Waldorfish Blog
4 Tips for Planning Your Homeschool Curriculum
Whether you’re a home or classroom educator, summer involves a different kind of work for many of us: preparation for the year to come!
Self-rejuvenation is just as important as curriculum planning!
I’m all about prepping for the future school year, but I’m also a huge believer that a teacher must actually take a break and recharge! For educators who are at-home or in a classroom, preparation is key to a successful year, but it can also become all consuming and stressful, and can burn-out an educator before the school year has even begun. In most Waldorf schools, and in the homeschool classroom, we move on to a new grade every year- which means learning and prepping new material every year!
When I started teaching, I prepped for hours every day during the summer, and yet, I also still prepped for hours during the school year. Why so much? Because I wasn’t working in a smart way- somehow along the road, I associated lots of prep with success (more work, more reward!) but I quickly learned this was very inaccurate.
Working smart gives more reward.
Here’s some things I learned (and asked myself) along the way to preparing wisely, and finding balance in prepping for a new year.
How do I learn the best?
When I first began teaching nearly ten years ago, I was given a big box of thick books to read over the summer as my prep materials. I would spend hours, and hours (and hours!) trying to trudge my way through them, taking copious notes and trying to squeeze out the information I would actually use for future blocks.
What new planning methods are you going to try?
However, I came to realize something about myself- I am a slow reader. I enjoy reading, and like to take my time. Trying to rush through a dense book, and desperately trying to identify any helpful information gave me a stress headache, and was slow (like...tortoise slow) going. So, I reassessed.
How do I learn best? How do I retain information well?
For me, it’s through auditory learning. Give me an audio book, or listen to a documentary, and I’ll be good to go, especially if I can keep my hands busy. I’d often draw future chalkboard drawings/MLB pages while listening to my prep. Not only did my days get less headache-y, but I was working smarter! So ask yourself, how do you learn best, and go with it! Honor how you learn, and don’t feel like you “have” to prep in some specific way. It’s got to work for you!
What are my strengths and areas of weakness?
Prep smart! I learned to take my summer months to prep for those things I struggled with, and knew the least about. For these blocks, I needed sufficient time to gain my confidence and feel strong enough to bring the material to my students. For me, these blocks were always having to do with science and math. So I took my time in the meandering summer hours to practice chemistry experiments or complicated algebra without the stress of having to teach it the next day.
How can your interests help you become a better planner?
On the other hand, my personal strengths are in history and language arts, so I would prepare for these blocks in the summer by listening to documentaries, podcasts, and reading children’s books – I made general outlines of what I wanted to accomplish, and the skills I wanted to highlight for my students. I knew that when these blocks came around in the school year, I’d be familiar with the material well enough to do my prep the weekend or evening before, without much stress or anxiety.
So, ask yourself- where does my stress lie, and what can I do to mitigate it?
Do you want to take an hour everyday to draw? A once-a-week “science day”? A week dedicated to practicing woven forms? What will help you gain confidence, and what subjects can be put off for a little while without stress?
Focus on those areas where you feel less than confident in these summer weeks where you have the gift of time- you won’t regret it!
Choose materials made for children.
In Waldorf education, we’re all about painting pictures with words, setting a scene, and enlivening stories of the past with language. So why not prep by using stories? Once I discovered the youth/children's section of the library, I fell in love and jumped for joy.
“Children’s books offer so much to us as teachers- there is beautiful language, images, and more that we can be inspired by!”
A change of scenery can be a source of inspiration- try somewhere new!
Can you create your own stories and images as you see fit? Of course! But why not start with materials meant to be seen through a child’s eyes? Supplement with other materials as well if you choose, and build your lessons with a little boost from established authors, historians, and mathematicians.
Where can I add a little something special? (And also give myself a little break!)
As educators, we are used to holding each and every day and many subjects by ourselves. Some are lucky to have the support of specialty teachers, but in general, we are still holding the whole picture of the day. It can be a lot!
