Pentatonic Music
The main focus of this class will be to learn how to play the pentatonic Choroi flute and to understand the “Mood of the 5th” which R. Steiner recommended as a teaching tool for children from birth to nine years old. The students will also be introduced to the pentatonic Lyre and to writing simple pentatonic songs.
Woodworking
This class offers students an opportunity to sculpt concave and convex forms and experience seeing and feeling true tangible beauty as a result of their hard work and commitment. Using hand tools like the rasp and gouge, students create functional, beautiful objects, including spoons and bowls.
Introduction to Color -through water color painting
Color exercises enable the student to take hold of the visual space humanly and organically as a basis for developing creative talents which may have been dormant thus far. A life-enriching process will come about. Some relevant texts will be studied.
Spatial Dynamics
Basic movement principles such as they relate to Steiner’s view of human development will be practiced. Posture, classroom management, movement observation and spatial configuration are elements to be explored in active participation.
Theater Arts
One of the Arts frequently drawn upon in Waldorf Education is that of Drama. In this extended cross-class course the full range of the Theater Arts will be developed in all aspects of preparation and production.
Introduction to Knitting
Skills such as knitting and natural dyeing give an introduction to textiles in a hands-on way. Discussions cover development of the will, enhancing physical and mental dexterity and an understanding of how and why these skills are practiced in Waldorf schools.
Drawing from the Four Kingdoms of Nature
Specific drawing techniques, and work on chalk boards, develop a sense of form and movement for the prospective Waldorf teacher. This seemingly simple drawing practice establishes a deep feeling for order and harmony that balances an actively moving energy.
FDS - Fundamental Conceptual Courses
Twelve Senses
This course seeks to explore the circle of sensory experience in its twelve-foldness as described by Steiner. A sound knowledge of all senses is essential for experiencing oneself in the world, and working with infants, children and youth.
Theosophy
An Introduction to the Supersensible Knowledge of the World and the Destination of Man, Rudolf Steiner gives a precise introduction to many of the fundamental concepts that underly his life work, Anthroposophy. Following upon a comprehensive description of the human being composed of body, soul, and spirit, Steiner develops the idea of destiny and reincarnation, reveals different ways in which human existence unfolds after life on earth, and concludes with a succinct description of the path of knowledge by which each one of us can develop for ourselves the capacities required to experience the phenomena that he describes.
Myth and Storytelling
The art of storytelling stands at the foundation of all Waldorf teaching. Through story students develop imagination, capacity and skills for learning. A Waldorf teacher leads students to a world of rich inner pictures where the archetypes of truth, beauty and goodness are met. In this course we will learn and practice the art of storytelling. We will also explore the relationship between the evolution of consciousness and the story curriculum. We will take a look at the deeper meaning behind the fairy tales and will move through the archetypal stories that shape the curriculum of a Waldorf school.
Biography and Parzifal Parzival is the fool who, through a series of trials and adventures, becomes the Fisher King. In this course we will explore aspects of Steiner’s thinking about the biography of a human being and the relevance of legend and myth to the contemporary life of our time. Course work will include instructor and student presentation, creative writing and illustration.
Knowledge of Higher Worlds
In this course we will examine the path developed by Rudolf Steiner in his book How to Know Higher Worlds. In this work Steiner gives exercises and meditation techniques that are designed to deepen, strengthen and ultimately open the human soul to an objective reality beyond the physical senses. Throughout the book Steiner emphasizes how the development of inner integrity, sound judgment, and a discerning intellect are essential for reliable knowledge at this level of experience.
The Changing Image of the Child
A thorough understanding of the child is fundamental to education. We will consider - in the light of spiritual science - the circumstances under which the true understanding of human nature had been lost to the Western world; and examine the images of the child that Western man has created since. We will also look at some of the tragic effects/implications that this loss has had on education.
Intuitive Thinking as a Spiritual Path
Two term course this foundational text establishes the epistemological basis for all of Steiner’s subsequent work. Starting with his Doctoral dissertation, Truth and Science, Steiner develops a basis on which to transcend the limits to knowledge asserted for modern consciousness by Kant. In his Philosophy of Freedom, he carries this development of thinking forward in a way that underpins all of his work in Spiritual Science.
Foundation Year Observation
Additionally, 8 hours of classroom observation are required for the Foundation year student.
The completion of the Foundation Studies Year is a prerequisite for entering the two year professional teacher education Program.
FOUNDATION STUDIES
