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We encourage parents to delve deeper into Waldorf education to see if it’s a good fit with your family’s philosophy. Many of your questions will be answered as you visit these sites, but we are happy to assist with any remaining questions. You may email questions to info@wellspringwaldorfschool.org.
Waldorf Schools in Vermont
Waldorf Education
www.WhyWaldorfWorks.org
A website created by Eric Utne, founder of the Utne Reader magazine, in conjunction with A.W.S.N.A. (see below). It contains the latest studies and statistics regarding many aspects of Waldorf education, including how Waldorf students do in college and beyond.
Waldorf Teacher Training & Accreditation in the North East
Anthroposophy
www.anthroposophy.org
AWSNA: The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America
www.whywaldorfworks.org/04_AWSNA/index.asp
Recommended Reading: delving deeper into Waldorf education and philosophy
Overview of curriculum and Philosophy:
Waldorf Education: A Family Guide by Pamela Johnson Fenner and Karen L. Rivers
An overview and deeper understanding of the Waldorf curriculum from 1st grade through high school, a peek into early childhood and the Waldorf kindergarten, the how and why of specialty subjects such as knitting, sewing, Eurythmy (a form of dance movement unique to Waldorf), a look at rhythm, festivals and special celebrations…and how does this fit with your family’s lifestyle?
Early Childhood:
Beyond the Rainbow Bridge by Barbara Patterson and Pamela Bradley
Find out more about how your child grows and learns about the world, what are the 12 senses and how you can nourish them, creating balance in your family life and how Waldorf educates supports the whole child.
You Are Your Child’s First Teacher by Rahima Baldwin Dancy”
Out of her research and her experience as a Waldorf early childhood teacher, she answers the question: “What can parents do with, and for their children from birth to age six that will enhance their development without having negative effects at a later age?”
Simplicity Parenting by Kim John Payne
Written by leading force in the field of non-violent communication and bullying, Kim John writes about the wonders of simplifying your family life. As he says….”Using the extraordinary power of less, to raise calmer, happier and more secure kids”. This is a must read for anyone looking for answers to an over-scheduled, overly technological, overly stressed life!
The Magical Child and The Crack in the Cosmic Egg by Joseph Chilton Pearce
From the very instant of birth, says Pearce, the human child has only one concern: to learn about the world. This planet is the child’s playground and nothing should interfere with a child’s play. Raised this way, the Magical Child is a happy genius, capable of anything, equipped to fulfill his amazing potential.
Mis-education, Preschoolers at Risk by David Elkind
Elementary Grades:
Understanding Waldorf Educations: Teaching From the Inside Out by Jack Petrash
Written by a Waldorf teacher who took three classes from Grade One through Grade Eight, this book gives a deeper understanding of must transpire between students and teachers if real learning is to occur.
School as a Journey: The Eight Year Odyssey of a Waldorf Teacher and his Class by Torin Finser
A lively, colorful and absorbing account of one class teacher’s journey form Grade 1-8 in a Waldorf School. Filled with pedagogical gems, tips and resources, it will also be invaluable to current class teachers.
High School:
Between Form & Freedom: being a teenager by Betty Staley
Offering a wealth of insights about teenagers, this book has sections on the nature of adolescence, the search for the self, the birth of the intellect, the release of feeling, male-female differences and character. Teenagers’ needs are explored in relation to family, friends, schools, the arts, and love. Issues such as stress, depression, drugs etc.
Questions about media, early academics, pushing too quickly, etc:
The Hurried Child by David Elkind
A detailed examination of the today’s’ children to see where the hurrying occurs and why, how we hurry in ways we may not even realize! Gives parents and teachers insight and hope for encouraging healthy development whiled protecting the joy and freedom of childhood. By the same author: Growing up Too Fast Too Soon, The New Family Imbalance, The Times That Stress.
Dumbing Us Down: the Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling by John Taylor Gatto
In his 26 years of award winning teaching in New York City’s public schools, Gatto has found that independent study, community service, large doses of solitude, and a thousand different apprenticeships with adults of all walks of life are the keys to helping children break the thrall of tour conforming society.
The Plug-In Drug: Television, Children and the Family by Marie Winn
Examines the effects of passive watching TV, video games, and computers on the development.
Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television by Jerry Mander
Compilation of media notices by AWSNA: www.whywaldorfworks.org
Highly recommended by the Wellspring Waldorf School faculty and staff. |
