| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| daffodil dreamer |
Posted - Jan 12 2007 : 10:31:55 PM
Hi all,
I am looking at a new school for my two girls aged 11 and 9, if we move back home. I have always wanted them to go to a Steiner school, but they are few and far between here and we have never lived near one. The Steiner school they are on the waiting list for seems to be excellent and has a great reputation.
I am just after some input. Has anyone else changed their children from the public/state school system into Steiner? Adjustment problems, etc? Or are any of you homeschooling using a Steiner/Waldorf based curriculum? If they can't get into the school (they are next on the waiting list), this could become an option.
I would love to hear any information, stories, from anyone - I have been reading quite a bit about Steiner, but I am particularly concerned with adjusting from one system to the other.
Thanks and best wishes,
Jayne |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| daffodil dreamer |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 5:08:44 PM
Hi Kathleen and welcome to MaryJane's!
Thanks for the input. I think I have decided that I would like to really follow my heart and homeschool them. Now I am really putting the cat amongst the pigeons!! I have been reading heaps about Waldorf homeschooling and it seems the best way - so you can take the best parts of Waldorf and also use other resources as appropriate. Any other Waldorf homeschoolers out there? They are few and far between here in Australia, but there are plenty of sites from America on the web. I have found one support group in Australia and luckily it is right near where we want to move when we move back home - maybe it is 'meant' to be!
They went back to their old school yesterday as the new school year has started and no other plans had been set in concrete - my oldest daughter hasn't had nightmares all holidays and had one last night (maybe just coincidence, I don't know). She has told me though, that even if we change schools there will be bullies there as all schools have bullies. I can't draw anymore information than that from her. All the signs are pointing towards homeschooling being a good idea - it is just very daunting.
Best wishes,
Jayne |
| kjweldon |
Posted - Jan 31 2007 : 11:35:40 AM
Hi. I don't have kids, so I'm not an expert, but my boyfriend grew up in Waldorf schools (his mother is very active in the Steiner community), and I have friends who have children in the schools now. Overall, the experience has been very good for them, and my boyfriend greatly appreciates most of what Waldorf schooling gave him - a connection to nature, a supportive environment, removal from the media-obsession of general American culture. When he hears what went on in the Catholic schools I attended, the bullying and pettiness and so on, he can't believe it.
However, one caveat. If your child has a learning disability, you may need to be very careful in choosing a Waldorf school that can provide support. The general Waldorf philosophy on learning disabilities is that children grow out of them and teachers shouldn't focus on doing anything out of the ordinary for these students. My boyfriend had a very severe learning disability (could not read until he was twelve, though otherwise he was of high intelligence and capability - it was something like a dyslexia, but not exactly). He was not given skills to cope with his problem, and only now, in mid-life, is he starting to understand how much he still needs to learn. My friends with children in the Waldorf school told me that a friend of theirs had removed her child from the school because he had a learning disability and the staff refused to give him any particular attention to work on the problem. Sure, that's a statistical sample of two, but there seems to be an underlying philosophy behind the resistance to dealing with these issues. I think the education at Waldorf schools is generally excellent, and the environment a good and healthy one for children, but some children might not be best served there. |
| vintagechica |
Posted - Jan 16 2007 : 11:43:55 AM
Thank you all for this thread and this information. I have been reading so much about learning styles, unschooling, etc. and you all have proved again to be a wealth of information!!!
Oh, and Megan...I have a few friends who homeschool and what they do is if there is a subject that one of them is week at and another is stonger, they make up lessons for each other. Sometimes do work at one or the other's house with all of the kids together, etc. So I guess they tag-team so to speak. They feel like it is a great solution for them. Just thought I would share.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A sure way to avoid housework...live outdoors.
www.vintagechica.typepad.com |
| daffodil dreamer |
Posted - Jan 15 2007 : 10:39:15 PM
Hi Megan,
I agree with you - I have been reading all the Waldorf homeschooling curriculum and it is very daunting, especially all the maths/science. I think I'd have no worries with the arts/literature side, as this is my leaning anyway. But some of the other curriculum scares me off. That is why I am looking at the school. At least they will be in a better school environment than they currently are.
