Waldorf in the Home

Esther Leisher responds to a mother's questions about television by describing how she created a situation where she and her family didn't turn to television or videos, rather than trying to "get rid of them."

Summer Reflections
Journal Entry, August 4, 2005
by Susan Silverio

"The Child from Birth to Three: World Citizen" is the title of the course that Cynthia Aldinger and I offered at Rudolf Steiner Institute last week. I found that, just as in the kindergarten, there is hope and vision streaming through those who arrive each morning for class, and I am honored to serve as the midwife.

Susan Silverio - A Short Biography

Susan's homestead kindergarten, "Spindlewood," which she began in 1986, continues as a branch of Ashwood Waldorf School and a model of a LifeWays center. Already a seasoned Waldorf early childhood teacher, Susan completed the LifeWays Early Childhood and Human Development Training, and has gone on to offer workshops at Waldorf Early Childhood Association conferences at Sunbridge College. She also taught "World Citizen: The Child from Birth to Three" at Rudolf Steiner Institute with Cynthia Aldinger in 2005. She is the East Coast Director of LifeWays Training and will be offering a one-year intensive training for those who care for young children, beginning in July 2006 at Merriconeag Waldorf School in Freeport, Maine.

"The Best Start in Life" -- keynote address by Rahima Baldwin Dancy,
plus a handout on creating a naturally enriched environment for your child

All parents want what is best for their child. Yet it is easier to define and meet basic physical and emotional needs than it is to know how, what and when to teach children in the preschool years. What do young children really need? What will really prepare them for life in our rapidly changing world? Rahima addresses these issues, bringing in many of the studies cited by neuropsychologist Jane Healy. She also discusses practical ways to help your child's learning through creating a naturally enriched environment.

Audio recording in CD format, 54 minutes, plus 1-page handout.

"Waldorf Education: A Vision of Wholeness" (VHS)

This video is an excellent introduction to the Waldorf school movement. Filmed in K-8 classrooms in four Waldorf schools, it highlights the interdisciplinary nature o the curriculum and the central role of the fine and applied arts in education. By capturing the spontaneity and joy found in a Waldorf classroom, this video is an excellent introduction for anyone who has never observed Waldorf in action.

Video in DVD format, 16 minutes.

"Waldorf Education--The Best-Kept Secret in America" (DVD)

This video presentation is a fantastic introduction to the main themes of Waldorf education that includes interviews with students, graduates, teachers and administrators as well as footage from various classrooms, festival celebrations, and much more. A really moving presentation of why we're involved with Waldorf--it covers all the key points. Professionally produced by the Waldorf Alliance. Excellent for new initiatives, or to give to the uninitiated (like in-laws).

Video in DVD format, 13 minutes.

A wonderful resource for Waldorf homeschooling families--and parents with children in Waldorf schools who are wanting to learn more or research a specific topic--is the Online Waldorf Library.