Waldorf-Inspired Norse Mythology: Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes

Over 8 classes, we will explore Norse Mythology as a Waldorf-inspired main lesson block. This section will begin with the Norse creation myth and will progress through to Njord, Frey and Freya.

Learners will be creating their own "textbook," called a main lesson book, filled with writing, copywork, form drawings, illustrations, and other representations and interpretations of the stories we study in class. In addition to creating a main lesson book, learners will also demonstrate knowledge through many modes, including drawing and modeling, memorizing and reciting poems and songs, retelling the stories in their own words, or creating a collaborative dramatic telling of a story the children choose.

Classes will be structured in a way that introduces many elements of Waldorf-inspired learning: the compilation of a main lesson book, form drawing, creating models from beeswax, clay, and other materials, watercolor and other painting, and drawing with attention to detail. g ideas, music, handwork, and more may be sent out each week, as they pertain to the interests of this unique group of learners.  These will also be part of the class. Magnus Chase fans are welcome!

My teaching style is collaborative, cooperative, and creative. Much of the learning, such as the type of end-of-class project created, will be discussed and chosen by the learners. Each child's main lesson book will be unique and in a style that is completely their own. While the main focus of this class is mythology, in keeping with the Waldorf shift from mythology to facts, we will also include information about geography, culture, and everyday life in ancient Scandinavia. I am a strong believer in freedom within the form, the form being as follows:
Week 1. Introduction to Class/ The First Gods and Goddesses/ The Creation of the World
Week 2. The First Humans/ Yggdrasil, the World Tree
Week 3. Asgard and the Aesir Gods/ Odin, the All-Father
Week 4. Thor, the Thunder-God/ Loki, the Trickster
Week 5. Siri's Golden Hair/ Loki's Children
Week 6. Balder and Heimdale
Week 7. Njord, Frey and Freya
Week 8. Bragi, God of Poetry/ Learners' Final Presentation

No previous knowledge is needed. In a typical Waldorf or Steiner school, this material would be presented in the fourth grade.

Please note that, due to the social and collaborative nature of the class, it will only run with 3 or more students enrolled. Because I am using original and proprietary curriculum I have written myself as well as to protect everyone's privacy, I do not generally release class recordings.