Waldorf Mamas - introduce yourselves! - Page 2

[elefante]

Originally Posted by enrooted 

Hey there :D

I read the first post and felt like agreeing - it is so quiet in here! I silently read for quite some time and feel so much need for discussion, sharing and connecting...

This is me:

I am 27 years old, going to be 28. I am not yet a Mom, but plan on becoming one some time next year ;) I live with my husband and our cats in Baltimore - right next to the local Waldorf school <3 I picked this house, because of that fact by the way. I was born and grew up in Germany and things in the US are so very different from over there, that I am trying to at least keep something known in my life - Waldorf.

I am here, to connect with people of similar spirits. I do hope for real life contacts...I moved to the US to be with my husband in 2010. It has been almost 3 years now and I still do not know ANYBODY here besides his family and friends, who are simply not mine. I am a very crafty person and make a lot of things myself - furniture, toys for the kids, decoration for the home etc. I'd LOVE to get to know people who want to make Waldorf-y things with me :P Or just go for walks in nature and talk :)

I am starting an in home daycare, which is Waldorf inspired and try to incorporate the general spirit into our home as much as possible with a husband, who knows nothing about it ;) I have a lot of questions, need for discussion and will to share, what I know!

I run a Waldorf / Reggio in-home daycare. Feel free to message me if you have any questions, or just want to brainstorm. We opened last September and are doing so well. We're fully enrolled until 2015! The community response has been overwhelming, really. I wish you well! It is something that is so needed. 

Oh, and good luck on ttc soon! Fun!

[SarahSmith]

Hi, I'm Sarah.  I'm mainly a lurker, but would love to see this board get more active, so I guess I had better start contributing as well. 

We are new to Waldorf as of last fall when my 6 yo son joined a 1st grade and my 4 yo son joined a 2 year kindergarten program in our local K-12 Waldorf school.  We also have a 2 yo boy in a different preschool who will hopefully join his brothers in a couple of years - assuming we've stuck to it.  

I was, and still am,  a little too uninformed about Waldorf and all that it means.  It's not exactly a perfect fit for us, as we still have the TV in the home (though limit its use to weekends), still have plastic toys, still have a crazy active schedule with the boys in after school activities.   But so far it's a better alternative than the local public schools, so we are sticking with it and trying to adjust.  

My 6 yo is doing very well; but he is the kind of kid that adapts well to any situation.  I'm glad to have him away from some of the more over-exposed influences he was getting when he was in public kindergarten last year.   

My 4 yo is struggling to make friends in his class.  He has a unique personality and I worry that making friends will be an ongoing struggle for him.  In fact, one of the reasons I was excited about Waldorf was that I hoped they would be better equipped to nurture his uniqueness and help him find his niche; but the more I read about Waldorf, the less sure I am that it will be a good fit for him.  I really need to stop reading the negative things about Waldorf - it just makes me worry too much. 

Anyhow, I did have a question for the rest of you with kids in Waldorf schools.  What are the class sizes at your school?   Next year, the 2nd grade class may go to 31 kids.  It's currently 30.    I expressed my concerns about the large class size to the teacher.  And I was somewhat reassured that, as a very experienced teacher, who has gone through two previous 1-8th grade cycles, he had no qualms. 

[appalachiamama]

Both schools look really nice.  I can see how it would be a hard decision.  Reggio has always intrigued me and I've read as much about it as I can.
 

[enrooted]

Originally Posted by SarahSmith 

I was, and still am,  a little too uninformed about Waldorf and all that it means.  It's not exactly a perfect fit for us, as we still have the TV in the home (though limit its use to weekends), still have plastic toys, still have a crazy active schedule with the boys in after school activities.   But so far it's a better alternative than the local public schools, so we are sticking with it and trying to adjust.  

 

Anyhow, I did have a question for the rest of you with kids in Waldorf schools.  What are the class sizes at your school?   Next year, the 2nd grade class may go to 31 kids.  It's currently 30.    I expressed my concerns about the large class size to the teacher.  And I was somewhat reassured that, as a very experienced teacher, who has gone through two previous 1-8th grade cycles, he had no qualms. 

