• Last updated 1/7/13 by Cynthia Mosher

Well, school is back in full swing for our family.  Most of the rest of the city started classes last week but we have been in session for three weeks already.  My children attend an independent school which offers full immersion language classes. While most families in our southwestern town are drawn to the Spanish program, our family is there to learn French. My boys have been learning their father’s native tongue since they started at the school 4 years ago. Since my hubby is the family breadwinner he has not been able to teach the kids French himself... read more

• Last updated 1/11/13 by Melanie Mayo

Conversation today in the office-supplies aisle of a local store: Reeve (our almost-22-year-old son who has been home from college for the summer): “I miss getting the lists of school supplies we used to get at the beginning of school each year. It was kinda festive . . .  I remember I used to scan the list, looking for some new, exciting item which would indicate that this teacher was going to be interesting and this school year was going to be different.” Me: “Interesting? Like what?” Reeve: “Oh, you know. . . swords!” * * * *... read more

• Last updated 6/27/11 by Cynthia Mosher

As a stay-at-home mom, I love learning about great resources with free educational worksheets or activity suggestions.  The days at home get looooooong sometimes, and I can only play Candyland so many times in a row before I'm desperate for something new.  And I don't like my kids to watch a lot of tv, which means the burden is on me to come up with fun (but educational) activities for us to do.  I thought it might be fun to start a Wiki with some suggestions for free printable worksheets an and activities and have others collaborate by suggesting their favorites too.... read more

• Last updated 4/3/13 by Cynthia Mosher

There are several factors to consider in deciding when your child is ready to begin school. 1) Evaluate Maturity As a former preschool and kindergarten teacher, I believe that one of the most important aspects of a child’s readiness is his social and emotional development.   2) Assess Basic School Skills A child should be gaining confidence in several of the following categories before you consider enrolling him in a preschool or kindergarten program:   Gross Motor skills. Controlling the large muscles such as arms and legs with... read more

• Last updated 2/20/13 by Cynthia Mosher

  In this episode, Mothering Radio looks at greening our schools. Julie Grant interviews Jeremy Adam Smith who wrote “Greening Education,” as a digital addon for Mothering’s July-August 2010 issue. “Greening Education” explores how parents and administrators can work together to make schools more eco-friendly and includes great ideas for how you can make a difference in your community. A copy of the article can be found here. Listen Now     Download this Episode Subscribe to our podcast to... read more

• Last updated 2/20/13 by Cynthia Mosher

The high school seniors I know who are applying to college are all getting ulcers as they wait to hear back from schools, their parents are scrambling to submit financial information, and everyone is feeling nervous. As part of the Cornell Alumni Ambassadors network, I interviewed three candidates applying to Cornell, where I did my undergraduate degree. They were all impressive 18-year-olds. My fingers are crossed for them. College admissions have gotten so competitive. It can be psychologically devastating to these young adults to work so hard on... read more

• Last updated 2/27/13 by Momsteader

I’m reading Little Princes (William Morrow) by Conor Grennan. It’s about an American who volunteers at an orphanage in Nepal while embarking on an around-the-world trip. When a mother arrives at the gates of the house looking for her two sons, he realizes her children (along with the other kids at the orphanage) have been trafficked. Conor decides not only to dedicate his time to trying to stop child trafficking in Nepal, he establishes a non-profit to reverse the practice and return the kids to their birth parents. I was captivated by the topic. Ron and I... read more

• Last updated 10/9/12 by christyk

Here is a list of member-recommended homeschooling blogs. You may edit this list to include your favorites or your own blog. In no particular... read more

• Last updated 6/27/11 by Cynthia Mosher

Hi! This is a thread for member-recommended Waldorf resources, websites, blog links and helpful MDC Waldorf threads. Please note that inclusion in the Resource thread does not constitute an MDC endorsement of the content. If you have an educational and informative resource you would like to nominate for inclusion in this thread, please PM the forum moderators Mothering Magazine Articles Inspired Education Waldorf at Home Helpful MDC Threads Where to Start? Waldorf Resources Helpful Sites, Links,... read more

• Last updated 8/10/12 by Cynthia Mosher

Mothering Magazine Articles Inspired Education Ways of Learning RESPECT: What Children Get in Democratic Schools Pulling Forward: The Transition to Kindergarten Great Green Schools Thirst for Profit Challenges Natural Parenting Toolbox: Questions to Ask Principals and Teachers Ask the Experts: What's the Difference between Waldorf and Montessori? and here Gentle Hands, Quiet Voices: Secrets of Montessori MDC Discussion Threads Progressive Education: MDC Reading List for Schoolin' Mamas Comparisons Link describing... read more