Recent Thoughts

So, as a homeschooler, one finds that time is a scarce commodity...hence the delay in posting. But, so far so good this year. Most of my energy the past two weeks has been put into planning, preparation, and implementation of the new school year.

I have implemented a new schedule, both at home and the two coops I am part of. It has gone quite well. What is new is that the schedule is tighter, and I stick to it with a good energy. Don't imagine a task master here, but I do watch the clock and move on to our next activity with fluidity. It has turned out to be quite positive and satisfying for everyone. I feel we are getting to what we need to and it is just the right amount. My thoughts about why that is so, is that working with one or two children is much more intensely focused. Too much of that intensity can be quickly overwhelming., the kids are satisified because the flow of in breathing and out breathing is well balanced, and we are not worn out at the end of the day. The build-up for this process has come from my training with Gene Campbell who I am crazy about. She runs the CHIRON homeschooling training in Canada, and works as a consultant to Waldorf educators and homeschoolers. Her emphasis is on the preparation of the adult, and on being organized and on top of things, and most importantly having the consciousness of the deeper aspects of Waldorf.

I know as a homeschooler, I sometimes have flown by the seat of my pants because of other responsibilities. Although I got through, it was never quite satisfying, nor without its share of stress because of lack of preparation. Quite a few times, I spent the bulk of my energy looking for something and it took away from the actual lesson.

So, here's to a well thought out and well timed effort!

The Magic of Play

Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.
Joseph Chilton Pearce

A thought on the magic of play. In Waldorf edcuation, play is considered the child's work. To understand this idea, all you have to do is remember a time when you were little and you were so involved in your play. When Mom or Dad said it was time to clean up or come inside, it was just the most painful experience. "But, I am busy, really busy!" Remember?

That is because this is the most vital activity, especially for the young child up to seven, and even beyond. It is where true creativity, imagination, and the possibilities lay. But not all play is the same!

Open ended, free play with toys that are not too limited in their possibilities enables the child to truly reach beyond himself and create out of the ether what he or she needs.

Take for example my experience with my middle daughter. Today she sat down with the wooden stacking rings and created the most marvelous story of a Native American family hunting and preparing a meal. Each ring became someone or something, and she contentedly sat for over half an hour with her amazing story. Then she said, "I'm done.", and went off to get ready for dinner.

What is so remarkable is that she was able to see something beyond what was literally in her hands, and she didn't limit herself. And she was so thoroughly satisfied! Can you see the implications of such creativity and thinking? Essentially to solve the problems of the future, our children need to see new possibilities, not just know particulars and facts. This is an amazing example of thinking outside the box!

What else is so exciting is that this example encourages one to go beyond the materialism of our culture, and see that children can be content with the simplest of things, or toys. They don't need constant entertainment, nor expensive electronic toys (look for my post on electronic toys coming soon), and so on. There is something richer, and that is the very depth of their own being that can be nurtured and protected and brought to the fore given the right milieu.

My thoughts to share.

Welcome

Welcome to Childhood's Wonder; a blog devoted to those interested in preserving the wonder of childhood through Waldorf education and its basis in Anthroposophy. This is a non-denominational site, bringing information, insight, and inspiration to homeschoolers, interested parents and educators.

I am beginning the development of this site, and look forward to sharing the exciting and fascinating world of Waldorf education and parenting with you soon.