Daily Archives: September 25, 2009

Nature: Day Number Eight of 20 Days Toward Being A More Mindful Mother

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 2009-09-02 at 22-47-28 (2) Getting children outside is a key part of daily rhythm.  In a few of the previous posts, I mentioned that I bank on a extraordinary amount of outside time for small children under the age of 7.  Young children need these sensory experiences of being in their bodies, pushing, pulling, tugging, lugging, digging, moving, rolling in order to establish their lower 12 senses in the proper foundation for later academic experiences.

Since pictures are worth a thousand words, here are a few of my children on a Playdate with Nature: (many thanks to my friend Samantha Fogg for taking these pictures!):

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2009-09-02 at 23-12-21 (2) 2009-09-02 at 22-36-46 (2)

Here is a very, very  popular post regarding connecting your child to nature:

https://theparentingpassageway.com/2008/11/24/connecting-your-children-to-nature/

Check it out if it has been awhile since you read it; it may spark some ideas anew.

We can start in infancy with our babies by letting them nap outside and getting them outside every day.  Nokken in Denmark has a good model for this, see more here:  https://theparentingpassageway.com/2009/08/31/nokken-a-review-of-two-books-and-a-few-thoughts/

Toddlers and preschool-aged children need time outside every day with sand, water, mud, grass and sticks to just play and be in nature.

Here are my two favorite resources for children Kindergarten aged (age 5  through older) regarding nature exercises to heighten the senses:

http://www.amazon.com/Sharing-Children-Anniversary-Revised-Expanded/dp/1883220734/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253879640&sr=8-1

and this resource by Donna Simmons of Christopherus Homeschool:

http://www.christopherushomeschool.org/bookstore-for-waldorf-homeschooling/essential-christopherus-publications/from-nature-stories-to-natural-science.html

These two books will give you lots of fodder for nature.  If this post sparks questions in your head regarding the Waldorf approach to Science, I am a Science person and have written about this topic numerous times on this blog for your reading pleasure.

Many blessings, and get your children outside!

Carrie

A Few Questions For My Waldorf Homeschooling Mammas

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Hi fellow Waldorf mothers,

I am trying to gather some feedback.  Typically when I recommend consultants to folks I use this list here:

and the three curriculum/guides I send folks to check out are Christopherus by Donna Simmons, A Little Garden Flower by Melisa Nielsen and Live  Ed! (although I have to admit that Live Ed! is too pricey for me and I have never touched it in person).  I also like to tell people about Marsha Johnson’s Yahoo!Group.

I know many people do use Seasons of Joy and A Little Acorn as well.

I guess what I would like to know from you all is, well, what you are looking for because it still seems like there is a lot of confusion out there regarding curriculum, implementing Waldorf in the home, at what age to start, etc.

What would be most helpful to you personally and other parents in terms of curriculum?  What baffles you about all  the curriculum out on the market?  What is most challenging when looking for curriculum?  What would you like to see on the Waldorf homeschooling market that does not exist?  I have had several mothers request a Waldorf homeschooling  curriculum more tailored to the Christian family; are there other specific needs/wants that you all are searching for and just do not exist?

I am curious to hear what you all are thinking out there!

Many blessings and thank you for helping me understand!

Carrie

Waldorf Planning DVD Available

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Melisa Nielsen has a Homeschool Planning Webinair available that may be of interest, and if you read this blog, you probably are already aware of Jodi Mesler’s products from HomeMusicMaking:

“While we have been busy getting settled into the new school year, the little gnomes have been tinkering in our shop.  Take a peek at the goodies they have added:

Homeschool Planning Webinar – Join Melisa for nearly four hours of instruction as she details how to plan for and teach grades one through six of the Waldorf homeschool curriculum.  Some important topics covered are working with multiple children, how to present a lesson on the board, and how to put her curriculum into action.  Whether you are new to Waldorf or a veteran homeschooler, there are sure to be tips and tricks to help make teaching easier.  The set comes packaged in a sturdy case, and will make an excellent addition to your resource library.  Three DVD’s for just $15.  Grab your copy today!

HomeMusicMaking Products – We’re happy to offer a full selection of products from music teacher, Jodie Mesler.  With the traditional tin penny whistle, you can recreate the music on her CD or use it for soothing background music or take up her beginner’s music curriculum.  The curriculum is geared towards the grade one parent and child, but can be used by anyone just learning to play an instrument.  Jodie’s products are a cost-effective and simple solution to music instruction.

We’ll keep you posted on the gnomes’ work at A Little Garden Flower.  Until next time, blessings on your journey.

Melisa & Erik Nielsen”

Just to let you know what is out there currently,

Carrie