Many children and adolescents today are challenged by hindrances stemming from their biography, heredity, and our complex culture. The Extra Lesson, developed by the Waldorf educator Audrey McAllen in the 1970s, offers support for children, adolescents, and even adults who are working through hindrances caused by incomplete development in the first seven years of life. Classroom teachers can bring many aspects of the Extra Lesson to their class, helping to complete the incarnation process for some and identifying others who may have additional physical or structural needs –– for instance, issues involving sensory integration.

This course will cover the background of the Extra Lesson, child and adolescent observation, constitutional types, dyslexia, classroom assessment, and exercises for the early and upper elementary grades as well as the adolescence years. Each day will include movement, form drawing, and painting exercises; case studies will span first grade to high school. Participants are encouraged to bring examples to facilitate our understanding of phenomenological observations.

Connie Helms was the educational support teacher at the Lake
Champlain Waldorf School for many years. She currently has a private practice as an education consultant, parent educator, and Extra Lesson teacher in Shelburne, VT. She serves on the board of the Association for a Healing Education and mentors remedial teachers in training.

Hanneke van Riel has been connected to Monadnock Waldorf School in Keene, NH for 26 years as a remedial and class teacher as well as teacher of the Christopher Class for children with special needs. She has worked at Antioch University New England as adjunct faculty for seven years.

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