This week on Sunday With Sarah I share my thoughts on a few well-established curriculum resources for homeschoolers wishing to incorporate Waldorf methods.
Resources:
Oak Meadow – A more mainstream homeschool curriculum with a Waldorf flavor.
Live Education – A curriculum developed by Waldorf class teachers. Waldorf school at home.
Christopherus Homeschool Resources – Developed by a Waldorf-educated, Waldorf-trained, homeschooling mother of two, who knows what it’s like to juggle being a mom, running a household, and educating one’s children. Highly recommended.
LifeWays North America – A wonderful resource for parents of children birth to age six. Offers a training program for parents and home caregivers, and a wonderful newsletter full of information.
Are you a homeschooler? An Unschooler? Do you use a curriculum? What’s working for you? Share your thoughts, suggestions, and questions here!
70 Comments
I love Waldorf. I took my son to a Saturday class for parents and kids. I loved the feel of it, the natural education aspect of it and the magic of it. The teachers were lovely. In such a high tech world its nice to come back to nature and a different approach of education.
What are your thoughts about Enki? Thanks for opening up this discussion, Sarah!
I’m familiar with Enki, Katie. My opinion is that Enki is a quality program. Like Oak Meadow, it’s an eclectic program with a strong Waldorf influence, but with a mix of other methodologies.
It was created by Beth Sutton who has a master’s degree in education, who also received Waldorf teacher training. It is not purely Waldorf, nor does it pretend to be.
Enki can be a great fit if it appeals to you and if you don’t consider yourself a Waldorf purist.
Thank you for the wonderful review, Sarah! My children are not quite school aged yet, but I am a childcare provider and do plan to homeschool. I found this to be very helpful.
i have a one year old and a three year old. i am very interested in homeschooling. i am looking forward to your video for this age.
thank you for the resources in this video.
Sarah,
What an amazing springboard! Thanks for this information as I’m sure you have saved much weeding out for many. I have a 2 year old daughter whom, at the moment, I’m planning on keeping home at least until 3rd or 4th grade. Any thoughts on what year seems like a reasonable time to discuss whether she’d like to try out-of-home-school?
Thanks,
Lindsay
Lyndsay, if you want to homeschool, I would encourage you to commit to it and then just observe yourself and your daughter. If you are both happy, if she enjoys learning, and if she is not complaining, why fix what ain’t broke?
As mothers, we have an instinct about what our children need. If it’s working, I wouldn’t confuse her with choices. If a child’s never been to public school, it will be an abstract concept. Having no experience of it, she won’t really know what “school” will be like.
If, however, things are not going as you had hoped — if either of you feel frustrated or unhappy homeschooling, if she begins asking to go to school with her friends — you will know that it may be time to begin exploring options.
My advice is just trust your instincts, take things one day at a time, and not project too far into the future!
Hi Sarah, thank you so much for these videos! They offer a healthy dose of inspiration before starting our week.
This is our third year of homeschooling, and our first year as Waldorf-inspired homeschoolers. In my searches I came across Waldorf Essentials. What I like about their Thinking, Feeling, Willing program is that not only do you receive curriculum that the authors have used with their own children successfully, but you also get personal consultations by phone and “Mom Lessons” with information on Steiner’s work with emphasis on inner work. As I said this is just our first year using it, but so far we love it.
I’m glad that you are finding the program helpful, Susan. But be aware that many curriculum resources being marketed as “Waldorf,” may be written by authors with no formal background in Waldorf education, with no teaching experience, and without a real understanding of the methods.
As I stated in my video, when evaluating the value of a program, check the author’s credentials. If you are looking for a quality educational program, ask yourself:
• What is the author’s background?
• Do they have a degree in education?
• Are they an experienced teacher?
• How established is the curriculum provider?
• How long have they been around?
If they are promoting “Waldorf” methods:
• Have they completed Waldorf teacher training?
• Have they taught in a Waldorf school?
• For how many years?
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you better assess if this is a quality educational program, and if it’s truly based on Waldorf philosophy and methods.
Best of luck to you on your homeschooling journey!
i feel like your response makes me lean towards the side of waldorf essentials
Sarah Sarah Sarah….. You are brilliant. I love watching your videos and this one in particular was so informative to me! This was one of the topics that I had requested you talk about. I am also very interested in the second video you were talking about making for ways to teach children under 6 through life. While it may seem obvious in ways to do it, I am very interested in hearing your ideas and such. I really value your thoughts and look forward to many more videos from you! You make my Sundays a little brighter!
