Waldorf in the Home

Rudolf Steiner College Book Store has produced a wonderful 100-page catalog of Early Childhood Waldorf Resources for Families, Teachers, Caregivers and Children. This is the definitive source for buying books and finding other resources. You can request a copy by calling them at (916) 961-8729 or going to the book store at www.steinercollege.edu.

The educational philosophies developed by Rudolf Steiner (Waldorf Education) and Maria Montessori are similar in that they both involve a comprehensive view of the human being that goes beyond just educating the intellect. However, they differed in their understanding of how best to meet the needs of the growing child. While both agreed that young children shouldn't be sat down with workbooks, Montessori education tends to introduce concepts tactilely, through specially designed "toys" that can be manipulated in only one way. Steiner, in contrast, advised to allow the young child to be in his or her natural creativity until the age of seven, so "toys" in Waldorf tend to foster children's imaginative play.

Readiness for first grade, social dynamics and shyness are all discussed by Cynthia in response to a mother's inquiry about keeping her daughter, who has an August birthday, in a Waldorf kindergarten for another year.
Cynthia writes:

As parents we truly ache for our children when we feel
they are being left out. Young children often do not
have the capacity to be sensitive to the needs of
another child, although there are times when their
compassion can surprise us.

It sounds as though your daughter is a bit invisible
to the others. They are so in the thick of their play
that they do not take note of whether or not she is
joining in. On the other hand, one or another of the
children (a ring leader so to speak) may be guiding
the other children away from her for reasons we might
not ever know.

You Are Your Child's First Teacher
by Rahima Baldwin Dancy
The place to start if you have young children. Waldorf indications from birth through age six, including growth and development, parenting issues, creative play, and activities to do with our child.

"This book includes and goes beyond the physicalities of parenting to offer substance for heart and soul to ponder." -- Meryn G. Callander

Book (380 pages).

"Normalizing the Breech Delivery"
by Valerie El Halta and Rahima Baldwin Dancy (VHS, 36 minutes)

The most complete and clearest teaching video available for midwives, doctors, ETs and parents whose baby is in a breech position. Includes the beautiful birth of a first baby in frank breech position, delivered in a birthing center; demonstration of the delivery techniques using a doll and plastic pelvis; and the birth of a footling breech. The unique scoring system for assessing risk is also discussed in detail, to help practitioners determine the relative risk and safety of undertaking a vaginal breech delivery.

Video in VHS format (36 minutes).

Pregnant Feelings: Developing Trust in Birth
by Rahima Baldwin Dancy and Terra Palmarini Richardson
(Celestial Arts, 187 pages)

This book can help you explore the emotional aspects of pregnancy and birth, develop trust and have an easier pregnancy and birth. Includes ways to enhance prenatal bonding, release fear and create the optimal birth experience for you and your baby. Also has several chapters on "looking toward parenting." Written in workbook format for pregnant women to share with their partners.

Sorry, currently out of print.

Special Delivery
By Rahima Baldwin Dancy (Celestial Arts, 169 pages) $22.95
The classic guide to creating the birth you want for you and your baby. Practical, with an emphasis on making your own best choices. Chapters include prenatal care, planning for the birth, tools for working together and handling labor, dealing with complications, spirutal and psycholoical aspects, the newborn, and concerns of the first six weeks.

Sorry, currently out of print.

Navigating the Terrain of Childhood
by Jack Petrash
Book from Nova Institute (144 pages)
Video recording of Jack's keynote address
Audio recording of the keynote

Did you every wish you had a roadmap for the parenting journey? Using the metaphor of a cross-country jounrey, Jack provides an insightful and practical guide for "meaningful parenting and heartfelt discipline" as you accompany your children from infancy through adulthood. Jack refashions the insights about child development used by Waldorf teachers and applies them to the experience of parenting. The book is an essential companion, and the keynote address is lively, timely and full of humor. I especially like the video recording--it would be great to share with a partner or a study group.

Book, 144 pages

"Times of Genius: Raising Children Who Remember Spirit"
Keynote address by Claudia McLaren Lainson
Claudia reminds us that our children come seeking truth and authenticity, for this is what they remember. When they look to us for guidance, it is imperative that we meet them where they are. They will bring a renaissance in education and cultural life to the degree their capacities are drawn forrth. Claudia addresses the questions, "How do we prepare our children for a future we do not understand?" and "How do we recreate our families and educational systems to draw forth their genius?"

"Protecting and Developing the Twelve Senses"
Keynote Address by Daena Ross
Daena gives a clear and practical presentation of what these senses are, how they interrelate, and how they metamorphose over time. Many practical suggestions are included to help you best support your child's healthy development, starting in early childhood and continuing through the grades. The video presentation, where you can see on the blackboard how the senses are grouped, is the clearest presentation you'll ever find on this topic and an excellent introduction for further study.