So- can you give yourself a moment or two during a block where you don’t have to hold the whole lesson by yourself?
Where would be a good place to bring in a guest speaker?
Visit a museum with a docent?
Go on a hike for student-lead nature observation?
Of course, you’ll still have planning on your part, but there is so much value in having your students or child learn from someone else or be given space to work independently, and to allow you to step back for a moment! I would suggest adding these special activities especially in blocks that are not one of your “strengths.”
“As educators, we aren’t always good at asking for or giving ourselves support, but we really want to encourage you to work smart, and allow yourself the gift of help and time. I’ll say it again- give yourself the gift of help and time! ”
What resources can provide support to enlivening your curriculum?
At Waldorfish, we offer fully online courses built for educators and/or students that do so much of the prep for you! Instead of having to start from zero, our courses provide a full block or year’s worth of content, along with detailed supply lists and support from our experienced instructors.
*So, where do you need support?
Art, geometry, science courses, watercolor painting, form drawing, inspiration for festival life?
Start here and let the stress go, we’ve got you!
Sit back for a moment, have a sip of iced coffee (that’s what we’re drinking in blazing California, at least!) and reflect upon your remaining weeks of summer.
How can you prep smart, and take plenty of time to rest, rejuvenate, and enjoy?
More support for your planning:
About the Author:
Caitlin Amajor taught in the Waldorf middle school for seven years, and is also a Waldorf student herself. She currently works as an administrative assistant for Waldorfish, and is also the instructor for their grades 5 and 6 geometry courses. Caitlin enjoys baking, gardening, and spending time with friends and family.
Biggest Bang (for your homeschooling dollars)
Make the most of your courses from Waldorfish.com!
Hi Friends!
As we talk with folks who’ve taken our Waldorf homeschooling courses over the years, we’ve noticed a trend.
A couple of trends, actually. It’s pretty straightforward, really: the folks who consistently do these 3 things get the most value from our programs.
1. Get Ready: Organize your supply situation!
Trust me, art teachers here, we get it - all those little bottles of pigment, and brushes, and paper, and charcoal pieces (!!), and crayon bits … the whole lot of them can take on a life of their own. There’s a solid chance your homeschooling and Waldorf art supplies could use a good Marie Kondo-ing, am I right?
Once you’ve taken stock of what you have, you’ll know what you need! After enrollment in our courses, we'll send you a supply list (with helpful links), and you can collect the items you still need, before you start lessons.
2. Get Set: Calendar your lessons!
Calendar your lessons, like you would for music or swimming lessons. If it’s not in your calendar, it’s not likely to happen.
You may find that you need to try a few different days/times in order to identify the sweet spot for the lessons in your week - some people love using our Weekly Art lessons to start their week – others find them the perfect way to end the week.
You can’t know without trying a few options first.
3. Go!
After completing each lesson, post your child’s work in the online classroom, or for art, share it with us in the private Weekly Art Facebook group!
All of our courses include feedback and mentoring from our teachers. Those families who post their work and ask questions in the classrooms get, by FAR, the biggest bang for their homeschooling bucks!
Purchasing our courses means that you now have a trained Waldorf teacher in your back pocket, available to help and answer your questions. Whew!
Questions? Let us know how we can help —> Click here!
Why is Waldorf Handwork So Important?
We’re excited to share the first of 3 guest posts from author, educator, and all around amazing human, Elizabeth Seward! Elizabeth brings decades of experience, and will be sharing her insights into Waldorf handwork.
Handwork takes its place alongside every other subject in the Waldorf curriculum in uniting head, heart, and hands.
Handwork brings color and vibrancy to Waldorf education!
The process of using these materials, the sensory pleasure of bathing in texture and color to create practical and beautiful items, is inspiring, and nourishes the heart and soul. Handwork gives students (and teachers!) a well-deserved sense of accomplishment, and provides a valuable balance within the framework of education, whether in a conventional classroom or at home. Handwork is a valuable complement to academics. During the rhythm of the day, a period of attentive focus on individual handwork can contribute to a ‘breathing’ rhythm – part of the pendulum swing between academics and practical work, receptive and active learning. At every stage of life, working with your hands provides significant stress relief.
