I have re started to look into Waldorf and have downloaded your save your homeschooling day but still feel at a loss of where to start especially with rhythm. But this doesn't have to be a deal breaker. I now have 3 kiddies 8, 4 (soon to be 5) and 2 and so I feel our life is just chaotic. I’m wondering, the curriculum, gudide, & resources are fantastic. 2. I’ve planned on homeschooling since before I had kids and am just now really trying to find the best fit and I really think I have found that with Waldorf. Once they enter first grade, you tell them stories… usually traditional fairy tales. What is important though, is to understand and know how to apply a few key principles. Be gentle and patient with yourself. You should feel free to do what works in your home. The key is to know that when it’s not working, that means you need to simplify even more! All kinds of stories – about nature, animals, the seasons, good people, etc. Definitely include art in your week, and hopefully include an artistic element in most days, but don't try to turn every lesson into an art lesson. ... of the Waldorf Simple Start-up Package) I follow this with seasonal verses, songs, movement games, and recorder. You don’t want to rush through daily life activities just to get to the lessons. Waldorf fits our family’s beliefs and ideas of how children should be taught. I am not familiar with the homeschooling regulations in South Africa so you’ll want to explore that for your situation. Have we missed something? Kindly advise how to get started, Hi Pricilla, Does this make sense? Childhood can be divided up into roughly seven year cycles, each with their own style of teaching and learning.In the first seven years of life, children learn through imitation. , Your email address will not be published. You’ll never use it all and you need to find ways to make it work for you. So glad this is helpful to you, Marcia! This trend has extended to homeschooling, as well, with many families adopting a Waldorf/Steiner approach to education. Jul 11, 2020 - All about Steiner / Waldorf style homeschooling for children! Just remember to keep it simple with these 7 steps. Your email address will not be published. From these stories, you take images and use them to illustrate the letters. Honestly, wherever you are on the homeschooling journey and in your understanding of the Waldorf method is just fine. You can pay $370 for an annual membership - that way you get two months free! So find your tribe! But it's really important to realise that while Steiner instructed teachers to teach artistically, he didn't tell them to turn everything into an art lesson. We are in Durban, South Africa. Ist time homeschooling my 5 year old. I’m not familiar with New York’s requirements in detail (I’m in Ohio). The first step though would be to get to know your state’s regulations. If you haven’t already, I suggest you look at my Resources page. And then work from the outside in. You CAN homeschool your children with Waldorf. The best way to do that is to find a homeschooling organization in your area to help you navigate this process. I often say “Scale back until it works and then add from there.” You can do this! Hello, so Happy to have found this great info. Have you read this article on Homeschooling High School yet? Kathryn, do you have my guide Save Your Homeschooling Day? Resources: Oak Meadow – A more mainstream homeschool curriculum with a Waldorf flavor.. Live Education – A curriculum developed by Waldorf class teachers.Waldorf school at home. I felt like and still feel like we are missing something. Think back to your own school days. Unsubscribe anytime. What Does Homeschooling High School with Waldorf Look Like? Starting with the rhythm of the year, we think about where our children are developmentally and where our family is this year. For more on rhythm, get my FREE guide Save Your Homeschooling Day: 3 Steps to Rescue Your Rhythm for a Simple Happy Homeschool. A four-year-old and an eight-year-old are very different creatures. Lay a firm foundation with lots of songs and nursery rhymes. Waldorf Homeschooling Plans. In the second seven year cycle, from roughly ages 7-14, children learn through guidance. Not everyone who chooses Waldorf-inspired homeschooling stays true to all of the guidelines. 200 print-your-own home planner templates for every situation in your home school. She shares her wonderfully honest experiences and tips on how to come to Waldorf Homeschooling with an older child… it’s never too late! You have lots of time. After studying up on what the regulations actually are in your state, you’ll be able to begin to “translate” Waldorf so that you become adept at showing how your homeschooling meets those requirements. They don't speak the same way, act the same way or learn the same way. New Zealand. Waldorf education incorporate the arts into lessons and life – drawing, movement, music, drama, modeling, painting, and speech. If you want more in depth help designing and implementing your homeschooling, I offer one-on-one Mentor Sessions. Homeschooling help and encouragement from experienced homeschoolers - find out how homeschooling works and how to start, get tips & ideas for when things need adjusting, read curriculum reviews before buying, learn how online schools work, gain confidence about homeschooling high school, and more. Come and participate so you can get the help you need with your Waldorf Homeschooling Journey. The laws vary depending on where you live. Sheila is a Waldorf homeschooling mom of two boys, Grade 1 and Grade 5. Could a song help teach the concept more effectively? He is asking to be homeschooled this year and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. * Waldorf Rhythm Cards: * These cards are meant to be used as suggestions to help add rhythm to your daily life. I'm just a mama who couldn't