Question: Are there examples of written story summaries anywhere? I am struggling with creating concise, accurate summaries for long stories. Currently I am writing what my daughter and I create together, but it goes on and on sometimes. TIA! Right now I am working on all the September lessons – Rapunzel, The Boy Who Cried […]
Waldorf 2nd Grade Curriculum
Why Do We Put the Whole Before the Parts (Math)?
In Waldorf education there are variations on how the times tables are taught. However, one constant remains – that we always work from the whole to the parts. But what does that mean and why do we do that? In Waldorf classrooms different teachers recite the times tables with their classes in different ways. In […]
10 Tips on Teaching Different Ages Together
1. Always have an older child teach a younger child something when possible. That way you have two children occupied and one less Main Lesson to teach. I remember my second grader used to help me with all my classes when she was little. She was like a mini Waldorf teacher – sooo cute! 2. […]
Summer Verse for G1 & G2 Members
How the corn has grown ripe in the Summer’s hot days, And the reaping began with the sun’s early rays, Mike and Jack since the morn, Have been cutting the corn, Which is bound up by Peggy and Sue; And sweet, flaunting poppies and flow’rets of blue Wag their heads o’er the sheaves and seem nodding […]
How Do I Move on from Kindergarten Stories with Props?
Question from John and Karen: Right now all my stories for my pre/K child are done with figures and props. When it comes to 1st grade are main lesson stories only told using chalkboard drawings or can puppetry type storytelling still be used? Reply from Waldorf Teacher Diane Power: To tell stories in the grades, it becomes […]
How Can I Help My Kids Catch Up in the Summer?
Question from Angil: Do you have suggestions for “summer school” to round out the missing lessons from 3rd grade – math, and reading (very slow reader and fluctuations in interest)? Reply from Waldorf Teacher Diane Power: “Summer school” I always encouraged the parents to allow their child to play outdoors as much as possible, make things together, […]
My Son Had Trouble Knitting in First Grade
Question from Gina: My son had a hard time with knitting in first grade. He didnt want to stick with in for more than a few minutes at a time, complaining of his hands hurting or wanting to do somethimg else. Now we are moving on to second grade where crochet comes in. Do you […]
Can I Teach the Solar System in First Grade?
Question from Melissa: There has been recent discussion on several Waldorf pages pertaining to teaching younger children about the solar system or the night sky in general. It looks to me like the solar system is not taught until about 6th grade. Is there a specific reason for that? My girls are 6 1/2 and fascinated […]
Block Crayons and Developmental Skills
Question from Esther: I have a question about Stockmar vs Filana crayons. We have found that the Filana transfers to the paper much more easily, but you can still get different results applying different pressures. I would like to know if there is a reason why Stockmar for Waldorf other than the wanting of a beeswax […]
A Waldorf National Day Celebration
The ideas below can be used for any national celebration in any country. We used the Fourth of July in America as our example. In today’s world of amusement parks, sugar-filled treats, electric grills and commercialism where does one go for a, earthy, non-electric, Waldorf 4th of July or any Independence Day celebration for that matter? A family picnic […]
Top Ten Earthschooling Opportunities
1. Our interest-free payment plans are very popular. This week we extended those plans to cover additional items and added a discount as well. You can find special payment plans HERE. 2. Get free mini-lessons, verses, natural healing recipes and more by signing up for our e-mail BLOG delivery service. This is different than our […]
Top Ten Fun Ways to Prepare for Homeschooling Next Year
Whew! We made it through another year! All that preparing, planning, teaching and purchasing of supplies and all those adventures have me worn out! Not to mention the challenges we overcame this year and all the new things we learned. I feel full, satisfied, amazed and slightly worn out and stunned. So…. If you are […]