Why Waldorf Math Works

An in-depth study (Stanford Study) by Stanford University of the Waldorf educational method that is in place at a public school in Sacramento, CA found that those students outperformed their peers in other public schools in their district in math, with the most gains among African American, Latino, economically disadvantaged students and other traditionally underserved students. The researchers found that in Waldorf education math is taught in multiple ways. Students move their math, sing their math, paint, draw and build their math, and it is brought into other lessons like history. This way of teaching is more approachable and enjoyable for all students.

At Cedarwood Waldorf School math begins in first grade and grows in rigor and frequency as students move up the grades towards high school. In first grade, math is learned through storytelling. Students hear stories about addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, often learning about the generosity of Mr. Plus and the speed of Miranda Multiple or similar characters. This leads into the study of number patterns, odd and even numbers, grouping, and estimation. In second grade, students learn operation principles, number patterns and relationships, geometric patterns, place value and times tables through manipulatives and songs which can be a wonderful pneumatic device for students of all ages. In third, students focus on time, money, geometric patterns, multiplication and division with borrowing and regrouping. Often this grade has a class “store” where they practice all of these skills. In fourth, the students use fractions, averages, factoring, measurement, long division and multiplication. For measurement and fractions they incorporate baking and make cookies and pies that not only increase engagement, but also apply the skills to the real world in a thoughtful and tasty way. Sometimes they build a structure or other item with their measuring skills. Then, in fifth grade, math takes on a larger role in the curriculum as students prepare for middle school. During this year students review fractions and mixed numbers, learn decimals, lowest common multiples and greatest common factors, percentages and ratios, and number theory. In each of these grades, students learn math through all of their senses like cooking, art, physical activity, and music.

Once students enter into middle school they have a dedicated math class, in addition to regular math blocks taught by their class teacher. Our connected math curriculum follows common core standards, but is enhanced by its inquiry based approach, highlighting problem solving, collaboration and creativity. In 6th grade, students learn geometry, ratios, proportion, percentages, graphing, area and perimeter, probability, mean, median, mode, problem solving and business math. A highlight are the businesses the 6th graders often create for the business math block. In 7th, they tackle ratio and proportion, algebra (positive and negative numbers), geometry (area, angles, graphing, integers) and associative, commutative and distributive properties. And finally, in 8th, students prepare for high school math with algebra: polynomials, binomials, distributive, commutative and associative properties, graphing relationships, platonic solids and Pythagorean theorem. This is all complimented each year by the Middle School Math Carnival where they apply these mathematical skills in homemade table games and win prizes. The entire school loves coming to participate and learn at the Carnival.

Our students are taught math as it relates to their cognitive abilities and readiness. The cross curricular nature of our pedagogy and the creative arts integration encourages our students to think about math in new and unique ways. This allows students to enjoy math and apply it to daily life and apply it to . These skills are transferring into high school with most students excelling on testing and in math classes at high schools across the Portland metro area.

For more information about the Cedarwood Waldorf School grades and middle school, or please reach out through our enrollment page or schedule a visit.


Vanessa Fuss