Waldorf is a Cool School

I have just looked into Waldorf schools recently after having discovered it a few years ago. I went to the library and borrowed all the books they had on that particular subject, and as I read through the first book, I realized that our lifestyle parallels the way things are taught in those schools. Waldorf is a growing private school, spreading internationally. These schools are a little pricey, but you can qualify for up to 50% off and the education is very unique.

Waldorf is all about nurturing children throughout the grades toward their ultimate freedom as they go off into the world, which is the theme of 12th grade (Freedom). They are constantly doing hands-on activities with beeswax sculpting and art and wood-working and gardening and..... Well it varies from grade to grade precisely what they are ready for at that point in their physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental development. They do a lot of work with literature, hands-on math and science, music, handi-work, and of course different art forms. In Kindergarten, children are focused on color and imitation drawing, and by the upper grades, children have extremely excellent art skills to be used in all subjects. Instead of labeling a handout, they draw everything and design the format. What a better way to retain the form of something in chemisty or physics or ancient history, than to actually create the scene or object in great detail from within you own mind in accordance to what you have learned.

Children learn knitting (stimulates intellectual development), constantly working with others, Spanish and German, drama (used as a tool for learning, literacy (not just basic reading), eurythmy (expressive dance - both curative/therapuetic and artistic), humanism... the list goes on.

Kindergarteners start their days off with creative free play, which simulates the world around him/her. Putting toys away helps children care for their environment and everything/one it it. Every day songs are sung, including nature selections, which help children build a natural relationship with nature. Students learn to paint and bake, crayon pictures of rainbows, and model with brightly colored beeswax. Essentially, the young child imitates everything in his environment including his/her teacher. Their toys, their books, the color of the room and clothing, the type of food, the speech they hear, the songs they sing - these are all critical to a love of learning and an appretiation for art and beauty. Beyond that, children develop a feeling of love and warmth with their peers and their teacher in their home-like classroom. They form a home away from home, a sort of a second family. They will all be together, teacher included, through eighth grade. So much more is taught as the grades progress, but it is just too much to get into each individual grade.

By eighth grade, children have a well-rounded view of human life and the universe as a whole. Elementary school gives children an understanding of humanity and the world they live in, engaging their hearts and wills, as well as their minds. Eighth grade brings this all to a new peak. History is intensly studied from the industrial revolution to the present, focusing on outstanding people as Lincoln, Jefferson, Edison in American history and great figures like Ghandi, Albert Schweizer, MLK and others from the 20th century. Geography and geology are heavily tied in to curriculum, as well. Physics lessons are tied into those historical and geographical surveys. Also, thermodynamics, acoustics, mechanics, climate, electricity, magnetism, hydraulics, aerodynamics, and meteorology and ecology are included, too. Chemistry is also touched on. Organic chemistry and the identifying of fats, sugars, proteins, and starches are both included. Mathematics works with the importance of practical applications of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. Human physiology is closely looked at, between the muscular system, skeletal system, and the senses. Literature focuses on human freedom in short essays, letters and shakespearean drama. Foreign language continues and music takes up Elizabethan music, American music, and symphonic form. Eurythmy compliments other studies through exploration of poems of contrasting moods. Painting is now concerned with highlights and shadows. Machine sewing, darning, artistic hand-sewing, soapstone carving, and carpentry of big projects are all inlcuded in the eighth year.

Twelfth grade studies the following in English: Literature, such as Russian lit, Emerson, Goethe's Faust, contemporary novels, and a review of English skills, word usage, vocabulary, creative writing, independent literature, honors program. The continue the sudy of German and Spanish. Mathematics encompasses trigonometry, analytical geometry, business math, and advanced math topics. Science studies chemistry and physics (optics, color theory and quantam physics), computer science, biology (zoology, evolution). US History covers the development of 19th and 20th century economic theory from the rise of mercantilism til now. World history dives into architecture, modern art, Third World nations, and symptomotology. Music entails performing choir, instruments, performing orchestra, honors program. Arts/crafts include bookbinding, clay, drama, wood working, eurythmy, painting independent study, textiles, honors program, stone carving, graphics, drafting, and architectural drawing. Physical education and computer education are also an important aspect of twelfth grade.

