My
eight year old son gets to choose his daily school work from a weekly
checklist. Once per week his list includes form drawing and without
fail, enthusiastically, he chooses it every Monday.
So, what is so wonderful about form drawing for him? "Probably, I like
it because of all the crazy forms I get to draw," he answers me. It may
go deeper than that.
In
1919 Rudolph Steiner introduced form drawing which is taught to
children ages 6-10 . This simple idea, of having children essentially
copy freehand drawings, is more than just a crayon to paper. Before
children are shown a form to recreate on their page, they are immersed
in the feeling of the form. Children are introduced to each new form
through stories, movements through the air, or walking the form as a few
examples. The feelings from this engagement with a form can vary based
on the form taught.
For instance, if a teacher has a restless group that needs energy, a sharp, stiff form can create some liveliness. In contrast, slow, rounded forms can do just the opposite, create harmony and peace for children who need some calm. Having children focus on a form and replicate it with intention create zen like moments that can linger.
For instance, if a teacher has a restless group that needs energy, a sharp, stiff form can create some liveliness. In contrast, slow, rounded forms can do just the opposite, create harmony and peace for children who need some calm. Having children focus on a form and replicate it with intention create zen like moments that can linger.
Last
year my son would not stop at the end of the page. Indeed he drew form
drawing borders around his pages and went on to create new forms based
on his moods. This year he chooses form drawing every monday and enjoys
each new expression. An acquaintance's daughter grew up to create and
sell beautiful celtic knot motifs on cards as an extension from early
form drawing instruction. Form drawing is enjoyable.
CELTIC DRAWN CARD:
Form drawing gives pleasure while creating repeated patterns with lines instead of waiting to admire only an end product. It is an experience one can feel. The creating can indeed trump the joy of the ended design.
Symmetry?
Counting? Geometry? Art? Form drawing can dive into any of these
aspects as indeed the line is the most primeval form of creation and
art. Teaching children to enjoy the movement of line over paper proves
beneficial.
Read more about how form drawing affects your mood in the article Form Drawing by Rosemary Gebert. (Link: http://www.waldorflibrary.org/images/stories/articles/formdrawing.pdf)
See
the connection of form drawing to art in the book:
Painting and Drawing in Waldorf Schools Classes 1 to 8 by Thomas Wildgruber.
Painting and Drawing in Waldorf Schools Classes 1 to 8 by Thomas Wildgruber.
See more of Brenda's great articles on her blog:
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