I can’t wait to start looking into these different curriculums and seeing what I think will work best for us. My daughter is only 19 months but I think the more informed the better when it comes to school time 🙂
Thank you so much!!
Hello Sarah,
So far I have set up my own curriculum and used Christopherus this past year. I have looked over Live Education just recently and it seems VERY intense to me. I really like that they place a strong value on the Old Testament in their third grade package and how all the subjects relate to it, but I am wondering if I’ll bit off more than I can chew if I’ll give this curriculum a try for third grade, especially at the cost of it….
I like Christopherus but I find myself adjusting quite a bit and for third grade I would like to incorporate some Native American studies but not to that extent as Donna is doing it in her curriculum. I Know this is a tough question, but do you think Live Ed is doable at home without driving myself crazy?
Thank you for any insights!
hi sarah,
for first grade math we’re using mathbyhand. it’s a hands-on waldorf math curriculum that is easy to prep, as it comes as a kit and it’s great fun to do!
danja
I hadn’t heard of Math by Hand, Danja. Thanks for sharing! I checked out their website: http://www.mathbyhand.com/wp/about/ and was impressed by the author’s credentials. Marin Lipowitz is a trained and experienced Waldorf teacher with a California public school teaching credential.
Looks like a great program. Wish it had been around when I was a homeschooler! We used Singapore Math Singapore Math, which isn’t specifically Waldorf, but approaches math in a similar way — from the whole to the parts. My kids enjoyed it more than other math programs we tried, and when they finally went back to school, were ahead of most their classmates in terms of math skills.
Sarah,
I am looking for a used Math By Hand curriculum for 2nd and 3rd grade. By chance, do you still have the lessons and teacher guides? I think we can put together all of the craft materials with what we already have. Thanks!
I’m sorry, Molly, but I do not have a used Math by Hand curriculum. It’s not a curriculum I have ever used or referenced. I hope that something turns up on Google for you. Sorry I can’t be of more help.
Do you have a review of the Waldorf Essentials program by Melisa Nielsen?
thank you.
Thanks for this post–it made me smile. I’m using Live Education with my daughter for the third year in a row (she’s in 2nd grade). We started with the kindergarten, which was a wonderful guide to rhythm and rhyme and story with no real “schooling.” So really, this is the second year of real Main Lesson prep. It is intense, and although I love it, I do feel like to try to do everything they suggest would be the full-time job of a professional teacher in a separate school, verses a homeschooling mother at home. My younger son will start homeschooling next year, and the thought of doubling my work load makes my heart sink. I’m up late enough as it is with chalk on my hands prepping for the next day’s lessons.
I have two thoughts about Christopherus vs. Live Ed. Being from southwest Wisconsin, where Christopherus is based, I was familiar with it and started with some of their overviews and publications. I agree with you about Donna’s approach. It’s totally geared toward the home schooler. I love (and use constantly) her “Joyful Movement” book and recommend it to everyone! For someone like me, however, who was a total Waldorf novice, I felt like her guides didn’t give me enough direct instruction. I felt like she was so steeped in WE that she may have taken some things for granted (I didn’t know “math squirrels” from “math gnomes” from anything!). So anyway, I chose the more detailed Live Ed for that reason. Now that I know my way around WE a bit more, I’m leaning back toward Donna’s approach. I may be making a switch for next year.
The second thought I had, though, was that Live Education comes with free consultations with an experienced Waldorf teacher. My consultant has taught in a home setting for years and has been really helpful in guiding me through setting priorities and being more realistic in terms of the sheer volume of information presented in the LE curriculum.
Basically I can recommend them both and say that they are both wonderful (and difficult) in different ways.
I never knew there were actual Waldorf curriculums for homeschooling. I love the nurturing creative aspects of it. I have been homeschooling for over six years. Any ideas about transitioning ? What about 8th grade and over ?
Would like to avoid religious curriculums.
Sarah,
Thank you for the information! Our little one is two and we plan on homeschooling. We are inspired by what we know of Waldorf so far and also inspired by some books by John Holt.
I feel drawn towards the Christopherus Homeschool Resources that you mentioned.
Love,
Taryn
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for these informational videos. I am new to the journey of Waldorf and Homeschooling. I have a 3 and 5 year old.
I have over 20 years of experience as an educator with both the public schools and montessori programs. However,after the birth of my second child something drew me into Waldorf and I am so grateful.
We have no Waldorf style programs here in Key West, FL. However, I am reading whatever I can and was finally able to visit a beautiful homeschool preschool in Sedona, Arizona while visiting my sister.