I also agree it is hard to keep them away from inappropriate technology - I had to say no to hubby's dad who wanted to get them each an iPod. I really don't think they need to be 'plugged in' to something like that all day.
I would love to homeschool them - I always wanted to, but at the time wasn't a strong enough personality to stand up for my beliefs, gave in to the pressure of the 'norm'. Of course, I know wish that I had been stronger. Maybe if you homeschooled all the way, the curriculum would naturally flow into each year and it would all fall into place. I know there are others on MaryJane's homeschooling older children, even into high school, not necessarily Waldorf though. There would be lots of advice there, Meg; maybe you could start another thread just about homeschooling. Good luck with your decision.
Also, having an 11 and a 9 year old girls, I definitely notice the prevalence of clothes that are way too old for them, accompanied with behaviour that is way too old for them. I am hoping these influences will have less sway if they change schools. I don't know if I am hoping for too much.
Best wishes,
Jayne |
| shmeg |
Posted - Jan 15 2007 : 7:19:56 PM
In this thread about Waldorf there are some with Waldorf schools available, homeschoolers, as well as those in public schools who live a lifestyle tha tis in line with the waldorf philosophy. My question is for those who homeschool or think about it, do/have any of you felt like you weren't capable of homeschooling your children or worry that you couldn't do a good enough job? Because there is a big part of me that believes homeschooling is right for my kids and yet another big part of me that feels like I'm not qualified for such a thing. Especially when they are older, I can't imagine trying to teach algebra or trig to my kids. I mentioned earlier that my parents, grandparents and siblings are all teachers/administrators in the public school systems so I know that is part of my problem and I think many of the things we want to shelter our kids from are societal and not merely part of the public school system , but in private or just about anywhere we go. Today my husband and I had to go into the city to a big shopping complex to exchange some gifts and we sat in a restaurant and watched all the young kids, girls especially, with their tight Abercrombie and Fitch clothes, makeup and cell phones. I'm talking like 12 years old, sometimes even younger. It makes me sad and I do want to shelter my kids from that and I don't see how that is a bad thing. This thread has really gotten me thinking again aobut the school issue. My kids are 2,3, and 8. These aren't new ideas to me, I had my kids at home, we don't vaccinate, we co-sleep, yada yada yada, my oldest was in a waldorf preschool when I needed to work after my divorce from her father, but for some reason the thought of homeschooling scares and overwhelms as well as compels me. So, if any of you feel conflicted or can recommend any reading etc that could help, I'd appreciate it.
-Megan |
| Sweet Harvest Homestead |
Posted - Jan 15 2007 : 6:29:32 PM
Sorry, wrong place |
| lamamama |
Posted - Jan 15 2007 : 5:34:50 PM
Hi, Eren
Absolutely no offense taken.
I know that there is a lot of misinformation on the internet, & that Waldorf is often misunderstood by many people. Additionally, for some reason, a very small minority of people get very emotional about Waldorf. It seems to touch one of their big buttons, so to speak. (Kind of like breastfeeding vs. the bottle, or co-sleeping with your children.) I think one of the reasons is that the Waldorf system runs counter to the way the majority of our society currently views children & parenting. Those of us who want to raise our children in a different way usually breathe a sigh a relief to find Waldorf - even if we don't agree or believe in everything in the program. Mainstream society (my kids jokingly call them "public school types") just doesn't get it......which is why you can find 7 year olds in PG-13 movies today, or see parents buying a "Dementors" costume for an elementary age kid. You wouldn't believe the looks I got from non-Waldorf people when I let it be known that I wouldn't let my 1st grader read the Harry Potter books. Same thing for not letting my boys, when they were little, play video or computer games. Within the Waldorf community, almost everyone followed the same approach - my parenting style was the norm!