Practical arts provide us with a unique experience: in making something from the simplest of natural raw materials, we develop a powerful sense of agency; we and the children implicitly transcend the mundane and step into a deeper relationship with the world around us.
Creative activity mediates between seen and unseen realms: something from individual imagination or inspiration is brought from immaterial realms into physical reality, and something from the material world is transformed through being “worked” in order to approach the craftsperson’s intended goal. In a corresponding and reciprocal way, transforming the material also transforms and schools the craftsperson.
Most obviously, hands are at work, but students consider and plan their project, learning to think in 3 dimensions (then 4 dimensions in High School craftwork). Through striving for beauty in form and color, students develop a heart-felt relationship with what they are making, especially if the fruits of their labors are beautiful, truly functional, and perhaps given as a gift.
“Handwork supports the foundations for academic skills: two hands working together teams together the two sides of the body and the two hemispheres of the brain. ”
This establishes and strengthens all–important new perceptive and cognitive connections; smooth eye-tracking and visual pattern recognition are fostered; eye-hand co-ordination and fine finger movement are developed. Focus and concentration are required, as are perseverance, planning, and attention to detail.
Beautiful creations from Waldorf handwork curriculum.
It has been well documented since at least the mid to late 20th century that fine finger dexterity builds brain synapses and fosters cognitive development. Working with your hands also means the world is literally no longer held at arm’s length; handwork requires a close engagement with natural materials, differentiating between wool and cotton, for example. Sharpening observational skills and perception, the sense of immediate and intimate belonging is cultivated and fostered. Handwork imparts a powerful, implicit message of interconnectedness and interdependence with the environment.
In addition, contributing to others’ well-being by producing a beautiful or functional item by hand connects the craftsperson to other craftspeople engaged in the same work throughout history and through many other cultures. Seeing a sheep being shorn, learning about wool, and observing a spinner at work are valuable experiences, but deeper and more meaningful learning is achieved if a student has the opportunity to handle the wool, to spin their own yarn, and to make something useful from it, just as so many spinners for thousands of years have done.
“Each craftsperson weaves themselves intimately into the fabric of history and society. Children who engage in practical arts learn unequivocally that their actions have meaning and consequences, and feel empowered and invigorated/ enlivened as they begin to take their place working alongside trusted and admired adults. ”
Research at the Hiram Trust in England has documented the value of training high-risk youth in traditional crafts, even dangerous crafts such as glass-blowing. They found that the sustained focus and obvious and immediate consequences led to more sound decision-making and improved life choices, extending beyond the immediacy of the craft itself into seemingly unrelated areas. The self-correcting nature of physical craftwork gives immediate and tangible feedback. Sustained attention and deferred gratification are closely linked to impulse control, which is learned through the inherent lawfulness imparted through learning crafts. Impulse control and delayed gratification are closely linked to later academic success.
Knitting curriculum often beings in first grade, and provides a multitude of benefits to the growing child.
The innate lawfulness of choosing the right material for a task leads to an experience of security in the physical world, and a sense of belonging and efficacy. Steiner maintained that this experience of understanding what is fitting and appropriate in a practical way in childhood translates in later life into a sense for what is true and moral, and supports the ability to make principled and ethical decisions.
There is much more to handwork, though, than the physical and practical reasons, and my years of teaching experience, as well as modern research, continuously peel back more layers of wonder and wisdom. There is yet another dimension beyond brain development, environmental integration, pragmatism, and self-esteem. Engaging in focused creative activity such as knitting, sewing or spinning, children and adults come to a quiet focused place within themselves. They can find inner quiet and calm. This is a great stress-reliever and can be a precursor or a placeholder for future contemplative practices.
