Why are verses spoken at the beginning of Waldorf painting lessons?
Q: Why are verses spoken at the beginning of Waldorf painting lessons?
(This post is part of a series in which we answer the most common questions we receive in our inbox re: homeschooling, Waldorf curriculum/pedagogy, and whatever else comes our way! Click here to read part one!)
A: Verses are used as a tool in painting class for a few different reasons.
In general, any lesson benefits from structure, and painting class is no different. In Waldorf education, we strive for classes to have a feeling of a beginning, middle, and conclusion.
Beginning with a verse sets a mood, and is a clear indication to the child or class that it is time to focus, and set their intention on the task at hand.
Speaking a verse together also provides an opportunity for the educator to observe where the children or child are at that moment. Are they fidgety? Talkative? Attentive? If the mood is set, the lesson can begin, or the educator can utilize the verse as a tool for classroom management.
This beautiful piece can be found in our third grade painting course- where stories and color come alive through the experience of painting!
For instance, if the children are not quite centered, the verse can be spoken again to bring the group to the space of readiness. Or, a verse can be used to create a space of quiet and stillness through saying it in a whisper, mouthing the words with no sound at all, or making small finger gestures to represent the words in silence.
Through small, creative adjustments, a verse is a wonderful way to bring the children into the meditative space one hopes for in painting class.
Lastly, it is always worth bringing beautiful language into a child’s everyday rhythm. Verses do not have to be long, wordy, or difficult to memorize- even a few lines of meaningful text will go a long way in setting the peaceful, reverent mood one strives for in Waldorf watercolor painting.
About the Authors
Robyn Beaufoy is Waldorfish’s CEO, and also a course instructor for Simple Season (coming soon!), Waldorf Art for Beginners, and Weekly Art Foundations. You’ll find her intuitive touches and influences throughout everything Waldorfish offers! Robyn has been in the world of education for over 25 years, with an MA in Education and a certification in Waldorf teaching - she also homeschooled both of her children for some of that time. In 2012 Robyn co-founded Waldorfish.com, creating it with the vision of making Waldorf inspired-art and pedagogy more accessible, joyful, and doable for homeschoolers all over the world.
Caitlin Amajor is Waldorfish’s course instructor for Geometry grades 5 & 6, and Botany, as well as our Administrative Assistant. From a young age, Caitlin has been immersed in Waldorf education, attending a Waldorf school from K-8. After receiving a BA in History, Caitlin gained her certification in Waldorf teaching, and spent seven years as a Waldorf class teacher in the upper grades. With a special fondness for watercolor painting and geometry, Caitlin loves bringing Waldorf education to her students all over the world, and seeing their own individuality and style bloom from the curriculum!
