In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I welcome my colleague Laura Elmore for a deep dive into one of the most cherished Waldorf traditions—the class play. With decades of experience in Waldorf education, Laura shares her insights into why class plays are such an integral part of the curriculum, how they evolve from the early grades to middle school, and the pedagogical purpose behind them.
Looking for a play to perform with your students? My first- and second-grade plays are available on my website: www.awaldorfjourney.com.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✔️ The Role of Class Plays in Waldorf Education – Why plays are a vital part of child development and learning.
✔️ The Play Selection Process – How teachers choose plays that align with the curriculum and the needs of their class.
✔️ Casting Considerations – The balance between typecasting and pedagogical casting, and how students can have a say in their roles.
✔️ The Evolution of Class Plays – How the approach to plays shifts from early childhood to the upper grades.
✔️ Overcoming Performance Anxiety – How to support students through the process, especially in vulnerable stages like middle school.
✔️ Beyond Acting – The importance of stage crew roles and how they can be just as transformative as being on stage.
✔️ Practical Tips for Teachers – Structuring the play block, engaging students in improvisation, and maintaining rhythm in the classroom.
Resources & Links:
📌 Find this episode and more at A Waldorf Journey
📌 Watch this episode on YouTube
📌 Connect with Meredith on Instagram & Facebook: @awaldorfjourney
📌 Learn more about Cedarwood Waldorf School
📌 Learn more about the Micha-el Institute Teacher Training
Join the Conversation:
🎭 Have you directed or been part of a Waldorf class play? Share your experiences in the comments or tag us on social media!
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a review—it helps others find the podcast and join the Waldorf journey!
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