Handwork brings so much to the child's educational experience- including fun!
Handwork combines practicality and artistry, nourishing the soul with the beauty of texture, color, and form, and preparing students not only for academics, but more importantly to take up meaningful work and find their own unique place in society. In thinking through and making a plan, in selecting the right materials, and in carrying the one-of-a-kind project to completion, the craftsperson steps into a co-creative space.
Through handwork, an individual craftsperson’s thinking and active work become the meeting place between the inspiration of unseen spirit and tangible matter.
And it’s fun!
Elizabeth Seward, PhD has been in a Waldorf classroom since 1984 as a parent volunteer, handwork assistant, High School teacher, lead handwork teacher, class teacher, and teacher educator and mentor.
For three years, Elizabeth co-directed the teacher preparation program in Los Angeles (WISC) and opened the San Diego program. She was a member of the Advisory Board and a contributing editor to Living Crafts magazine for six years. Since 2013, she and a colleague have been offering annual “Wonder and Wisdom of Handwork” conferences in retreat settings for teachers, and in recent years, have expanded to include a July conference for homeschoolers.
In 2019, Elizabeth published her first book in a series of three for handwork teachers, classroom teachers and home-schooling parents: Teaching Through Stories: Jane and Jeremy Learn to Knit (forthcoming are “how to spin”, and “how to sew”). Elizabeth earned her doctorate from Claremont Graduate University in the historical and philosophical foundations of education in May 2005. She holds an M.A. in Second Language Learning, and an interdisciplinary M.A. in Spirituality and Education (2018). Her thesis: “Knitting: A Gateway Contemplative Practice.” Elizabeth’s three children attended Waldorf schools in the US and Germany, and her four grandsons are thriving as they begin their Waldorf journey.
She teaches knitting, spinning, and other textile arts to ad hoc community groups, and shares her enthusiasm for Waldorf Education with parents of young children, home-schooling parents and graduate students. For information about her book and more —>
1st Grade Handwork curriculum (online!)
Instagram: @elizabethesewardhandwork
Website: elizabethsewardauthor.com
Starting Waldorf First Grade
Let’s talk all things first grade!
In Waldorf education, there is so much emphasis placed on the transition from kindergarten to first grade, and in many ways, it’s for good reason! The child is ready to transition into the grades, and with that comes a need to approach things a little differently: structure, routine, storytelling, academics, art, and everything in between!
Feeling a little overwhelmed already at how to do it all, and keep yourself sane? We can help.
First, take a nice, deep breath.
Know that you don’t have to do ALL. THE. THINGS. to make a Waldorf grade one curriculum work for you and your child! (And if you’re totally new to homeschooling, click here!)
Start here with our resources and courses; they provide a wealth of information, guidance, and content to support your first grade planning! You’re not alone in this, we promise :)
Let’s get started!
Explore first grade art and all that it entails!
Let’s start at the beginning: what is first grade art curriculum? What kind of artistic experience will the children enjoy in first grade, and what role does the educator play in creating a beautiful and supportive learning space?
We’ve put together this piece as a starting place for you - we’ll be answering frequently asked questions about Waldorf art in first grade, and providing you some helpful resources to help make your artistic journey doable, meaningful, and fun!
Click the image to read more about painting in first grade.
Painting with your first grade child can be a truly rewarding and enriching experience, and it’s easy to get started! Amanda Mercer (our amazing course creator!) and Robyn Wolfe (Waldorfish All-Things Creator) have written a piece that walks one through the “whys” of first grade painting; it’s all about creating a meaningful experience (while keeping it simple, - and who doesn’t love that?!)
“Painting lessons create opportunities for students to develop an intimate understanding of the colors through their imaginations, movement, and imitation. When the teacher brings the lessons in partnership with short verses and stories...the children live into each experience fully. ”
Click the image to read Rev’s form drawing post.
First grade form drawing can be incorporated seamlessly into your weekly curriculum. Need an introduction to form drawing in general? Rev Bowen, our form drawing course creator, has written the perfect post to get you inspired, and to get you started!
