You are invited to experience the heart of Waldorf education through our WSSL Adult Education Series that bring meaning and artistry into daily life. Together we will enter the spirit of the seasons through festival celebrations, work with our hands in the practical arts, and discover the richness of story as a living tradition. Each offering opens a doorway into the beauty and depth of Waldorf life, and all are welcome to join. Please see the class offerings below.

The Art of Seasonal Celebrations

Festival life is an important aspect of the Waldorf school community throughout the year. Festivals are the heartbeat of the Waldorf school year; times when the community gathers, the seasons are marked, and deeper meaning is brought into daily life. Each celebration becomes a living expression of community, culture, and the spirit of school life.  In these sessions, we will deepen our understanding of why we celebrate each festival, engage in conversations on how to renew festival life, and prepare for the upcoming festival(s).

Festival of Courage

Date: Friday September 19th

Time: 4 pm to 6 pm

Presenter: Michiyo Kishi, Joe Estes

Location: 810 Bell, St. Louis, MO 63119

Festival of Compassion

Date: Friday, November 7th,

Time: 4 pm to 6 pm

Presenter: Jessica Raterman, Julie Mauchenheimer

Location: 814 Bell, St. Louis, MO 63119

Winter Garden

Date: Friday, December 12th

Time: 4 pm to 6 pm

Presenter: Kelly Riney Feary, Julie Mauchenheimer

Location: 814 Bell, St. Louis, MO 63119

Candlemas

Date: Friday, January 30th,

Time: 4 pm to 6 pm

Presenter: Chris Jent, Emily Hemeyer

Location: 814 Bell, St. Louis, MO 63119

Mayfest

Date: Friday, April 17th

Time: 4 pm to 6 pm

Presenter: Chris Jent, Bill Bauer

Location: 814 Bell, St. Louis, MO 63119

Engaging with Practical Arts

Why do the practical arts (modeling, handwork, painting, woodworking, gardening, etc.) stand at the center of the Waldorf school journey? This offering invites both teachers and parents to consider the importance of Practical Arts as part of the school journey and to explore their role in nourishing the whole human being. While we explore why the practical arts are central to Waldorf education, we will make a Waldorf doll using multiple techniques, including sewing, knitting, felting, etc.

The cost for the materials is $20

Introduction Session

Friday, October 10th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm - Presentation by Daniela Sales

Saturday, October 11th, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Doll making (Michiyo Kishi and Daniela Sales)

Follow-up sessions (Enrollment in the introduction session is required in order to attend the follow-up sessions.)

Wednesday, February 25th, 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm (Michiyo or Daniela)

Wednesday, March 25th, 3:30 - 5:30 pm (Michiyo or Daniela) 

Art of Storytelling

Storytelling is at the heart of Waldorf education, carrying wisdom, beauty, and nourishment for the child’s soul. We invite you to explore how storytelling evolves from early childhood through the grades, and to reflect on what makes it an art. 

Participants will engage with readings, discussions, and practical exercises, including preparing and sharing short tales, noticing the differences between oral telling and reading aloud. We will also consider the place of illustrations, when they support the story and when they may hinder the listener’s inner imagery. Explore the art of storytelling and how it evolves from early childhood through grade school. What capacities must the teacher develop to tell a story well? What capacities are awakened for the listener when the teller is telling a story or reading a story?

Early Childhood through Grade 3

Friday, January 9th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Saturday, January 10th, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Presenter: Daniela Sales

Grade 4 through Grade 8

Friday, May 1st, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Saturday, May 2nd, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Presenter: Daniela Sales

Registration

We would love to have you join us! Please register using button below. Be sure to check the details, as some Saturday classes require participation in Friday sessions and the Engaging with Practical Arts has a material fee of $20.00.

Please contact Michiyo Kishi (mkishi@waldorfstl.org) with any questions.