Craft News

Craft is a key component of Steiner Education, and for good reason - it offers so many developmental, emotional, creative and practical benefits. In a world where we see delayed gratification less and less in childhood, working on the same project over a term or even two encourages children to develop patience, perseverance and an appreciation for the rewards that come from sustained effort. It also gives them the opportunity to experience the satisfaction of working towards a goal rather than expecting an immediate result.

I’ve seen this process play out so many times now: the initial unease and frustration of learning a new skill; the excitement and growing confidence when they begin to get the hang of it; the uncertainty as their project doesn’t yet look like much and the perseverance they need to keep going; and then, as the final product starts to take shape, the growing momentum and determination to see it through. Finally comes that wonderful moment when it is completed - and the genuine sense of pride and achievement that comes from knowing they have persisted, overcome challenges and created something with their own hands!

This term we have seen many finished projects across the school. Students are always so eager to take their projects home and share them with their families, and seeing their pride and excitement brings me so much joy.

The new craft room has become a busy lunchtime space where students come in and work on class projects, or other interests. Following the lead of a Class 5 student who wanted to share his skills in dice-making, we have created a woodwork dice-making workshop on Thursday lunchtimes for the final three weeks of term. We have 16 students from Classes 4–6 taking part, making their own wooden dice. Some they will keep for themselves, while others will be donated to the younger classes. It has been a great opportunity for skill-sharing and leadership, and I hope to run more workshops like this with students who have great ideas and are interested in sharing them.