and constructing garments with sewing machines just as they study the Industrial Revolution.
At Live Oak students are not just knitting a hat, they are also practicing math, aesthetic choices, patience and perseverance - how's that for a THINKING CAP
At Live Oak students are not just knitting a hat, they are also practicing math, aesthetic choices, patience and perseverance - how's that for a THINKING CAP
Movement & Spatial Dynamics
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Movement is taught by a specialty teacher from 1st through 8th grade. Beyond physical fitness, movement in Waldorf education is used as a teaching tool throughout the curriculum to assist students with everything from learning their multiplication tables to understanding complex physics concepts. Activities work on fine and gross motor coordination, teamwork, sportsmanship, balance, and health. Initiative games, capture the flag, ultimate Frisbee and other traditional sports are introduced throughout the grades. Unicycling is introduced in the 3rd grade and other balance activities strengthen the will, while juggling sticks and diabolos work on fine and gross motor coordination.
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A highlight of the movement program are the curriculum-related, intramural cooperative games held in the upper grades with sister Waldorf schools including the Pentathlon in 5th grade, Medieval Games in 6th grade, Explorers’ Tournament in 7th grade, and Track Meet in 8th grade.
- Focus on balance, agility, strength and coordination
- Games with rules and strategy
- Cooperation is emphasized over competition
- Advance physical games and movement skills
- Crossing the midline activities to build pathways in the brain and develop the ability to cross the midline, improve coordination and overall functional performance
Music
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Music education plays a significant role in Waldorf education throughout the grades and is required for all students. Music instruction begins with pentatonic flutes in the early grades, followed by the soprano recorder in 3rd grade, with the alto and tenor recorders added in as the class progresses. Singing is also integral to instruction from Kindergarten through 8th grade with the complexity of choral material increasing by age level.
When you walk onto the Live Oak campus, chances are you hear singing or flute playing. By teaching children to sing and play instruments, we provide them with a powerful antidote to the mechanized music of our media-driven culture. |
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Music Program Notice 2024
In the Fall of 2023 Live Oak's stringed instrument program began a rest cycle as we work to restructure and improve the program given the restraints of budget & California's requirement that all music teachers to have a CA Teaching Credential. To mitigate this challenge, we piloted affordable after-school music programs on campus to give students an opportunity to continue their musical education outside of what is already happening in the Waldorf classrooms. We will continue to offer the Live Oak Revue (5th - 8th grade) and a Strings Program (4th - 6th grade) this year as well. Visit After School Music at Live Oak to learn more about last years offering.
In the Fall of 2023 Live Oak's stringed instrument program began a rest cycle as we work to restructure and improve the program given the restraints of budget & California's requirement that all music teachers to have a CA Teaching Credential. To mitigate this challenge, we piloted affordable after-school music programs on campus to give students an opportunity to continue their musical education outside of what is already happening in the Waldorf classrooms. We will continue to offer the Live Oak Revue (5th - 8th grade) and a Strings Program (4th - 6th grade) this year as well. Visit After School Music at Live Oak to learn more about last years offering.
Special Offering for Fall 2024 - Dates TBA
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Strings Program (3rd - 8th grade)
Violin, viola & cello taught with Marc Dwaileebe 2 Sessions offered. Small groups. 12 student limit. Thursdays: 12:45 - 2:00 PM on campus in the Annex. Dates, cost & signup visit: FALL 2024 Afterschool String Program |
Live Oak Revue (5th - 8th grade)
Ukulele, Piano and Singing with Tyler & Julia Thursdays: 1:00 - 3:00 PM on campus. SPRING 2025 |