I should have assumed that we would be a little backwards.
My parents had strong opinions about the education system....which of course would effect my views. Academics this year have not been the enjoyable part of school at home, by any measure. Some folk would say that we unschool....but I needed something more.
I took the plunge and bought a used Christopherus Waldorf curriculum....after doing some research, this seemed to be in high demand.
We've been at it for 3 or 4 weeks and I am sold! The day and rhythm is much more peaceful and everything ties together. The activities and academics are not isolated external lessons that are disconnected from their emotional selves. It just seems a lot more wholesome. I was impressed to see my 6 year old daughter's drive to wind an entire skein of wool into a large ball in a single afternoon for handwork.
She may not read as early as some of her other schooled and homeschooled peers, but the loving words of mature mother's who've raised responsible deep feeling people, have encouraged me not to make external academics our main focus. The issues we face in society are so rooted in the heart....why would I not want to take concentrated interest in cultivating their hearts, creativity and a discerning compassionate mind?
::~::
I'll be interested to see that curriculum and hear more about how it's all going. We've put very little intentional focus on any "academics" here - mostly just playing and enjoying (or not, at times!) life together. The pics of the ball winding are lovely - what a great way to spend an afternoon. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteTammy
We have been using Donna's curriculum material too and love them :) You worded perfectly the importance of fostering a strong heart centered foundation necessary for our busy and detached world.
ReplyDeleteThank-you Tangerine Dreams! Donna's material goes really quickly on the Waldorf buy and sell group that I'm apart of - which was a clue that it was good!
ReplyDelete*drat*, I just wrote a long answer and lost it... Oh well, here is the summary...
ReplyDeleteIn the early days of home-educating our wee ones we chose to be child-led, going with the interests of the child. We were unschoolers, not in a rush to get anywhere. Had I known about Waldorf I think I would have gone that way as well. Still for what we knew, we found our rhythm, and learned that children are in a constant state of learning and providing experiences (my job), both at home and away - was a beautiful compliment to each other.
Enjoy these early years, all things will fall into place and your child/children will help guide you to what they need next. xxx
We love Waldorf, we love God, and we homeschool. Have you found that the Waldorf curriculum works well in a God believing household?
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