Therapeutic Classes in the Lower Grades

Therapeutic Classes in the Lower Grades

Making a kindness gnome

Finished Kindness Gnome

The Waldorf approach to learning, particularly through the perspective of understanding and addressing the needs of all learners, is to teach the whole child – through doing, seeing, hearing, artistically, socially and academically.

Mrs. Hunter, Learning Support Specialist, leads a weekly Therapeutic class in grades 1-4.  This class is designed to help students grow physically and emotionally.  Classes involve therapeutic movement, mindfulness activities and artistic projects.  Movement includes crossing body midlines, stretching, coordination, and general body awareness. Mindfulness activities include participation in Loving Kindness meditation, gratitude, painting, drawing, stories and books, class discussions, and building empathy.  Projects have included creating/playing board games, making small cloth kindness gnomes, and clay modelling.

Waldorf Education is inherently therapeutic, and we are fortunate to include this class into the weekly schedule for the lower grades, 1-4. Mrs. Hunter consults with teachers and keeps aware of student need so to bring activities and skill building that is relevant, engaging, and develops awareness, calming, and resilience in students.

CEAL HUNTER

Teacher, Learning Support

Mrs. Hunter is the parent of two Tamarack alumni. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and walking along the Milwaukee River. She has been the Learning Support Coordinator since 2005.

Education: B.S.W. and M.S.W., University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Certificate in Educational Support from Sunbridge College (NY). M.A. in Special Education from Alverno College. Apprenticed for seven years at Tamarack as the Learning Support Program assistant. 

“I was drawn to the holistic, soulful nature that Waldorf education takes in educating children and its strong musical, artistic and movement work.”