Equipping teachers to work with movement in the classroom for children’s Self-Awareness, Self-Mastery and Joy of Movement

Childhood and movement belong together. Yet in children today we increasingly observe the impact of a pressured, technological, risk-cushioned and nature-disconnected world. These influences show themselves in inactivity, inflexibility and in a lack of self-awareness and self-control, both in the classroom and at play.

Movement for Education is designed to respond by helping Lower School teachers to develop skills for working with movement in the classroom. Movement that supports children to inhabit their bodies through healthy breathing and sound rhythm, with well-activated lower senses and with joy. Participants will be introduced to movement disciplines inspired by an Anthroposophic understanding of the human being. These are developmentally responsive and integrate all aspects of the child: body, soul and spirit.

Course Format and Dates

Movement for Education is a three- seminar programme focusing on three different Lower School age groups. Seminars may be taken individually, or over a number of years in any order. Completion of all three comprises a certificated course.

Each seminar includes age appropriate learning:

  • Anthroposophic understandings of child development
  • Morning Circle Activities
  • Eurythmy
  • Bothmer Gymnastics(Cl 4-7)
  • Extra Lesson for the classroom (Cl 1-3)

The programme draws on an age appropriate movement curriculum for class teachers including:

  • Children’s Games (Cl 1-7) – Indoor and outdoor
  • Circus skills (Cl 6-7)
  • Dance – incl traditional Folk Dancing and kapa haka
  • Sensory motor integration work (Cl 1-3)
  • Maori games and skills – e.g. Taiaha, Ti Råkau, poi,
  • Main Lesson related activities e.g. Cl 5 Greece and Olympic disciplines

Seminar One (Class 1 – 3 focus): 23 – 25 May 2024

Seminar Two (Classes 4 & 5 focus) 2025 (Dates TBC)

Seminar Three (Class 6 – 7 focus): 20 – 22 June 2024

Fees:

$550 per seminar (A discount of 10% if more than one attendee from a school). Participants must register individually through the website.

For group enrolment enquiries please email info@taruna.ac.nz

Course coordinator – Johnny Ryan

Principal tutors: Sue Simpson (eurythmy teacher and adult educator), Brendan Hamilton Gibbs (class teacher and previous gymnastics and games teacher at Taikura).

Rachel Hughes (Extra Lesson practitioner)

The Crystal Bridge loan fund makes interest free loans available to students enrolled in Signature Courses at Taruna.

Taruna provide morning and afternoon tea and lunches while you are studying on site. Please advise in advance of any dietary requirements.

Participants need to bring:

  • Personal stationery and writing materials
  • Clothing that is comfortable to move in
  • Soft soled shoes suitable for eurythmy and indoor movement (we have a limited supply that may be borrowed while you are at Taruna)