Freedom! (or, Advice for your Waldorf journey, Part II)

My inner pragmatist spends a lot of time contemplating what she can tell you that will be immediately useful to you on this journey.

It's true that yes, this is a journey of many steps, and ultimately there's no rush. But there is also the reality of needing to jump in and get started somewhere, yes? 

So, maybe it makes sense to start here?

I am 100% certain that Steiner never said we should go broke giving our children a Waldorf-inspired education and lifestyle. He did say that we should emphasize natural materials, and that teachers should consciously choose open-ended playthings and supplies for the home or classroom that will nourish a young child’s senses. It’s true, sometimes the toys and supplies made from beautiful, natural materials DO cost more, and well, rightfully so. They are often handmade, and they are worth more than their plastic counterparts, plain and simple. This leads me to my next thought.

It isn't always going to look the same.

At no point did Steiner ever say that we must buy all the same things that other Waldorf-inspired families own. Nor did he say that we must teach our children in exactly the same way. In fact, he was pretty clear about that,

“According to each teacher’s individuality, outer forms of teaching may vary enormously in the different classes, and yet the fundamental qualities are retained...in a Waldorf school outer forms do not follow set patterns, so that it is quite possible for one teacher to teach his class of 9 year olds well, while another who takes a completely different line, can be an equally good teacher…and as long as the teacher feels in harmony with the underlying principals, and with the methods employed, he must be given freedom in his work instead of being tied to fixed standards” ~ Rudolf Steiner

Freedom! 

What a relief, yes? There is so much freedom to be gained here, when we remember that the expectation was NEVER that we would all "do" Waldorf in exactly the same way.

Inhale.....exhale. And, repeat.

Read Part I - Advice for your Waldorf journey.

Read Part III - Waldorf Education won't fit in a box.

Advice for your Waldorf Journey, Part I.

We love the enthusiasm that comes with new endeavors, planning for a new school year especially.

Since childhood I've had a special place in my heart for school supplies. Anyone else out there that used to play "school" constantly?

High 5's and chest bumps!

As a class teacher, and now home-educator, the dialog as I'm planning for a new year (at least in my head) goes something like “Ok! Here we go! Let’s DO this!”. I like to picture a few high fives, and maybe some chest bumps too, although I’m not certain how Waldorfy those actually are. In any case, at some point in the planning process you, like me, are probably reminded that …. there are a lot of decisions to make.

Curriculum! Toys! Local classes! Art Supplies! Hurray! So many great options available online these days. 

So. Many. Options. Oh boy. 

Why did I buy this?

No doubt at one point or another, you have found yourself pondering just HOW one is supposed to weed through all the available information out there? Maybe you spent just a little more time than you meant to looking at all the gorgeous toys for sale online? Maybe you've spent just a little more money than you meant to? Or maybe a lot? Does anyone else still have a few things collecting dust from the early homeschooling days that were purchased in a flurry of enthusiasm, but then never actually got used? In my case, a spectacularly expensive, gorgeously handmade wooden puzzle comes to mind. 

See? It’s ok. You’re not the only one. 

Take your time. Bring good chocolate.

You are probably already somewhat familiar with Rudolf Steiner. No doubt you are aware that he had a lot to say about Waldorf education. Like, A LOT, a lot. It seems to me that no matter where you are in this journey, there is plenty of time to work your way through his lectures, slowly and thoughtfully. My advice would be to keep good chocolate nearby, and pace yourself. 

Remember, this is a journey :) Take time to savor even (especially) the tiny moments!

More soon,

~Robyn

---

*Read Part II :: Freedom!

New here? We've got free goodies for you!