A Waldorf Doll Making Workshop

With just a few days left before we leave for our holiday vacation, I decided to take a mini-break from the frantic planning and chaotic busy-ness of last minute work deliverables (I still have one last event this Sunday for Flow In The City Christmas Edition!).

A Waldorf Doll Making Workshop with Tita Malou Medrano (one of my son's nurturers or kindergarten teacher years ago) was just what I needed to slow down and ground. It is also my own preparation for my handmade and homemade Christmas present to both my kids (they will have to share a doll until I get to make another one!). Since I wasn't able to attend her 3-day workshop because of conflicted schedules, I opted to attend a shorter version with other Waldorf parents and teachers.

Here are some of the materials I started to work with

My classmates for today were parents and teachers from other Waldorf schools in the Philippines. I am so glad to be part of this community of like-minded folks!

Yes! With much guidance from Tita Malou, I made the head of a baby!

This doll was my inspiration for the one I am currently making. It is one of Tita Malou's masterpieces :)

Here's the group with our almost-finised works! I'm still working on adding hair and completing the finishing touches on mine but will make sure it will be ready for Christmas!

I honestly waited until I had a daughter before I decided to finally get one or better yet... make one. I don't know why I never made one for my son. Perhaps, I wasn't ready yet. Waldorf dolls are so very special because they are very simple, handmade and with the best intentions for your child. Unlike mass produced, plastic or factory made dolls that have no deep meaning nor positive energy, these loving creations are a gem to childhood! I wish I had one when I was young!

I saw this beautiful quote --

"......a handcrafted doll is one of a kind, an individual which carries the spirit of the maker in its stitches and absorbs the spirit of the child who loves it".

Another important thing about Waldorf dolls, Tita Malou says that it is important to keep it very simple, with no emotions especially for very young children (as you can see in the photos) so that your child may imagine it on the doll. Children will mirror their own emotions on the doll as they go through life's milestones. Whenever they are sad, they will also hug and care for a sad doll. When they are happy or excited, the doll will be the same. It is an extension of themselves, and so we treat dolls with respect, with reverence as with life. Read more about Waldorf dolls here.

Here are more of Tita Malou's brilliant works all sold out at the recent Advent Fair in Acacia Waldorf School. Thank you for the photo, Luisa!

To order a very special Waldorf doll for your child or your godchildren or join future Waldorf doll making workshops, please SMS Tita Malou Medrano at 0932-9603392 or email mjrmedrano@yahoo.com

Advent in Kolisko Waldorf School

As we entered into the time of joyful anticipation of Christmas, my son's school celebrated the start of Advent through the walk of the illuminated circle. Each year, I look forward to this tradition because it prepares and syncs my whole body (body, mind & soul) for the darkest time of the year. It is said that light shines brightest in the darkest of days. And so we walk the path with our inner lights shining through :)

This is just one of the many things I love about a Waldorf Education! Come join the activities prepared for the school this Sunday at Flow In The City Christmas Edition. See poster below and visit www.flowretreats.blogspot.com for more details and registration :)

Waldorf Education Orientation this Friday!

Many people have been asking me about my choice of education for my children. I've been very vocal about loving the Waldorf Education curriculum because values are aligned with my wholistic lifestyle. 

Santi doing wet on wet painting, one of the healing and teaching techniques in school.

If you are on the quest for a school that truly nurtures the soul of the child (as well as the mind!) please do come to this orientation which is also open for household staff because we want everyone on the same page when raising our kids, right?

Happening July 31, Friday 2-3:30pm 

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Because a friend of mine asked "What does Kolisko mean anyway? Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia:

Eugen Kolisko (21 March 1893 – 29 November 1939) was an Austrian-German physician and educator who was born in Vienna. He studied medicine at the University of Vienna, and in 1917 became a lecturer of medical chemistry. He was the son of pathologist Alexander Kolisko (1857-1918).

