THE FIRST GRADE year begins with the discovery that behind all forms lie two basic principles: the straight and curved line. The children find these shapes in their own bodies, in the classroom and in the world beyond. The straight and curved line are then practiced through walking, drawing in the air and the sand, on the blackboard and finally on paper. These form drawings train motor skills, awaken the children's powers of observation and provide a foundation for the introduction of the alphabet.

Through fairy tales and stories, the children are introduced to each letter of the alphabet. Instead of abstract symbols, the letters become actual characters with whom the children have a real relationship. "S" may be a fairy tale snake sinuously slithering through the grass on some secret errand; the "W" may be hiding in the blackboard drawing of waves.

In a similar way, the children first experience the qualities of numbers before learning addition or subtraction. Counting is introduced through clapping, rhythmic movement and the use of stones, acorns and other natural objects. Only after considerable practical experience in adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing are the written symbols for these operations introduced.

Foreign languages, knitting and the playing of the recorder are also introduced in first grade.