Waldorf rhythm without waldorf lessons?

[Fillyjonk]

Do you think it might be possible to use the rhythm provided by Waldorf but largely disregard the stuff they are actually teaching?

I think the rhythm would work for me nearly 3rd grader, especially as up to now he has been in a kind of waldorf inspired free school. I have family waldorf connections and get the ideas behind it.

There are a few reasons why Waldorf isn't a good fit for us, I think, but mainly it has to do with him being quite asynchronous in his development, and me being really quite happy with that, although I know Waldorf people wouldn't be. (in a nutshell his maths/science/music/general knowledge/vocabulary are considerably better than his reading and sitting still). And also with us being a very science/maths orientated family who are a bit uncomfortable with some of the beliefs underpinning Waldorf (I am very familiar with these, and I do feel that they inform and seep into the material I've seen, especially on science. This is not a secular approach, fair enough, it doesn't claim to be)

So what I'm wondering is if it would work to use the songs, transitional elements, etc, which is already very familiar to him, but slot in our stuff instead.

I THINK it would-what do you all think?

[annettemarie]

There are quite a few of us who are "Waldorf-inspired"-- meaning we take what we can use and leave the rest. I tend to pick and choose what works best for our family and each individual child. There are probably some purists who would say no, you have to buy into it hook, line, and sinker, but in my experience it's worked nicely to keep what works for us and ditch the rest.

[LuxPerpetua]

That's what we do and it works beautifully. I do believe in delayed academics for my gifted dd for non-Waldorf reasons so we're going to follow a more purist Waldorf curriculum for kindy-2nd and then diverge but keep our festivals and rhythms and whatever is working for us.

[Fillyjonk]

thanks both

the thing is I am going WAY away from waldorf with the actual lessons

like textbook using highly secular science, maths a few years above his grade, a stringed instrument and woodworking (both naughty), piano, etc.

what is a good book for the songs, stories, etc? was thinking of the singing year/day plus the books of songs for each seasons from, I think, Hawthorn press?

[zoebird]

i don't see it as a problem at all.

the rhythm works, even if you're not in school at all. that is to say, my husband and i are also on a rhythm. my son is only 2, and we are in a rhythm. there are no school lessons.

we might go unschooling, therefore no lessons, yet we will still use the rhythm.

the rhythm just helps you set your times out in active and passive activities, knowing that there is a time for everything. it creates a relaxed, peaceful flow to the day.

so, yes, use the rhythm, even if the academics go whichever way you want.

[Fillyjonk]

thanks all

think i am well overthinking this, tbh!