The first question many of our photography students ask me is, “which camera should I purchase?” The answer is a lot more complex than you might imagine but also a lot less expensive than you probably expected. Do you really need a camera? The first thing to consider when purchasing a beginner camera for your […]
High School
Connecting with Children Through Literature
Seeing Lois Lowry speak last night with my two daughters was an experience I will never forget. But it wasn’t simply because she is a famous author and writes award-winning books. The experience was special to me because Lois Lowry was my first introduction to modern teenage fiction and represents a special bond I continue […]
What Broadway Shows Can Teach You About Life
Preface: Our local Civic Center, The Des Moines Performing Arts Center, brings many shows to Des Moines every year. They not only bring amazing Broadway performances, professional dancers & touring shows to our local stage but they give homeschoolers and public school students wonderful chances to see performing art shows & interact with the cast and crew […]
Nature Walks in The Upper Grades
Nature walks are a much talked about feature of early childhood programs in Waldorf inspired schools. They are also an important part of the educational day for children. However, nature walks can and should continue into the upper grades and even high school. This essay by my student Sunii, illustrates one way in which nature […]
Make an Impression on Your Students: More Effective Homeschooling
You may never know what makes an impression on a child. As a single mother I can say my life did not turn out as I expected it to, but that I am also extremely pleased with where we all are! However, sometimes I assume that as a single mum I am the biggest influence […]
Why Waldorf-inspired Education Creates Great Scientists
One of the many reasons we decided to base Earthschooling on Waldorf-inspired principles was because of the strong science base Waldorf-inspired education provides. When I share this thought with parents and teachers the first questions they ask is (something like), “How can Waldorf-inspired education create great scientists? And what do you mean – strong science […]
Waldorf Teacher Training: Teaching History in the Early & Middle Grades
It always seems like there is a lot to cover with history and there is. If you covered everything in history from every period you would have to read every newspaper and book from every country for every year you are studying. Of course that sounds extreme, but I see many teachers/parents get very frustrated […]
Circle Time for Middle Grades and High School?
I have to admit that as the children grow older I miss the little finger rhymes and verses from our old circle time days, I miss the sweet puppet shows, the dress up box and playing daily with our Ostheimer figures. However, lately I’ve started to realize that we never did really give those things […]