Content Updates for Summer-Fall 2009
Rudolf Steiner on the topic of
painting-style handwriting
In June of 1921, Rudolf Steiner spoke
to the teachers of the Waldorf School in
Stuttgart, as they were about to establish the first Waldorf
tenth grade. The first six of these eight lectures provide a
wonderful review of guidance for teaching the elementary
grades. In other words, before taking up the topic of teaching
adolescents, Steiner went back over with the faculty, what
children between 7 and 14 need in order to be nicely prepared
for this next phase. During the fourth lecture, Rudolf Steiner
stated: "We really ought to get people to write in a way
that is akin to painting. Writing in that way is far more
hygienic." By this, I believe he was indicating a
“painterly” style of handwriting (i.e. with a pen
or pencil, not the use of a brush per se.) However, in my
opinion, the painting handwriting exercises on these pages are
consistent with Steiner's advice. And in my experience, the
effort to provide students throughout the elementary grades
with them, will be well rewarded! Following is excerpted from
the July 15, 1921 lecture. ...
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Models for Observation & Reflection
In considering the needs or challenges
of a child, it is important to try to
form the clearest idea of which hierarchy or hierarchies might
need to be addressed. These are:
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• Medical/constitutional – the
realm of the physician, as well as the therapeutic eurythmist
and/or homeopathist guided by the physician.
• Soul/psyche – the realm of
the parent, priest or psychologist.
• Developmental/pedagogical –
the realm of the teacher. ...
Structure in the Gym Class
Over the years at Aurora Waldorf
School, I have found it helpful to take
time during the first Gym class of the year, to read and
explain the following "code of conduct" to each
grade, and then to make sure students know where these rules
are posted. For grades 1, 2 and 3, children seem to like
to know that they're going to have "manners class"
right along with Gym. For older grades, the wording can be
simplified but the same rules need repeating... usually several
times a year. ..
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Martial Arts, Ballet for children - some
points to consider
Author, consultant and lecturer Kim John
Payne has been kind enough to permit two helpful articles from
his book "Games Children Play" to be accessible on
this website. Click below to read about...
Developmental assessment and tutoring for
elementary age children in Western New York
Is your child
struggling with...
• Reading
• Math
• Ability to focus
• Mild behavioral issues
• Nervousness about school
• Coordination
• Or other issues that relate to
academic progress?
Lectures and workshops for school groups
Updated 8/1/2009
