Did you know? Waldorf curriculum uniquely addresses the developmental shift of the 9-year-old.

Children go through a dramatic developmental shift around the age of nine. Waldorf Education recognizes and reflects this change in the third grade curriculum.

This is the beginning of sadness, I say to myself,

as I walk through the universe in my sneakers.

It is time to say good-bye to my imaginary friends,

time to turn the first big number.

It seems only yesterday I used to believe

there was nothing under my skin but light.

If you cut me I would shine.

But now if I fall upon the sidewalks of life,

I skin my knees. I bleed.

—Billy Collins, “On Turning Ten”

In third grade, when the entire class is turning nine, language arts block covers the Old Testament from the Bible. This is not a religious decision but a story decision. The story of Adam and Eve reflects the common feelings of a nine-year-old—they want to try forbidden things and then are shocked at the consequences. They are ashamed and they experience an overwhelming sense of loss. To learn more about the 9-year-old change, check out the links below:

• 9-Year-Old Child Development Milestones, Verywell Family

• The Unique Anxieties of the Nine-year Change, Denver Center For Anthroposophic Therapies

• Being Nine Years Old, Waldorf Publications

• The Nine-Year-Old: An Anthroposophic Perspective, Parenting Passageways