I am now staying at home with my children while partnering with my husband to run our small restaurant. Our lives are busy, but we are both very committed to homeschooling our children.
I bought the Oak Meadow syllubus for Kindergarten but I was disappointed as I attempted it, it didn’t resonate enough with me to commit to it. I thought maybe Waldorf was not the direction I wanted to go. When I heard your video it sorta gave me permission to look elsewhere and shelf that curriculm. I am frustrated however, most programs don’t allow you to preview items before purchase.
For us, I feel the Waldorf program (based on a brief visit to a preschool and various readings) really captures what I feel like education has been missing. It sorta gives me permission to stop and really focus on the spirit within. PHEW! Thank goodness for Waldorf and also for the awareness I continue to gain. Please continue to post these informational videos and any readings you recommend.
It is impossible for me to leave my children and our business to travel to be “waldorf trained” so my trainings are all self lead. I think our community would gravitate towards a program like this, but right now I need to focus on my children and our family and our business. Do you know of any books/websites on self lead Waldorf teacher training?
Namaste
Heather
Heather, if you click on the “Bookstore” link at the top of this page, you will find my personal book recommendations related to Waldorf education. Read as many of them as you can, and you will be well on your way to a deeper understanding of Waldorf methods and philosophy!
This is our fourth/fifth year homeschooling and I have ages 8, 6 and 3. I have listened to the CDs from Waldorf in the Home and loved them. I’ll include the link to one here, one about gardening with young children, but you can search for all CDs and pick the ones that look interesting to you. Very helpful and informative. I have enjoyed some of the Lifeways CDs, especially Homemaking 101, but it looks like their site is undergoing maintenance right now. We are trying to incorporate more Waldorf elements a bit at a time as I can manage it! 🙂 Here’s the link to the CD http://www.storewaldorfinthehome.org/product_p/vaw12.htm
Waldorf in the Home is another great resource, Charity. So glad you mentioned it! It is the website of Rahima Baldwin Dancy, who is no relation, but we are fellow board members of LifeWays North America. Rahima is also the author of the book You Are Your Child’s First Teacher, which has recently been re-published as an updated edition. This book was my introduction to Waldorf education, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. Coming soon to Bella Luna Toys!
Thank you for the information on homeschool curriculum. We have a few books from Christopherus and like them very much. I like how the detail included in it.
Also, my daughter and I watched this and really like your glasses. Would you care to tell us who makes the frames or where you found them? Thank you!!
Sarah, what would be a good resource for an established homeschooler to learn more about the Waldorf philosophy? You mention that some established ‘waldorf flavored’ curriculum deviate from classic pacing and approach. What would be the best place to begin familiarizing myself with what a ‘purist approach’ would look like? Your passion is inspiring, thank you for sharing it with us.
Hello Emily,
May I suggest to start with reading a book called: “Waldorf Education – A Family Guide” by Pamela J.Fenner.
This book does not explain in every detail what this education style is about but it does lay out what Waldorf education teaches in each grade and why. It also covers the importance of rhythm, festivals and some developmental stages that children go through, it has very good information to start out with.
After that your best option would be to read some of the simpler texts by Rudolf Steiner himself like : “The Education of the Child” and “Practical Advice to teachers” both are found for free online and can be downloaded. Check out the Rudolf Steiner Library as well, lots and lots of stuff to read there.
Another good resource that stays very true to Steiner’s philosophy is Carrie’s blog http://theparentingpassageway.com/, as well as Donna Simmons, she has quite a few articles on her web site.
If you need more info., there are lots of links from there on.
Hope this helps!
Maggie
Maggie, thank you for beating me to it and recommending “Waldorf Education: A Family Guide” to Emily. Exactly what I would have recommended!
We now have this wonderful book in stock at Bella Luna Toys. Just need to get it listed on the website along with all of our other new products.
Anyone interested in this great overview of Waldorf education can give us a call at 888-438-1299.
Sarah-
I can’t thank you enough for your spirit, passion for and dedication to children- I LOVE your videos and this was so helpful. Any thoughts on Waldorf Essentials/A Little Garden Flower? I recently purchased an Oak Meadow Kindergarten curriculum for my 6yo and I agree with previous posts- it just isn’t resonating for us right now. So we’re now looking towards Christopherus and Live as possibilities for first grade, but have also heard good things about Waldorf Essentials. Would love your thoughts to add to the mix.
Jaime, I’m not personally familiar with Waldorf Essentials, but I’m hearing from many readers/viewers that they love it.