Well, I didn't mean to go on about this. I guess it is just that I experienced first hand how dramatic the difference is between Waldorf & traditional educational systems.
Even with everything that I maintained on "the home front." Media, & society today, are amazingly powerful forces on our children, & I believe it is our job to step up to the plate and protect our children. Not at all easy, & not cheap, but it is our duty.
Again, good luck & blessings to all our families! |
| daffodil dreamer |
Posted - Jan 15 2007 : 3:35:27 PM
Hi all,
Eren, I read this link when I was researching Waldorf and pretty much just ignored it. The internet is a great resource, but anyone can post any ideas they may have, which may just be crackpot. To say Waldorf is either associated with Lucifer or is rascist is ridiculous. I think whoever posted this may have just taken Steiner's readings out of context - he was a man who wrote and spoke about such a wide range of diverse topics, that information presented in a talk or essay about anything could have been misrepresented.
I decided to attend playgroup for my son, even though Steiner advocates education not beginning until 7. As the opportunity is there, I thought it would be a good building on what we do at home.
I am happy to report that hubby is happy for them to change schools when we move. I have been telling him about various things with their current school, but being at work he doesn't visit the school much. You need to see things firsthand, I think. Anyway, one of the ladies at his work has a daughter at the same school and she told him a disturbing story yesterday. Her daughter and a friend were on the school oval at lunchtime, when the friend was knocked to the ground by a Grade 3 boy (8 years old). He lay on top of her and pretended to be having sex, egged on by a group of other boys. Nothing 'happened', but that type of behaviour in one so young is deeply disturbing. It totally freaked my husband out. As the school is so big, there were no teachers around to stop it. Up until now, I think hubby may have thought I was exaggerated the problems as I really wanted them to change schools - I looked at this a year ago, but he didn't want them to change, so back they went to the old school. I know that Waldorf education isn't going to guarantee total safety from such issues, but boy, it sure couldn't be worse. And anything we can do to protect our children from some of the evils of modern society for us long as possible has got to be good. I've certainly had issues from my dad, in that he is worried that such an education is a bit too sheltered, that it is a tough world out there and they need to learn that. They'll learn that soon enough and I think be more confident in their ability to deal with it.
Goodness, this is a long post - can you tell this is an issue very close to my heart at the moment. My bedtime reading is more and more Waldorf education books, and they are all food for thought.
Just as a byline, anyone who is educating Waldorf style, do you have any good resources/ideas for what you do? I'd love to hear some. I'm slowly reading through the information on waldorfhomeschoolers.com, which is great.
Best wishes and love and peace to all your lovely little ones,
Jayne
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| vintagechica |
Posted - Jan 15 2007 : 12:16:58 PM
OK, good to know! Thanks ladies for the info. I hope I did not offend you Tasha or Melanie. So much of Waldorf rings very near and dear to my heart. And I have been researching some here and there to find out more and when I read that I just didnt get the connection. I am a Christian, and find many of their teachings a great way to explain God to my children in a more meaningful way and one that is very tangible for them. I just wanted to ask someone who knew more than I did.
Here is the link I was referring to. And I totally know what you mean about not believing everything you read. Point taken.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steiner/Waldorf_education#Lucifer_connection
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A sure way to avoid housework...live outdoors.
www.vintagechica.typepad.com |
| lamamama |
Posted - Jan 15 2007 : 10:07:48 AM
Huh????!!!!!????
Eren, I have never in my life heard such a thing about Waldorf. It is riduculous.
And one piece of information you all might be intersted in knowing, is that Waldorf only does pre-schools as a service/request from their community. They actually feel that best practice is to have the children stay at home until Kindergarden age. I suggest that anyone interested in the Waldorf system get in touch with a local school. They will be more than happy to help you out. My other suggestion would be to make sure that you visit a long time established school - you will see a diference from the newer, so-called "initiative" schools. In my experience, the more you know & learn about Waldorf, the more you will see the beauty of it. Then compare the children in the upper grades with the children in the same grade in a public school ----no contest!
