The age of 7 marks a significant milestone in a child's development, often referred to in Waldorf education as the "first great transformation" or the "change of teeth." This period represents a crucial transition from early childhood to the elementary school years. At this stage, children begin to experience a noticeable shift in their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. 

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Cognitively, 7-year-olds start to develop more abstract thinking abilities. Their imagination, which was previously immersed in a dreamy, fairy-tale-like world, now becomes a tool for understanding and exploring reality. They begin to grasp concepts of cause and effect more clearly and show an increased capacity for logical thinking.

Emotionally, children at this age start to experience a greater sense of inner life. They become more aware of their own thoughts and feelings as separate from those of others. This newfound self-awareness can sometimes lead to moments of self-consciousness or heightened sensitivity.

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Socially, 7-year-olds are typically eager to learn and engage with the world around them. They often enjoy group activities and start to form deeper friendships. However, they may also experience moments of shyness or uncertainty as they navigate more complex social situations.

In terms of learning, children at this age generally show a readiness for more formal education. They develop a growing ability to sit still for longer periods, focus on tasks, and follow multi-step instructions. Their fine motor skills improve, supporting activities like writing and crafting.

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In Waldorf education, this stage is met with a shift in teaching methods. The curriculum moves from the play-based approach of early childhood to more structured learning experiences. However, the emphasis remains on engaging the whole child through arts, movement, and practical activities alongside academic subjects.

It's important to note that while 7 to 9-year-olds are developing more independence, they still need plenty of guidance and support from adults. They benefit from clear boundaries, consistent routines, and plenty of opportunities for both structured learning and free play.

This period lays the foundation for the child's future academic and social development. It's a time of awakening curiosity and a growing desire to understand the world, setting the stage for the more complex learning and social interactions of the later elementary years.

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Bumble Bee Main Lessons​

During the Main Lesson the children will be hearing stories of Saints and Heroes from around the world and out of these stories the children will be writing their own little sentences. I will start to introduce cursive writing and we will have lots of time to practice getting used to joining up the letters. 

We will continue to learn different ways of spelling different sounds through the Sounds Write programm and I will make time for the children to read on a daily basis.

 

Through lots of movement, hands on activites and games, Maths will see us continue practicing the different times tables as well as learning about place value and vertical addition and subtraction.