This curriculum was drawn from Waldorf Education: A Family Guide. There are so many interesting aspects of each and every grade, I am so excited to start taking my child there. We are remotely debating the possibility of sending our 5th grader, in hopes this will do him and his behavior some good. Nurturing and a sense of warmth, as well as a highly stimulating environment is what he needs. But we are definitely wanting to send our preschooler when he starts in Kindergarten and 12 month old and perhaps our last addition to the family.....well, that is a little far out to be planning.

We are finally going to be making the move. We will actually be moving about 10 minutes up the mountain, away from the rolling hills filled with large oak trees and to the vast deepness of the tall pines. This house is tucked way in at the end of it's street and only 4 minutes from the freeway. The entrance itself is virtually unseen from the road and the drive in is narrow and shady from the towering trees all around. As the driveway curves, it opens up to a really large black top area and the 2-car garage and house just beyond (this is the first time we have ever had a real garage...yeah!). To the right is a huge log-built carport that could easily house a large RV and a car with a boat attached to the back.... or spaciously park 4 cars underneath. To the left of the generously paved area is the beginning of an expansive treed forest, which expands also down the back of the house. Over there is an unfenced 50 acres, not to mention the 1.3 acres of the property itself. Talk about exploration and hiking! The home has a back deck that is fully covered, and it has a panoramic view of the forest just beyond the open area down below for the kids to run around and roll and play soccer and...

In the front, there is a mini-deck walkway to the front door that we are going to line with bamboo because it has only a 1 and a half foot tall (I am guessing) railing that is asking for someone to trip on it. Inside the doorway is the dining space with pergo flooring(once again, guessing) with the beige-carpeted living room opening at an angle at about 1:00 (directionally speaking) if you are standing at the doorway, where you can completely see the large sliding glass door and the deck and forest beyond. At about 11:00, there is an angled doorway(or archway) where the guest bathroom and the bedrooms (and master bath and walk in closet) are down the hall. To the right, is the opening of the dining area and the kitchen that has newer wooden cabinets and nice appliances (this is cool because we currently have a home with particle board cabinetry, 70's yellow linoleum, and a dishwasher that doesn't work for crap). There is a large pantry and of course the door to the garage. There is not a laundry room in this home, but our last home has a laundry room that is the only house link to the back deck, and furthermore we didn't have a garage. So, having a house with a garage and laundry hookups, without a laundry room works for me..and having a normal slider to the back deck works for me, too.

Anyway, we are pretty excited and half of the house junk is packed. The carport-turned-to-a-garage is going to be the challenge because there are endless building materials, tools, car crap..... We will be moving this weekend and luckily our friend and her husband will be coming to help us out (hey, we need a babysitter and some more muscle power). Let's now just cross our fingers to ensure it won't snow up there this weekend....

Get Involved (Kids and Adults Alike)

Here is a small list of how both adults and their children can participate in giving back to our local and global communities, animals and the environment. This is but a short sample coming from off the top of my head, but there are so many ways of helping out. See if you can find at least one or two things on the list, or an expanded version of your own, that you can do in the near future. The more you give, especially without thanks, the better you feel.

