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The main-lesson (also referred to as the 'morning lesson' in some schools) is a central feature of the Steiner- Waldorf approach. This lesson begins each school day and is normally about two hours in length. Subjects are taught in blocks of several weeks. All classes (Classes 1-12, ages six to eighteen), follow a main-lesson program.
The Main Lesson - Principles and Features
The main-lesson embraces and addresses a varied and progressive range of skills, competencies and faculties in mathematics, English, the arts, science and humanities. Each day's main-lesson is viewed as an integrated and organic whole. Meaningful connections are made across subject areas and between main-lesson themes. The class teacher chooses material, presentation and activities to suit the requirements of the curriculum and the needs of the specific class. Considerable care is given to preparation. Following a daily review process, the class teacher makes adjustments to the lesson plan as needed. It is the aim of the class teacher to make each lesson an artistic whole in which the parts relate to the whole; and the whole is permeated with rhythm, structure and purpose, as opposed to being a mere chain of events, however purposeful each link may be. This artistic approach is thought to have a beneficial effect on the children's learning. The main-lesson incorporates activities and content which address the children's intellectual- cognitive, aesthetic-affective and practical modes of learning. Each lesson is structured to contain a range of the following activities:
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- First part - a morning verse, recitation of poetry, singing, musical instrumental work, mental arithmetic and recall of previous material.
- Second part - presentation of new material and discussion.
- Third part - individual working, narrative, practice of basic skills.
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