Arts and Humanities
Waldorf education adheres strongly to the belief that every student has imagination and artistic capacities. As current education and psychology continues to confirm, the development of these skills are critical to creative thought and problem-solving processes as well as providing connection to the inherent beauty of the world. By incorporating the arts into the general curriculum, all learning is enhanced through multisensory experiences of the subjects. There is also a deeper ownership of course work as students put together their own lesson books, participate in activities such as drama and music productions and enhance their observational skills through their own artistic renderings.
In addition to in-class integration of the arts, we also include dedicated classes in fine arts instruction, practical arts, music and drama. Our Music program includes formal training beginning in 5th grade with all students playing a stringed instrument. In 7th grade, students are allowed to choose between string or band instruments for continued study through high school. Likewise, all students participate in singing, with options ranging from chorus to individual vocal study in high school.
Practical Arts include study in knitting, felting, sewing, crocheting and woodworking – all of which enhance work in the areas of math and science through skills such as observation and planning, counting stitches and designing patterns, hand-eye coordination and more.
The Fine Arts programs at Chicago Waldorf School provide students with a wide range of subjects to explore including metalwork, painting, drawing, stonework, clay sculpting, block printing, basketry, calligraphy and textiles. Students learn the basic principles of each art form while discovering new forms for self-expression and visualization of concepts.
Drama and Theater Arts are studied both in class and through the Drama Club. Productions are full-scale affairs incorporating set design, historical study, costume design and acting.