Again, whatever lights your fire and inspires your homeschooling is the right curriculum for you!
just starting out homeschooling with my preK daughter in England. Looked at Waldorf a little bit and have seen some things that I like. particularly the stories, rhymes and verses aspect of teaching a subject. I am finding it quite tricky to find curriculums to use in the UK and books with these stories and verses that are so often referred to in Waldorf education advice.
Hi Holly
Just wondered how your home educating is going now? I’d love to know. I want to start home educating my 3 yr old with a Waldorf influence and am looking around for the best curriculum to follow. Everything seems to be US based and shipping is expensive!
hi holly,
http://www.florisbooks.co.uk. and http://www.wynstonespress.com. are uk-based. also, i found many books i was looking for on amazon.uk or bookdepository.uk.
as for a preK curriculum do look at http://www.christopherushomeschool.com. the shipping rates are quite good now.
warmly,
dani (switzerland)
Dear Sarah,
I was going toward enrolling in Oak Meadow’s virtual school, so I appreciated hearing your point of view!
The closest Waldorf School is a 45 minute commute, and we’ve commuted for early childhood part-time, but full-time feels like too much(distance wise), so I’m considering homeschooling our 6 yr. old daughter.
Anyway, thank you. This helped me so much – your experiences and the questions you offered for viewers. I love Waldorf and the underlying philosophies of Steiner, so I don’t want a “watered down” version.
I don’t know where else I would have found this kind of information. I’m sharing it with others who are asking similar questions.
in gratitude,
~Cheryl in Kansas City, MO
Hi Sarah,
I would just like to chime in on this topic, after having just finished my first year in a Waldorf Teacher Training for Early Childhood, while simultaneously finishing my first year in Waldorf Essentials’ Feeling, Thinking, Willing program. I also have been a private music instructor for the past 12 years and was a licensed Kindermusik educator. This year I participated in both the Thinking, Feeling, Willing and formal Teacher Training programs because, while it is my dream to be a Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher, I am still not certain what I will choose for my own children – will I stay home with them and homeschool, or send them to a Waldorf School? I still have some time to decide, and therefore enrolled in both programs.
I can say after a year in both programs that, although Melisa Nielsen, the founder of Waldorf Essentials, may not be a certified teacher or have completed a formal Waldorf teacher training, she is very much a student of Rudolf Steiner. She has spent years of her life studying the works of Steiner and reading his lectures, practicing inner work, and homeschooling her own 5 children. I am amazed by how closely her program echoes what I learn in my teacher training, and in how much greater depth she sometimes goes. It is an amazingly supportive program, especially where inner work is concerned, and she also offers video tutorials for handwork, an in-depth discussion of the curriculum, planning, etc. I highly regard her work, and I think that it should be given consideration by anyone considering homeschooling their children in the Waldorf method.
Additionally, I find her program to be much more reasonably priced than some of the other Waldorf homeschool curricula created by trained Waldorf teachers. There are very many parents who want a Waldorf education for their children, yet do not have the financial resources to afford the education. Yet some of the homeschool curriculums are prohibitively expensive, especially for parents of multiple children, teaching multiple grades simultaneously. Melisa takes this into consideration and has priced her curricula accordingly. I really do recommend the program!
homeschooling is definitely the way to go, even here in France. Montessori also offers a very good way for this and youtube offers thousands videos about it ..
I am new to homeschool and this was our first year but I must say I felt like I didn’t quite enjoy it. The regiment of workbooks and stuff make it hard to enjoy life and each other in the process. Now I know Waldorf is more laid back and I love that. But I have to say I have zero imagination bone in my body and it seems you sorta need that for waldorf. In viewing all the resources I was intrigued by OakMeadow because it seemed everything was laid out and explained. Yet with it not being true waldorf between the 2 other choices you put which do you suggest would be a better fit for me? Also is math and grammar included??? And if there was a possibility that pure waldorf wasn’t a fit for us is there a book or resources that would help me to learn to incorporate Waldorf into my more traditional homeschool?
Hi Aditty,
If you want everything laid out for you, you might really enjoy Oak Meadow. I know a lot of homeschoolers who do. It’s been around a long time and is a solid curriculum. As a homeschooler, you have the luxury to pick and choose from the wide variety of curricula that exists, and find what works for you and your family. Math and grammar are included in all the resources I recommended. I happened to like Singapore Math, which is not Waldorf, but worked for my kids. Even though the books had cartoon-y illustrations, I found that the way math was introduced and presented, was very much in keeping with Waldorf philosophy. Another great resource for Waldorf homeschoolers that I failed to mention in my video is Eugene Schwartz’s Millennial Child.
