The wonder of modelling wax

This months Waldorf Magic pack, includes an activity to make something from modelling wax. Ive had lots of messages from parents who are a little perplexed by this rock hard lump of coloured wax and why it seems favoured in Waldorf kindergartens and homes the world over.

As with most favoured items for play and exploration in the Steiner Kindergarten the key lies in its ability to inspire will, leave room for the imagination and provide a nourishing experience.

Whole processes

In Waldorf early childhood, we favour the child experiencing and working through whole processes, these processes can be long, where the child experiences the process as a part of the seasonal rhythm, planting and growing then making soup from the fruits of their labour for example. They can be shorter processes such as we do at home, making natural cleaners for the playroom with vinegar, cool boiled water and lemon rind - only to strain a few weeks later and use to clean. Or they can be processes which take the child on a journey of willing their imagination into being. As an open ended material modelling was is excellent for this.

The benefits of modelling wax

I have read and heard many parents suggesting that we can soften the beeswax in advance, in warm water for example to make it pliable for use , but this really is removing one of the benefits of this wonderful modelling material. Modelling wax absorbs the warmth of the body and softens as you work it, as it warms it releases its aroma its a multi sensory experience , working it to a pliable consistency is a key part of is desirability to be used in the kindergarten as it inspires perseverance a key part of inspiring children to work through whole processes. Working the modelling wax takes effort, strengthening the muscles in the hands and fingers, a key part of developing muscle memory for other activities in the kindergarten years, wet on wet painting, freestyle embroidery and finger knitting for example, these muscles are key even later on in the work of writing which begins when the child begins to lose their teeth around age 6/7 years. Once hard a child's creation will last and my little one has often played with it for days on end before deciding to give it a new life or image reflecting her latest fascination

Working with beeswax

Working with materials in the early years should always be an open invitation and i have said many times over I will usually sit and start working my child free to join alongside me if she wishes to. I allow her to begin to soften the wax, of she asks for help and is getting particularly frustrated I will help her, slowly and intentionally moulding the wax so she can see my hand movements, bringing intention and joy to everything we do is so important in encouraging that joy in work, the joy of doing and satisfaction of seeing things through. Once they are used to this wonderful material children can use it to create a myriad of wonderful things.

Tips: Keep modelling wax accessible, but if your child is prone to putting things in their mouth keep an eye on them, Stockmar in addition to their blocks of modelling wax also sell decorating wax which are paper thin sheets for decorating candles etc, I use these sheets to to add a different experience to using the material, whole palm grasp is generally used by my daughter when separating chunks of the standard wax, the decorating wax she uses pincer grip and tends to work in finer detail

Pictured: My daughter with a snowman made from modelling wax, in a modelling wax park complete with a swing and slide.

I hope this post has helped those who may be a little perplexed by modelling wax