Eugen Kolisko is remembered for his pioneer work in anthroposophy. He was introduced to anthroposophy through his classmate, Walter Johannes Stein(1891-1957). In 1914, he first attended lectures given by Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy. Consequently, he became a member of the Anthroposophical Society, and in 1920 was invited as an instructor to the newly established Waldorf School atStuttgart by Emil Molt (1876-1936).

And interesting to note...

Kolisko specialized in preventative medicine (sounds like my kind of guy!) and at Waldorf he worked with other teachers in creating a curriculum that focused on the spiritual and physical development of school children. He was instrumental in construction of several artistic therapies, such as anthroposophic music therapy and eurythmy.

Out of The Box Schooling: Cupcakes by Sonja HQ

My son Santi is at a very curious stage in his life. Now at 8 years old in Grade 2, he wants to know HOW things work. This year, I made a commitment to teach him things in a fun and creative way outside school. No, we aren't homeschooling or unschooling (just yet!) because I do love his Waldorf School and the kindred community we are a part of. To supplement his education, I am picking on his interests and using these as avenues for learning...because we never stop learning!

A visit to Cupcakes by Sonja headquarters was the perfect after-school activity because I wanted to show him how cupcakes are made - one of his favorite desserts! 

On our visit, we met Sonja herself! She told us that we're the very first visitors there, which made Santi extra proud. Then, we had a tour inside the "cupcake factory" and met the team behind all her current baked goods. More than cupcakes, they now offer personalized cakes, cookies and I hear they even have vegan (egg-less) sweets! Yay! 

Santi got to try icing a cake they were preparing for a client. Sonja was such a pleasant teacher! So kind and gentle. She reminds me of our favorite pediatrician on the planet, Dr. Crickette Palanca-Chen.

And then we went into another room where the fondant master was creating new masterpieces for Father's Day. They asked if Santi wanted to try making fondant toppers which he gladly agreed to!

Santi colored the fondant mix with food grade dyes and then used a rolling pin to flatten before using a cutter. "It feels just like clay!", Santi said.

Viola! Santi's handmade fondant toppers ready for take-home. They were so nice to pack one freshly baked cupcake and icing for him to assemble at home with his toppers.

Fresh from the oven macarons! I had to control myself from eating one!

When we got home, Santi put together his very own Under The Sea themed cupcake! 

"Next time, we do it from scratch", I told him. But first, we have to save up for an oven! Any recommendations? And fail-proof easy to make recipes, please!

Cupcakes by Sonja
Serendra, Bonifacio Global City
New Glorietta Mall, Ayala Center, Makati
Powerplant Mall, Makati

Waldorf Education Parenting Workshop!

The following topics (and many more!) will be discussed during the parent education workshops:

How well do KWS graduates adapt to "traditional" high schools? How do they cope with math and science subjects outside of the Waldorf system?

I want to support my child by following the school's recommendations re diet, TV, electronic gadgets, etc., but my child at home is surrounded by cousins and neighborhood kids who eat junk food, watch excessive TV, play video games -- what can I do?

My child is 8 years old and can barely read.  Don't they teach children to read in Waldorf schools?

At the end of each workshop, parents will also learn why art is an integral part of the healing curriculum in Waldorf schools by experiencing it themselves.  

Parent Education Workshops will be held on the following dates:

February 7        Saturday    10-12am

February 21        Saturday    10-12am

Venue:  I-House, 161/81 Judge Juan Luna St., SFDM, QC (Directions: from KWS, stay on Baler St. and turn right on Judge Juan Luna St. Enter the compound gate across Judge Juan Luna High School, follow the dirt road to the first white/brown wooden house on your right.  Please carpool there is parking only for a maximum of 3 cars.  The venue is a short tricycle ride away from Kolisko Waldorf School.

Note:  A donation of P200 (for KWS parents)/ P250 (for guests) is requested to cover materials and venue costs

Waldorf Education: And Why Is That? Part 2

For those of you that missed the first workshop, Susan Quimpo is offering a second run! You MUST attend if you are a parent or want to be someday. Even if you never intend to have children, this stuff is phenomenal to learn for self-healing and more!

...AND WHY IS THAT???

