My family and I have been reading about and working
towards Waldorf-inspired homeschooling. I consider it
to be a very natural fit with attachment parenting -
which is consistent with how we live and hope to live.
Basically, Waldorf originates with Rudolf Steiner. It
focuses on educating the whole child - heart, hands,
mind, spirit - is natural, rhythmic, child-centered,
gentle. It centers around nature, the seasons, the
rhythm of our days. In many ways, it's an extreme
liberal arts curriculum. The goal is for the child to
be whole. It's not a fast-track to competing in the
material world. Reading, for example, evolves naturally,
and writing comes first usually. It's very beautiful.
You could check out a Waldorf curriculum provider if
you want a speedy look. You might go to
www.oakmeadow.com and just look at an index for maybe 2nd grade. That'll give
you an idea. If you want to be more complete, you
might check out:
www.waldorfworld.net/Waldorf/Homeschooling/
If you're looking for books, I can recommend a few too. I
just thought from your post that you wanted a basic
overview to get started to be able to pursue further.
Not everyone is a fan of Waldorf-style lives - yes, it's
a life choice for most, and Waldorf schools state that the
home is the perfect learning environment for children. My
sister calls it "Thoreauish hippy crap" much as she refers
to extended nursing, the family bed, child-lead play, ...
It is definitely off the beaten path, but is becoming more
popular especially as some folks are becoming disillusioned
with our money-buy-buy culture.
Anyway, good luck! Your choice is of course, totally personal,
and you'll make the best desicion for you and your wee
ones!
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