Our Waldorf Homeschool Journey

Hi Everyone,

As you know if you’ve visited before the curriculum we use for StJohn is Waldorf based and this year I moved Juliette from a Waldorf Curriculum to Clonard, a more academic curriculum.

The main reason for doing this was that she insisted she wished to go to University to study to become a Vet. And in my worry that she wouldn’t gain entrance if she was taught a Waldorf curriculum, I went with the academic curriculum.

Now the thing is Juliette seems to enjoy the work, especially the Maths and Science. My problem is I miss Waldorf. I’m finding it virtually impossible to incorporate any Waldorf ways and teaching methods with a rigid curriculum.

I’ve made the decision to go back to Waldorf for Grade 5. Our home feels more peaceful, there is a fluid movement within each day when we teach using pure Waldorf methods. Waldorf for me isn’t just about school, it becomes a lifestyle. It affects the way you discipline, the way you motivate your children. The way you view the planet changes. The decisions you make throughout the day are different.

We’ve moved away from so much that meant the world to me and I cannot do it any longer. I need to teach what I believe in, isn’t that the point of homeschooling? Passing on a belief system as well as an education?

I know a lot of people don’t like the Waldorf curriculum but that’s their choice. One awful woman said to me,”It’s time Waldorf packed it’s bags and moved out!”

I need to do what I think is right not only for the kids, but for our family. I’m trying to squeeze in our homesteading principles around school, instead of being able to incorporate them naturally into our day.

It stops now. I’m deciding between two different curriculum providers at the moment. One is South African and the other Live-Ed.

Thank you all for always visiting. You’ll see I’ve added a “Books I’m reading at the moment” section at the top of the page. I’ll change it as and when I find a book that I’m reading is worth sharing. The one at the moment is AWESOME. It’s been described as a must read for all Waldorf parents. The author answers most questions about Waldorf Education, from a pure Steiner point of view. If you are able to get it, read it!

Blessings, Sue. xx

Filed under: Homeschool on September 7th, 2008