Ever since our family started homeschooling with Waldorf I’ve been striving to make the curriculum our own — I want to understand the theory and philosophy behind the Waldorf curriculum well enough to be able to riff off of it — to teach content not from the viewpoint of northern Europe, as Rudolf Steiner did, … Continue reading
Filed under Parenthood …
Third Grade: Jewish Roots
I want to briefly share one piece of our experience doing third grade. I grew up with Jewish family who gave me cultural but not traditional religious experiences, so I knew I would have to dig deep to make an authentic connection to these texts or it would feel forced and fake. It turned out … Continue reading
The Spirit of Second Grade
I haven’t posted in almost a year — homeschool life is so full, and I feel connected in so many other ways, less in need of the online world. We started second grade material this January. And I can’t believe it! It just feels so right. Like it was meant to come to us right … Continue reading
We are Here
We are here, four months into homeschool life, and I think our detox is coming along. Detox from some of the stresses of modern life . . . alarm clocks, the commute, traffic, daily crowds, the rush, missing home and each other . . . and it dawns on me that the children are showing signs … Continue reading
De Colores . . . y otras canciones
Summer has officially arrived, so I am finally getting around to posting the Cuento y Canto song list handout from Spring CuentoyCantoPrimavera Songs about gardening, the many colors of spring, and the alegría we felt when the sun and rain brought so much life energy, sprouting, birth and rebirth, and growth. Caterpillars turned into butterflies, … Continue reading
Jungle Magic — La Magia de la Selva
Once upon a time . . . I was 22 and looking for adventure. As a girl I had always dreamed of the Amazon rain forest. After college, I found an American agricultural economist working in the Peruvian Amazon who was willing to take me on as an intern; all I had to do was get … Continue reading
Read Up on Waldorf for Free
It’s school tour season again, and I love sharing about the Waldorf-style school my daughter attends. It’s not a fit for everyone, but if it is, Waldorf education can be transformative for the entire family. I have my elevator pitch about why it works for us, but people I talk to have lots more questions, … Continue reading
Why Seasonal Rhythms
Urban life can feel chaotic to young children. I see it’s a stress for my daughter. The city never sleeps! The sirens, streetlights, the vroom of cars, and even the ding-ding of the streetcars continue late into the night. Work days end late and push back dinner time. It’s not easy to keep consistent bedtimes … Continue reading
Spring Shows Up
Spring is here. I am happy and proud about my tiny garden, I think for the first time ever, even though my profession and passion in life pre-kids was gardening. (Before I launch into my ramblings, if you are a beginner family-home gardener, HERE are some resources for you!) Like every aspect of this mothering gig, … Continue reading
How to Samba at Home
Do you remember life before kids? It’s a bit of a blur, but we had our own interests, remember? There were late nights and dancing. Definitely music, our own music. Now it’s children’s music on repeat. Or, maybe you’re disciplined enough to keep the mood of the fifth going all day. Are you ready to bust … Continue reading