Need recommendations for good books/information in general on the Waldorf Method.

[Naturallove]

So, I am new to this board. We just started homeschooling this year and are convinced that it is definitely the right choice for our family. I have been basing our schooling on the classical approach. I know a couple other families that use this method and have seen the incredible academic results they achieve. That said I am unable/unwilling to maintain the rigid structure required by the classical model. What I have discovered about our schooling style is that we are much more relaxed than I imagined we would be. 

Also a few months ago I stumbled across this TED video: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html

It is a lecture given by Sir Ken Robinson on the importance of creativity in education and in life. I haven't been able to get it out of my head. So between not liking rigidity and wanting to incorporate more creativity I am really questioning if the classical approach is right for us. 

I have recently stumbled across the Waldorf method and I find it really interesting, but most of the information I have seen talks about it in a classroom environment. I am wondering if there are any good books or online resources regarding using the method for homeschooling? Any information is much appreciated! Thanks!

[*Jessica*]

We started out using Classical and Charlotte Mason resources and have started incorporating Waldorf into our life.  If you read the CM/Classical November thread you will find a few posts about our days.  We're very new to this, though.

Here are some links I have bookmarked.  Many of these are blogs, either Waldorf or Waldorf-inspired.  The first two probably have the information you're looking for.  The rest of the links are just ones I enjoy.

Waldorf Curriculum

Christopherus Homeschool Resources

Hawai'ian Dreaming

Ancient Hearth

Serendipity

The Magic Onions

Frontier Dreams

Schooling from the Heart/Twining Oaks

Celebrating the Rhythm of Life with Children

Moment to Moment

Twig & Toadstool

Wee Folk Art

Land of Pome and others

[thefreckledmama]

I just wanted to add another great waldorf/homeschooling blog is The Parenting Passageway.

[MJoKirk]

Hi! I am in just about the same place as you right now, except we havent actually started anything yet. I have JUST begun researching waldorf homeschooling and found The Waldorf Connection. Some stuff you have to pay for, and I haven't done that, I just registered and have watched a couple things, and found some good info. :) Also, I wanted to sub to this to get some more!!

[pigpokey]

I suspect what you may want to look at is eclectic or relaxed homeschooling.  Waldorf is a -- some of us consider it a religious school movement, the purpose of which is proper incarnation of children's souls according to the beliefs of Anthroposophy.

However, if you want to look at raising children with rhythms, chores, and slower more old-fashioned belongings and foods and methods, then just incorporate that into a weekly schedule.  On Monday we do laundry, we bake on Tuesday, on Wednesday we spend the morning the the farmer's market, etc.  Also incorporate the children into the work rhythm, which is a hard initial investment (that I myself have not tackled). 

[Naturallove]

Thanks for the resources, ladies! I haven't made it to all of them yet, but I am loving what I am seeing. And of course, I welcome other resources that anyone would like to share!  

I am so excited to begin our journey into a Waldorf education! I think I am going to slowly incorporate some of the principles into our family, but keep going with our current school schedule until Christmas break and then make the academic switch. That way I will have time to do some more research and get the supplies that we will need. 

[LuxPerpetua]

I have quite a few of the Christopherus resources and have liked them.  I do not like, however, how she portrays gifted children but in Waldorf this is pretty common so I just try and overlook that.  Overall, she has some good resources and a greater variety than anywhere else.

A Little Garden Flower is a more budget option.  I have her 1st grade manual and paid $35 for it, I think.  I have also bought and then resold Live Ed (a very pricey option).  Of all the Waldorf curricula I've seen, I prefer Christopherus for its clarity and all-encompassing nature.  Christopherus also offers an overview of Waldorf education which I think is really helpful for setting up your own curriculum.

The Parenting Passageway is my favorite Waldorf blog.  Carrie does a great job at presenting a livable model of Waldorf education and gives lots of great info and resources.

I plan on starting out with Waldorf and then easing into a Waldorf-inspired Classical education around 3rd grade.  Not all of Waldorf speaks to me but neither does the dryness of purely Classical.

There is also a Waldorf curriculum yahoo group for used curricula if you decide to go that route. 

Best wishes!

[MommyKelly]

We are Waldorf homeschoolers.

Alittlegardenflower.com is a great resource. Melisa is a wealth of knowledge

Also there are 2 awesome yahoo groups. Waldorf home educators, and homeschooling Waldorf . I highly suggest joining those. They are both very active and very informative.

[rzberrymom]

Under the Sky by Sally Schweizer has lots of Waldorf-y homeschooling ideas. The book is kind of scattered, but the ideas are just wonderful.

[AngelBee]

Taking notes...