Subjects
curriculum
Handwork
Handwork is taught to all students in grades 1-8. Handwork really begins in the Early Childhood classes with finger knitting and simple hand sewing. Then, it continues and expands through the grades with knitting, crocheting, embroidery, fine hand sewing, and finally machine sewing in 8th grade.
In the Waldorf curriculum, handwork brings balance between intellectual and movement activities, allowing students to experience the struggle, joy, and care required in the creative process. The rhythmic repetition of knitting and crocheting strengthens a child's concentration and hand-eye coordination. It also enhances math skills through counting rows and stitches, measuring out patterns, and creating three-dimensional items. Children learn to correct their mistakes and value quality, utility, and hard work. Nothing is wasted and all materials are treated with care and respect, helping the children to be reverent and grateful for the gifts of earth, plants, and animals. The joy of accomplishment, as the children complete increasingly difficult tasks in small steps, creates the self-confidence necessary to tackle much larger tasks in their future academic and professional lives.