Exploring Archetypes Through the Wisdom of Trees: A Waldorf Journey Middle/High
In this semester course, we will explore the symbolism of the archetypal tree through captivating myths and stories from cultures worldwide. Students will engage in thoughtful analysis, deepening their understanding of this powerful symbol.
Jodi Michelle, Master Linguist
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(117)
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
117reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from University of Phoenix
Education & Experience Highlights
~M.A. in Applied Linguistics | B.S. in Psychology
~Yale University (Overcoming Dyslexia Certificate)
~Certified in Rapid Transformational Therapy and Vimala Cursive Coaching
~Waldorf educator with 6+ years’ experience as a school librarian and research/reading teacher for grades K-12.
~Skilled in inspiring confidence and academic growth through tailored lessons for Waldorf and other students worldwide via Zoom.
~Former Waldorf homeschooling mom, blending creative storytelling, research skills, and reading coaching to meet students’ unique learning needs.
~Published writer in LILIPOH Magazine; trained in Carl Jung’s archetypes, diversity education, and advanced language teaching methodologies.
~Lifelong passion for empowering young learners with a love of reading, writing, and critical thinking.Reviews
Live Group Class
$27
weekly1x per week, 8 weeks
35 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
1-12 learners per class