Video in DVD format (45 minutes).

"Parenting and Teaching from the Heart"
Keynote address by Penni Rich Sparks
This was an inspiring keynote with its transforming concept of "being a queen in your own realm." Full of humor and practical tips for parents, home schooling families and teachers.

Audio in CD format (60 minutes).

"Watercolor Painting: Color Experience and Developing Form"
Double Workshop by Kelly Morrow (DVD, 60 minutes)
In Part I, experience how "color stories" bring color alive as children are introduced to more guidance in paiting in first grade (adaptable for older children or adults new to painting). In Part II, Kelly shares from the Creation Story in the third grade curriculum and shows how she would encourage the children to bring form out of the experience of color.

Two-Part Video in DVD format.

"Working with the Temperaments"
Workshop with Daena Ross (Audio in 2-CD format)
Gain a basic understanding of each temperament, including body type, soul mood, colors, and relationship of center to periphery and gravity-levity. Then learn ways to apply this in your parenting or home schooling through stories, math, artistic work and verses.

Audio recording in 2-CD format.

"The Changing Face of Authority"
Workshop by Claudia McLaren Lainson (Audio in 2-CD format)
Authority without violence, without punitive measure, without cliche, that is the new face of authority. How do we practice this art? By developing our spiritual understanding and our social-emotional intelligence. Putting this into practice begins with story telling for the young child and ends with spiritual counseling for the adolescent. This workshop had standing room only!

"Children and Nature"
Workshop by Cook Rodgers (Audio in CD format)
Practical and playful ideas for working with the nature spirits and helping your child tune into the natural world. Help develop a relationship with nature that will provide a source of comfort, joy and healing throughout your child's life and nurture his or her role as a future caretaker of our Mother Earth.

Audio in CD format.

"The Artistry of Discipline"
Workshop by Claudia McLaren Lainson (Audio in 2-CD format)
The "I AM" of our children is the gift that is gradually descending, gradually revealing its light. Our task is to recognize this light and not be distracted by the difficult behaviors of the personality. The personality is content. The gift is intent. Learn practical ways to perceive intent and not get lost in content through the artistry of discipline and the power of peaceful language.

Audio recording in 2-CD format.

"The Art of Therapeutic Storytelling"
Workshop by Claudia McLaren Lainson
Stories help the child see through behaviors and events to the underlying patterns. They make sense of the insensible and create a vertical certainty in turbulent times. We are all storytellers. How do we begin to remember this ancient art? [Ed.Note: You'll also hear them called "pedagogical" or "curative" stories and they're an invaluable tool to have in your kit!]

Audio recording in CD format.

"Constructive Parenting: Brick by Brick"
Workshop by Penni Rich Sparks (Audio in CD format)
Explore putting your values at the source of your every activity. This workshop will help you take charge of your life and the life of your family by building an inner sanctuary to house, protect and honor the values you hold in life and want to manifest in your family.

Audio recording in CD format.

"Honoring the Lost Art of Mothering"
Workshop by Penni Rick Sparks (Audio in CD format)
Penni offers a nourishing imagination of the "Artistry in Parenting" as well as a presentation of inner-work designed to heal the soul challenges we meet on the path to becoming loving parents.

Audio recording in CD format.

"Navigating the Terrain of Sexuality"
Keynote Address by Linda Knodle
Sexuality is a personal, physical, cultural and spiritual journey that lasts our entire lives-and one that can cause parents a great deal of confusion and concern. Linda shares ways of exploring our own biography and values, as well as insights into child and adult development that can support us as we parent and educate our children about sexuality-from preschool through young adulthood.

Audio recording in CD format (60 minutes).

"Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Parenting and Waldorf Education"
Keynote Address by John Cunningham

We, as adults, are being asked to develop new capacities, both to serve as models for our children and to transform society. How can we foster genuine social development in our young people and support their latent and emerging capacity for empathy? John shares how the confluence of Nonviolent Communication [NVC, developed by Marshall Rosenberg] and Waldorf pedagogy is transforming his life and the lives of others.

Video recording in DVD format (60 minutes).

"The Quest for Contemporary Rites of Passage"
Workshop by Linda Knodle (video in DVD format)
Unfortunately, our video of this workshop did not work out. But Linda has written information available that explores the basic elements of ritual and the needs of modern day youth in the context of coming of age. Linda is co-author of the I Find My Star Curriculum for Waldorf schools and a mentor for parent groups in developing coming-of-age ceremonies. Check out her work at www.lindaknodle.net.

