Human Body
for my 3rd grader
Exploring the Human Body: A Waldorf-Inspired Unit Study
This past month, we did a unit study into the human body with a Waldorf-inspired approach. We dove deep into the skeletal system, muscles, digestive system, and more. This study was a beautiful blend of art, science, and storytelling, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. My daughter also taught me some lessons and it worked out so well.
The Heart of Our Study: Learning Through Drawing
One of the most rewarding aspects of this unit was incorporating drawing into our lessons. We approached learning visually and artistically. The way I taught was, I researched each topic, I translated what I learned into drawings that brought the information to life. My daughter followed along, and together we made illustrations of the the skeleton, the muscle system and the digestive system.
My daughter studied and taught me by creating her own illustrations of the food pyramid and the human eye. This hands-on approach made the learning process both immersive and memorable.
Our Unique Unit Study Book
Rather than aiming for a polished final product, we focused on the learning journey itself. We created a unit study book that functioned similarly to a Waldorf main lesson book but with our own twist. While main lesson books emphasize beauty and storytelling, our approach placed more importance on the process than the final product. This shift allowed us to explore and absorb the material without the pressure of perfection.
Another key difference was our use of textbooks. While we documented our learning in our unit study book, we relied heavily on reference books for in-depth explanations. This balance provided structure while still leaving room for creativity and independent exploration.
What We Covered
Throughout our study, we explored:
The Skeleton – Drawing and labeling major bones to understand their functions.
Muscles – Learning how muscles move and support the body. Looking at muscle cells and how they contract.
The Digestive System – Tracing the journey of food from start to finish.
The Food Pyramid – Understanding nutrition and healthy eating habits.
The Human Eye – Examining how vision works and creating detailed diagrams.
Each topic came alive through a mix of videos, drawings, and written reflections, making this one of our most engaging unit studies yet!
Have you ever done a Waldorf-inspired unit study on the human body? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
I also made a video going through our spine books and what worked for us in this unit:
