Chiron East 2008
Workshop Descriptions

Adult Development

To educate children successfully through their stages of development requires a parallel path of development for the adult. From complete dependence at birth to personal independence at 21, children are guided and empowered by the daily thoughts, words and deeds of the parent/ teacher. A practice which develops our own knowledge, capacities and creativity ensures that the children are led into their own full capacities.

 

The Four Processes

The foundation of mathematics evolves through the four processes: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The workshop will integrate movement activities, mental mathematics, and discussion of principles to offer a sense of Waldorf mathematical experience while providing insight into the teaching of mathematics in the early grades.

 

Wisdom of Fairy Tales

Fairy Tales, Folk Tales and Other Stories: the Importance of Storytelling in Education. Listen to different kinds of stories; discover ways to actively engage your imagination in storytelling; hear theory of why and at what age which stories might be told.

 

Enlivening Language: Reading the World

Language is an important tool for communication. Through listening, speaking, writing and reading, the world opens to us and we can open to the world. In Waldorf schools, language acquisition begins with its roots in the oral tradition. Language is enlivened. We will engage in enlivening language through a range of activities.

 

Child Development

Waldorf education recognizes not only the stages of childhood but also the way in which each stage contributes to and develops well-rounded development in the children. By grasping the overview of these general stages of childhood, the parent/teacher is guided to understand and work with the unique children under his/her care.

 

The Wonder of Numbers

Mathematics abounds with pattern. Here we will experience some of that richness. This workshop will focus attention on the idea of a middle grade math main lesson block through the lens of the wonder of numbers. The discussion may extend into the areas of fractions and decimals, pending the interests of the participants.

 

Introduction to Recorder Playing for Adult Beginners

Musical recorders are used in Waldorf schools around the world from grade 1 to grade 12. As an instrument which develops rhythmic breathing, it is continued even while other instruments are learned. Through the simple pentatonic scale, parent/teachers can learn and teach Waldorf songs while ensuring that their children produce beautiful music from the outset. Recorders will be provided for those who do not own one.

 

Form Drawing

Form drawing is unique to Waldorf schools. It awakens the artistic sense, develops the imagination and nurtures flexibility in thinking. Throughout the grades, children work with forms of increasing complexity – forms that provide the basis for future learning. We will explore the development of these forms through movement and drawing.

 

Raising Loving Children

Loving parents do not always raise loving children. What makes the difference? Rudolf Steiner encourages parents and teachers to do all they can to help a child become a loving child. This ensures their true happiness as well as the happiness of those around them

 

Home Organization: The Labours of Hercules

The environment we create for a child is an expression of the values we are trying to convey. Cleanliness, order and beauty transcend economic income and reflect the home as a centre of culture. Clear, practical advice to create and maintain the home based on Waldorf principles frees time and energy for quality home-life.

 

Waldorf Methodology

Waldorf methods are unique yet accessible. While focused on an artistic approach to subject matter, these methods rely on striving rather than on talent. The emphasis is on the development of human capacity in the teacher and the student as parallel paths.

 

Eurythmy / Movement

Eurythmy is a movement art, used in education and as a movement therapy. The word “eurythmy” stems from Greek roots meaning beautiful or harmonious rhythm; the term was used by Greek and Roman architects to refer to a harmonious balance of proportion in a design or building. Over the three-day conference, the workshops will include: energy balancing movement warm up, speech and tonal eurythmy, moving forms (circle, lemniscates, star) and a choreographed dance.