Waldorf Archetype Tree Study for Middle/High School
In this 8-week semester course for middle schoolers, we will delve into the beauty of the archetypal tree in tales and myths from around the world. Wonderful supplement for public or private school students. Homeschoolers and unschoolers welcome!
Jodi Michelle, Master Linguist
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(113)
What's included
8 live meetings
4 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Writing homework assigned when we don't complete in class.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 8
Trees are poems that the Earth writes upon the sky. ~Kahlil Gibran Welcome to Ms. Jodi's Classroom! Enter the world of Waldorf education, gifting your child with a relaxed, beautiful space to grow in reading analysis while receiving an elite private school education at home! The Archetypal tree is found in myths, legends, and religions from all around the world. In this semester-long class, we will read the stories and thoughtfully look into the symbolism of the tree as an archetype. This is a wonderful supplemental class for grades 6-9 of the Waldorf curriculum where myths and legends from other cultures run deep. We will also have some guided writing activities in this class. My style of teaching is free-flowing, encouraging... allowing each student space to absorb their own lesson through the stories themselves, and giving time for personal processing through drawing or writing. We will ultimately answer the question... what can the tree teach us (from the past and now in your life, in the present)? Week One ~Norse mythology Yggdrasil story (reading from D'Aulaire's Book of Norse Myths) ~Discussion of symbolism of tree in this story ~Contemplating pictures of Yggdrasil ~Drawing of your own Yggdrasil ~Writing prompt Week Two ~Bodhi tree story "Under the Bodhi Tree" by Deborah Hopkinson and "Buddha" by Susan Roth ~Discussion of symbolism of tree in this story ~Contemplating pictures of Bodhi tree ~Yoga/tree meditation ~Writing Prompt Week Three ~Mayan Yaxche tree exploration ~Discussion of symbolism of tree in this story ~Contemplating pictures of Yaxche tree ~Drawing of Yaxche tree ~Writing Prompt Week Four ~Read "The Brothers and the Star Fruit Tree: Tale from Vietnam" by Suzanne Barchers ~Discussion of symbolism of tree in this story ~Contemplating pictures of Star Fruit Tree ~Yoga/tree meditation ~Writing Prompt Week Five ~Exploration of Celtic Tree Astrology ~What is "your" tree? ~research and symbolism ~Drawing of your tree ~What can trees teach us? writing Week Six ~Read "Under the Willow Tree” Hans Christian Andersen ~Discussion of symbolism of tree in this story ~Contemplating willow in more modern literature ~Drawing of Whomping Willow ~Writing prompt Week Seven ~Read "The Fir Tree" by Hans Christian Andersen ~Discussion of symbolism of tree in this story ~Christmas trees in history and today ~Writing prompt Week Eight ~Read "The Baobab" by Susan Lennox ~Discussion of book ~Main ideas of chapters ~Yoga/meditation ~Conclusion
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined May, 2020
4.9
113reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from University of Phoenix
B.S. Psychology
Yale University Overcoming Dyslexia Certificate (IP)
Master's work in Counseling and Library Science
Rapid Transformational Therapy Certified
I am a Waldorf educator having worked as a school librarian and library/research subject teacher for 6 years with grades K-12 as faculty at a Waldorf school in rural Pennsylvania. I also worked as the first grade rest time teacher bringing calm and beautiful stories to this grade every day for many years. I have trained, been mentored by, and served along with some of the most experienced and dedicated Waldorf class and subject teachers in the world, some of whom have passed on and given me the greatest gift possible...to see their joy in teaching young souls. I also served as the reading coach for our school Reading Olympics team with over 40 students per year voluntarily coming to my library for an extracurricular where students were excited to read over 45 books a school year!
I have been offering comprehensive and affordable private lessons for Waldorf and other students around the world for several years. I also offer special Waldorf grades classes where students can connect with other students around the world. Our comfort with zoom now allows me to come to you no matter where in the world you may be! From day one, my students notice the improvement in their abilities and overall comprehension but parents especially note the change in their confidence. I get letters every day from parents telling me how much they see the confidence in their student improving after working with me. Each student has a unique learning style, and it’s my duty to find out what that is and adapt my lessons accordingly. Contact me today to find out how I can help you achieve your academic goals. As both a Waldorf former homeschooling mom and a teacher at a Waldorf school, I offer a unique experience to wherever your student may be-at home or at school-while needing extra lessons.
I have also taken private courses in archetypes and studied the work of Carl Jung as a B.S. Psychology student. I am also a published writer in the Waldorf publication LILIPOH magazine. I lived on a Navajo reservation for several summers. I also have Masters classes in Library Science, Human Services, as well as diversity training. I ran a middle and high school library at the Waldorf school where I taught creative writing, library, and research classes for six years. I also worked in the Waldorf kindergarten and grades as an aftercare teacher. Reviews
Live Group Class
$27
weekly or $210 for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
35 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
1-12 learners per class