In closing, I think that most Waldorf schools also offer scholarships & financial aid - something to consider. Good luck to all! |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Jan 15 2007 : 07:41:51 AM
Eren, I am a pagan, I don't believe in Lucifer, and further, I had never ehard such a thing about Steiner. Remember Wiki is a great resource, but it is contributed to by anyone who wants to contribute. ALl the info may not necessarily be accurate.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/ |
| vintagechica |
Posted - Jan 15 2007 : 07:04:06 AM
Wow Jayne, it sounds like a wonderful school. I will keep my fingers crossed that an opening comes up soon. And a craft weekend for parents?!?! Heaven! Good Luck.
My oldes boys will be 5 this summer and I am just rethinking what we had planned for them...wow, lots to think about.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A sure way to avoid housework...live outdoors.
www.vintagechica.typepad.com |
| daffodil dreamer |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 10:39:21 PM
Thanks for all the interesting answers to this post. I have always done Steiner/Waldorf 'type' things with my girls before they went to school - but the longer they are in the school, the further away from these ideas they seem to be getting. So still on the waiting list for the school I'd like them to go. I think it would also be good for the community aspect - there are parent mornings every week, where the parents gather to make craft items for the kinder and school, parent craft weekends away (what heaven!), the playgroup for my youngest is in the same place. So it is all very community/caring, which I am very sadly missing in their current school. The teachers don't really encourage much parent/teacher interaction - it is like they only want to see you twice a year for ten minutes for the parent/teacher interview.
I have looked at a few of the websites mentioned - thanks for all the links and great input. I think I will just continue to do my best here at home until a place comes up in the school and then transfer them.
You have all put my mind at rest that the Steiner road is the way to go - I knew it in my heart, but it is always good to get confirmation and support for what you are doing as a parent.
Best wishes,
Jayne |
| vintagechica |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 8:52:51 PM
Tasha, I have a question about Waldorf/Steiner. I read on Wikipedia Steiners views are rooted based on the teachings of Lucifer???? Is this true? I love the ideas behind Waldorf/Steiner and completely adhere to their philosophies when buying toys and such for my boys. But I dont really know much about the history. Can you help me understand this?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A sure way to avoid housework...live outdoors.
www.vintagechica.typepad.com |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 6:16:14 PM
we didnt get a single 'extra' for Zoe. We have a car seat and not one of those carrier car seats. I hate those, and I make baby carriers, so we were set. whip out a booby when babe is hungry and youhave all you need. We have a crib, but only because ROb's mom brought it up for us. He and his brother both slept in it. Zoe hardly sleeps in it at all. The only time she is in it is before we go to bed. We are very attached parents to our girls and I really think it goes hand in hand with Waldorf/ Steiner ed.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/ |
| shmeg |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 4:17:06 PM
i agree with kate about a baby not needing much. And the only "extra" that I would say I couldn't have done without is my sling. www.babyholder.com I still use it with my two year old. I never want to get rid of it, it is too special to me.
I really feel after reading all of your thoughts that I've gotten a little too far away from the waldorf inspired ways that I want to raise my kids...a little too much tv, not enough rhythm and ritual. It is too easy to slip back into those things. But waht a great support/communtiy you all are.
A great magazine that I wanted to mention is Mothering. www.mothering.com It is so refreshing compared to most other parenting mags out there.
-Megan |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 3:46:02 PM
Laura, You should know that Steiner Waldorf isn't just an in school/school age child education. It is a whole life education. It starts out in babyhood and is sooooo beneficial. People tend to forget that babies are spiritual beings just like toddlers just like preschoolers, school age children, teenagers and adults....That is what I get from S/W ed. it's about the natural world around and within a person.
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://frugalwitch.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/ |
| katiedid |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 3:23:19 PM
Laura...I live in the city right now, and YES, some people will spend that much!! Crazy, huh? I don't, I recycle and re-use..the best money spent on baby gear was my sling! $40 and I use it everyday!
