If you seek to transform teaching and learning then this course is for you. Whether your interest lies within or alongside the Steiner education system, as a teacher or as an aspiring adult, you will develop valuable insights to renew your understanding of childhood and the delivery of education. Curriculum studies are approached in two complementary ways. There is a comprehensive study of child development in relation to a curriculum appropriate to it, in all its physiological, psychological and spiritual manifestations. Then the curriculum is surveyed as it develops from the elementary stages onwards, with the emphasis on anthroposophical background, resource material, teaching methods and classroom management.
Artistic activities are balanced with curriculum studies and have been evolved with a view to furthering qualities and faculties that the unpredictability of the classroom requires. If the teacher can develop an awareness of the needs of a class as well as for each pupil in it, the teaching skills necessary for the immediate situation, will be forthcoming and the education effective for the whole human being.
This striving to develop as a free and self-reliant individual, a warm enthusiasm for life –long learning, and a determination to search for the hidden threads that weave separate subjects and disciplines into a rich and vital tapestry, are the qualities that the Steiner tradition seeks to call forth from within each person entrusted with guiding a group of young people into the future. Yet, the single quality that every teacher should possess is a love and passion for teaching young people.
The education experienced by an individual hoping to become a Steiner teacher is dramatically different from that in conventional teacher – training colleges. The Waldorf candidate not only learns about child psychology, pedagogical methodology and classroom management; he or she also develops new self – understanding through an immersion in the arts and through the study of philosophy and development of human consciousness. Thus the candidate sets out on a path of self – transformation which will continue throughout the whole of his or her life.
Foundation
Foundation Studies in Anthroposophy and Arts
Here we explore questions of human development, cultural history, philosophy and spiritual science. Classes are small and experience-based; practice in a variety of arts is a daily activity. Individual questions, consideration of Rudolf Steiner's central ideas on the nature of the human being, and developing observation skills, are part of the learning process.
Humanity, the 4 Kingdoms and Self
A study of the basic constitution of the human being and the relationship of the human being to nature and spirit. Themes include: the threefold activity of thinking, feeling and acting; the nature of human "I" and its connection with the various members of the human constitution; the mineral, plant and animal kingdoms; destiny and freedom.
Outer and Inner Observation: A Path of Discovery
An introduction to the path of inner development as outlined by Rudolf Steiner, including a practical look at many basic exercises. The relationship between self and world in individual development. Observation exercises to enhance perception and reverence as the foundation for true knowledge.
Human Development
Fundamentals of human physiological and psychological development and their interconnections. The influence of developmental stages on the learning process during the first 21 years. The role of temperament; family and relationship; phases of adult development.
Eurythmy
Eurythmy is an art of movement which was started by Dr. Rudolf Steiner in 1912. It is called the Art of visible speech and visible music. Eurythmy can be appreciated as a performing art, it is used in education and also as a therapy i.e. "curative Eurythmy".
Painting
An introduction to the moods and gestures of primary, secondary and tertiary colours and colour dynamics. A study and application of individual colours and their interrelationships based on Goethe's color theory, Steiner's research and our own experience. Red has a story to narrate, Yellow wants to say a few words too! Blue, if awakened can't stop talking. The language is different: a world of feeling.
Drawing
Our children are born artists; to teach these budding artists, we need to hone our artistic skills. We want to reproduce what we see and what we imagine rather than to reproduce on paper what others have told us to do: no more outline, just colour and filling the space with colours.
Form Drawing
The educational importance of free hand, artistic pattern drawing is studied through a series of practical exercises for the first school grades. The processes include the practice of symmetry, the metamorphosis of shape, and braided designs as a precursor and support to, for example, the learning of cursive writing and geometry.
Music
Sing and the child is enthralled, shout and the child freezes. Let's sing but let's sing properly: respecting pitch and rhythm. An exploration of the spiritual dimensions of tonal experience, the sense of hearing, and the singing voice. This continues into a more intensive training, laying the foundation of basic music skills. Not just sing but learn to play the recorder (Flute) as well. See the difference yourself.
Drama
Children love to move and role play and so do we. To them it comes naturally. We need to make an effort. Create your own story, choose your part, shed your inhibition and let go yourself. You'll be surprised!
Clay Modelling
This workshop in clay modelling is intended to deepen and extend the student's faculty for experiencing and creating forms. Working with form as an expression of spiritual qualities can awaken a sensitivity for the quality and effects of forms in the child's environment.
Handwork
Nimble hands, nimble mind. The thread is woven up and down, in and out; it does a flip, turns and voila you have a loop, even a knot! It looks so difficult and yet it is so easy! What the hands do is what the brain needs in order to establish proper connections with the nervous system. Through the work, their hands, human beings have progressed and prospered. Inspired by this, we will use our hands to transform the gifts of the earth into objects that are useful and beautiful. We will experience basic spinning and knitting in our creative work.
Early Childhood
Early Childhood Teacher Education
Early Childhood Development
An introduction to the task of the early childhood educator, with an emphasis on the underlying principles and ideals of Steiner education as they relate to the young child. These include the role of imitation and example, an overview of child development, and the influence of the environment on the healthy growth of the child. This is a class intended to provide a basic introduction to the practice of Steiner education as it relates to the development of the child. Emphasis placed on physiological and psychological growth during the first seven years as a basis for later development and learning.
Rhythmic games & Morning Circles
An introduction to group movement and music activities in the kindergarten, with a focus on seasonal songs and verses, the elements of circle games and morning circle play.
Marionettes for the Young Child
Fostering the healthy development of language and imagination through creative and artistic activity in the kindergarten. This course will help students to develop artistic techniques through marionette work and creative play. No readymade dolls and puppets: children can't relate to a doll that is too beautiful and perfect. To stimulate imagination, we allow real play.
Story Telling: Pictorial Language of Fairy Tales
The essential part of education: story time. The images transmitted to the child are life-long nourishment for the soul. The child develops his / her own morality according to the images hidden in the story. How to select a story? How to keep the interest of the child alive during story telling? We will try to answer these questions during the course. This course explores the child's developing experience of language during the first seven years of life. A wide range of activities is covered, including songs, verses, singing games, and stories. Emphasis is given to the pictorial language of the fairy tale and its relationship to the young child. Students will explore the meaning of folk and fairy tales from many cultures and will practice the art of storytelling for young children.
Celebrating the Festivals with Young Children
A study of the cycle of the year and the practical aspects of celebrating festivals with young children in the kindergarten and at home.
ELEMENTARY
Elementary Teacher Education
Child Development and Learning
The principles of teaching related to growth and developmental stages of childhood and adolescence. A study of Rudolf Steiner's child psychology. The emphasis is on relationship between child, nature, inner processes, and classroom practice. This is a class intended to provide a basic introduction to the principles of Steiner education as they relate to the development of the child. Particular emphasis is placed on physiological and psychological growth during the first seven years as a basis for later development and learning.
The Work of Class Teacher
An introduction to the life of the Rudolf Steiner classroom from a practical point of view. The course involves active student participation and includes classroom as environment; the manner of working of the teacher and its effect on the children; the forming of the day; rhythm in teaching; activities and exercises; discipline; introduction to language, math and nature study in classes one, two and three; an overview of the curriculum of classes 4 to 6.