The simple act of drawing a circle and trying form drawing meant for Grade 1 students can relieve the early signs of trauma -- why is that?

When my child misbehaves, his teacher checks him with a "pedagogical" story -- why is that?

When my child and his teacher draws, people have no facial features, and there is an emphasis on painterly versus solid line drawings -- why is that?

Educational videos, even those from National Geographic, are not used in Waldorf schools -- why is that?

The Waldorf teachers wear violet on Mondays, red on Tuesdays, yellow on Wednesdays... why is that? Kolisko Waldorf School presents...

...AND WHY IS THAT???

The simple act of drawing a circle and trying form drawing meant for Grade 1 students can relieve the early signs of trauma -- why is that?

When my child misbehaves, his teacher checks him with a "pedagogical" story -- why is that?

When my child and his teacher draws, people have no facial features, and there is an emphasis on painterly versus solid line drawings -- why is that?

Educational videos, even those from National Geographic, are not used in Waldorf schools -- why is that?

The Waldorf teachers wear violet on Mondays, red on Tuesdays, yellow on Wednesdays... why is that?

Learn, like your child, through experience.  Join a two-day workshop with Waldorf parent and art therapist Susan F. Quimpo  and experience the answers to the above questions.  Through discussions and simple art exercises, learn by doing and understand the "whys" behind the Waldorf curriculum.  Participants with or without (even better!) any art background are welcome.

Open to teachers, parents and adult friends 

Maximum number of participants: 20

Please bring crayons, colored pencils, Soft Pastels (Mungyo brand, box of 12), 1-inch masking tape, painting board (if you have one), ruler.  Paper will be made available at cost during the workshop.  Bring lunch and snacks.

WORKSHOP DATES:  December 19-20, 2014 (Friday-Saturday)

TIME: Promptly at 9:30am through 3:30pm

ENERGY EXCHANGE:

P150/day - for KWS teachers and staff  

P300/day for KWS parents 

P450/day for guests

WORKSHOP VENUE:  I-House, 161 Judge Juan Luna St, SFDM

Directions: From West Ave. turn into Baler St (a Shell gas station is at the corner).  Stay on Baler St. & count 4 streets on your right. Make a right on Judge Juan Luna St. Look for Judge Juan Luna High School - across the school gate is an open gate with the numbers 161-old/81 new.  Go in and follow the dirt road.  Turn into the driveway of the first old brown/white wooden house on your right.

Due to limited parking, participants are encouraged to meet at KWS and carpool to workshop venue which is a few blocks away from the school.

TO REGISTER: Call or text Merci Silangan at KWS (landline) 921-3974 or Mobile 0917.403.6483.

* Susan F Quimpo holds a post graduate diploma in Anthroposophic Arts for Health Training given by Hibernia College in co-operation with the Medical Section at the Goetheanum, Dornach, Switzerland.  Using the Waldorf curriculum, she has provided trauma relief work for Yolanda victims, facilitated therapeutic art workshops in prisons, civil society groups, schools and youth groups.

Martinmas Festival

The Kolisko Waldorf School celebrated Martinmas by inviting the parents and children on a lantern walk activity. We listened to a verse, heard the children sing and watched with delight the lighting of the lanterns, handmade by each child. 

The Martinmas Festival in the mid-point of Michaelmas and Christmas. Note that Martinmas, Diwali, Channukah, and Advent all occur in the same time of the year. It is a reminder to carry the light, the warmth within us as we journey deeper into the colder months of the year when the days get longer and the nights tend to be colder and darker. On a deeper level, it really is all about our inner light which we should shine upon others this season just as St. Martin did in his life.

"One bitterly cold winter evening, the young Martin rode through the gates of Amiens on his fine, proud horse. He was dressed in the regalia of his military unit: gleaming armor, a bright helmet and a beautiful white cloak, lined with lambs wool. It was nearly freezing outside, but his thick cloak kept him warm. He was hardly aware of the cold.

But then, as he approached the gates of the town, he saw a poor man, a beggar, dressed with clothes so ragged that he was practically bare. The man was shaking and blue with cold, but no one reached out to help him. People would pass through the gates, looking straight ahead, so their eyes would not meet with those of the poor, desperate man.

