Our Waldorf Homeschool Journey

StJohn started learning his letters today. I use Rudolph Steiners Waldorf method of teaching. I teach the letters, one at a time, for 3 days each starting with K. It’s not the usual abc, all the consonants are done first in a certain order.

We did K, today, and how we do this is through a story. I have a book of stories that I wrote for Juliette Marie, 1 story for each letter, that is making my lesson plans for StJohn so much easier.

The idea is to make up a story using as many K’s as possible, and making each letter an object or person. As you do this you grab their imagination and run with it. Tell them about the smells, sounds, sights and sounds. K for us is King Kyle, he is the King of Letterland, and loves to eat Kippers. His favourite treat is Kit Kat Chocolate. I introduce King Kyle, and then we go with him on a journey through letterland to discover all the letters.

You’ll see as we go, you’ll meet Henry the Horse, Lolly the Leopard, and Michelle the Mouse who lives at the foot of the Mountain and loves to eat mangoes. I drew a picture of the letter K onto the board last night, and turned it into a king, with a smiling face, a crown and some boots, and a sword in his waving arm! Once I’ve told StJohn the story he then gets to draw King Kyle, any way he likes. As he does this I teach him the correct way to write a K. We practice this over and over again, by holding his hand and drawing together, on huge sheets of paper.

Once the drawing is done, we then got the playdough out and he made K’s out of playdough. Again incorporating all his senses into the lesson. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the park and make K’s out of stones and sticks. Then we’ll come home and draw K’s in a plate of cinnamon. On Wednesday we’ll bake cupcakes for Bakers Day and ice them with K’s. During the day, at odd times, I write on his back or forehead or arm with my finger. K’s K’s K’s. Again incorporating all his sense.

On Wednesday, he’ll also draw a K with his feet!

This method works so well if used properly. I’ve seen Rudolph Steiners method trashed by supposed Waldorf teachers, everyones’ spin on it is different. When I started Homeschooling Juliette, I had to go back to the beginning of Grade 1, as the foundation stage hadn’t been done properly. Well I got so many different interpretations of the “Waldorf” way. That I ended up ordering the translations of his books and studying them – I’m a firm believer in straight from the horses mouth!

Well that was StJohn’s first letters lesson. He loved it, it is such a joy to teach Grade 1. They’re so enthusiastic and eager to learn. That’s what I love about Homeschooling, you’re able to maintain that enthusiasm.

When StJohn packed all his papers, and crayons away, at the end of his schoolday, he turned to me and said, “I can’t wait for school tomorrow!”

Can you feel that warm glow? Yeah that’s coming from me. I love Homeschooling!!!!

Blessings to you and yours,

Susan

Filed under: Homeschool on July 9th, 2007