The Art of Mothering

with Sarah Whitmore — Mother, Seasoned Lead Teacher, MWS Morning Glory Kindergarten

DESCRIPTION:

Storycrafting and the Healing Ally

For as long as there have been mothers, we have drawn down stories and made toys, dolls and talismans to bring joy, healing, humor, comfort and essential teaching to our children. This autumn and early winter, The Art of Mothering will consist of a four session journey into storymaking and guided handwork. Together we will explore how to listen for the stories that are the just-right medicine for our children. We will learn to draw in just what is needed.

Each mother will journey toward a story ally: an animal, being or imagined companion who can become a trusted presence in the tales you tell. We will bring this story-friend to life to become a gift for your child or a gift for yourself, your own story helper.

We will work with wool to each needle felt an heirloom quality figure, a small creature made by hand. In the new year we will deepen our practice and begin a new artistic project.

You have been writing stories for your children since you were drifting like a small star in your own mother’s womb. Your child has been with you for a very long time. The stream of mothering stories is yours to step into.

Meeting dates and times:

Tuesdays 9/29, 10/13, 11/10 and 12/1

6:30-8:30pm.

COST:

$200, Sept-Dec, all materials included.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:

Sarah Whitmore is a seasoned Waldorf educator with more than 25 years of teaching experience. She began her teaching journey at Árbol de la Vida in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and completed the four-year teacher training program at Rudolf Steiner College.

She later led a bilingual kindergarten class at Summerfield Waldorf School for eleven years before joining Marin Waldorf School, where she served as a lead teacher in the early childhood program from 2017–2022. Her kindergarten and early childhood classes are Spanish-infused or bilingual, reflecting her love of Spanish language and latinx cultures. During her time at Marin Waldorf School, she also served as College Chair and helped shape faculty initiatives focused on nurturing a culture of belonging, human dignity and mutual respect.

In 2021, Sarah and her husband spent two years at Portland Waldorf School before returning to Marin Waldorf School, where she served as Grades Director in 2023–2024.

Sarah has a deep love for storytelling and the arts, and delights in bringing language, imagination, and cultural traditions to life for children. Outside the classroom she enjoys artistic practice, hiking in the beautiful landscapes of Northern California, and time with her husband and children.