Extending Chalk Drawing Beyond the Waldorf Setting

My own journey with chalk drawing continued, even when I moved to an urban public middle school setting. I made fewer drawings throughout the year, but I still felt the importance of offering self-created visuals to my students. They are stretching themselves to learn, and though teaching itself is always an art that requires us all to stretch our capacities, I love the gesture of stretching myself artistically to meet their needs.

A few weeks ago, I challenged myself to complete one chalk drawing each day. It seemed impossible, given all the other things that need to get done and all the other things I need to prioritize. But I made space for it. Simplified it. Committed 20 minutes a day. And when that 20 minutes stretched into 30 minutes, sometimes an hour, it was because I had become fully immersed in it. It was because I needed it.

Now, I recognize that an hour that disappears into a chalk drawing is beyond reason for most of us. For most of us, even asking this once a week feels crazy! But remember, your drawing doesn’t have to change once a day, or even once a week. You can create something that inspires your family for the month, or even for the season. I have one chalk drawing in the living room that we’ve left up since April.

Whatever time you can devote to chalk drawing, it’s a gift. A gift to the children learning with you, but also a gift to yourself. It takes bravery, but it gives back, too. For me, it gives joy, determination, and the reminder that I can learn new skills. That I can do difficult things. That I can offer something to my children-- to the world-- without it being perfect. That I have things to offer.

What it gives you and your family, only you can say. I’d love to hear from you when you discover it!

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