1. Join a local cleanup
2. Donate money to an organization.
3. Walk/run/bike for a cause.
4. Plant trees.
5. Spread wildflower seeds in barren areas.
6. Pick up litter when you see it.
7. Help at a local homeless shelter.
8. Help at a woman's shelter.
9. Help at a wildlife refuge or animal shelter.
10. Landscape a simple and self-sustaining front yard of an old person in need.
11. Donate food to a food bank.
12. Donate your used stuff.
13. Write a letter or an email to local or federal govt. about an issue of concern.
14. Help out at a disaster zone (maybe not with children).
15. Adopt an animal(s).
16. Back off of the water usage. Don't take imbibeable freshwater for granted - it's less than 1% of the Earth's aqua.
17. Compost your leftover food and trimmings.
18. Recycle.
19. Start a garden.
20. Support local farmers.
21. Teach young kids how to care for the environment.
22. Stop buying from places with products mainly from China, like WalMart.
23. Put on a performance for the elderly at an old folks home.
24. Buy a homeless person a thick blanket or dinner (and I don't mean McDonald's crap).
25. If you're awesome enough(I am not), foster or even adopt a child. There are many in need.
26. Stay updated on the latest, from reliable sources, so you know where to stand on issues.
27. Help someone out in public if they could clearly use it.
28. If you can, (I have a fantasy about this, but can't cuz the kids) go to a third world country and help build homes or help distribute food to the starving. This is awesome...
29. Preseve energy - don't have anything plugged in or operating unless necessary at that moment.
30. Paint a mural on an ugly wall in an ugly area. Sort of gives a sense of hope.



There are so many other ways to help this world around us and the world beyond our senses (like we can't possibly fathom what it would be like to live in Ethiopia or Iraq, for instance). So pitch in. Compose your own list of ideas for the future and things with which you already partake. Feel very free to jot down more of your ideas or personal goals in the comments, we would love to hear new ideas or what you are doing to help our Earth as a whole, even on the smallest scale. Every little bit truly helps.

Living Simply: My Top 5

When I say I want to live simply, it's not just a statement, it's actually a brand of thinking and lifestyle. Living simply can be covered eloquently by Henry David Thoreau or laid out plainly by Buddha, and in this day and age it means a whole lot more because there is so much to fight against, societally speaking. It is sort of an anti-consumerist, pro-environmentalist, non-superficial, and no-stress approach to life. This is hard to attain if we are trapped in the cycle of thinking we are what we have. Even with a large family, we can live "richly" and very satisfied with only one income and such an unstable economy. There are endless ways to make your life simpler and less stressful, thus happier. One way to simplify is to start by jotting down the top 5 most important aspects of your life. This was hard for me to be incredibly specific, so I created a more general response to this list and realized this was pretty complete. Everyone's list will be different and unique. Here's mine:

1. Family - The number one focus in my life is my family, namely my husband and children. No matter what else is going on externally, or internally for that matter, they are always first. When you give unconditional love, you actually feel better about yourself and have more love to give naturally. It's a lovely domino effect. There is nothing more beautiful than watching your children bloom from their tender beginning into what they will gradually continue becoming as they ripen and evolve. There is also such beauty in nurturing a long-term relationship between 2 lovers, riding the waves of life's everychanging flow, especially when you share the gift of life together. I can go out and experience so much still, simply by taking my family along with me.

2. Gardening/Nature -This is the second most important thing (probably tied with#3) because this in itself is a celebration of life. Gardening is giving birth to plantlife and food that will then nurture us when eaten. It is keeping humans in touch with nature, the earth, outdoors, fresh air... It creates a healthier person to garden and/or expose onself to nature both physically and mentally, thus more spiritually. Eating organically gardened food obviously promotes physical health, as does being out in nature or in the garden, getting exercise. These also both calm the mind and create a clarity with onself or one's God. We strive to live on an acre of beautiful nature surrounding us, with area to also plant a vegetable garden. It is also much healthier for children to grow up in an environment that involves these components.

3. Yoga/Physical Activity - As mentioned before, this element of my life is equally as important as #2. Yoga is a balanced way to optimize physical and mental health, core strength, and life-changing flexibility and control. I am also one to find the answers from within myself, and yoga enhances this pursuit greatly. Staying active is a wonderful aspect of my life. This includes, dancing, walking on the treadmill, nature hikes, running, playing with the kids.... This is what our body is made for, not to sit around like slugs all the time.

4. Making a Difference - We want to make a difference environmentally and politically, locally and on a global level... We have been donating money for many years to many organizations from saving tibet, to doctors without borders, to nrdc, to save the redwoods, to arbor day foundation to ..... this is only to name a few. We have never been well-off, but still we found some way to support them because we knew of the vast importance. We have been to rally's and signed numerous petitions and sent many letters to officials and tried to spread the word on a number of issues, from McCain/Palin to 9/11 to George W..... We have supported local farmers, we hardly buy things new, we tread lightly on the earth. In fact, we are a family of 5 and still growing, but I guarentee that our family treads more lightly on the earth than most family's of 3 or 4!

