A whole bunch of people have asked about this (mostly in the emails I received when we switched over to the new blog…) … so…. at some point soon we’re going to do a Q&A ‘Open Book’ type thing about Waldorf schooling. If you have questions about our experiences, thoughts, and perspectives on Waldorf education, please leave your questions in the comments section to this post.
I know not a single thing about Waldorf, but I have heard of it. In a recent post, you mentioned one of the facets is not teaching writing? Can you explain more of the philosophy in greater depth? Is it entirely student-directed, kind of like institutional unschooling? Is it a long-term educational option? (i.e. do people go to Waldorf middle school, high school, etc. or is it just a preschool thing?) I am usually pretty up on the different schooling/educational methods, which makes me embarrassed that I am so in-the-dark idiotic about Waldorf, but it's really not a "thing" in the Twin Cities of MN which is where I hail from. :-0 Sorry for the ignorance.
I know you have mentioned earlier about the lack of racial diversity in this school. How do you feel about this now? Are you thinking of keeping your kids in this type of school for the long haul?
I'm curious about the different philosophy of Waldorf schooling re: learning to read, write etc (vs. current society focus on pushing early academics)… also curious about the spiritual aspect of waldorf schooling (on one hand I am drawn to that — at least what I've read and think i've understood — on the other, part of it seems perhaps a bit flaky).
Thanks for being so responsive to your readers and their questions!
We also have an adopted child of color in a Waldorf. There is little racial diversity at our son's school but the educational philosophy is the best fit for him. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Also, the following blog has been running a series on Waldorf education: http://themagiconions.blogspot.com/search/label/D…
I don't really know a lot about the schools to be honest, but I've read a couple different blogs that mention it and seems like Waldorf schools focus on nature/"back to basics" ideas. (I'm reminded of the autumn/winter walk with candles that you've talked about on your blog.) Is that something you've found to be true or am I totally off-base on this impression?
Also, does your decision to limit TV for the kids come from Waldorf or was that something you were doing before?