In the third grade, life takes on quite a different quality. Just as fairy tales in the first grade, and tables and legends in the second grade, nourished children, so stories of the Old Testament form the treasury of sustenance for this year. With these stories come an introduction to history. These powerful stories closely parallel the child's own experiences. He has left behind the "paradise" of early childhood and is becoming more aware of good and evil. Through the story of the casting out of Adam and Eve from Paradise , comes the grappling with the earth -- farming, clothing, housing, and social relationships. Through an understanding of the role of the farmer, the children are led to the interrelationships of the Four Kingdoms of Nature as they work together in harmony.

Farming and gardening blocks are a great joy. Planting and harvesting vegetables, eating crunchy salads, cooking their lunches, putting vegetable tops on the compost pile, all bring back a sense of wonder and delight. Making butter, grinding wheat, and baking bread bring further meaningful activities to the children.

Shelters of animals and humans, emphasizing different times and climates, give the children an understanding of man's creativity and his use of tools and materials. Children often make shelters as class projects, do some concrete work, plastering or roofing. The practical arts of the home are given attention. Some classes make soap, while others gather wool from the sheepshearer, wash and spin it, and do some weaving. Crocheting continues, and the students learn to design and crochet their own hats.