As a mother of a nearly four year old daughter in Playgroup I am often having conversations with other parents (both within Steiner and without), about what it is that we are hoping for in our childrens’ education. I recently found this quote by Rudolf Steiner which explains really well what I believe to be a fundamentally different core perspective between Waldorf and mainstream education systems:
and I was also recently emailed this hilarious poem from a Steiner School in Cape Town which has been doing the email rounds – recognise yourselves??- enjoy!
Waldorf mums wear cotton socks
Woolen sweaters, Birkenstocks.
Waldorf mums have long full skirts,
Big silk scarves and layered shirts.
Waldorf mums have fluffy hair,
They’re kind and firm and make you share.
Waldorf mums drive Volvo cars
And talk of fairies, gnomes, and stars.
Waldorf mums love Waldorf meetings
Where they greet with Waldorf greetings.
Waldorf mums make Waldorf dolls
From purest wool and cotton balls.
Waldorf mums drink lots of tea
Which has been grown organically.
Waldorf mums serve fruits and meats.
Veggies, grains, and not much sweets.
Their favorite word is “nourishing.”
They love to hike and knit and sing.
They leave the gluten out of bread
And make you spend twelve hours in bed.
And if you fall and scrape your knee
They give you rescue remedy!
Tania