But before I had it, I would just use a bed sheet and tie the babe to my hip!
Don't worry, the only thing a baby REALLY needs is diapers and you!
Kate
my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com |
| summerbreeze |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 3:12:21 PM
I am years off from having to make a choice of school for my child, I'm not due until may. This has been a very interesting thread. I did some web surfing on Steiner/Waldorf and was impressed with the curriculum. We do have several school in my area but the cost seemed very high $15,000 for pre school. Is that the going rate????? Because I have has so many miscarriages we have not even started to look at baby stuff yet. Katiedid I read your blog, Do people really spend $700 on strollers. I think I have a rude awakining. My best friend is done having kids and I am planning on using her stuff. Is baby stuff like wedding stuff, they charge you twice as much as they should?
You only live once,if you do it right once is enough. |
| Sweet Harvest Homestead |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 2:05:58 PM
I am so happy that you started this thread. I discovered Waldorf Schooling last year. I can't for the life of me remember what I was googling but the Waldorfhomeschoolers.com website came up and I have been totally hooked ever since.
We homeschool and use Sonlight but I have implemented so many of the wonderful Waldorf ideas into our home!
It is so artsy and dreamy. Perfect for young children. Have you read any of the books by Elsa Beskow? Peter in Blueberry Land, The Flowers Festival. Such imaginative little books for those growing minds. I even make Waldorf dolls. Wish I were better at it. Those things sell for $100 bucks each.
I can't give you any info as far as adjusting into differents schools. My children are 7,5 and 3 and have always been home with me. No plans to put them in school yet.
I wish you the best in whatever decision you make.
Lindy
www.sweetharvesthomestead.typepad.com |
| katiedid |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 12:00:32 PM
OH, I am loving this thread!!
Libbie, I did just what you are thinking of...I did a homeschool/preschool in the Waldorf style, and when my girls were ready for kindergarten they went to public school...this was a decision Eldon and I agonized over! Eldon is NOT neuro-typical, and had a hard time learning to read and spell in regular public schools during the 1980s. His mom was more of a hinderance than an advocate, and he had some really terrible teachers. Instead of paying attention to his stregnths, his weakenesses were under a microscope. He didn't want our kids to suffer the same way he did...BUT, my health was poor, and I had limited energy, so in the end we decided that school was the best place for our girls...
For my younger kids, now 4 and 1 I am re-thinking public school, but I won't make any big decisions until after our move.
I believe that it is the parent's place, NOT the government's to decide which way to educate our children...that is why things like NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND drive me crazy...kids cannot be put into a box...they all learn differently ....like Eldon, who struggles with written language but is so articulate in spoken language and can make almost anything with his hands....he would have failed on the new guidelines...
I am going to check out some of the website mentioned...
Tasha...way to go with Gracie..reading already!! Chloe just turned 4 and is close to reading, but I am holding back a little... Julia went to school a reader and taught all of her friends. It is astounding how many little kindergarteners don't know how to wait in line or hold a pencil, write their names, or even basic grooming...this is alot of what goes on in kindergarten, the basic things that my girls learned at home. Like manners: waiting your turn to speak, taking turns, using an indoor/outdoor voice, things most kids who are in a daycare setting might not be taught...(the kind of daycare that puts kids in front of the tv all day, I mean..) tying shoes, etc....
I really think that school should begin around 5 or 6, and before that small children learn best in their home environment. Babies and preschoolers should learn at home, from Mama, and Papa, the people who love them most. Here in the city, people get all hyped up about the "best" preschool and pay alot, but I keep my babes home.
(ps...I am in now way knocking our working farmgirls, I know that alot of situations are less than ideal, and in order to make ends meet both parents have to work, and that some of us are single Mamas...Love and light to you, and all you do!!...this is just my opinion!)
my new blog http/www.theknifemakerswife.wordpress.com |
| shmeg |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 11:30:39 AM
It's interesting, my daughter is also in a school district that is considered one of the best in the state. In first grade she was at a school that was in the columbus public school system and was one of their "alternantive"schools because it had a focus on international studues but it was considered a bad school because it wasn't meeting the "no child lift behind standards". However, I think her experience there was much more enriching and much more hands-on learning and diversity than where she is now. I think it is in a predominantly white, affluent area and those seem to be imporant factors in how well schools test.