5. Creativity - This is quite a broad category because as life progresses, so do people's interests. I was knitting like crazy when I was pregnant with our 3rd son, but now I haven't much time for this as my brain has shifted to other stuff. I love writing (obviously), knitting, sewing, reading, art, dance, drama, music, singing, anything else I can't think of at the moment or that which I haven't yet discovered. Plus, my children demand the opening of a whole different realm of creativity based on individuality and everchanging age. Creativity is very satisfying and soul-reaching. People have lost touch with this as technology and consumerism has prevailed over time.

Compose a list of your top 5, it's a really fun and simple way to put life into perspective.


Namaste

Moving Can Be Very Exciting!

Well, life definitely transform as we drift through it's wavy waters, sometimes soft and serene, sometimes torrentially. It is also in how we percieve the situation at hand. Sometimes negatives do lead to positives that otherwise could not be reached without having undergone the preceding negative.... Actually, I am not really talking about anything specific and horrible at this point in my life, just a little stirring of the waters.

Our landlord comes to us and tells us that his refinancing thing isn't going to work out and that he will have to put it on the market, but not to worry. Okay, dejavu! Our awesome landlords from years ago told us that they would only pick a buyer who would comply with keeping us on as renters when they had no choice but to sell their home. They were serious because they that was our home regardless of ownership. Well, they got someone to comply alright. So, they signed the deal, and Bam! We were told to hit the road. So, we ended up trapped into finding a small, less than mediocre home in the heart of snow hardship! Essentially, I don't really trust the selling owner's word when he and his realtor tell me there is nothing to worry about. Sure, they have good intentions..perhaps...but I am not getting stuck again.

We really like the location of our home and Luke's school nearby, but it is also sort of a hastle. I have hand-washed dishes for the last 2 years for a family of 4/5 people because the dishwasher sucks, we have a leak under the carpet in the master bedroom (luckily no mold issues, yet) and some seeping of water in the ceiling of the bathroom, and the cabinets are all crappy particle board, and the list goes on....It is slightly embarassing and is not too far removed from the appearance of originally being a white trash home (though we keep it nice clean and decorated with plants and cool stuff). There are nice things, though, like the property surrounding is fabulous, and the deck is killer, and I don't have to worry about the children outside....

Ultimately, we wanted to wait for Daniel to get established at a new job before buying a home because he is unofficially working and on unemployment. But, now we don't really want to wait anymore and we truly can't buy a home without a job to show for. So, we have decided to seriously consider renting another home that is better for just as cheap because the market is way lower than 3 years ago when we rented our current home. There is an awesome deal that I won't elaborate on now because I don't want to hex myself and get overly excited over something that could potentially let me down. Basically, we went to see a bigger home in a really cool spot with better features than we have now. If this is something that is a definite, I will report back with more detail. Otherwise, I will keep a lookout.

I love this, though. I am not stressed about moving at all. I feel so organized already, that it will be a simple process of boxing everything up, carrying heavy stuff and light, and that's it. Get a big UHaul and call it a day or two (with a little hopeful babysitting help from a grandparent or something). This is one of those waves that is exciting and for the better as a result of a slightly more negative wave. The only person that it will really affect is Luke, he is really happy at his school :o( . Oh well, he will adapt and rise up. He always does.

Namaste

Family Island Yoga Retreats

I am so giddy right now. I got this idea to look up family yoga retreats (because the likelihood of me being able to leave my family for a week is about the equivalent of pigs flying) and I found one that made me want to sink into the sandy beach of Hawaii forever! The funniest part is that it is still a fantasy for me cuz money is a joke right now and I have a near-10-month-old! Freedom like this is currently not an option, but fun to think about for the future. Below, I didn't write this myself, but I had to post it because it is perfectly written in its description of family yoga island retreats.



