Help me pick a Waldorf curriculum!

[Mittsy]

We've been using OM for DD(almost 6), but it doesn't seem to be the best fit for her, she does not like the introduction of academics, and would prefer to focus more on fairy tales and nature. So, we're starting the search for a more traditional Waldorf curriculum for next year, and just going with the flow for the remainder of this one. I'm not great with making my own lesson plans, so I would prefer a curriculum that spells everything out for me. Please give me recommendations, or warnings! TIA!

[CCJWGM]

If you are not looking for any academics and need structure you  might try Little Acorn Learning.  It has weekly themed crafts, nature story, verses, book recommendations. 

I am not sure if Christopherus or A Little Garden Flower spells it out for you.  I know EarthSchooling does not.  Maybe try posting your question on the Waldorf area.  There might be someone to better help you. 

[Mittsy]

I've been thinking of finishing up dd's school year, and giving ds(4) some "school" stuff that he's been asking for, with Little Acorn Learning. I've been looking at Christopherus, ALGF, and live education, and am undecided between the three. Thanks!

ETA: Would anyone be able to tell me the differences between Christopherus and ALGF?

Edited by Mittsy - 3/4/11 at 7:03pm

[nomadic_foolz]

I've used both and would say that Christopherus gives more information in the books. The lessons for 1st grade and up are written out for you and the storyies are all supplied but she also gives suggestions for alternatives and other stories you might find at your local library.

The ALGF book I have (I think she may have changed a few things since) gives some foundation information, things to keep in mind when you are planning your lessons and gives you a daily plan but you need to choose the stories and such. 

ALGF has a great yahoo group made up of people who use all different curriculums, so it's not just for ALGF users only which I like because Donna's forum requires a paid membership.

I've never used Little Acorn but it looks wonderful for the kindy group. Christopherus also has a Kindy book. Waldorf Kindy is basically developing your rhythm.

I remember when my oldest was asking for school things to do and Donna from Christopherus suggested that what she really wanted was more challenging projects/crafts to do. I added a few things that took more time and concentration and she was satisfied.  

Hope that helps:)

[Mittsy]

nomadic_foolz: Thanks for the advice! We've decided to do Little Acorn Learning for ds(4) pre-k and k, and for the rest of dd's k year, and then switch both kiddo's over to Christopherus once each comes up on 1st grade.

Ok, I just have one question about Christopherus, I noticed in 3rd grade they teach Old Testament stories, and we're really not comfy with teaching that to our kids. Is there anything you could teach in place of OT stories for this grade?

[tankgirl73]

I believe the rationale is that Old Testament stories are part of the mythology of our culture -- whether or not you believe them to be true.  You can treat them as no different than any other fairy tales, or myth stories from other religions.  Just because you don't believe them to be true doesn't mean you can't gain some insight into the human condition and story from the tale of Noah... just as you can learn from the similar tale in the Sumerian stories of Gilgamesh... or you can learn from the stories of the Buddha... etc etc.  

[nomadic_foolz]

Again, ditto what Heather said:)

I was just listening to a really good chat between Melisa from ALGF and one of the veteran moms from the list and they talked a bit about using the OT stories. You can download the chats at http://waldorfjourney.typepad.com/a_journey_through_waldorf/chats-with-lauri.html. I can't remember which one talked about the 3rd grade but they were all worth listening to.

[onyxravnos]

I'm glad you litle LA it really is the BEST preschool / kindy program. 

non of the traditional waldorf programs will have it laid out for you as kindy is about play and nature and living. But Christopherus is a great resource and i agree with tankgirl. we are a pagan family but will still touch on old testament myths in 3rd grade, not as 'truth' but as another fable/fairytale. Same as when Norse myths are introduced in 4th grade or roman/Egyptian in 6th. 

ALGF talks a lot about how the religion in waldorf tends to go back and forth from bible based - pagan and back again alternating each year. ALGF is so inexpensive though it may be worth buying anyway to have as another resource.

[Mittsy]

Ok, so now dh wants me to re-think Live Education. Anyone have any experience with this curriculum? I'm really liking the look of it!

[nomadic_foolz]

We have Live Ed for 3rd grade. I bought it first and after a few months I just couldn't keep track of where I had read something and found (for the grades at least) it was too much work putting together a lesson from it. I know quit a few moms who get it for the inspiration and creative ideas but find they need something more to structure their daily lessons.

Have you read Rahima Baldwin's book You Are Your Child's First Teacher? It covers birth through kindy and ends with how to know when your child is ready for first grade. I just recently discovered her daughter's blog on waldorf early childhood- http://joyfultoddlers.blogspot.com/.

[CCJWGM]

Thank you for this link.  I briefly checked it out and it seems to be overflowing with wonderful information.  I am currently spring cleaning with the kidlets so don't have time to read it carefully now but I know what I am doing tonight.  :)

Also, I found it interested Nomadic_foolz said that when children want "more" that it doesn't mean academics:  more complicated crafts fills the need.  I have found that true with my own DD.  We've been making a lot of toys lately and DD couldn't be happier.  Plus, she is sewing her own toys as well.  They just love the dyed playsilks we just did.

Originally Posted by nomadic_foolz 

We have Live Ed for 3rd grade. I bought it first and after a few months I just couldn't keep track of where I had read something and found (for the grades at least) it was too much work putting together a lesson from it. I know quit a few moms who get it for the inspiration and creative ideas but find they need something more to structure their daily lessons.

Have you read Rahima Baldwin's book You Are Your Child's First Teacher? It covers birth through kindy and ends with how to know when your child is ready for first grade. I just recently discovered her daughter's blog on waldorf early childhood- http://joyfultoddlers.blogspot.com/.

[Mittsy]

nomadic_foolz: We've decided against LE, and are sticking with the original plan of LAL for Pre-K and K then Christopherus. I've read a number of reviews that had the same issue with LE as you did, and I'm the kind of hs mom that feels at a loss when not given enough information to work with, so I can tell this would not be a good fit.

[onyxravnos]

IF you live in a state and are signed up for one of the state run homescool programs you may be able to purchase LE anyway. That's kinda my plan since i already have everything i need until first - a few books. Then you could just be used for extra inspiration and ideas.