"Setting Clear Boundaries"
Workshop by Cynthia Wand (Audio in CD format)
What boundaries do you have in your personal life? In your family life? Explore how virtue-based boundaries can help us use our authority in service to our children's learning and support their spiritual growth.

Audio recording in CD format.

"The Joys and Challenges of Fathering"
Workshop by Jack Petrash (Audio in CD format)
As fathers today, we play a greater role in the raising of our children and, yet, we often feel unprepared for the task. This interactive workshop explores the fundamentals of fathering and shows how the same principles that guide a Waldorf approach to education are at the heart of effective parenting. Jack led groups for Waldorf fathers for many years and has two grown sons and a daughter in high school.

Audio recording in CD format.

"Knitting as a Way of Life"
Workshop by Kristie Burns (Video in DVD format)
Kristie shares her enthusiasm for knitting as a way of life, starting with how knitting brings together the mental, spiritual and physical realms at the same time--and the benefits this has for adults, as well as children. She also shares how she teaches children fingerknitting and knitting with stories and rhymes, as well as many ideas for projects with children from 4- 8 years of age.

Video recording in DVD format.

"Walking the Fine Line: Parenting in the 21st Century"
Workshop by Jack Petrash
Parenting today is demanding work filled with paradox and contradiction. This workshop will explore some of the essential parenting polarities and help both mothers and fathers to maintain a balanced approach.

Audio recording in CD format.

"Starting a Waldorf Enrichment Program"
Workshop by Kristie Burns (Video in DVD format)
Kristie ran a Waldorf Enrichment Program from her home in Saudi Arabia for 4 years, which grew to include 45 families with children ages 2-10. They met weekly for Waldorf activities and quarterly for festival celebrations. Such a group can be ideal if your children are in public school or being home schooled. Kristie shares examples and practical advice for forming such a program.

Video recording in DVD format.

"Honoring and Encouraging Discretionary Play"
Workshop by Barbara Dewey (audio CD)
Most children today get very little of this kind of play time. Learn why it is so important and how facilitating your child's play also helps you develop your own capacities as a human being on the earth. Practical suggestions for early childhood through the grades.

Audio recording in CD format.

"The Changing Nature of Authority: Integrating Waldorf and NVC"
Workshop by John Cunningham (Video in DVD format)
This workshop focuses on how we can foster a culture of respect and cooperation within our families and classrooms through compassionate communications (Nonviolent Communication or NVC). By looking at the nature of authority, motivation, discipline, and needs we will explore ways to integrate NVC with Waldorf parenting or teaching.

Video recording in DVD format.

"Exploring the Temperaments"
Workshop by Kristie Burns (Audio CD)
Knowledge of the temperaments can help create more harmonious relationships through understanding oneself and others better, and can help create more joy in life. Kristie teaches an online course in The Four Temperaments and will share insights on their development by Steiner, Galen and Islamic medicine.

Audio recording in CD format.

Family Life Study: From "Child-Centered" to "Child-Dominated"

I'm always clipping articles from the popular press that either support the Waldorf approach, or the need for it! Here is some fascinating information! --Rahima

Researchers at the UCLA Center on Everyday Lives of Families have spent the last four years observing 32 ethnically diverse Los Angeles area families in which both parents work outside the home, pay on a mortgage and are raising two or three school-aged children. A team of 21 researchers has completed the four-year data-collection phase by observing (and videotaping) each family continuously for a week, attempting to answer the question of how families are coping.

Our on-line store is up and running! We're pleased to be able to offer professional-quality audio recordings (CDs) and videos (DVDs) of the keynote addresses and selected workshops from the recent Waldorf in the Home Conferences in Fair Oaks and Boulder.

The CDs and videos are grouped by category: simply select the categories that interest you under "Online Store" on the right in the "Categories" column. Or you can enter a specific title or speaker in the search engine, also on the right.

Secure payment can be made through Paypal, either by using a credit card or with a Paypal account.

Some people like CDs because they can listen to them in their cars, but we especially recommend the videos as a media that engages more of your senses and encourages couples to watch them together and discuss the ideas afterwards. We have kept the videos very reasonably priced at $20 each ($27 for the double workshop on Watercolor Painting with Kelly Morrow). The videos are produced by Lisa McVicker, a professional videographer and Waldorf mother from Florida who is on a mission to make this material more visible and more available--thank you Lisa!! Audio duplication is provided by David and Adam at Audio Consultants in Denver; all CDs have a label printed on them and come in their own cases.

Please let us know your reviews and reactions in the "comments" section following the individual entries--we'd love to hear from you! Rahima