A real Waldorf teacher
For the first time in two years, I got to meet a real Waldorf teacher again. I keep thinking that I'm living in a parallel world sometimes because the only contact I get with real Montessori and Waldorf practitioners is online and through books. It was thus a joy to hear Katherine Lehman, a Waldorf teacher with 25 years of experience speak beside me, although I was familiar with most of the things she talked about and we got to do some activities.
There was one activity where we clapped our hands in front when we hear a prime number and behind when it is not. Prior to this, the child is introduced to prime numbers through story. Katherine gave an example of a story of a horse that leapt from one island to another and where the golden ashes land it is the prime number. Over the next few days, the class will actually put up sticks and make a horse that will jump over each stick. I of course am not telling the exact story that she beautifully told, but you get the drift.
I am especially interested because my second child so loves it. He loves the stories and the art, unlike his very scientific brother, and one thing that I realised tonight is how sensitive he is to stimulation that art and stories move him in a most positive way as opposed to media. Sofiyya of course loves the princesses and knights but she loves the science of learning too. I have to work harder with my second, he really challenges me. The good thing going to such workshops once a while, is you get reminded of the ideals and practices that you believe in and don't get drowned in societal waves.
Katherine also talked about what is covered in Waldorf schools through the grade and how the movement is gaining momentum there where even in this economic crisis, they are expanding because of the strong parental faith and support that they have. What is interesting about the school she works with is that it is a public school that goes from 1st to 8th grade.I was not able to ask her for details, but they must have greater leverage because despite being in California, they have been able to practice the Waldorf method and content with a degree of freedom and satisfy and surpass state requirements.
I unfortunately had to leave early, with my kids falling asleep in the car outside but am very grateful to dear hubby who specially worked from home today so he won't be held up at work to send me to this corner of Singapore somewhere in Siglap.I love the classroom, they have classes for preschool and kindergarten,it was filled with natural wood, wool,cotton, silk and felt of course and simulated the home. There was talk of having a Waldorf elementary school but I think by the time it is set up, if ever, my kids will be in high school and being Singaporean, might not be eligible anyway.
Katherine will be having workshops till Sunday ( I wish I can go) and if anyone is interested you can ask me for the contact.
1)Workshop for Parents: Bringing Waldorf to Life with Katherine Lehman (CV attached)
This is a special opportunity for those curious about or inspired by the philosophy of Waldorf education. From theory to practice, we will explore Waldorf education and principles of child development while focussing on its practical application in the child’s environment. The sessions will be hands-on, for adults only as it is aimed to strengthen the caregiver’s capabilities in working with their young children. Over the three days, we will cover a variety of topics including action-planning and home assignments to be completed each day. The group will also cover The Kingdom of Childhood.
Venue: Function Room 1, Highgate Condominium, 66 Toh Tuck Road, Singapore (596730).
Dates: July 29th – 31st, 2009
Time: 9 am – 1 pm
Fees: 250 SGD per person for 3-day workshop; 100 SGD for single day participation
RSVP: by July 28, 2009 (they are fine if you register now)
Note: this workshop is strictly for adults and would not be able to accommodate children. There will be a break for lunch – kindly make arrangements for your lunch as it will not be provided at the workshop venue.
2)Workshop for Parents: Flow & Color Movement: Lessons from the Plant World with Katherine Lehman (CV on request). The workshop content will cover three areas:
1. Plant Observations
2. Eurhythmy
3. Art
Venue: Function Room 2 (upstairs), Highgate Condominium, 66 Toh Tuck Road, Singapore (596730).
Dates: August 1st & 2nd, 2009
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Registration: 9:15 am
Fees: 150 SGD per person for 2-day workshop; 100 SGD for single day participation
RSVP: by July 30, 2009
Note: this workshop is strictly for adults and would not be able to accommodate children. As this is run on volunteer support and not for profit, kindly make arrangements for your own lunch. There will be a 1-hour lunch break.
There was one activity where we clapped our hands in front when we hear a prime number and behind when it is not. Prior to this, the child is introduced to prime numbers through story. Katherine gave an example of a story of a horse that leapt from one island to another and where the golden ashes land it is the prime number. Over the next few days, the class will actually put up sticks and make a horse that will jump over each stick. I of course am not telling the exact story that she beautifully told, but you get the drift.
I am especially interested because my second child so loves it. He loves the stories and the art, unlike his very scientific brother, and one thing that I realised tonight is how sensitive he is to stimulation that art and stories move him in a most positive way as opposed to media. Sofiyya of course loves the princesses and knights but she loves the science of learning too. I have to work harder with my second, he really challenges me. The good thing going to such workshops once a while, is you get reminded of the ideals and practices that you believe in and don't get drowned in societal waves.
Katherine also talked about what is covered in Waldorf schools through the grade and how the movement is gaining momentum there where even in this economic crisis, they are expanding because of the strong parental faith and support that they have. What is interesting about the school she works with is that it is a public school that goes from 1st to 8th grade.I was not able to ask her for details, but they must have greater leverage because despite being in California, they have been able to practice the Waldorf method and content with a degree of freedom and satisfy and surpass state requirements.
I unfortunately had to leave early, with my kids falling asleep in the car outside but am very grateful to dear hubby who specially worked from home today so he won't be held up at work to send me to this corner of Singapore somewhere in Siglap.I love the classroom, they have classes for preschool and kindergarten,it was filled with natural wood, wool,cotton, silk and felt of course and simulated the home. There was talk of having a Waldorf elementary school but I think by the time it is set up, if ever, my kids will be in high school and being Singaporean, might not be eligible anyway.
Katherine will be having workshops till Sunday ( I wish I can go) and if anyone is interested you can ask me for the contact.
1)Workshop for Parents: Bringing Waldorf to Life with Katherine Lehman (CV attached)
This is a special opportunity for those curious about or inspired by the philosophy of Waldorf education. From theory to practice, we will explore Waldorf education and principles of child development while focussing on its practical application in the child’s environment. The sessions will be hands-on, for adults only as it is aimed to strengthen the caregiver’s capabilities in working with their young children. Over the three days, we will cover a variety of topics including action-planning and home assignments to be completed each day. The group will also cover The Kingdom of Childhood.
Venue: Function Room 1, Highgate Condominium, 66 Toh Tuck Road, Singapore (596730).
Dates: July 29th – 31st, 2009
Time: 9 am – 1 pm
Fees: 250 SGD per person for 3-day workshop; 100 SGD for single day participation
RSVP: by July 28, 2009 (they are fine if you register now)
Note: this workshop is strictly for adults and would not be able to accommodate children. There will be a break for lunch – kindly make arrangements for your lunch as it will not be provided at the workshop venue.
2)Workshop for Parents: Flow & Color Movement: Lessons from the Plant World with Katherine Lehman (CV on request). The workshop content will cover three areas:
1. Plant Observations
2. Eurhythmy
3. Art
Venue: Function Room 2 (upstairs), Highgate Condominium, 66 Toh Tuck Road, Singapore (596730).
Dates: August 1st & 2nd, 2009
Time: 10 am to 3 pm
Registration: 9:15 am
Fees: 150 SGD per person for 2-day workshop; 100 SGD for single day participation
RSVP: by July 30, 2009
Note: this workshop is strictly for adults and would not be able to accommodate children. As this is run on volunteer support and not for profit, kindly make arrangements for your own lunch. There will be a 1-hour lunch break.
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