Martin, seeing this, was overcome with compassion. He rode straight to poor man and took off his white cloak. And with one stroke of his sword he tore the lovely mantle in two. He wrapped half of the cloak around the freezing man and the other half around his own shoulders.

The people nearby watched in amazement. To see a fine military officer do such a lowly thing was a ridiculous site to many, but others were touched by the goodness that Martin showed.

That night, as Martin slept, he had a dream. A man appear to him who looked so familiar, and he was wearing the half of the cloak Martin had given to the poor beggar. And then, Martin saw in the eyes of this man, the light of the Divine which we each carry within us."

There are no words to describe how solemn this festival is. See photos from last night's festivities and see if it sparks something in your soul.

Photo by Edber Mamisao

Photo by Jonathan Roxas

Photo by Goldie Miranda, processing by me

As above, so below.

“I’m walking with my lantern, my lantern walks with me,
Above the stars are shining bright, down here on Earth shine we."

Happy Martinmas to you! May the divine light in your soul shine bright!

Kolisko Waldorf School
Rest Haven, Project 7, Quezon City, Metro Manila
(02) 921-3974

Why Is That? An Art Workshop on Waldorf Curriculum

By now you must know that my son Santi goes to a Waldorf school. Truthfully, I wouldn't have it any other way. I am pleased that he goes to a school that heals, not only the child, but the teacher, parent, family and community as a whole. Read on to know more about their very interesting curriculum!

The Kolisko Waldorf School organized a workshop called "Why Is That?" so parents, faculty and staff can better understand the WHYS behind the Waldorf Curriculum through drawing, painting, discussing Grimms Fairytales and archetypes these share with local Filipino folktales.

Susan Quimpo, an Antroposophical Art Therapist and one of the founding members of Kolisko Waldorf School led the 2-day workshop. Here below is one of her pieces displayed in her healing space called I-House in Quezon City.

We started the first day with a Rudolph Steiner verse and some Eurythmy movement to help ground ourselves in preparation for the day.

Waldorf is best known as the school that discourages the use of TV. I remember attending a workshop many years ago (when Santi was only about 2 years old) on the electronic media's effects on our kids. Bella Tan (founder of Manila Waldorf School) said that it is the medium itself (TV), not only the content, that is not appropriate for the kids. Because of it, the children are suddenly paralyzed little couch potatoes when they are supposed to be moving their limbs in free play in order to grow healthy.

See a study on the ill effects of television on children. Note that this study does not even include other electronic media like the iPad, iPhone and other video games.

"Many children today have difficulty playing. They are very awake and cannot seem to find their way inside to their own fantasy forces which are also linked to bodily development. There is a relationship between how play bubbles up from inside the young child and how the drawing motifs rise to the surface. The more awake children are in their conscious mind, the less likely they are to be able to draw upon these deeper realms in an unconscious or dream-state way." -Waldorflibrary.org

And this is one of the reasons why the Waldorf Schools have so many movement in their curriculum. Movement is healing. Art, too!

For our first art exercise, Susan asked us to draw a tree on a piece of paper. Most of us began drawing starting from the trunk then the leaves came next.

She explained that Waldorf children first learn how to draw a border. This is so that they may have the space to be free within those safe boundaries. Many adults still don't have boundaries. I'm partially guilty of this myself becaused it showed in my work below. Apparently, art does not lie! See how the leaves of my tree go beyond the right border? 

Susan then demonstrates how a Waldorf child and teacher would draw a tree- the drawing starts from a seed, growing roots and stems then a trunk and finally leaves. Just as nature would. This is mirroring reality from observation. Because we are showing the truth to our children. 

"Classroom walls must be painted with a transparent wash so that pupils can see through them into the spirit world" -Art Inspired by Rudolph Steiner

We began a discussion on colors as experienced by humanity in our history (which also happens to be the same outline of child development and guess whatelse? The Waldorf School curriculum!). In the wise words of Steiner, “Color is the soul of nature … and when we experience color we participate in this soul.”

