What is Waldorf First Grade Curriculum for Art?
Q: What is the Waldorf first grade art curriculum?
(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 more from the series!)
A: If you’re just getting started with your homeschooling journey, you’re probably thinking about how you’ll bring the Waldorf first grade art curriculum into your rhythm.
We’ve put together this piece as a starting place for you - we’ll be answering frequently asked questions about Waldorf art in first grade, and providing you some helpful resources to help make your artistic journey doable, meaningful, and fun!
What does the Waldorf art curriculum include in first grade?
In Waldorf education, first grade is a pivotal milestone in a child AND educator’s educational and developmental journey. Amongst the newness of the grade (from academics, to daily routine, to social dynamics) art is incorporated into nearly every aspect of the curriculum (to learn more about the role of art in education across all the grades in Waldorf curriculum, click here!)
Each family and school will vary their art curriculum, but generally, a first grader will enjoy experiences with wet-on-wet watercolor painting, form drawing, pencil and crayon drawing, and the joy of learning through storytelling.
How is chalk art used in first grade?
In Waldorf first grade classrooms, chalk art is a tool used by the educator to enliven and enhance the curriculum through pictures. The drawings change frequently, and usually relate to the subject being studied or the season at hand.
The letter “G” for goose- all in one image!
In a first grade classroom, one might observe the drawing of a goose combined with the image of a letter G (see an example to the right!) and the story of the day may be the fairy tale of the golden goose. Together, the image and the story work to enliven the language arts lesson for the children as they get to know the letter G!
At this point, chalk drawing is a medium generally used only by the educator, and one that provides endless possibilities in bringing the curriculum to life on the chalkboard. To learn more about chalk drawing and the role it plays in Waldorf education, click here.
How is Waldorf watercolor painting introduced in first grade?
A particular style of watercolor painting, often referred to as wet-on-wet painting, is practiced throughout the grades in Waldorf schools, though most often in the lower grades, 1-4. This technique of painting involves using liquid watercolor pigments on damp paper. The resulting effect is paintings that are saturated in color and unique to each artist.
Watercolor paintings from our first grade course- each is different and unique!
In grade one, the lessons are simple color experiences guided by the teacher. It is purely artistic work - there is no expectation of the children creating a specific form or picture of something. Colors are introduced slowly and individually, giving the children plenty of time to enjoy and experience the color inwardly and deeply. To learn more about the pedagogical foundations of Waldorf first grade watercolor painting, click here.
What is form drawing?
Form drawing is a practice which allows children (and adults!) to engage with space, balance, and symmetry through drawing. In first grade, form drawing starts with simple basics, as we are just introducing the child to the world around them. Form drawing also provides foundational exercises that support handwriting, pencil grip, and much more.
You’ll often see the children’s exploration of straight and curved lines hanging on the walls in Waldorf first grade classrooms. The children are guided through the practice of drawing straight and curved lines on the chalkboard, paper, in sand, even in the mud, etc. Building in a variety of layers of experience helps the child's body internalize the movements more deeply.
Though it may seem simple, what the first grade begins to discover is that straight and curved lines are in everything, building connections with their environment and natural world around them. To learn more about first grade form drawing, click here.
Form drawing can be done inside, outside, or wherever inspiration strikes!
How do I incorporate form drawing into the first grade?
Form drawing is best done as a regular practice in a child’s daily rhythm. Shorter, but regular sessions truly allow the various forms (and the process to create them!) an opportunity to deeply integrate into the child’s body and soul.
To really make something a part of your daily practice (ten to fifteen minutes per day is ideal!), put it on the calendar, follow through, and be intentional. Soon, the routine will become second nature, and you will truly reap the benefits that rhythm provides. (To learn more about Waldorf form drawing, click here!)
What is the significance of storytelling in Waldorf education?
Storytelling is an important tool in Waldorf education, especially in the lower grades! The Waldorf curriculum is rich in story, from nature stories and fairy tales, form drawing stories, through great myths and legends, to biographies and historical stories.
Oftentimes, stories are told orally, or without the use of a book or notes. It’s a way of connecting with the child, storyteller to listener, and allowing the content to come alive in a rich and organic way. When we don’t rely on the written word, the storyteller is able to tailor the story to the needs of the child. Though you may not know it, you already are a storyteller – you can get started right away with bringing stories into your regular routine! Click here to learn more!
How do I get started with Waldorf art?
First and foremost- get your supplies in order!
One of the early hurdles of getting started with Waldorf art is the question of supplies- what to buy, where to buy it, how much to spend, and how to use and care for everything! It’s easy to get caught up in buying the art supplies you think you should purchase (while spending a lot of money!) and then leaving it to collect dust on the shelf for fear of wasting it, using it incorrectly, or just not knowing how to use it.
Sound familiar?
So, start at the beginning, and get the support and resources you need right away! Our Waldorf Art for Beginners course was designed to walk you through the most commonly found artistic mediums in Waldorf education, including watercolor painting, crayon, and chalk drawing. This includes what to buy (and what not to buy!) how to care and store for everything, and then, how to use the supplies to create beautiful artwork.
Wanting to make Waldorf art a part of your weekly routine? Our Weekly Art Foundations course provides weekly lessons (enough for an entire school year!) that provides step-by-step instruction using Waldorf art techniques.
Use your resources! Head to our blog post Starting Waldorf First Grade to find all of our resources on art, storytelling, Waldorf pedagogy, and more.
Whew! Ok, it’s time to jump in and explore
Questions? You can connect with us here - we’re happy to help.
About the Authors
Robyn Beaufoy is Waldorfish’s CEO, and a course instructor for two of our courses - 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 almost 30 years, with an MA in Education and a certification in Waldorf teaching - she also homeschooled both of her children. In 2012 Robyn co-founded Waldorfish.com, creating it with the vision of making Waldorf inspired-art and pedagogy more accessible, joyful, and doable to 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!