Through the year, our focus here at CWS is on our young students and how to best meet their developmental needs through our progressive, holistic curriculum. This summer, we are offering the adults of the community a chance to take part in many of the wonderful things the children experience all year: Adult Summer Classes at Charlottesville Waldorf School will include watercolor painting, creative writing, handwork, and more!
For one week this summer, adults can experience Waldorf education at CWS!
CWS inaugural Adult Summer Classes will take place June 10 – June 14 on our beautiful Charlottesville campus. There will be two evening sessions, with six classes to choose from. Students can also choose to join the full group for opening communal activities each day – singing together or practicing short movement or speech exercises. Each class will be 1.5 hours and will be taught taught by our experienced Waldorf teachers and professionals in the field. Classes are open to adults and to high school students. Read through the class descriptions below. Registration open now!
2024 Adult Summer Classes at CWS – June 10 through June 14
Group Activity
Start the evening by joining with fellow participants in exploring the joy of collective singing, coordinated movement exercises, and the art of spoken word. Instructors will vary through the week.
4 – 4:25pm, cost included in registration
Color Journey: Watercolor Painting in a Waldorf School
with Kate Walter and Michael Wright
Step into the enchanting world of Waldorf wet-on-wet watercolor painting. Explore the fundamentals of color and brushwork through guided exercises inspired by the holistic approach to color and painting in Waldorf grade school education.
4:30 – 6pm, $180
Creative Writing Through the Grades
with Claudia Reinhardt
Creative Writing through the grades: Our time together will follow a rhythmic morning lesson structure. We’ll start in fourth grade by exploring kennings and Norse Mythology. We’ll dive into fifth grade Botany with food poetry, write creative descriptions, and explore the art of the Harlem Renaissance with ekphrastic writing.
4:30 – 6pm, $180
Extra Lesson support in the Waldorf school
with Lorie Henry
Discover the transformative power of Extra Lesson support with an introduction to the principles and practices used by our Education Specialist at Charlottesville Waldorf School. Explore techniques for supporting movement, coordination, and sensory integration in both children and adults. Gain valuable insights and skills to better understand and assist individuals in their developmental journey. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply curious about holistic learning methods, join us in discovering the profound impact of Extra Lesson support in the Waldorf tradition.
4:30 – 6pm, $180
Making a Waldorf Doll
with Lisa Olko
In this class for making Waldorf baby dolls, participants will learn the art of crafting these timeless and nurturing companions. Through step-by-step guidance, you’ll master techniques such as shaping the doll’s body, embroidering facial features with care, and dressing them in soft, natural fabrics. Instructor Lisa Olko will lead you in creating a cherished keepsake imbued with love and warmth.
6:10 – 7:40pm, $180
Straight Lines and Curves: Form Drawing in the Grades
with Kate Walter
Explore the fundamental principles of Form Drawing, practicing the control and coordination necessary to create forms. As in the Waldorf grades, you will move from simple straight lines and curves to more complex shapes, experiencing the growing connection between brain/eyes/hands and discussing the importance of the act of drawing forms.
6:10 – 7:40pm, $180
Storytelling, Drama, and Movement in the Classroom
with Michael Wright
Delve into the art of crafting compelling narratives, incorporating dramatic elements, and infusing movement into the Waldorf classroom experience. This interactive class offers practical techniques and exercises to enhance your teaching repertoire and captivate learners of all ages. Whether you’re an educator seeking new tools to enrich your classroom environment or simply passionate about the power of storytelling and expression, join us in discovering the magic of integrating storytelling, drama, and movement into the educational journey.
6:10 – 7:40pm, $180
About our Instructors
Lorie Henry
Lorie Henry is the current Education Specialist at Charlottesville Waldorf School. As a class teacher at Charlottesville Waldorf School she has brought multiple classes through the grades, and she is the mother and grandmother of CWS alumni.
Lisa Olko
Lisa Olko is a parent of Charlottesville Waldorf School alumni. She has been creating wonderful Waldorf dolls for many years, as well as exploring several other art forms. Lisa headed up the parent handwork group for 10 years making dolls and toys to sell at the holiday and spring bazaars. She presently works as a hospice nurse as well as a business owner for her sewing company, “Sewing Sacred Threads”.
Claudia Reinhardt
Having taught in Waldorf grade schools in Chicago, rural Vermont, Richmond, and Charlottesville, Claudia Reinhardt has enjoyed writing with her students for many years. In addition to being a grade school class teacher at CWS, Claudia has recently led several writing workshops for students.
Kate Walter
An artist and educator, Kate Walter has been involved with Waldorf Schools in the US and Canada since the early 1980s in the development office and as a class teacher and gardening teacher in the grades. In the 23/24 school year she has taught painting and form drawing for the CWS 2/3 class. Kate is the mother of Waldorf alumni and grandparent of current CWS students.
Michael Wright
Michael Wright has been a Waldorf teacher for nearly 4 decades, as a grade school class teacher, remedial teacher, and faculty chair in the US and Canada. He returned to teaching at CWS in the 23/24 school year with our 6th grade class. Michael is the father of Waldorf alumni and the grandparent of current CWS students.