We are making a concerted effort to enter the Waldorf world. I am using the books from A Little Garden Flower to guide our way along the path as well as some consulting with Melisa. The Waldorf focus is mainly for Amelia and Ainslee. Case is interested in returning to school and is covering things a little more eclectically.
Ainslee is very into storytelling right now. I am trying hard to become a good storyteller and am currently reading Storytelling for Children by Nancy Mellon. My first attempt was rather spontaneous. I retold The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle one day on a hike to help her along. Since then she is really interested and has asked for more. She is also making up her own. Of course, she has been doing this for a while. I am hoping to add some paiting to her days. Maybe she will get a painting tray and jars for the water color paints for her birthday (hint, hint. They are cheaper here). I think she will REALLY like the watercolor painting.
Amelia has studied Africa,Atlantis, Australia and US Geography ocver the last four weeks. With each we read stories, map,discuss, and journal or draw pictures in her main lesson book. We have watched a few videos. I know... definately not the Waldorf way, but it fills in what I can't yet. She does about 20 minutes of math each day from ALEKS. We are beginning our foray into handwork. We have wet felted a bit and are beginning knitting. Hopefully we will integrate wet on wet painting soon too. We are starting our block on India this week and she has already delved into Jahanara: Princess of Princesses, India, 1627 (The Royal Diaries) and says she loves it!
Case is doing a hour a day of ALEKS for his math and has started to read The Story of Mankind for history. He writes a summary of each of the two chapters he reads a day. He is also working on his writing in general. He has written an opinion paper and is working on his second. There are plans for a book report soon too. Spelling, grammar and parts of speech are reviewed with his writing. I found High Mowing School today on the web. He is interested in going to boarding school. Maybe he would like to go there. It looks fantastic and I think he would really like it; however,it is awfully far away.
The Waldorf world is slowly encroaching and integrating itself into our lives and we (the three girls anyway) are welcoming it with open arms.