“The forms themselves, as finished works, may become beautiful, but they are not nearly as important as the processes through which we explore and embody the movements. Form drawings, as finished pieces, are merely the footprints left in a medium such as pencil on paper, evidence of the wonderful movements of the human being and the cosmos. Form drawing, as a practice, can be an essential path of human development.”
Click the image to read more about storytelling.
Children learn in many ways (through movement, music, and poetry…to name a few!) but one of the key ways a first grader learns is through the ancient art of storytelling!
Traditional first grade Waldorf curriculum uses stories to introduce each letter in the alphabet, each number, and many other aspects as well. Stories create connections, context, and enliven education in a very real way!
Now, you may be saying to yourself, “But I don’t know any stories!” or cringing at the idea of memorizing a fairy tale everyday for a lesson…
Here’s the thing: You already are a storyteller! Seriously!
Our dear friend Sara Renee Logan has written a series of posts that are sure to inspire, empower, and give you the confidence to start incorporating your own stories and others into your weekly routine. Trust us; you’ve got this!
Click here to explore the in’s and out’s of Waldorf art!
We love all things art (can you tell?) and have been reminded time and time again of its value when it comes to enlivening academics with all things artistic.
Have you ever wondered where this approach comes from, and what, exactly, art does for a growing child? Our friend Cristina Havel has written a resource for you, illustrating the true impact of artistic curriculum in Waldorf education.
“Artistic endeavors sharpen two very important human skills: the ability to shape, or see, and the ability to perceive, or distinguish. When practiced over time using diverse techniques across a variety of subjects, something very special emerges: the ability to shape and perceive new ways of looking at the world.”
Waldorf Art for Beginners
First grade art curriculum can include many things: crayon, pencil, watercolor painting…so many options and fun mediums to choose from!
But, are you feeling a little stuck? Like there are too many decisions and things to figure out to incorporate art into your weekly rhythm?
Click the image to learn more about this course!
Waldorf art is for everyone!
We’ve got you covered! Check out our Waldorf Art for Beginners course; not only does it include a variety of techniques and mediums to work with, each lesson provides in-depth guidance and instruction; perfect for those just starting out!
Grade One Painting Course
Watercolor painting curriculum in first grade is truly unique, incredibly special, and completely doable for you to do at home with your child! It’s true!
Amanda Mercer, a Waldorf-trained teacher (and overall cool human) has created a truely supportive course for those wanting to bring watercolor painting to their first grader. Not only do the lessons include original verses and step-by-step guidance, they also show how to cultivate a calm, encouraging, and experiential mood with each progressing lesson.
Why wait to get started?
Click here for a free sample from Grade One Painting!
Get started with first grade watercolor art today!
Click the image to learn more about this course!
Does making form drawing a part of your weekly first grade rhythm sound... Exciting? Daunting? A little bit of both?
Remember, you don’t have to do all the things yourself; let us handle the form drawing curriculum for you!
Rev Bowen, a master Waldorf teacher, has created a course specifically for the first grade child that guides you through the ins and outs and hows and whys; everything you need to bring this rich Waldorf homeschool curriculum into your rhythm and routine!
Click here for a free Form Drawing Lesson!
Questions about any of these resources? You can contact us, here. We’d be honored to be part of your first grade year!
Looking for something?
Welcome to Waldorfish! We started this adventure in 2012 out of a desire to make Waldorf training more accessible to class teachers in remote locations and to homeschooling families everywhere! Read more, click here.
WE WON! Our Weekly Art courses were voted “best interactive art program.” Learn more about the award, here.
Click here for a full list of schools we work with.
A few of our most popular blog posts:
Who are our courses for?
Starting Waldorf First Grade
4 Things to Know Before Planning Your Homeschool Year
In Praise of Balance: A Healthy Festival Life
Science in Waldorf Middle School: Starting Something New!