Did you know? Why does Waldorf Education include handwork and an emphasis on working with the hands?

According to the article, “Why Crafting Is Great For Your Brain: A Neuroscientist Explains” by Dr. Sarah McKay, crafting with others offers: “mental challenge and problem solving; social connection; mindfulness; development of hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and fine motor dexterity; focused attention and thoughts on a task; active creativity; a sense of pride and achievement; patience and perseverance; while facilitating memory formation and retrieval.” For more information on the benefits of handwork and the way it is incorporated into Waldorf Education explore the links below:

Renate Hiller — "On Handwork"

A short film of Renate Hiller talking about the importance of handwork (knitting, etc.) in the modern world. Renate is the co-director of the Fiber Craft Studio at the Threefold Educational Center in Chestnut Ridge, NY.

The Relevance of Handwork and Craft, Waldorf Library

Why Waldorf Students Knit, Waldorf Today

Crafting Affects Your Brain In Some Really Positive Ways, Experts Say, Romper