"Sivananda Yoga Retreat, Paradise Island, Bahamas
THE VIBE No meat, no salt, no caffeine, no breaking the strict schedule: meditation at 6 a.m., yoga at 8, brunch at 10, yoga at 4 p.m., dinner at 6, meditation at 8. Repeat.
THE SETTING An enclave of brightly painted cabins, gardens, and picnic tables between a bay and a white-sand beach.
WHERE YOU SLEEP In Om Sweet Om or one of the other 53 cabins. (Warning: no private baths.)
THE YOGA Sivananda's set series of postures rarely strays into leg-behind-the-head territory, so the yoga-curious need not be intimidated.
ESPECIALLY FOR FAMILIES Though there are no kids' programs, and no babysitters, youngsters of all ages can (and do) join parents at yoga and meditation classes.
BEYOND YOGA Play on the beach or the basketball and tennis courts; escape a half-mile down the shore to the Atlantis Resort for a cheeseburger fix and a go on the 60-foot Mayan-temple slide. (242/363-2902; www.sivananda.org/nassau; from $79 per adult, including meals, yoga classes, and meditation sessions; children under 12 half-price; children under three free.)


Kalani Retreat, Big Island, Hawaii
THE VIBE Sleep late, eat well—there are no yoga classes before 8:30 a.m., and the menu includes pizza and seared ahi with pineapple salsa.
THE SETTING A black-sand beach with Olympic- and kid-sized pools on the island's southeast coast.
WHERE YOU SLEEP In a cottage or a room in one of the four lodges.
THE YOGA Hatha, a classic style that focuses on breathing. Kalani's private introduction to yoga is perfect for shy beginners.
ESPECIALLY FOR FAMILIES During weeklong Family Experience sessions (July 10-September 30), kids 5 to 15 devote four hours a day to yoga and meditation, along with volleyball, swimming, and pottery, while their parents attend workshops and have Thai massages or craniosacral therapy. The rest of the year, kids join in yoga classes.
BEYOND YOGA Go swimming—and try to spy spinner dolphins—at the retreat's beach; hike the Waipio Valley; and get close to the lava tubes of Kilanea, an active volcano. The Kalani will take care of excursion details. (800/800-6886; www.kalani.com; from $135 per adult; children ages 3 to 12 $40; children under three free.)


Resort Yoga
All the vacation frills, plus a daily dose of serious stretching.
Caneel Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
THE VIBE The Kennedy Compound goes tropical.
THE SETTING A 170-acre, 166-room resort with seven secluded beaches.
WHERE YOU SLEEP In beachside cottages or double rooms.
THE YOGA The resort's wellness-focused Self Centre offers everything from Vinyasa, a vigorous flowing style, to "yoga in a chair."
ESPECIALLY FOR FAMILIES An all-day children's program (ages 3 to 12) and on-call babysitters (for ages three and under) guarantee uninterrupted yoga time for parents—plus some optional stretching for kids.
BEYOND YOGA There's on-site scuba diving, sailing, fishing, and windsurfing. And the island, largely national parkland, has superb snorkeling, horseback riding, and hiking. (340/776-6111; www.rosewoodhotels.com; doubles from $375; one child under 16 free, additional child under five free; children's program $65 per day.)"

Gardening Links for 2009

Last year was the first official year Daniel and I dove into gardening. We were previously reluctant in years before because we rent, but we decided the benefits of having a garden overrode the loss of it if we were to buy a home in the upcoming year. We saved lots of money at the farmers market and we discovered so many new vegetables and fruits that we never even knew of in our wildest dreams. Gardening was fun, meditative, a great learning experience for both us and the kids, kept us in touch with nature, and gave us a plethora of good produce and herbs to from which to choose. If you are interested in gardening, here is a list of some great websites:



www.seedsavers.org/

www.squarefootgardening.com/

www.seedsofchange.com/

www.heirloomseeds.com/

www.greenpeople.org/

www.organicgardening.com/


Let me know what you think :o)



*~Groovy Gardening~*