Waldorf Block: G3: Third Grade Handwork

In the Waldorf third grade handwork block, students embark on a journey of practical skills, creativity, and self-reliance through engaging handcrafts. This period is designed to support children's development as they navigate the "nine year change," a time of growing individuality and a burgeoning sense of self. In essence, the Earthschooling Waldorf third grade handwork block is a carefully crafted experience designed to nurture the whole child. It supports their academic growth, fosters their emotional well-being, and provides them with practical skills that build confidence and a sense of belonging in the world.​ This block includes PDFs (and even some videos!) for the student in the categories of weaving, felting, wet-on-wet watercolor, knitting, crochet and more

Waldorf Third Grade Handwork Block: Crafting Skills and Self-Discovery
In the Waldorf third grade handwork block, students embark on a journey of practical skills, creativity, and self-reliance through engaging handcrafts. This period is designed to support children's development as they navigate the "nine year change," a time of growing individuality and a burgeoning sense of self. In essence, the Earthschooling Waldorf third grade handwork block is a carefully crafted experience designed to nurture the whole child. It supports their academic growth, fosters their emotional well-being, and provides them with practical skills that build confidence and a sense of belonging in the world.
Focusing on Fiber Arts and Practical Projects:
The handwork curriculum in Earthschooling third grade expands on earlier knitting and crochet skills, introducing new fiber arts techniques and practical projects. Students may learn:
  • Crocheting: Moving beyond basic knitting, children develop proficiency in crochet, often creating useful items like hats. A crocheted or knitted hat reflects the third-grade curriculum's focus on shelter building, providing a tangible "shelter for the head".
  • Spinning: This block introduces the process of creating thread from raw wool, offering a deeper understanding of materials and a connection to traditional crafts.
  • Weaving: Students may learn basic weaving techniques, incorporating natural materials and decorative elements.
  • Natural Dyeing: Children engage with nature by using plants and other natural sources to dye wool, exploring color and its relationship to the environment.
  • Wet Felting: This technique allows students to transform wool fibers into various shapes and forms, encouraging creativity and fine motor skills.
Beyond Crafting: Key Developmental Benefits:
More than just learning to craft, the Earthschooling Waldorf third grade handwork block offers valuable developmental benefits:
  • Fine Motor Skills & Dexterity: Intricate hand movements strengthen fingers and improve coordination.
  • Focus and Concentration: The rhythmic nature of these tasks cultivates the ability to concentrate and attend to detail.
  • Problem-Solving: Figuring out patterns, correcting mistakes, and adjusting techniques all foster problem-solving skills.
  • Math Skills: Handwork inherently involves counting stitches, measuring, and understanding patterns, reinforcing mathematical concepts in a practical context.
  • Self-Confidence and Accomplishment: Completing a tangible, useful project instills a sense of pride and competence.
  • Connecting to the World: Working with natural materials like wool and plant dyes fosters an appreciation for the environment and a connection to the natural world.
  • Nurturing Imagination and Creativity: Handwork provides a space for children to express themselves artistically through color, texture, and form.
  • Inner Calm and Stress Relief: Focused creative activity can bring a sense of tranquility and mindfulness.

This block includes PDFs (and even some videos!) for the student in the categories of weaving, felting, wet-on-wet watercolor, knitting, crochet and more. You can see a full list of lessons by scrolling down below.


Your Instructor


Various Earthschooling Teachers
Various Earthschooling Teachers

A class designated as being taught by The BEarth Institute may involve multiple teachers. You can learn more about all of our teachers here: https://earthschooling.info/thebearthinstitute/about-us/gallery-3/

Classes that involve multiple teachers are as follows:


  1. Preschool & Kindergarten: Amy Cho and Safia Mandil (Stories, Crafts, and Circle Time)
  2. First Grade: Mellie Lonneman & Nicole Martinez (Main Lessons) & Mellie Lonneman, Rick Tan, Diane Power, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, Michelle Prindle, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)
  3. Second Grade: Mellie Lonneman & Simone Blanchard (Main Lessons) & Mellie Lonneman, Diane Power, Rick Tan, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)
  4. Third Grade: Mellie Lonneman & Amy Williams & Joy Cowburn (Main Lessons) & Mellie Lonneman, Rick Tan, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)
  5. Fourth Grade: Mellie Lonneman & Nicole Martinez (Main Lessons) & Mellie Lonneman, Rick Tan, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, Dan Prindle, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)
  6. Fifth Grade: Nicholas Andrea (Main Lessons) & Mellie Lonneman, Rick Tan, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, Dan Prindle, Catherine Allegretti, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)
  7. Sixth Grade: Nicholas Andrea (Main Lessons) & Mellie Lonneman, Rick Tan, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, Dan Prindle, Robyn Beaufoy, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)
  8. Seventh Grade: Stephanie Packer & Danielle Gair (Main Lessons) & Mellie Lonneman, Rick Tan, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, Dan Prindle, Catherine Allegretti, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)
  9. Eighth Grade: Nicholas Andrea (Main Lessons) & Mellie Lonneman, Rick Tan, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, Dan Prindle, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)
  10. Ninth Grade: Stephanie Packer, Natasha Sherwood, Kerry Burke, Dr. Chris Deason, Danielle Gair, Nicholas Andrea (Main Lessons) & Mellie Lonneman, Rick Tan, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, Dan Prindle, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)
  11. Tenth Grade: Rachel Solt, Stephanie Packer, Natasha Sherwood, Kerry Burke, Dr. Chris Deason, Danielle Gair, Nicholas Andrea (Main Lessons) & Mellie Lonneman, Rick Tan, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, Michelle Prindle, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)
  12. Eleventh Grade: Stephanie Packer, Danielle Gair, Mohsina Mandil (Main Lessons) & Mellie Lonneman, Rick Tan, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)
  13. Twelfth Grade: Stephanie Packer, Mohsina Mandil & Mellie Lonneman, Rick Tan, Janet Walker, Megan Hammer, Cynthia Hansen, Brian Wolfe, and Kristie Burns (Music, Art, Handwork & Eurythmy)

Course Curriculum


  Third Grade Handwork Lessons
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Third Grade Handwork from Safia Mandil
Available in days
days after you enroll

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