Eugene Schwartz was the director of teacher training while I was at Sunbridge College, and is a leading authority on Waldorf education. He has turned his efforts in recent years to creating materials for homeschoolers.
Explore all your options, trust your instincts, and choose what feels right to YOU.
Hello Sarah and others,
I have homeschooled with Christopherus for two years now. I got a bit confused and felt lost last year when we started 6th grade. We did fine with History and Geometry, but I wished there was a bit more parent guidance from Christopherus where physics and arithmetic is concerned. I spend so much money finding other resources! This year, I have so far purchased both 3rd grade and 7th grade Waldorf Essentials, but have also talked to Live Education’s Rainbow Rosenbloom. Has anyone any input? I currently homeschool 3 out of my 5 kids. Does anyone else have experience with Live Ed? I know Sarah, you loved Christopherus. I have also looked into Oak Meadow, but right now that is at the bottom of my list. I would appreciate any input, though I know I will have to go what my heart tells me. Thank you!
Hello Iria,
I just came across your post from last year, and I am wondering how things worked out with you? I am in a similar boat – homeschool 4 of my 5 kids, used Christopherus for 2 years and thought it was great as a spine, but felt like there was not nearly enough guidance for me. I spent TONS of time and money building my ideal curriculum and embellishing from other resources. This year, trying to find something more achievable, I spoke with Rainbow at Live Ed but I felt such rigidity (maybe just a purist approach that I don’t think I realistically can do with 5 kids who are 5 years apart top to bottom!) I recently checked into Waldorf Essentials but hesitate because I want solid academics, and my oldest is 13 so would need something more. Just curious how you made out!
I have been going back and forth on Waldorf’s way of living and I guess Im wondering if there is a way you can sorta incorporate Waldorf aspect to your homeschooling plan. If so how would you do that(which subjects would you incorporate it to, etc…) Also how did you do the switch from normal everyday common life to a more Waldorf style and how did you help your kids transition? We are a very technology/city living type of family. I cant sew, bake, garden etc.. to save my life. We have never been camping or to a lake etc… My kid doesnt really like the outdoors and prefers to play with her many toys or electronics. The tv is always on in our house, etc.. I know our life is very much chaotic and even though my kid is 6 I do hope it isnt too late to change our life so she can benefit for a more easier, simpler, more present life. So can you do a post or give me a list of books that might enlighten me since Waldorf is all so very much overwhelming or maybe just explain how it all started with you and how you began your changes. Thanks in advance
hi there, i started out by listening to the expos at http://www.waldorfconnection.com. From there i discovered http://www.christopherushomeschool.org (curriculum, but also articles and audios) and then i signed up for the program at http://www.celebratetherhythmoflife.com. These resources were the beginning of our journey and i can highly recommend them.
Any advice on how to homeschool different ages? If there are two in grade 1 and one is still a preschooler how do you meet both needs ?
Thanks!
Since two are in the same grade, it should be fairly easy. No need to prepare two different lesson plans. Your preschooler doesn’t need a curriculum. (See my guest post on homeschooling preschoolers for the blog SimpleHomeschool: “LIFE is the Curriculum” on this topic.) He or she is learning all the time by taking in the world and being present in the household day-to-day activities, including homeschooling the older children.
Thank you Sarah! I guess I was worried about the younger child learning too early because he will be with us. Is there ever a concern that he’ll be too far ahead (just by absorbing what he hears…not because I’m going to do lesson blocks with him) and then will lose his zest for learning when he reaches 1st grade? Or is this a silly worry ? 🙂
He will take in now what he will at his level of understanding. If you revisit the same topic later when he is first-grade ready, he will see the material in a whole new way with his first-grade eyes.
Rudolf Steiner stressed the importance of introducing topics then “letting them go to sleep.” When new ideas are introduced then lie dormant for a while before being revisited later, they usually take on a whole new meaning and level of depth.
As long as you always fuel your children’s natural curiosity, they will never lose their zest for learning!
Thank you Sarah for your quick and helpful response!
Hi Sarah! I am looking at starting to homeschool using the Oak Meadow K-curriculum. Since this is our first foray into homeschooling, I feel like the done for you structure will be beneficial to our success.
I noticed you mention that you also used Singapore Math, and I am thinking of doing the same. I just don’t want to overload the academics in the beginning. Is this something that a kindergartener will actually enjoy? My child is curious and intelligent but also stubborn if she feels things are being forced upon her!
I also was wondering if you had any recommendations for supplemental science. I came across the “Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding” guide and, while it’s not Waldorf, it appears very hands on and something that would be exciting, exploratory, and fun. Are you familiar with this program?
