The LemonTree

30 yrs in Waldorf education-22 teaching in private Waldorf schools, 5 teaching in Waldorf-oriented public charter school, and 3 as curriculum specialist at another.

For the past 30 or so years I have been privileged to be teaching using the pedagogical principles of Waldorf education. Key to this approach is: TEACHING THROUGH ART I have always known that I have taught best when I have touched the heart of my students through an artistic and imaginative approach which characterizes Waldorf education. Stories, poetry, songs, movement, drama, drawing, painting become the vehicles for teaching,not separate disciplines. To present what is otherwise academic content in this artistic way is to sow seeds while cultivating the soil as well. I have come to call the creative context out of which one may teach the IMAGINATIVE FIELD. The term first came to me when I was working on the story for the letter M, Mary’s Meadow. The free spirited Mary seemed to embody the healthy, creative spirit of childhood, encountering, experiencing, hearing, seeing, discovering, creating and recounting for others. The notion of an Imaginative Field suggests a field of force, a creative source which attracts to itself, and calls forth, ever more creative life. The meadow, teeming with life and growth, where one might meander and linger, is a fitting image to represent this. More time for children to spend in this environment while learning is my hope, and my offering.

King of the May Faire Monterey Bay Charter School 2010

B.A. in History, Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison M.A.in History, U.C.L.A. Certificate in Waldorf Education,Rudolf Steiner College,Fair Oaks, CA

Having taught grades 1-8 fully 3 times each in cycles, or “loops”, of 8 years, I’ve had a real opportunity to observe child development in relation to a range of curriculum studies. To present what is otherwise academic content in this artistic way is my passion.