how was Rudolf being awakened ?
Answers
In my efforts to understand the fundamental elements
of Rudolf Steiner's (Waldorf) Educational Philosophy for
the purposes of writing this thesis, I realized early on
that the process of attaining such understanding would
necessarily require much more than reading and comprehension
on an abstract, intellectual level. In order that I might
experience the principles of Waldorf Education in motion,
as they were designed to be experienced, I would need to
immerse myself into the experience of the arts and selfstudy with my mind, physical body and emotions, as well
as to read and study the works of those who understand
Waldorf Education. My role as researcher, then, required
that I become a participant-observer, in order that I
might explain Waldorf Education through my own personal
involvement and experience.
My research exploration included visitations at a number
of Waldorf Schools in the New England area, to observe
first, sixth, eighth grade and high school classes. Subjects
ranged from Geometry and Music to Bookbinding, Weaving,
American Studies and Woodcarving. I was also able to
conduct informal interviews of Waldorf students, parents
and teachers during my travels.
In addition to visiting schools, I participated in quite
a number of workshops and seminars designed for Waldorf
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teachers and parents, some of which included: "Developing
the Twelve Senses of the Child" with Ingo Maier, an expert
in Curative Education; "Awakening to the Soul Mood of
Summer" which incorporated practice in the areas of
eurythmy, watercolor painting, clay modeling, speech and
exercises in Goethean observation of self and nature;
workshops and classes on practicing the art of storytelling and exploring watercolor painting in the Waldorf
School tradition with Nancy Mellon, a Lexington Waldorf
School teacher; and another seminar on story-telling which
involved readings and discussions and creating adaptations
of selected fairy tales of the Brothers' Grimm collection.
In addition to workshop participation, I have also attended
festivals at the Waldorf School, musical and eurythmy
performances and lectures by visiting specialists in the
field of Waldorf Education.