I do miss the sense of community that one gets at a Waldorf school. Has anyone done Montessori as an alternative/compromise to Waldorf. We do have one of those right down the street but it is expensive.
aaah, and my eternal struggle between homeschooling and public schools continues
-Megan |
| lamamama |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 10:53:18 AM
Hello again, Jayne
Yes, my kids have adapted to public schools - but not without a price. And they always state how they prefer Waldorf. My oldest son has had the most difficult times, since he is by nature very dreamy, the absent minded professor type. Great social skills, however. He isn't competitive, & doesn't deal well with a lot of homework. Both things required to succeed in our local school system. They just about killed the love of learning in him. My 2nd has not had as much difficulty, although he also often expresses his dislike of certain aspects of our public schools. I guess @ this point I should let it be know that my boys are in a system consider one of the best in the state! I shudder to think what a "bad" school would be like. From a Mother's perspective, it was pretty painful @ times to watch what they went through, & to see some of the inevitable changes in them. Truly sad, even though I did try to balance things out @ home. But as anyone finds out when your kids go out into the wider world, there is only so much you can do to protect them. That is one of the great things about Waldorf - it allows you to keep them from that part of society that is so detrimental to our children, for a more extended time period. And that is absolutely priceless!! Again, I say if you can get your children into Waldorf - DO IT! You won't regret it. At least try to do it for the first 4 grades. That will give them the inner development to deal with what they will encounter in public schools. Another thing about Waldorf is the community you will encounter there - both the friends your child will associate with, & the people/friends you will meet. In closing, it goes without saying that no school system/ school is perfect - especially not perfect for everyone. That is impossible. But when you compare Waldorf with our public or even private schools, the Waldorf system is WAY above the others. Hope this has helped, & good luck! |
| Libbie |
Posted - Jan 14 2007 : 09:52:14 AM
I'm really enjoying this thread - thank you all for the information on Steiner/Waldorf educations. Is this the same Steiner as the one who pioneered the Biodynamic Agriculture philosophy? That is pretty heavy reading to me, but very interesting. So - one question - do you all think it would be reasonable for me to do a Steiner/Waldorf home preschool curriculum and then supplement a public school education with S/W materials and methods as the boys grow up? Has anyone done both?
I also found this website that looks really neat: http://www.waldorfhomeschoolers.com/
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
| shmeg |
Posted - Jan 13 2007 : 4:06:23 PM
My oldest daughter went to a waldorf preschool for a few years and I absolutely loved it. The kids just sparkled, allowed to be real kids. I actually miss it a lot. My other kids are 2 and 3 and I try to do some of the things at home that we did at my oldest's preschool. Camden is now 8 and in 3rd grade at a public school. I did homeschool her for kindergarten using a waldorf curriculum called Oak Meadow.
www.oakmeadow.com
I found my curriculum on ebay. I still go back and forth about homeschooling as there are no waldorf schools in the area that we moved to. I come from a long line of public school teachers and adminisstrators and can see benefits to both. I also often doubt mt effectiveness as a teacher for my kids in the home and have a hard time maintaining a schedule. But, I really don't think your children would have too hard of a time adjusting. They would probably have to get used to a little more freedom and to manaing their time, etc on their own without such strict guidelines like in the public school system, but in the long run that would do them so much good to have learned those skills! I can't say enough good things about waldorf.
I think the homeschool ideal for me would be to do a coop type thing with some other parents. So if there are any farmgirls in the Newark/granville ohio area who would like to do such a thing, let me know!
Good luck Jayne, I hope a space opens up at the steiner school. I think your girls would just thrive!
-Megan
www.birthingthemother.com
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