Waldorf Block: G8: Eighth Grade Handwork

The Waldorf eighth-grade handwork block is a significant step in the handwork curriculum, shifting from years of exclusively hand-based crafting to incorporating the use of sewing machines. This aligns with the eighth-grade curriculum's focus on modern history, including the Industrial Revolution.

Waldorf Eighth Grade Handwork Block: Machine Sewing & Industrial Revolution

The Waldorf eighth-grade handwork block is a significant step in the handwork curriculum, shifting from years of exclusively hand-based crafting to incorporating the use of sewing machines. This aligns with the eighth-grade curriculum's focus on modern history, including the Industrial Revolution.

Key Aspects of the Earthschooling Eighth-Grade Handwork Block:

  • Machine Sewing Introduction: Students learn about the invention and impact of the sewing machine, a symbol of the transition from cottage industry to mechanized production. They are introduced to the various parts of the machine, how to thread it, fill a bobbin, troubleshoot, and choose the correct settings.
  • Developing Practical Skills: Through guided practice, students learn to sew straight lines, curves, and corners on paper and then apply these skills to simple projects like pillows. They also learn essential garment construction concepts like reading commercial patterns, understanding fabric grain, and taking measurements.
  • Connecting to Curriculum: The sewing machine work serves as a practical demonstration of the transformative power of technology, complementing the study of the Industrial Revolution.
  • Creative Exploration: As students develop proficiency, they may tackle more advanced projects like pajama pants, skirts, or even contributing to the creation of costumes for the class play.
  • Building Independence and Confidence: Mastering the complex skills involved in using a sewing machine fosters patience, perseverance, and problem-solving, building self-confidence as students create functional and beautiful items.

•• Continued Handwork Philosophy: While incorporating technology, the eighth-grade handwork block still aligns with the core principles of Waldorf handwork, emphasizing the development of fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and a deeper understanding of materials and craftsmanship.



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


  Eighth Grade Handwork Lessons
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