Eurythmy classes for each grade and age level provide an artistic balance to the academic subjects, developing students’ capacities for learning and bringing a character-building influence.
Eurythmy has been part of the Waldorf School curriculum since the first Waldorf School was established in Stuttgart, Germany in 1919. The Pedagogical Eurythmist teaches eurythmy classes with each grade, and is in close communication with the Class teacher for each grade, coordinating the eurythmy class content with the curriculum content being taught in the classroom. With Pedagogical Eurythmy providing the artistic balance to the academic subjects, Therapeutic Eurythmy is also included outside of class for more specific requests for some students, to apply its healing benefits on an individual basis, working one-on-one. A wide range of needs may be addressed for students including physiological, social, emotional, behavioral and learning challenges. Therapeutic Eurythmy can affect the body, soul and spirit, also bringing changes in behaviorial capacities and attitude, and also academic and the ability to participate more fully in classes . Eurythmy nourishes the interworking of the thinking, feeling and willing aspects of one’s being.
In the process of the child’s development through the school years, hindrances and challenges can appear in varying forms. Many students’ challenges and needs stem from a lack of harmony and rhythm. Class Eurythmy can help these elements to be more present, and Therapeutic Eurythmy can help to further re-establish and strengthen these elements, promoting flexibility and mobility. This work can also increase learning capacities and remove blockages to progress, while addressing specific needs and requests.
Eurythmy Therapy can be very helpful for children facing challenges such as poor concentration, hyperactivity, clumsiness, fears, tensions, disturbances in sleeping/waking/breathing such as asthma, obesity, dental problems, postural issues, separation anxiety, bedwetting, headaches and allergies. In situations of trauma and loss, Therapeutic Eurythmy can offer support in regaining emotional balance and security. Some other examples of needs which may be addressed are coordination, spatial orientation, learning difficulties including reading, writing and math, attentional challenges, anxiety, memory and speech.
In the school setting, the Therapeutic Eurythmist works together as much as possible with teachers, parents, and the Care Group and Educational Support team in the school to gain as rich a picture as possible of the child and his or her situation. This may include having a diagnosis from a physician and/or conversations with counselors, tutors or other specialists.