Immunization… a parent’s decision (or not)

Posted by Donna Simmons

I’m more then disappointed with California’s recent passage of bill SB277.  The law takes away the basic parental right of deciding what is right for their child if that child is enrolled in a public or private school. For now…

Thinking About Toys

Posted by Donna Simmons

Although most young children – and many older ones – will be attracted to flashing, noisy toys, with care and forethought, one can create a family culture whereby the values of what is true, beautiful and good are embodied in…

A Doll for Every Child

Posted by Donna Simmons

It is a wonderful thing for every child, boy or girl, to have a doll. As a sleeping companion, confidante and general companion, the doll should be soft and warm. Most “Waldorf dolls” are stuffed with real wool because wool…

Books for Three Year Olds

Posted by Donna Simmons

The following is a very common question which, over the years, I have answered many times. We have reprinted it here to help others. Question: Do you have any book recommendations for three year olds? And what are the types…

The Frustrated Two Year Old

Posted by Donna Simmons

The agony of the frustrated two year old! A very popular topic for discussion over the years on my old forum, with clients….at conferences. Here are some thoughts. And don’t forget to look at our early years book The Journey…

Relating to Anthroposophy

Posted by Donna Simmons

By Donna Simmons At some point in one’s early explorations of Waldorf education, one will surely come across a host of unfamiliar terms and concepts relating to anthroposophy. My intention in this short piece is to take a brief look…

Beginning a Sucessful Homeschooling Year

Posted by Donna Simmons

The first month of homeschooling, especially for new homeschoolers, can be challenging. Sometimes the carefully laid out plans of summer seem to go awry in the face of actually teaching the main lesson material to your children. Here are a…

Knitting Project – Cabled Headband

Posted by Donna Simmons

Here is a sweet little knitting project from Lisa Ashley of Ewetopia Fiber Shop, which she co-owns with her daughter Kathryn, here in Viroqua, Wisconsin. The warm and lovely Ewetopia shop has become quite the social hub for knitters of…

September Boom and Bust

Posted by Donna Simmons

September Boom and Bust If you’re like most homeschoolers, you started your new homeschooling year well organized, with clear goals and with great enthusiasm. You had all your lessons well planned, with interesting and engaging projects to do to keep the work…

Keynotes for Each Grade

Posted by Donna Simmons

One thing that I have noticed over the years of working with parents interested in Waldorf education is that often people forget to look much beyond the grade/age that their children are currently at. This causes much confusion and sometimes…