symbols for children in the waldorf classroom?

[railyuh]

We just had our first parent/child meeting in the classroom before DS starts preK next week. I noticed his teacher gave each child a symbol (which of course makes sense since they don't read yet and Waldorf doesn't even begin to teach reading at this age). I was wondering if there are meanings behind the different symbols or if it is more of a random thing the teacher chooses for each child?

[annettemarie]

I actually do this in our home. I just retired my 11-year-old's gnome and gave it to my gnome-crazy three-year-old. We label things like coat hooks and laundry baskets. My 11-year-old obviously didn't still need the label; I just never got around to removing it. He was very thankful and happy to pass it on.

I imagine it depends on how well the teacher knows the child. If she knows a little girl is crazy about butterflies or fairies, she might choose that as the symbol. Or maybe she would choose an animal that matches a child's temperament.

[railyuh]

Yeah, I think it is a neat idea but I guess I was surprised to see DS as a lamb. That is just not the first picture that comes to my mind for him But I can see how she would think that matches him after the few times she's met him. He does tend to be very quiet and gentle, even shy, at first, but I'm sure he'll see his very boisterous and active side soon enough In any case, I would love to see him grow in gentleness and I like the symbol of a lamb in many ways.

[counterGOPI]

Hmm. I am not sure how our teachers decided it, I think it was after our home visits, though.
I requested K's symbol of a ladybug b/c that's what we use at home.

[copperfox]

Originally Posted by railyuh

... I was wondering if there are meanings behind the different symbols or if it is more of a random thing the teacher chooses for each child?

Our teacher meditated about each child and the symbol/totem came to him.

[Melaniee]

Our teacher let the children choose (one by one on their own, quietly).

[mommabeehilly]

I didn't read into the symbol that DD has. She is a bluebird. Perhaps because she is a Spring child. Who knows. Would be interested to hear what others say.

I was just grateful that she did not get a "gender typical" symbol...like a flower or a heart. Not that there is anything wrong with gendered symbols, but it's just not my thing...