Madrona School Alphabet (E)

As we continue to celebrate what makes a Madrona School education unique through the alphabet, we have reached the letter 'E' ... and Eurythmy!

We just wrapped up a six-week block with visiting eurythmist, Audun Smit. Mr. Smit offered classes to our kindergartens and our grade school, as well as weekly opportunities for adults and at the opening of our faculty meetings. It was a true gift to our community!

Eurthymy is an art form from Rudolf Steiner based on movement, and making music and tone visible through that movement. Beautiful to watch and to do, it has elements of dance, sculpture and creative expression. Here at Madrona School, we offer eurythmy in blocks as we are able, providing some exposure for our students to this essential aspect of the Waldorf curriculum.

Movement in all its forms is so essential to learning, and Waldorf education emphasizes it throughout the curriculum. When we move, we learn -- coordination, problem solving, working effectively with others, etc. In our early childhood programs, children practice integration of movement, both gross and fine motor, in order to prepare themselves for their academic journeys ahead. And in grade school, movement continues to be critical for a greater integration of academic material, as well as practice for those all important social skills.  

And eurythmy is movement like nothing else we offer, with live piano accompaniment and uplifting verse. Truly a gift for each child, even as they work on spatial awareness and social integration, expressing themselves from the inside out. 

-- edited in part from the school newsletter, November 19, 2013

Images From The Season

At Madrona School, we mark the darkest time of the year with opportunities to remember and celebrate the light that shines within all of us. Enjoy this selection of recent images from the life of our school -- and Happy Solstice and holiday season!

Madrona School Alphabet (D)

What makes a Madrona School education unique and special?
During the 2013-2014 school year, we celebrated what a Waldorf education offers both our children and our community as we strive to graduate creative and eager lifelong learners. Using the alphabet gave us 26 aspects to celebrate! 

D is for Drama! We enjoy good drama (of a certain kind!) at Madrona School. In our early childhood programs, we nurture imaginative play acting each and every day. And, each grade school class puts on a play every year.  From the simplest beginnings in 1st grade, to full blown productions in 7th and 8th, our students learn to be comfortable performing on a stage. They memorize lines, work together on sets and staging, speak clearly and with passion, sing and make music. Drama enhances literacy, creativity, self-confidence, flexibility -- and it's fun!

-- edited from our school newsletter on October 1, 2013