Hey there :)

Wanted to reply to this :)

We have a TV as well. And we won't get rid of it. I would not want my kids to grow up without the adorable TV series of Pippi Longstocking, The Children of Noisy Village and other series made off of Astrid Lindgren's books ;) You are entitled to your own opinion and mine is, that those series are a nurturing experience for the kids...They get inspired and excited to act out, what they saw on TV, they love talking about it with me and their friends and the kid friendly adventures they see (we read the books as well by the way ;) ) are 100% positive in experience. I could say more about the value of those series, but this is already long :P And that's the only thing they will be watching on TV for a long time once they start school at 5 or 6 years old and I feel, thst htey are OK watching it....no regular TV programs etc. And I am still a Waldorf mama. And my kids will still be very much healthily developed.

About the class size:

I have experience from Germany, where the first grades where about 35-40 kids in size...but they had 1 main teacher and 1 teacher helper. Both teachers were awesome and knew what was going on with any child at any given time. It was a joy to watch! The Waldorf school here in Baltimore is very small - first grade is about 15 kids, other classes have even less...I saw a classroom with 8 tables in it and honestly got a bit worried, that it might not be enough ;) I personally feel, that a size of 15 would be perfect. From my experience class sizes vary a lot in Waldorf schools, depending on the area they are in, the amount of kids enrolling a certain year etc. But as long as the teacher seems competent, even a class of 40 wouldn't worry me.

[Fortune Teller]

About class size..

My boys' mixed aged Kindergarten is up to 16 I think, aged 3 to 6.

My daughter's  6th/7th grade class has 8.

Our school is still trying to build enrollment.  Only recently have they even begun marketing themselves successfully out in the community.  It is great for the school, and we are set for record-breaking enrollment at the start of next school year.  I understand your uneasiness at a class of 30 though.  I find myself in the peculiar position of cheering the school on, and LOVING that they are getting all this interest and financial backing from new families, and yet a little sad to see the class sizes grow and to feel like I don't know everyone anymore.  

Many Waldorf schools will tell you that they strive for a number around 30 children per class.  Teachers feel it is a good number to work with, for different reasons.  I don't think 30 at a Waldorf school means the same thing as 30 in a public school, for what it's worth.  Especially since the teachers stay with the class through 5th or sometimes even 8th grade.  

[knittygritty]

I would be concerned about a class so large. Even in Waldorf schools, where rhythm, structure, and respect prevail, teachers have practical limits to their abilities! A larger class means less individual attention, and it makes it more difficult for the teacher to hone in on specific issues in the classroom. A teacher is, after all, only one person!

I would have thought the school would have split the class beginning in first grade, since they already have 30 students. I think they need to consider adding a new faculty member. If I were a parent in this class, I would be asking the administration about how they plan to support the teacher with his burgeoning student population!

[WednesdayO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahSmith 
What are the class sizes at your school? 

I have been told (by whom I can't remember) that EWS takes into account the teacher's comfort and experience level when it comes to larger class sizes. A growing enrollment is welcome of course since the school needs any extra income it can get in order to thrive, but I don't think they'd push it too far. The physical room spaces are somewhat limited - more so in some grades than others. That is also a concern of mine.

Here are our approximate class sizes as far as I know. I'm pretty sure the numbers have been higher at times. We also have parent/child, nursery, PreK/K, and high school classes.

• 1st - 17
• 2nd - 20
• 3rd - 24
• 4th - 23
• 5th - 16
• 6th - 22
• 7th - 16
• 8th - 15

[heyitskalista]

Hi everyone! 

I don't think I've posted here before...but here goes! :)

I'm Kalista, 25 and my husband and I have 3 children, aged 5, 3, 22 months and we will be welcoming another little one in July!  

We have just started our first year of waldorf homeschooling.  I'm still relatively new to Waldorf but we had been living very similarly before I had even heard the term so I know its a good fit for us! 

Right now, we are working at getting a good rhythm going before the baby arrives and flips everything upside down! ;)

[Fortune Teller]

Welcome!  

I love seeing so many Waldorf homeschooling mamas here-  I'm still really nervous about taking the plunge, and seeing you all gives me hope!

I guess I really took the plunge today, when I turned in our re-enrollment form for next year and my boys weren't on it.  Guess that means it's official!

[earthmama4]

Originally Posted by Fortune Teller 

Welcome!  

I love seeing so many Waldorf homeschooling mamas here-  I'm still really nervous about taking the plunge, and seeing you all gives me hope!

