At Susquehanna Waldorf School, the arts are not just an addition to the curriculum—they are a part of the learning experience. From painting and drawing to music and drama, the arts play a crucial role in nurturing creativity, fostering emotional expression, and supporting the holistic development of our students.
Why Arts Are Central to Waldorf Education
In Waldorf Education, the arts are considered as important as academic subjects like math and language arts. This stems from the core value that true education engages the whole child—head, heart, and hands. Here’s how the arts support a balanced education:
- Engaging Imagination: The arts encourage students to explore their imagination and express themselves creatively. Whether it’s through drawing, storytelling, or playing a musical instrument, artistic activities allow children to connect with their inner world and bring their ideas to life.
- Developing Emotional Intelligence: Artistic expression helps students understand and process their emotions. Through art, children can explore complex feelings, develop empathy, and build a strong sense of self-awareness. This emotional intelligence is vital for forming healthy relationships and navigating life’s challenges.
- Enhancing Academic Learning: The arts are deeply integrated into the academic curriculum at Susquehanna Waldorf School. For example, students might create watercolor paintings to illustrate a story from history or use modeling clay to understand geometric forms. This artistic approach not only makes learning more engaging but also helps students internalize and remember complex concepts.
- Fostering Creativity and Innovation: By regularly engaging in artistic activities, students learn to think creatively and approach problems from different angles. This ability to innovate and think outside the box is a skill that will serve them well throughout their lives, no matter what path they choose.
Arts in Action: A Day in the Life at SWS
Let’s take a closer look at how the arts are woven into the daily life of students at Susquehanna Waldorf School.
- Morning Lesson: The day begins with the Morning Lesson, where arts and academics are seamlessly integrated. For instance, during an ancient civilization lesson, students might illustrate Egyptian hieroglyphs or craft clay models of ancient artifacts. This hands-on approach deepens their understanding and makes the material come alive.
- Art Lessons: Students participate in art lessons where they explore various mediums such as watercolor, charcoal, and pastels. These classes are not just about learning techniques—they are about fostering a deep connection to the creative process.
- Music and Movement: Music is a daily activity at SWS. From learning to play the recorder to singing in a choir, students experience the joy of making music together. Additionally, Eurythmy, a form of expressive movement unique to Waldorf schools, helps students connect with rhythm, language, and emotion through physical movement.
- Seasonal Festivals and Performances: Throughout the year, students participate in seasonal festivals that often include dramatic performances, musical presentations, and visual art displays. These events showcase the students’ creativity and provide an opportunity for the whole school community to come together.
The Lasting Impact of Arts Education
The benefits of an arts-rich education extend far beyond the classroom. Waldorf graduates are often noted for their creative thinking, adaptability, and strong sense of purpose. The confidence and self-expression nurtured through the arts at Susquehanna Waldorf School empower students to take on challenges and pursue their passions with enthusiasm.
One of our alum, Dakota Lehman, reflects on the role of the arts in her education: “Making art in my early years helped me to understand in high school and college that others may learn in different ways. I was given the tools to be able to adjust and adapt to learning in different environments and I wanted to be able to give the experience of using art mediums in different ways to others. I now work with children, and especially with the influence of technology, it’s important to have other options as new ways to process and explore life.”
How You Can Support Your Child’s Artistic Development at Home
As a parent, there are many ways you can support your child’s artistic development:
- Create an Art-Friendly Space: Set up a space at home where your child can draw, paint, or work on crafts. Having easy access to art supplies encourages spontaneous creativity.
- Encourage Exploration: Allow your child to experiment with different art forms. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, or playing an instrument, giving them the freedom to explore different mediums will help them discover their passions.
- Celebrate Creativity: Display your child’s artwork at home and celebrate their creative achievements. This will not only boost their confidence but also reinforce the value of artistic expression.
- Engage with the School Community: Attend school performances, art exhibitions, and festivals to show your support for the arts at Susquehanna Waldorf School. These events are a wonderful way to connect with other parents and celebrate the students’ creative talents.
Looking Forward
As we continue through the school year, the arts will remain a vibrant and essential part of our student’s education at Susquehanna Waldorf School. We invite you to explore the many ways in which creativity is fostered in our community and to support your child’s artistic journey both at school and at home.
If you are interested in an art-integrated independent school in Lancaster / York for your child, please contact our admissions director, Liz Pargament, or sign up for a tour here.