Thanks for creating such an excellent resource and for responding to replies on an older posting!
Hi Lee,
Thanks for your comment!
I loved Singapore Math, and my kids did, too, but as a Waldorf teacher, I would not introduce formal math learning to a kindergarten-age child. She will learn all the math she needs in real life. When you’re cooking, you can have her measure ingredients, count the number of cups, teaspoons, eggs, etc, to add. Count the number of place settings when setting the table. Count the number of apples you pick from the tree, or berries from the bushes. How many are left when you eat two?
Practicing counting while moving is a way to help a child memorize and aid learning. Try counting games while jumping rope, or while clapping during circle time.
This is real life learning that serves a purpose, and is not just abstract numbers that have no meaning for a young child. By incorporating counting and math lessons in real life, your daughter will be well-prepared for beginning math lessons when she is first-grade-ready. Pushing workbooks on children whose brains are not yet ready for this type of learning (typically around the age of seven) can cause a child needless stress and anxiety and turn them off to learning, or lead to a life-long belief that she is not good at math.
I am not familiar with “Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding.” When we studied science at home, we read a lot of biographies of famous scientists, visited science museums, and spent much time observing nature and writing in nature journals. I can also highly recommend From Nature Stories to Natural Science: A Holistic Guide Approach to Science for Families by Donna Simmons of Christopherus Homeschool Resources.
Warm wishes on your homeschooling journey!
Lee,
Before I would buy a curriculum, especially for the early years, you should check out the Waldorf home educators group at yahoo: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/waldorfhomeeducators/info
Marsha Johnson is a longstanding Waldorf teacher with many years of experience. What she has to say is of great value when it come to Waldorf education, and the best part the information is free! She has loads of files on her group that include layouts for each grade at a Waldorf school made for the home environment, including when to teach what and how.
Here is the link directly to the files: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/waldorfhomeeducators/files
Read those files before buying anything, – loads of great info there!
Maggie
I agree that Marsha Johnson’s website is full of great information, and Marsha is a highly qualified Waldorf teacher. Her website is an invaluable resource! Thank you, Maggie, for sharing.
Hi Sarah- I have always been drawn to Singapore Math, and your preference for it makes it even more appealing! Since I am new to a structured homeschool schedule (this will be 1st grade for my son) does it make sense to follow the Christopherus Curriculum, and add in Singapore Math? Or would I just not use the math out of Christopherus and only do Singapore? Thank you in advance!
Hi Holly. I would suggest trying both and seeing which one feels like a better fit. You might prefer one over the other, or find a way to incorporate both. Trust your instinct and do what works for you and your child.
Thank you for this. I was a very helpful video.
Hi Sarah,
Would you have any information or advise on homeschool curriculum from Earthschooling by the BEarth Institute? ANY and ALL comments would be greatly appreciated! I am trying to make a final decision for my first year and would love your input.
With Kindness,
Christie
Dear Sarah, I am so thankful I found your site and listened to your recommendations. This is our first year of Home schooling. Our daughter has been in the Detroit Waldorf School for the last 8 years. She has severe dyslexia and dyscalculia She is now entering 7th grade. Her original teacher left when she was in 5th grade (it is a split class). If her original teacher had stayed we would have continued. Instead the 6/7th grade class was given a brand new teacher who just graduated from Waldorf teacher education training. She taught more 7th grade work instead of 6th. I had many meetings with her to discuss and plan what Leilah requires additional assistance in and how it has worked in the past. It wasn’t a good year. My husband and I did most of the teaching last year. Our daughter is very bright with a high i.q. After last year’s fiasco we decided it was time to home school. We looked at Oak Meadows and felt the same way, a lot of money for a structured curriculum. We found piece it together yourself sites but were not traditional Waldorf. When we found Live Education, we were ready to go with them. Once I submitted the required survey and paid the $35 dollars in late June 2015 I never heard from then. I have tried, unsuccessfully, to reach them and they have never returned an email or phone message. Then after watching your review of several sights and finding Christopherus everything is coming together. I was very involved in not only her classroom but the school in general. So knowing how dd learns and how to teach the way she learns is on my side. We are in process of reading their website and curriculum for main lesson, we are going to pick out what we need from their website and the amazon site. Thank you so much for sharing your story and being honest in your reviews, we are now on our way to getting the 2015 – 2016 school year together and on it’s way.
