Thinking About Music Instruction

Posted by Christopherus

One of the things that so many parents appreciate so deeply about Waldorf schools is the way that music is an integral part of the curriculum. From earliest days in the kindergarten as the children sing and clap and play…

“Violent” Play

Posted by Christopherus

(the following comes from my stock of old posts I kept from the yahoo group I used to run…)   One thing that needs to be addressed is the issue of media violence. I think normal good guy bad guy…

Is She Ready to Read or Not?

Posted by Christopherus

Something that is very important to ponder is the difference between teaching a child who is not ready for something and allowing a strong impulse in a child to unfold. I would hope that no parent who is interested in…

Handwork and Crafts with Older Children

Posted by Christopherus

It seems that everywhere one looks there are wonderful on-line stores and home businesses selling all manner of lovely craft items for children – young children. I can’t think why, but there is a distinct lack of craft kits and…

Original or Copied Work?

Posted by Christopherus

One of the perennial questions asked to teachers at Waldorf schools is “Why do the children all paint the same pictures? Why don’t you leave them free to draw or paint whatever they want?” Such questions usually arise after a…

Rhythmic Play

Posted by Christopherus

In many different places – on this blog, in books and articles I’ve written – I refer to rhythmic play. I often get asked about this. So I will try to explain here what I mean by this term. And…

Advent

Posted by Christopherus

  In most Waldorf schools – at least those in North America, Central Europe, and Britain –  a very special early Winter festival takes place for the children. This is the Advent spiral, a beautiful spiral of Light which symbolizes…

Form Drawing

Posted by Christopherus

(the following are two posts from our old Yahoo group, Waldorf At Home on the topic of form drawing). by Donna Simmons   Form drawing is like water, it is like the movement of plants as they grow, it is…

Last Year At Home

Posted by Christopherus

I can’t believe school only started two weeks ago! I feel like it’s all I think, breath and do – and that it is Life. How could it only be two weeks old?! Of course, by school, I not only mean…

Friendly Teens

Posted by Christopherus

It always amazes me – and saddens me – when I hear about or read about parents who have no idea who their teens are, who cannot communicate with them or who are at a loss as to how to…