Artistic Activities with a Waldorf Education Focus (KAW) for Daycare, Afterschool Programs, and Primary School

Artistic activities hold a special place in the educational work of Waldorf institutions. Even young children enjoy engaging in artistic activities in a wide variety of ways, thereby connecting with the beauty of the world. Unlike adults, they do not focus on the outcome, but rather take joy in the process. Waldorf education seeks to foster this purpose-free experience of living in the here and now through age-appropriate artistic activities. For this, children need educational professionals who have themselves engaged with artistic processes.

Successful participation in artistic exercises is documented within the framework of the KAW certificate course. The aim of the certificate course is to equip participants theoretically and practically to lead artistic activities in Waldorf educational institutions and to communicate their theoretical foundations in the context of collegial work and work with parents. Depending on the courses offered in the respective semesters, the KAW certificate course may include the areas of artistic and textile design, woodworking, sculpting, painting with children, puppet and fairy-tale play, shadow theater, dramatic play, finger plays, language and movement development, rhythmic-musical work, eurythmy, and circle games. For students in the Bachelor’s degree program in Childhood Education, the certificate course is a supplement in terms of specialization within the ongoing Waldorf education teaching content throughout the course of study.

The areas of competence are contextualized in terms of content and also practically tested and reflected upon through ongoing seminars and block courses (seminars and practical exercises). Particular emphasis is placed on developing participants’ own exercise sequences and support approaches. Successful completion of the certificate course is documented through regular and active participation in the seminars. The corresponding proof is provided through participant lists and certificates of study.

Regular participation and enjoyment of artistic activities.

The certificate course “Artistic Activities with a Waldorf Education Focus” is aimed, on the one hand, at students who can imagine a professional career in a Waldorf institution and who would like to deepen their artistic competencies for this purpose. The certificate course is also helpful for being able to document specific Waldorf education knowledge and skills.

On the other hand, the certificate course is also generally open to professionals already working in the field who wish to develop further in the artistic area or refresh their competencies.

To successfully complete the certificate course, participants must attend both 4 seminars in the fields of performing and visual arts and 3 seminars with a theoretical focus. These cannot be credited toward other certificate courses. For students of Childhood Education, the artistic seminars are part of the elective options in the artistic modules. The theoretical seminars are integrated into the prescribed semester plans. External prospective participants arrange attendance at the individual seminars on an individual basis.

In addition, a written paper of at least three pages must be prepared on the topic “The significance of aesthetic education for child development in preschool age”. Despite its comparatively short length, it must meet the requirements of an academic term paper.

In addition to the mandatory seminars listed above, students are of course free to attend further exercises and seminars in the KAW area.

Registration for the KAW certificate course takes place by email to philipp.gelitz@alanus.edu

The certificate course is free of charge for students of Alanus University.

External participants, please contact philipp.gelitz@alanus.edu regarding organization and costs