Hi Sara, Thank you very much for this information! I am homeschooling my 5 1/2 year old and this year we started kindergarten. I understand that Waldorf education does not teach numbers and letters and reading until age 6, however, my child has really embraced learning these academics.I would like to incorporate these as well as beginning Waldorf methods and transitions into our life as well as school. Could you please recommend a book that will help us with the very beginnings of Waldorf methods as well as a curriculum that embraces some academics?
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for posting such a helpful video, I stumbled across it while researching transitioning kids from public school to Waldorf homeschool. My kiddos are currently 5.5 and 7 and were in a mixed K/1st grade classroom (very small rural school). I’m sort of floundering here, mid-year, trying to figure out where to go. I believe that with the age specific philosphy of Waldorf that our daughter (5.5) should probably only be in pre-k, but she is so incredibly bright that her teacher was planning on moving her from K up to 2nd grade next year. How would such things be handled with Waldorf methods? I was originally looking at Oak Meadow, but after doing some more research I’m leaning toward Christopherus. I don’t want to discourage or restrict her desire to learn (she begs to do school work even outside of school time), but I also want to make sure she’s doing school in age appropriate ways if that makes sense. Also, with our son (7) he is easily frustrated by the more mainstream schooling methods and while he’s doing well, I don’t want him to continue being frustrated because he was very excited to be doing school at home. Long question short, I guess, do you have any suggestions on how to approach doing Waldorf homeschool with two kids who are academically at the same place but age-wise they are 20 months apart and starting mid-year? Thanks in advance!
Hello, I’m glad I happened across your blog! I am beginning my first year of homeschool with my 4 1/2 year old son. Traditionally, he’d be starting pre-k. My husband and I have been having trouble deciding on what curriculum to use. First, it was Sonlight. Heavy on literature. I love the idea of receiving many books! Next, we liked Oak Meadow. It seems so hands-on with an emphasis on nature and creativity. I was reading more about it and I was somewhat afraid because there didn’t seem to be any type of schedule or daily calendar. I prefer a curriculum with some type of daily checklist for myself. Then, we found Timberdoodle. It seems perfect. Everything you could possibly need for teaching all subjects throughout the school year! Now, I’ve taken an online assessment to see what type of homeschool method might work best for us and scored highest on Waldorf and Montessori. I skimmed the Christopherus site and somehow found your blog where you mentioned it along with Oak Meadow. My mind is going in a million different places. We plan on starting school in September so I need to make a decision. Waldorf seems perfect for us but I just need some direction. I’m not a planner (which makes my husband nervous and rightfully so). I feel more confident with a plan for each day we’re schooling. Any advice? Thank you!
Hi Tara, thanks for your comment! It is terribly confusing, isn’t it? There are so many choices of homeschooling curricula out there!
My advice is to trust your your instincts, and choose the curriculum that calls to your heart. A mother’s instinct rarely lies. That said, my feeling is that your 4 1/2-year-old doesn’t need a curriculum. At this age LIFE is the curriculum!
3- to 5-year-olds should be spending their days engaged in PLAY and imagination. Imagination is the key to creative thinking later in life, and children who spend plenty of time during their early years deeply engaged in imaginative play will grow up to be the future innovators and creators in our society. Children are programmed to learn and will learn all they need to know during these years through the time they spend in play, as well as through helping with the daily chores and activities of life and at home.
You might find it helpful to read the article I wrote for the blog Simple Home School called “Homeschooling Preschoolers: Life is the Curriculum.” Best of luck to you and enjoy these magical years!
Hi Sarah!
My husband, three year old and I relocated to Vermont a couple years ago and I was wondering if you may have any input on connecting with other like minded homeschooling parents in our area? We live in the country and my child is very enriched in nature, life with animals farm and otherwise but doesn’t really spend time with other children her age is this something I should be concerned about? Thanks so much
Warmly
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
When I was homeschooling my boys, we lived on a farm in a very rural area and I know how challenging it can be to find socializing opportunities for your kids when homeschooling.
Are you using a purchased homeschool curriculum? If so, then the publisher of your material will likely have lists of other families in your area using the same material. If not, does your state or county have a homeschool support organization? They might also be able to help you connect with other families. Other than that, you could put up signs at your local food co-op or library announcing that you are looking for other homeschooling families to connect with. Keep your ears open and ask around!
Warm wishes to you on your parenting and homeschooling journey.
