Games & Movement

At the heart of the Waldorf approach, our Games and Movement curriculum fosters physical development, spatial awareness, social skills, and self-confidence. Through imaginative and developmentally aligned activities, students grow from playful exploration to skilled teamwork and athleticism.

Curriculum Overview

  • In the early grades, movement supports children as they learn how to be in a school environment. We focus on:

    • Spatial awareness and physical coordination

    • Self-expression and teamwork

    • Cooperative games, nature walks, and yoga

    These activities help build a sense of rhythm, respect, and community.

  • As students experience the “nine-year change,” they begin formal physical education.

    • Games emphasize group belonging and individual courage

    • Activities include structured tag, ball skills, and coordination challenges

    • No winners or losers—only meaningful experiences and social learning

    Skills developed include:

    • Running, hopping, skipping, leaping

    • Throwing and catching with accuracy

    • Playing by the rules and staying focused

    • Gentle physical contact and spatial awareness

  • Fourth graders crave challenge and adventure.

    • Activities are vigorous and team-oriented

    • Archery is introduced with a focus on safety and breath

    • Students improve through cooperation, not competition

    Students learn to:

    • Play as a team with good sportsmanship

    • Master complex movements and game rules

    • Respect opponents and enjoy active play

  • In harmony with their study of Ancient Greece, fifth graders prepare for the Pentathlon, a regional Waldorf event.

    • Focus on form, rhythm, and beauty in movement

    • Skills include discus, javelin, sprints, and long jump

    • Students learn to honor the Olympic spirit

    Emphasis on:

    • Competing with grace and dignity

    • Supporting others and striving for personal bests

    • Balancing play and sport during this transition year

  • As students grow into their changing bodies, we emphasize coordination and teamwork.

    • Games reflect the Roman ideals of discipline and form

    • Sports include soccer, archery, volleyball, and more

    • Geometry concepts are explored through movement and strategy

    Students build:

    • Body control and game fundamentals

    • Focus, cooperation, and emotional maturity

    • The ability to gracefully win or lose

  • With new strength and perspective, seventh graders sharpen their skills.

    • Emphasis on endurance, precision, and strategy

    • Deeper understanding of positions and roles in team sports

    • Students begin to lead and reflect on gameplay

    They demonstrate:

    • Mastery of positions in volleyball, soccer, archery, and more

    • Refined coordination and sport-specific techniques

    • Emotional awareness through team dynamics

  • Eighth graders balance independence and responsibility.

    • Activities combine games and structured sports

    • Students reflect on strategy, leadership, and sportsmanship

    • They take on mentorship roles with younger peers

    Key skills:

    • Mastery of complex rules and strategies

    • Seamless teamwork and balanced competition

    • Confidence in physical expression and endurance

Ms. Rachael Gage

Rachael brings a warm, grounded presence and a wealth of experience to our Games and Movement curriculum at The Waldorf School of DuPage. A certified children’s yoga instructor through Rainbow Kids and an E-RYT 200-hour Yoga Alliance-certified teacher, she has a deep understanding of child development, mindfulness, and movement. As both a Waldorf teacher and a parent, Rachael is attuned to the emotional and physical needs of children and is passionate about helping them build self-regulation skills through playful, embodied learning. She is the founder of Starlight Studio, where she creates mindfulness-based programs for schools across Illinois. Rachael’s classes support students in strengthening coordination, confidence, and connection—all with curiosity, joy, and care.