Where should we start?

[Connie]

Hi. I need help figuring out where to start. My daughter is 6 1/2 yrs old. We have been doing homeschool. We thought about enrolling her in the closest Waldorf School, but it really is pretty far away. Not to mention expensive.

She already reads some, and writes. Is it too late to teach her form writing?

Also, she has a lot of toys and is used to watching TV, mostly just educational programs, but some regular cartoons.

Is it too late to switch to the Waldorf style? Where do we start?

Thanks,
Connie

[Donna]

Hi Connie,

Start by taking a deep breath! It's hard to tell from your post but if you are new to Waldorf - sounds like perhaps you are - there's a lot there to think about and to see if it works with your family!

I strongly suggest that you join this group and start asking some really specific questions - there are many veteran Waldorf homeschoolers on this list who can show you the ropes - and, equally, newbies who are also just beginning this path and thus will be able to understand all the challenges you face as you explore Waldorf education and parenting.

Spend some time on my web site www.christopherushomeschool.org, reading through the various articles, pages and blog entries. There is a section on Early Years which will help you figure out where you want to go with your daughter - from a Waldorf perspective she is just right for first grade this Fall.

If you do decide to do first grade with her this Fall (even if she's already done first grade, Waldorf is so different that I am sure she would be just fine about it) you could buy your curriculum materials from Christopherus. In addition to providing everything you need for first grade, my books can help you gently ease into a "Waldorf lifestyle" which will compliment and strengthen your educational choices. One of my books necessary for first grade is the form drawing book - this gently talks you through how to approach this incredibly powerful and important therapeutic art. (and it is never to late to start with form drawing - it's wonderful for adults, too).

My audio downloads will also answer many of your questions. And if you need some specific help figuring things out, do consider arranging a consultation (see web site for details).

While you are on my web site, you will see many other places listed on the Resources page which are rich sources of information and support.

Good luck to you on your explorations, Connie!

[Connie]

Thank you! I have looked over the site. I had already decided to buy all your Early Years and First Grade material. But I am wanting to start slowly to be sure this is right for us.

I was first introduced to the idea of Waldorf by our family doctor. His wife is co founder of the closest school. We have been there, for an open house. We decided against enrolling her there, because of the cost and the distance. Part of me has always thought, "this is PERFECT for our daughter". My husband likes most of it... but not all of it. And he thinks homeschooling is best and if we can incorporate some Waldorf in, then he's okay with that.

So, I was doing some online research one day a few weeks ago. And I found a youtube video about Waldorf, and how they teach kids to read and write and I got so excited! That was when and how I found the Christopherous website.

And now, I can't decide if I want to buy everything all at once or just a few things at a time. I am looking to purchase 3 of your audio downloads, The Pre K Child at Home, (because I baby-sit a 2 and 4 yr old), Kindergarten at Home, and the First Grade one. Also, the First Grade Pkg deal #3, the Form Drawing for Beginners, and the Joyful Movement.

What do you suggest? Anything aside from those? Or any of that, that you don't think I'll need? And if I were to only buy a few things at a time, which do you think should be first?

Thanks for your reply.

[Donna]

Well.... maybe the pre-k and k audio downloads, kindergarten with your 3 to 6 year old and Joyful Movement first.... But you will need the various first grade things for the Fall - so perhaps the First Grade Syllabus and Form Drawing books in August (give you a bit of time to prepare). You already will have Joyful Movement, so you won't need that again but you might want to get the first grade download at that point.

Then perhaps after the New Year you could get the Overview package and see what lies ahead!

Hope that helps!:)

[Unregistered]

Maybe I could tag onto this thread? I have a dd who turned 6 in May. She considers herself to be a first grader. She reads some and writes fairly well, both print and cursive. I have not started spelling or any kind of grammar with her.

The reading is not yet fluent or consistent. She does not particularly like it if I try to work on phonics with her, but she often tries to figure out how to read things on her own.

I feel as though math and arts and movement are going well. We have been using Right Start Math, which we love. We use the arts extensively -- dance, music, drawing, painting, and she is in one or two professionally produced plays per year.

I threw all of this in only because I am at a loss as to how to begin a transition to a more Waldorf approach. It seems to me she is out of synch, ahead in some areas, right on target in others. I am thinking I'd like to work on Waldorf language arts, but am unsure where to start with her. I'd also like some guidance on science and social studies.

Help?

Thanks,
In the Deep End

[elizamars]

Dear Connie and In the Deep End -

Welcome to the wonderful and wacky world of Waldorf Ed.

My advice as a long-time Waldorf Mom and short-time home schooler is, before delving into curriculum (and I highly recommend Donna's First Grade and her Curriculum Guide for the Grades), I would recommend both of you do some background so you can see the Waldorf understanding of children and childhood. Donna's work is full of this of course but her work assumes some working knowledge of Waldorf philosophy.

A simple book that literally changed my life is: Mitten Strings for God by Katrina Kennison. This is not a deep anthroposophical text rather one woman's thoughts on what is important and meaningful for family life. I found this book to be inspirational. You are Your Child's First Teacher by Rahima Baldwin Dancy is a very important read even though it is really meant for ages birth to six. I would recommend reading it if you can get your hands on a copy.

While it is certainly possible to use Waldorf curriculum without sharing the Waldorf view of the child, I would argue that it is more important to embrace the Waldorf view of the child than to follow the curriculum.

I hope that makes sense!

Lisa Marshall