Eighth Grade

The culmination of their time at Madrone Trail, eighth grade is rich and dramatic.  A class trip cements and deepens these friendships as the children prepare to launch into their high school years.  The year culminates in a wonderful graduation ceremony, looking back and celebrating all they have experienced and achieved.

“A basic tenet underlying the teaching of History in the Waldorf curriculum is that the period studied should serve as an “objective correlative” to the developmental changes occurring in the body and the soul of the student.  With the advent of adolescence, eighth graders are undergoing a re-formation of the bodies and a transformation of their souls.  As they experience the sometimes tumultuous clash of forces within and without, it is appropriate for us to study the periods of European history demarcated as “the Reformation” and the “Age of Revolution.” ~Eugene Schwartz

Topics will include:

  • composition and speech including book and scientific reports
  • practical mathematics
  • algebra
  • geometry
  • Shakespeare
  • epic and dramatic poetry
  • folklore
  • foreign language- vocabulary building and dialogues
  • choir
  • orchestra
  • painting
  • using a sewing machine
  • modeling the human head
  • 3 dimensional drawing
  • wood carving
  • history of 1700 to present including Unites States history
  • geography of Asia, Australia and Antarctica as well as global contrasts
  • art history
  • chemistry
  • physiology
  • gymnastics, with equipment
  • team games and sports

MEET THE TEACHER

Kelli Richardson

Kelli Richardson was born and raised in the Portland area before moving to Ashland where she earned her degree in English and Writing and a Master’s in Teaching. After starting her family, she enjoyed substitute teaching all over Oregon for the past ten years. She enjoyed the challenge and the ability to see how hundreds of teachers ran their classrooms.

Since putting down roots in Eagle Point with her husband and four sons, Kelli decided it was time to seek out something more consistent. Having already put two of her children on the waitlist, she was excited to see the opening for a class teacher at Madrone Trail. Kelli has realized that Waldorf education is a great fit for her and her family. She enjoys bringing music, movement, empathy, and beauty into her classroom.