Waldorf education is creatively intense and this can sometimes be hard on those new to the educational method. If your reading thing and shaking your head wondering how your going to do this when stick figures are the extent of your art talent, relax!
You have it in you, so does your child!
The key is letting go of expectation, finding that reverent quiet space inside yourself and then letting it fill with your creativity. Use your judgement to form the art, but not to analyze your level of talent.
Tip: Practice on your own alone an inspired peace you would like your child to make.
Explore all the Art curriculum options there are keeping in mind that most Waldorf inspired curriculum includes some form of art with each unit block of learning. Oak Meadow Curriculum has simple instructions that are age appropriate and not hard to follow, but I find that demonstration is still the best way to teach and learn. So what does one do if you have no artists around and no waldorf conferences or workshops to go to? Find videos!
http://waldorftv.weebly.com/art.html
The above video and site is helpful with resources and learning. I specially love it as it inspires!
There are books you can get about wet on wet painting, they show real art of real students in different grades and it can show you that the messy creation you might think is not what it should be is exactly what it should be!
These are a few books that can help you with this part.
Once you have your curriculum follow it, again without worry over your own talents. Do it at least once alone if your new and insecure, you do not want to bring that unbalanced energy into your lesson with children. They will feel it and it will effect all the work done. While going through the lesson have a calm sure voice instructing on not just the physical subject but the feelings of the work as well. How does the deep dark blue feel? You do not answer yourself, you let the art answer for you and your child. You do the work side by side with your child. Children learn by imitation so ask them to copy you but do not judge them if they go off on their own course. Some days we just need to express something.
Tip: To keep reverence and respect for the work of Art it is a good idea to keep special supplies in a special place to be used under supervision. The supplies being special will help the children be mindful of taking care of them! Waldorf art items do add up so there is a lot of benefit to making them last!
Please explore more tips and posts on this blog to learn more about teaching art, it’s importance, and the best resources to use.