afford to send her kids to a Steiner school, so I studied like mad to make it a reality in our home. Typically a mountain shows the shape of the letter 'm'. Thank you Crystal! There is no focus on academics at this age. Ask yourself if adding a drawing element to the lesson will help cement the learning or if are you adding it just because you think you need an art element! Start with what you know and what you need to know right now. The crayons, watercolor paints, and pencils will last practically forever and are truly worth the investment! There are some large co-ops … Include lots of choral reading of tongue twisters and rhymes. It works!Waldorf is a teacher-parent intensive style of education. I share inspiration and resources here for you to delve deeper into Waldorf homeschooling. I am not an anthroposophist myself, but we have successfully homeschooled with a Waldorf-inspired approach for several years now. Here, homeschool mama Kirstee Raki explains how you too can gift your children a Waldorf-inspired education by understanding a few key principles. I feel that is am coming from knowing nothing, but the more I research Waldorf learning I am more serious about homeschooling my children this way. Waldorf Homeschooling - training for Waldorf inspired homeschoolers. , Hi I have always home educated with my eldest, I have always loved the idea of Waldorf but felt at a lost of what to do and then last year bought the UK national curriculum boooo!!! How is Waldorf Homeschooling … Take it slow and enjoy :) Love Donna Ashton. You don’t mention what “early” means, so I’m not sure the age(s) of your child(ren). In the U.S., most states have specific requirements for parents to notify and assess their children. Sorry I am just ranting but I am not the most creative and most of the time need guidance myself. And if you want to read more about what Rudolf Steiner said, you can check out the posts at The Steiner Cafe. The very first place people get stuck with Waldorf is trying to wrap their minds around the idea of anthroposophy. So glad you’re here! Feel free to immerse yourself in the pretty Waldorf lifestyle, but don't worry if it's not in your budget or doesn't match your sense of style. Thank you! My oldest is 4. A Waldorf morning garden/kindergarten setting A Waldorf morning garden/kindergarten setting is play oriented, not learning a.b.c’s. I love this part when I get to tell the story. My suggestion would be to explore three concepts: main lesson block learning, rhythm, and how to weave the lively arts into lessons. What a beautiful introduction to Waldorf philosophy. We live in. Thank you for replying I appreciate it so much just hope I get there in the end, Baby steps, Kathryn! Waldorf education is not only limited to the home, there are many privately run preschools, elementary and high schools that teach children based on the Waldorf values. TheHomeSchoolMom. Perhaps this is because it has become more popular among preschools and primary schools in different areas. Wishing you all the best on your Waldorf Journey, Jean, I have a child in high school. Homeschooling help and encouragement from experienced homeschoolers - find out how homeschooling works and how to start, get tips & ideas for when things need adjusting, read curriculum reviews before buying, learn how online schools work, gain confidence about homeschooling high school, and more. I am really into this method and want to homeschool my 2-year-old child with this. All gathered from my 25+ years homeschooling my three children. In some ways, it doesn’t matter which curriculum you buy! My older two have graduated, my 3rd born is in 9th grade at a local private school, and my younger 3 who are ages 11.5, 7 (8 in April) and newly 3, are homeschooled. Personally, I fall into the last camp and combine Waldorf and Charlotte Mason. I love how Waldorf honors the fact that children are spiritual beings, and in my Peaceful Press curriculum, while leaning toward Charlotte Mason philosophy, I also included acivites to give children opportunities to express this aspect of themselves. So you can customize your curriculum and create a homeschool plan you love that's more than just "school at home. We all start out overwhelmed so know you’re not alone! Have you checked out my Resources page? This list contains affiliate links for your convenience. And, you might want to dig a little deeper into the practice and philosophy of Waldorf education. Some of the most common places children find friends are in church, homeschool co-ops, and friendly meet-ups between home educating families for this purpose. So exciting that you’ve found Waldorf. Required fields are marked *. He’s 14.5 years old. My son is starting 9th grade and has been at a Waldorf school for 4 years. And looking to get organized and enthused. For science, you may set up a demonstration, have your child recreate it and then explain the theory behind it. When it comes to lessons, Waldorf has a unique way of structuring the days and weeks. I’m truly amazed how at ease & happier both my son & I are.” -Kristie. I’m excited you found me too. Remember, homeschooling is a journey and you will be learning just as much as your children! You can combine subject areas in a main lesson, or you can focus on one particular subject area.Main lessons should include elements which teach to head, heart, and hands. All in addition to stories, of course! Show your child what to do instead of just telling them. See more ideas about Waldorf, Waldorf homeschool, Waldorf … Instead of trying to do “all the things,” just pick one as your area of … Waldorf uses a block system where our main lesson focuses on one topic for several weeks. All the best as you move forward! I have never really had a routine or rhythm to our daily life and now feel a massive amount of guilt as we are highly disorganised. How do you