The first color is Magenta which also represents our time in the womb. This is the color of ultimate creativity, says Steiner. 

Susan asked us to blend magenta by coloring the paper with blue on top and red on the bottom. "Until when do we blend?", I ask. "Until your soul tells you to", she answered. How simple yet, how deep and true. 

As I began my first approach into the wet on wet technique, I hurried into it; my conditioned competitive streak came out but Susan reminded me to slow down and perhaps sync the gentle rhythmic brush strokes with my breathing. So much like yoga, I thought. 

See our collective wet on wet paint works of Magenta. They look so pretty hanging together to dry.

Why does Waldorf Curriculum use the Wet on Wet Painting technique?

Because we first teach the child about color in its truest nature vs form. There is no limitations when working this way. When the colors are able to evoke feelings to the artist (you or your child), it brings about the healing effects, too. Again, there is no hurry into the world of form just yet. I particularly love this explanation in one of my favorite Waldorf Education blogs called the Magic Onions here: 

http://www.themagiconions.com/2010/02/discovering-waldorf-wet-on-wet.html

Lavender Blue homeschool shows you what materials needed to start here: 

http://lavendersbluehomeschool.com/wet-on-wet-watercolor-painting-in-the-waldorf-inspired-kindergarten-homeschool/

Here is my personal experience of orange.

Mixing to find green.

Here is a chart map of journeying through time in color. What I found interesting was that people during ancient civilizations only saw magenta and carmine as depicted in the cave drawings. The Egyptians during their epoch could not see past their hues at the time. Only the high priests with open fontannels could see the full spectrum of color as we could see today (such as the rainbow). 

There is solid proof of an awakened consciousness in the Indigenous Filipinos through the color of their art. The T'nalak is a traditional cloth made by the T'boli tribes people in Mindanao for important passages in life such as birth, marriage and death. They are called the dream weavers because they only weave what they have dreamt. Photo below from www.abagwithastory.com

The Waldorf Curriculum is rich in stories to unfold archetypes that will strengthen the inner body. Where is the Filipino identity in teaching the children Aesop's Fables and Grimms Fairytales? Teachers and parents can use Filipino folktales that are appropriate for whatever challenges the child is undertaking. I love reading Hindu Mythology to Santiago but also like reading in Tagalog local folktales and  Ibong Adarna is one of Santi's favorite Filipino epics. Share with me what stories you tell your children?

Then we proceeded with another technique for adults. (Not to be done with children or to others without the presence of a fully trained art therapist) this time we worked with charcoal and soft craypas. We boarded using tape for "safe boundaries" then blended charcoal with both of our bare hands. Same technique applies to the royal blue craypas over the quiet gray to slowly emerge INDIGO. Then we were asked to smudge a tissue paper on top to place a source of light.

Then we added a person on the bottom, journeying alone towards the light. What does this image represent to you? It's such a meditative image, don't you think? 

Susan says that we are currently in the age of Indigo (a time where people have forget or have a hard time breathing hence the rise of respiratory diseases like asthma) and that we need the archangel Mikael to help us through the darkness to see the Light. This is precisely why the Waldorf Schools have such a close affinity with Archangel Mikael and celebrate Michaelmas each Autumn Equinox so that we can strengthen THE WILL of our children in their lives. Do you know grown children or adults that have no drive, no passion, no will?

Before closing the workshop, Belai Gruenberg, another Waldorf teacher and consultant talked about the different temperaments of the child (or adult). I found a chart below with corresponding colors. Can you find yourself in the wheel?

The 2-day workshop is over but the teachings will live on with my parenting and also in my personal growth and healing. I can't get enough of Anthroposophy and Waldorf Education so I am signing up for the 15-day Intensive Beginner's Coure with Bella and Jake Tan. This blog is all about manifesting dreams and one of my many many dreams is to become a Waldorf teacher so a I am journeying within for it to happen.

Interested as well? Please read more details in the poster below. I hope to see some familiar faces there!