Kimberton Waldorf School

Education That Matters

Lilli Foster

“Three Sisters” by Anton Chekhov – KWS Senior Class Play

by

Admission is free — tickets available at the door

Step into the world of timeless Russian drama with Kimberton Waldorf School’s senior class production of “Three Sisters” by Anton Chekhov. Join us for an evening of captivating storytelling and poignant performances as our students bring to life the timeless tale of three sisters yearning for a better life amidst the backdrop of a changing world. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the depth of emotion and the power of human connection in Chekhov’s masterpiece.

“Three Sisters” by Anton Chekhov is a poignant portrayal of the Prozorov family, particularly the three sisters—Olga, Masha, and Irina—who yearn for a more fulfilling life beyond their dreary provincial existence. Set against the backdrop of a changing world, the play delves into the sisters’ aspirations, social aspirations, and the disillusionment they experience as they long for a return to urban Moscow. The characters are outstanding examples of Chekhovian boredom, longing, and listlessness, serving as emblems of Russian middle-class pretensions and despair.

The play unfolds with themes of dissatisfaction, frustration, and the search for meaning in the modern world, portraying the decay of the privileged class in Russia. It captures the sisters’ refined and cultured upbringing in Moscow, juxtaposed with their current existence in a provincial town, symbolizing their constant yearning for a return to the city.

The sisters’ individual struggles and desires are intricately woven into the narrative, reflecting the broader themes of societal aspirations, disillusionment, and the complexities of human emotions. The play offers a timeless exploration of human longing, the impact of societal expectations, and the pursuit of a more meaningful existence.

As the senior class of Kimberton Waldorf School presents this masterful work, they not only bring to life the timeless themes of the play, but a reflection of their own experiences and aspirations as they prepare to graduate and embark on their next journeys.

The show is appropriate for students in grades 7 and above. Questions? Contact Angie Foster, afoster@kimberton.org.

Continuity Counts: The Power of Looping in Education

by

Lessons from Finland and Estonia’s successful education systems seal the deal on a central Waldorf practice

Dr. Adam Grant, a contributing Opinion writer for the New York Times, is an organizational psychologist at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

In an essay adapted from his book “Hidden Potential,” Grant explores the triumphs of education systems in Finland and Estonia and their successful educational methodologies. It spotlights the concept of “looping,” where teachers maintain continuity by staying with the same group of students for multiple years. This strategy, central to Waldorf education, aligns with the Waldorf schooling model where teachers accompany students through several grades, sometimes as long as first through eighth grade. Waldorf schools leverage this looping practice to enable educators to forge deeper connections with children and their families, comprehend individual learning styles, and provide tailored, holistic instruction to support students’ growth and development across multiple years.

Read the article here.