Is it Waldorf?

Now that title might make you think that this will be a terribly dogmatic post about being a Waldorf purist - nope.  This post is more about what Waldorf means to you.  It is easy to get caught up in the material side of Waldorf (pretty toys, etc.) and then question "is this Waldorf?" but today I want you to ponder the REAL parts of Waldorf.  I know I've talked about this before in other posts, but it comes to a head during this time of planning for the new school year.  As we are gathering resources, we must ask ourselves, "is this Waldorf?" Why?  Well take a minute to think about why you are on this path, following this method - remember that this method is different from any other because of Steiner's developmental indications.  While many are attracted to Waldorf because of the nature side of things - the pretty toys - the fairies... but it is so much more.  Waldorf can easily be summed up as "developmentally appropriate learning".  So as you are going about resources to use in your school year, make sure you are picking ones that developmentally speak to your child - realizing that at home some things can be different but in general you keep the child developmentally on the scale that Steiner laid forth.  If you wonder what that scale says, you can always look at our chart . If you come across a resource that is claiming to be Waldorf, study it out, it may be a great resource but not be really Waldorf oriented and not appropriate for your child's age, you can always book mark it and tuck it away for later.  Don't be in a hurry.  Also be sure to read the fine print - remember that Waldorf is a way of life and a way of thinking when it comes to developmental readiness - so if you are looking at a resource that also claims to be eclectic, Montessori, Charlotte Mason or any other method (all wonderful but not always developmentally appropriate as per Steiner) - then make sure you take time to ponder - again, think it through... is this right for your child?

In closing, one thing I really want to impart to you as you are planning your school year is that this method is for YOU as much as it is for the child.  As much as you want Waldorf for what it will do for them, it has to work magic on you first, it has to get you in touch with your inner self and awaken (or strengthen) your connection with the Divine - it can only do that through careful study.  Please listen to this week's radio show on planning (when you click on this, it will begin to load so give it a minute, otherwise right-click and save it to your computer.)

Join us again next Monday for another show on planning, part 2. 

Many blessings!

Comments

[Lovey]

I wholeheartedly agree with this! It takes careful study and investigation to be sure a product is appropriate and accurately represented.

I also like to remind moms not be be collectors when it comes to resources. Too much is not always a good thing. It's better to get something and try it out and then get more only if you need it to continue.

[Jane]

Mellisa,
I love how you shared that this education is just as much for us, the parent. It is that very thought that has brought me back, and your resources : ) There is something about it that touches my very core.
Thanks for all you do!!!

[Melisa Nielsen]

I am so glad you both enjoyed this post - this is at the very core of me... I think when we decide to take on this journey that we have to decide where we will be centering ourselves.

Many blessings!