When our family joined the Bright Water School community in 2003, the school moved into the St. Nicholas building. I was taken by the enthusiasm of the parents and teachers to transform the building. These early work parties of lazuring and painting the rooms, to be part of what many hands can do together in a short time, were quite special.
Also being part of many BWS’ celebrations for the first time I will always remember well; lantern walks at Holly Koteen’s house, our first winter spiral, the salmon dinner during Potlatch, watching the Pentathlon and the Medieval games, Michaelmas and May Faire to name a few.
And of course there are many from teaching at BWS over the years. A recent one is from First Grade. The students finished their first knitting project, a chicken. They named their chickens, some feminine some masculine names. When we started to felt little eggs for the chickens from wool, one girl said to a boy: ‘Oh you can not have a egg. You have a rooster.’ Well, of course. I just had not thought about it and it was the first time that a student brought up this detail.
2. How did you originally get started with Handwork? Did you develop these skills growing up?
Growing up in East Germany, my mother and my grandmothers sewed, knitted, and cross-stitched. They made many of my clothes when I was young and also outfitted my dolls. I did the occasional project but did not really get started with Handwork until later as a teenager. Then I started to pay more attention to what I wanted to wear and began tie-dyeing clothes. Later, when I wanted to save my money for traveling, I would make things I could figure out to do myself. I started sewing, knitting, wood working, crafting etc. I learned that creating something with my hands is very nourishing, enriches my observation, and sparks my curiosity further.
3. What’s your favorite hobby or activity to take up during the winter?
I love cross country skiing, especially on a sunny day. The crisp cold air, the sparkle of the snow, the peacefulness of the landscape, the sound of skis gliding through the snow, and spending time with my family - all that make for a special day.
4. What do you look forward to most at your job?
I am grateful to be part of such a wonderful community and enjoy working with my lovely colleagues every day. However, mostly I look forward to meeting the students and all the nuances a handwork lesson brings. Often, it is the enthusiasm of the students for their projects, their thoughts and their compassion for others, which is priceless. Sometimes, it is a good question a student asks. Sometimes it is an idea I give the students which is taken beyond my imagination. Sometimes, it is a student who surprises me in her/his effort or skill. And sometimes, I make a mistake from which I can learn tremendously.
5. Did you attend any Waldorf schools as a child? What inspired you to become involved with Waldorf education?
How I wish I could have attended a Waldorf School!
When I grew up in East Germany, Waldorf education was ‘verboten’. I first heard about it through a book a friend send me from West Germany in 1988. I still remember how excited I was reading about an education which respects the whole development of children, brings such loving interest towards them, and aims to unfold a child’s individual potential. I was struck by its healing quality and it all made sense to me.
In the fall of 1989 I saw signs at demonstrations in Dresden and Berlin, demanding the reopening of Waldorf schools. This is how I learned that Waldorf schools were forced to close in 1949 under the East German regime (as they were under the Nazi regime before).
I first experienced Waldorf education when suddenly the Wall came down and many things changed over night. To support the reopening of the Dresden Waldorf School, many Waldorf educators from Western Europe came to Dresden. They would regularly offer lectures and courses about Waldorf education over the next two years. I worked as an elementary teacher then and went to many of these after school and on weekends. During school breaks, I traveled to summer intensives in Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Den Haag, learning more about Waldorf education each time. This was a very inspiring time, filled with new impulses and ideas but also with so much hope for the reform of the public school system.
Since then, Waldorf education has continued to inspire and guide me.
6. What’s the most challenging part of teaching Handwork?
For me, this is teaching a skill to an entire class and to be able to help each child when difficulties arise, especially in the lower grades. Some skills like knitting and crocheting require one on one attention for some time to ensure it is learned correctly but also when something goes wrong. I am teaching the students to recognize mistakes and how to correct some of them by themselves. Eventually, some of the students can help others and this makes all the difference.
7. If you were to arrange the ‘perfect meal’ for yourself, what would it include?
Anything flavorful, with good and simple ingredients, spices and fresh herbs, like Indian food. But most of all, fun and enough time in the kitchen preparing the meal, good company and conversation while enjoying it and the wish for some magic for cleaning-up.
Thank you Anke for your thoughtful, elaborate responses. I found your stories about your personal Handwork development and your journey towards Waldorf education especially interesting. Bright Water School surely has one of the best Handwork teachers around!
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