incorporate the Waldorf method later? She has 2 yrs left in public school before writing the big exam ( matric). Second grade is in many ways an extension of first grade. My 11 year old has dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalcula. With monthly masterclasses, coaching calls, and plan alongs, you can get the support you  need along with inspiration, and a community of like-minded homeschoolers to sustain you. Some Ideas: You can see the idea of “experience first” in the way reading is taught as well. Thank you. Let us know in the comments below so we can keep this article a helpful free resource. No worries, I’ve got you covered! Jean. This is a recurring fee unless you cancel. Here are a few of my favourite resources that I think may be really helpful to you:The Tasks and Content of the Steiner-Waldorf CurriculumPainting and Drawing in Waldorf SchoolsCreative Form DrawingColouring with Block CrayonsHave questions? How can we establish nourishing rhythms for our Waldorf homeschooling? Isn’t it fun to discover Waldorf and feel like it’s such a good fit!?! So it doesn't make sense to teach them in the same way. That's basically a Waldorf curriculum! Is it really such a big deal to organize a co-op? Below are a few high quality art supplies I recommend. This block has been about ‘time’. Here are 5 things you should know, Creative Teaching is NOT The Same As Art Teaching, The Tasks and Content of the Steiner-Waldorf Curriculum, A Montessori Approach to Homeschool: Where to Start, How to Begin Circle Time With Your Preschooler, How I Use Lists in My Homeschool (And Why I Love It!). It's education for mind, body, and soul. But just pick one area to start with – like storytelling, or painting, or verse recitation. Hi Amber, Include form drawing in your lessons to … Have you ever thought of setting up a Waldorf homeschool? See, rhythm vs schedule. Art of Homeschooling is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, along with other affiliate programs. The aim of Waldorf schooling is to educate the whole child. Stockmar, a mix of stick and block crayons, Waldorf Homeschooling Simplified: Your Toolkit for Grades 1 – 8, Top Waldorf-Inspired Learning Resources of 2017 ⋆ Waldorf-Inspired Learning, 5 Tips You Should Know When You Start Waldorf Homeschooling ⋆ Waldorf-Inspired Learning. A good place to start if you’re new to the area is to check out local homeschooling groups on Facebook (if you have an account) or other websites that list homeschooling groups. I am in Vietnam, an Asia countries and just started to know Waldorf few months ago. Introduce new concepts through storytelling. So glad you’re here, Caitlin! Have your child participate in household chores including cooking, gardening and tidying up. I have been homeschooling my children, who range in age from 20 to 3, since 2005. I think I need to read more about Waldorf as well, from what I have read and know it feels just how I want to be but As a family we are not quite getting it yet ha! Want to save this article for later? Lots of ideas for activities and schedules for Moms to help us create a strong foundation for our families. Alternate these times through out your day and post it on the wall so you have it to glance at. I would greatly appreciate any feedback you are willing to give. Develop a rhythm to your days so your child knows what to expect and begins to understand time. You can join Homeschool with Waldorf for just $37 per month. Whether in your neighborhood or at a distance, finding other homeschoolers on this journey can make all the difference. Head refers to the ability to think clearly and independently. Provide lots of hands on learning in your main lesson. Thank you very much! Heart refers to the capacity for feeling emotionally connected to one’s work and the world at large. Or you can join for $370 per year which gives you two months free! The Waldorf homeschooling method was popularized by Rudolf Steiner in Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Christopherus Homeschool Resources – Developed by a Waldorf-educated, Waldorf-trained, homeschooling mother of two, who knows what it’s like to juggle being a mom, running a household, … Above all, enjoy the journey! This was the same whether you were learning a new grammar rule, a mathematical formula or a scientific theory. Hi there I am enjoying the journey of learning with him, at his pace… I plan to implement some of the 10 steps, once I have gathered resources – (feeling excited already!). On this page you will learn more about this homeschool approach, discover what Waldorf curriculum homeschool families use, and find out why Time4Learning is … If you want specific, actionable ideas for how to weave the arts into your lessons, click here to get Your Guide to Lively Homeschooling. So make a simple plan for chores and a simple plan for meals, and then involve your whole family. So make a simple plan for chores and a simple plan for meals, and then involve your whole family. This is a great way to bring art and creative movement into your home now, and you can always add more in later. Copyright 2020 | Art of Homeschooling | All Rights Reserved. You're also subscribing to my email list. Waldorf homeschooling is possible and this book will show you how. I like to say, “Think in threes, pick one.” So find three things from this article that you want to implement and then start with the first one! Enjoy the journey! He based his model on anthroposophy, his philosophy of the nature of human beings. ‘Anthroposophy Inspires Waldorf School and Waldorf Homeschool: The inspiration for Waldorf Education arises from a worldview or philosophy called Anthroposophy. I’m going to follow this getting started list, and I’m hoping for the best! When we get back from our walk, we start our homeschool work. Whether you are following Waldorf to a tee or just looking to borrow a little inspiration, these are the ideas to focus your attention on: Notice how none of these principles have anything to do with the way your home looks, the toys you buy or the art materials you are using. Getting Started with Waldorf Homeschooling 1. Inspired by Waldorf kindergartens, these sweet cards are a wonderful companion to your family's weekly schedule. Here is a post that might help you: What Does Homeschooling High School with Waldorf Look Like? Some Ideas: A lot of people are drawn to Waldorf education because they like the focus on art. Homeschooling high school is so much fun and a great time to help our children discover their interests and unique gifts. Homeschool.com lays it all out on how to homeschool using the Waldorf Method. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. It was evident when we began homeschooling that our eldest wasn’t interested in the ‘conventional’ ways of learning. Your page really lights the way for me to go. Your role is to present yourself as someone worthy of being imitated. © The Mulberry Journal 2021. You might like to create a Nature Table where you bring some items from your nature walks indoors to create a seasonal display. It doesn’t have to be. Here are some specific blog posts or pages on my website that I would recommend you check out: The Lively Arts, Rhythm is Always the Answer, and the Block Rotation for Grades 1-8. Get skilled in the Waldorf approach at your own pace and customize whatever resources you have to suit your family. Perhaps you’re wondering how to pull together your lessons and activities. “Head, heart and hands” is a common mantra in Waldorf. Waldorf does things differently.In Waldorf, experiences are brought to a child before concepts. You will learn as you go just like we all have. Is there anybody else here who has children around the same age who could help with ideas sorry. For music, teach your child to play by copying you before you even mention the names of the notes, let alone start teaching them to read the music. Using our links does not affect the price you pay. And finally an example of a homeschool family using the Waldorf Method. Your page is so easy to read and so encouraging that I feel I can do this! Here’s another post you might find helpful: What If It’s Not More Inspiration You Need. I help homeschooling parents like you build their lessons around hands-on, creative activities. If you want specific, actionable ideas for how to weave the arts into your lessons, click here to get, If you would love community support from the convenience of your own home, please check out the. So excited for you! Paola. Once they have made their discovery, you can explain the rules and have them practice without the manipulatives and story. For making homemade bean bags, check out this blog post: a Waldorf-Inspired Learning community guided by yours truly . __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"62516":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"62516":{"val":"rgb(37, 186, 188)"}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Want to save this article for later? need to start academic lessons, in 1 st grade. I will be in contact with you again soon. See more ideas about Waldorf homeschool, Inspired learning, Waldorf education. Like so much of Waldorf philosophy, that just works for us. It’s free! Sometimes the kids get a head start on their work while I am getting Hazel and/or Iris ready for the walk. Yes! For making homemade bean bags, check out this blog post: Movement Games for Children. Share As a homeschooling mentor, I am asked all the time, “, Yearly rhythm includes seasonal celebrations & festivals, Weekly rhythm includes, for example, different activities on different days such as painting on Mondays or baking bread on Wednesdays, Daily rhythm includes meals, chores, lessons, bedtime. 3. Known for its unique aesthetic and focus on storytelling, Waldorf is appealing and exciting but can also feel overwhelming. I’m very interested in starting early with homeschooling. Through memorising the sounds children eventually learn to read alone. Figure out how your day should go with times of high energy and then times of low energy. Download this FREE guide to SAVE YOUR HOMESCHOOLING DAY. So here are some places I might start… Go to the source, Waldorf Education FAQs in the US. May 11, 2020 by Waldorf Connection Blog In May, on Friday mornings at 10am PDT, Anne will be there to answer your questions. Below are a few high quality art supplies I recommend. But be sure to check the regulations where you live. Instead, children learn through watching their parents and participating in the day-to-day life of the home. The whole of your day and how it happens is a lesson in itself! The flexibility of homeschooling allows us to build our days around what’s best for our children (and for us!). Teaching artistically means teaching creatively.Look for new ways to teach concepts. Welcome to our Discovering Waldorf Series, where everyday families share their Waldorf thoughts and experiences. The need for imagination, a sense of truth, and a feeling of responsibility—these three forces are the very nerve of education.” (Rudolf Steiner)Let’s start with a little helpful background: Waldorf education was born in the early 20th century, the brainchild of an Austrian philosopher named Rudolf Steiner. Academic head-knowledge is important. I also feel now my 8 year old is 8 he does need some form of curriculum as I have tried child led with him and we ended up doing nothing as he fights against me haha so I’m trying to find the right Waldorf style curriculum whilst also having my other two kiddies. And let me know how I can help! Here’s my concise description of the Waldorf approach: Waldorf education is a developmental approach to learning that incorporates rhythm and the arts into all lessons.