Waldorf in the Home

I just learned that the upcoming year-long (but at-a-distance) LifeWays training in Wisconsin is full with 25 registrants. It's exciting that the training programs--now offered in three locations throughout the country--are filling in advance. There are still a few opening for the training at Rudolf Steiner College in Fair Oaks (near Sacrament), starting in October, 2005. And applications are now being accepted for the East Coast training in Maine, that will start in the summer of 2006.

Celebrating the Glory of Midsummer --from Esther Leisher

One warm Midsummer Day a few of us took our children to the mountains, to a meadow with a willow-lined stream. The children played in the pools and running water until lunch time, when we spread our blankets. In the drowsy quiet after lunch they asked me to tell a story. A year before I would not have been able to tell even the Three Little Pigs, but Waldorf homeschooling requires doing the impossible. I learned to tell stories, and to make stories. That lovely summer day I asked for 10 minutes to make up a story. The title of a story I always meant to read came to mind. I took it as the theme and made my own story, "The NoonDay Witch."

Here is the beginning of my story. I told it from beginning to end while the children drowsed on the blankets. But this time I will let you finish it in your own way. How would you tell this story? How would you end it? Remember that every thing that you love and honor returns to help you when you need it. The Forester will be rescued by those he has honored or helped.

Waldorf Essentials: If you can't do it all, what things should you try first?
From Esther Leisher

Part I: "Noble Minded, Generous Hearted and Affectionate"

Julie commented recently that Waldorf in the home requires quite a commitment. There is so much you are supposed to do. What are the essentials? I thought then of Quetzal.

A reader asks: My sister said that the phrase "Waldorf Homeschooling" is a misnomer, that you can talk of "Waldorf-inspired Homeschooling," but that Waldorf education is intended for a school. This is because of the way schools uniquely (in her opinion, not mine) build communities and a social fabric, etc. Do you use "Waldorf Homeschooling" consciously, as distinct from "Waldorf-inspired Homeschooling"?

Reverence and Rhythm: "Waldorf Essentials, Part II"
By Esther Leisher

The soul of the child is nurtured by receiving care from someone who is noble-minded, generous hearted, and affectionate. The spirit needs that, too, but to find expression, to become fully, truly human, with all the capacities a human can demonstrate, the spirit needs more.