I guess I really took the plunge today, when I turned in our re-enrollment form for next year and my boys weren't on it.  Guess that means it's official!

Wow! That is exciting! Does that mean you are changing your work schedule too? I remember you feeling like you were running a treadmill working to pay for school, etc. Its hard to get off that work-spend-work cycle! DH and I downshifted to a more simple lifestyle 4 years ago, but we didn't take the homeschooling plunge until 8 months ago. It does take courage to take those first steps, oh how I know. I was SO nervous when I un-enrolled my kids from their charter last year!

Congrats! 

[MommyKelly]

Hi :)  I am Kelly and am Momma to 9. Ages 23,21,19,13,11,10,8,7,and 6.

We are Waldorf homeschoolers. It has been a crazy journey but are finally coming to a place that works well for us :)

Edited by MommyKelly - 2/15/13 at 10:40am

[Fortune Teller]

Thanks earthmama!  Yes, I will probably be losing my position at work in the summer.  Ironically, I had just resolved to keep my part time position and not be pressured (by myself) to find full-time work to fund the kids' school when I was informed that my position will be changing come August.  I am basically being given the choice by my employer to either return to full time, or forfeit my position and go to on-call (with no guaranteed hours).  

So, the universe sort of solved my dilemma for me, and I'm running with it- taking it as a sign!  Scary as heck though, as I was never planning to go to zero hours at work!  

I'm pretty sure I will be nervous all summer and through the fall at my decision.  I want to homeschool and cut back on hours at work, but... change is scary.  I'm glad I have this place to come to and connect with mamas who have been down this road before!

Welcome MommyKelly!  I love the age span you got going on there with your kids!  Never a dull moment I bet 

[appalachiamama]

I hope the transition goes well for you!  Keep us posted, for sure.
 

[inkandpaper]

Originally Posted by appalachiamama 

Nice to meet you!  Your little girl has my birthday! 

Very cool!  A good day for a birthday 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by earthmama4 

Hi everyone! So glad to see you all coming out of the shadows, lol! I knew you were here. We have quite an ecclectic group here which is wonderful. Lots of different experiences and ideas to share. 

Inkandpaper -sounds like a very warm and loving environment for your daughter! What a gift of love you are giving here to so thoughtfully consider her home environment. Hope you can find a supportive community soon, I know how hard it can be to feel isolated! 

Thank you!  Yes, it would be so much nicer to have a supportive community.  We live in a very non-crunchy/mainstream area, but hopefully the next place we move will have more resources.  

It is nice to meet everyone here 

[EllasMommy10]

Hi everyone! I am the mom of a little girl who will be 3 in April. I stumbled across Waldorf after we sent my daughter to a Montessori daycare for a few months before I quit my job. Our experience there led me to research alternative educations. I was completely drawn to Waldorf! It is such a beautiful and inspirational way of life. We are definitely not true Waldorf, but Waldorf-inspired. Without a local Waldorf community and then dealing with the influences of family and friends and neighbors, it is tough to be as Waldorf as I would like! We do what we can though.

[enrooted]

Originally Posted by EllasMommy10 

Hi everyone! I am the mom of a little girl who will be 3 in April. I stumbled across Waldorf after we sent my daughter to a Montessori daycare for a few months before I quit my job. Our experience there led me to research alternative educations. I was completely drawn to Waldorf! It is such a beautiful and inspirational way of life. We are definitely not true Waldorf, but Waldorf-inspired. Without a local Waldorf community and then dealing with the influences of family and friends and neighbors, it is tough to be as Waldorf as I would like! We do what we can though.

Hey there and welcome!

Just a word of encouragement...despite what some might tell you, there is no absolute right and absolute wrong with Waldorf. Do what you feel is right doing and don't be worried about influences from the outside - as long as you keep it real with your little one, she will grow up well :) Children have this wonderful inner compass, that tells them exactly what feel real and what feels forced, so trust in that :D

[EllasMommy10]

Originally Posted by enrooted 

Hey there and welcome!

Just a word of encouragement...despite what some might tell you, there is no absolute right and absolute wrong with Waldorf. Do what you feel is right doing and don't be worried about influences from the outside - as long as you keep it real with your little one, she will grow up well Children have this wonderful inner compass, that tells them exactly what feel real and what feels forced, so trust in that

Thank you! You are so right.