
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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.