Sarah
Hi, I found this super helpful but was wondering if anyone could share feedback on which curriculum has best worked out for their child with special needs. Ive looked into all of them and they are all great in their own way. My dilema is that my dd is all over the charts with her development. So far Ive been putting it all together on my own. We just started finger knitting and she’s been using alot of the pencils and crayons and using art as a means to narrate and put together main lessons that i have selected more by interest than development. Having other children this has become too time consuming and I am looking for a curriculum that can guide me on topic study and how to be more organzied on how a lesson is introduced and carried out throughout the week. Im afraid to spend $400 + and not end up with the information i need. Some have adviced I keep her on grade level but modify topics to her ability and yet others advice i customize her curriculum. I dont need a day to day break down, more of guidance on how to pull it all together.. what should be in a main lesson book when and how often do they work on them.. how to intertwine it all together but have it be appropriate.. for example, i took the adivice to stay on grade level last year (5th) and the main lessons were on Ancient Civilizations.. she was totally not ready for that topic and so the curriculum just sat on my shelf.. From reviewing scope and sequences .. she seems to be ready for human and animal lesson, she is at a 3rd grade reading level for LA, Math she is just now mastering addition and subtraction and introduced multiplication (we use Math U See)… Sorry for the rant.. Any feedback is helpful 🙂
Hi Sarah, I understand this is an old post and only hope that comments will still come through. I am (understandably) overwhelmed by all of the Waldorf based home school curriculums out there, and am leaning toward The Bearth Institute and Earthschooling. There are pro’s and con’s. I like that I can purchase K-8 for one solid price. I like that there are extras like teaching herbalism to children and also a wildlife curricula. However, having not purchased it YET, I’m nervous as to how much time I’ll actually have to spend online with tutorials and lesson plans. One of the things that I appreciate about the Christopherus Curriculum is that they actually provide books that I can hold in my hand. Purchasing year after year, and whatever extra’s to complement those years however, comes with a heavy price tag. I want to learn with my children, but do not want to spend endless amounts of time learning how to teach them. I want things to flow in a peaceful and organic manner, but still require some sort of organized and planned curriculum to navigate these tricky waters of homeschooling. I’m new to this and though I know I don’t have to be perfect, I want to enjoy the process so that that will come through to them in the best way possible. Have you reviewed The Bearth Institute? I’d be so grateful to hear your thoughts.
HI,
This will be my first year homeschooling my special needs son 7 , my twins 8 and my oldest 12. I really like the Waldorf methods but I am overwhelmed with my search for curriculum. Do you have a suggestion for a curriculum that is easy to follow and won’t take me hours a day with all the childrens grade levels?
Hi Sabrina,
Sorry for the delay in answering your question. The curriculum that I most often recommend is Christopherus Homeschool Resources, which in my experience homeschooling, was both realistic and easy to accomplish while homeschooling three different ages, but also firmly rooted in Waldorf philosophy.
You can learn more at https://www.christopherushomeschool.com .
Hope this helps, and good luck on the journey!
Sarah
Hello Sarah,
Super website. My son is at a waldorf school grade 4, this year. My daughter is 3, loves to go to nursery because she has watched her brother go to school and loves to do whatever he does, naturally. I have always tossed homeschooling around but not sure if I can hack it. I assume homeschooling children spend less time each day doing school work than the amount of time they would going to school from 8:15 – 3:00pm. – is this true and how many hours do they spend doing homeschooling work each day or week? And how much time does it take a mom to prepare for home schooling each day (just a rough estimate) I realize this can vary depending on the personal child and mother/father. Or perhaps where can I look to find this info.
Hi Coral. Thanks for your question. Because so much of a school day is spent in transition–going from class-to-class, going outside, coming inside, going to the bathroom, breaking for lunch, etc. much learning time is lost. Homeschoolers can get more learning in in less time than their public school classmates. Each family differs, but a lot of learning can be done in about four hours a day. There is a lot more time available for field trips and real life activities in which kids are always learning.
How much time is spent in preparation varies widely depending on the curriculum and method being used–from an hour or two daily if you are using a more highly structure curriculum to very little preparation if you are an “unschooled.”
Your best sources for information are homeschooling websites, and the sites offering various curricula. Hope this helps!
Hi Sarah!
I’ve been using Live Ed and feel so burned out! Your review is spot on regarding Live Ed and Oak Meadow. I’m currently looking at earthschooling or BEarth. Are you familiar? I would love to hear your thoughts! I’m also looking in to Christopherus based on your recommendation. Thank you for any thoughts that you might have!
Dear Sarah, I was wondering if you had any reviews on BEarth Schooling? I know how much you like Chrostoherusn but I’m going back and forth on these 2.
I need it to be simple to follow and be taken by the hand.
I’ve been using Waldorf Essential but it is very teacher intensive and exhausting. I don’t have the time to plan out the lessons.
Thank you so much for your help!