Fiber Craft Studio

Applied Arts Handwork Teacher Program

The Applied Arts Program, a professional development opportunity for Waldorf handwork teachers and aspiring teachers, explores the art, philosophy, practice and pedagogy of teaching handwork. The course meets in the Fiber Craft Studio on the Threefold campus for two weeks each summer and one week each winter/spring for four years. In their time together, students and teachers form a learning community that supports their artistic development as well as their spiritual and practical striving. Summer 2021 classes will be in-person with an option for online classes for those unable to travel.

COURSE OF STUDY

The schedule for each session is full-time Monday - Friday, covering five basic curricular areas: (in the event of covid restrictions, virtual sessions will be arranged)

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Basic Foundations of Anthroposophy  

Presented in lecture/seminar form with assigned reading, including Evolution of the Earth and Humanity and Evolution of Consciousness Through Art.

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Child Development and Waldorf Education

Including the stages of childhood, therapeutic considerations, inner development of the teacher, and working with parents and colleagues.

Waldorf Handwork Curriculum 

Focusing on two grades per year of study, covering grades one through eight, with a brief overview of Early Childhood and High School Handwork.

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The Arts

Focusing on Painting, Drawing, Form-Drawing, Geometric Drawing and Sculpture. Each session also includes Eurythmy, Spatial Dynamics and/or Speech work, aimed at both personal and professional development.

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The Fiber Crafts

Special focus on Spinning, Felting and Plant-Dyeing, as well as ongoing practice of knitting, crochet, embroidery and sewing.  

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The opportunity to share experiences and explore questions in a collegial atmosphere is central to the process. Preparatory reading, as well as independent research and projects between on-campus sessions are considered an integral part of the course. The four-year study culminates with an independent final project by each participant.

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