As many families start to plan their school year, I thought I would share our method. Our method was inspired in part by a wonderful Waldorf teacher, Barbara Dewey - please visit her site at www.waldorfwithoutwalls.com for more information. She has been a great mentor to me. Blessings!
If you have been in a Waldorf classroom for the upper elementary grades then you have likely seen the beautiful map drawings from the talented teachers on the chalk boards. While I am talented in many ways, lol, map drawing is not one of my talents! This map drawing technique isn't rocket science, in fact many probably already do it - this is our version. Many blessings.
The topic of “whole to parts” is pretty central to the Waldorf method of teaching – more than just on the math front, as children advance in age the whole to parts theme is evident in their study of zoology and botany as well as other places in the curriculum. When we teach using whole to parts, it is easy for the children to pick up everything around them as a whole. For instance the number 12 doesn't stand alone, many things come together to make up 12, and 12 is also a component of many other largers parts. 12 can be 6 X 2, it can be 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2, it can be 4 X 3 - in our story we are looking at 12 as part of 48. I hope you will enjoy how it comes together.
Today we are focusing on the introduction of math to a child in grade one. I like to start the introduction with Roman numerals during the tail end of the letter introduction block via the container story I wrote for the grade, and then do a combination number qualities block before I start the introduction of the four math processes. During the number qualities block I like to review the Roman numerals (through 12) and also introduce the written word, even if they are not yet reading it is good for them to see the qualities of the number. We took this time to work on shapes too and would see just how many pictures could be drawn only using triangles or squares, remember that it isn’t a geometry lesson, you are just getting them familiar with common shapes, especially ones they may see day to day. Once you feel like they have a good grasp on number qualities and they are beginning to count, then you can introduce the four math processes, it is traditional Waldorf to do it through story. While I use gnomes, if gnomes don’t do it for you then change it up, I know others have used squirrels, angels, and fairies – use what speaks to you. We love gnomes so we introduce the Number Gnomes that we continue through much of the lower grades in our upcoming book “A Journey through Waldorf Math.”
Also the use of gnomes in Waldorf education can largely be traced back to Margaret Peckham, she wrote many gnomes stories and it has been said in several circles that she was the inspiration for Dorothy Harrer’s work with gnomes. Where ever the stories come from, they are all fun – make teaching math as experience you enjoy.
While traditionally the counting materials of the gnomes have been jewels, I have always felt like gnomes loved all things beautiful so our gnomes count flowers, fairies, butterflies and ladybugs just as often as they count the king’s jewels. I also have told my children a series of gnome tales through their childhood and these gnomes grew out of those stories. In our gnome world all the gnomes know each other and each gnome has a job, when all the gnomes work together our Mother Earth is happy and healthy. The Number Gnomes are part of this.
STORY BEGINS:
Some folks think that all gnomes live under ground, we believe differently, we believe that gnomes and fairies and other nature creatures lurk in places we often don’t expect doing good deeds and working kindness for each other. Our gnomes also have a great and wise king, he rules over other wise kings and many, many gnomes, all working together. The king’s name is Melchizedek. He is married to Mother Earth. This story though is about one of Melchizedek’s counselors, a gnome king named Equals.
King Equals is the wisest of the Number Gnomes, he takes great care to make sure the entire natural world and the world of numbers work together properly. His gnomes help the root gnomes so they are sure all the flowers have the right number of petals! King Equals has four special gnomes that help him with all the counting that must be done to keep things moving smoothly, these gnomes have special names. There is a fiery yellow gnome with beautiful golden hair, her name is Times Multiply, most people just call her Times. She is happy and fun and loves to bring happiness to others. Next to her stands a chubby little green gnome, his name is Plus Addition, folks call him Plus, he’s happy too but he’s also greedy, he loves to try and get as many things as he can, his gnome robes have many pockets. Next to him stands a sad looking gnome, he is wearing blue robes that need mending, his pockets all have holes and he is often sad, his name is Minus Subtraction, Minus for short. The last of the special helpers is a pretty little red gnome named Divided By, she has pretty dark hair and she is a great problem solver often thinking of all the ways she can be helpful. King Equals loves his gnomes – they work so hard. These counting gnomes help the gnome world stay running by mining and gathering jewels for King Equals each day. Equals requires 48 jewels per day. At the end of each day the gnomes come into his counting house and this is what they usually see…
Times skips into the treasury room with a large bulging bag full of stones, some blue sapphires, some red rubies, some diamonds, and some emeralds – she dumps her bag out on the table and begins counting for Alpha, the treasury gnome.
She lays out her piles in twos and counts: “2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16! Oh my I brought home too many! I’m sure the king won’t mind.”
In waddles Plus, looking like his bag is full and his pockets are nearly touching the ground. He puts his bag on the table and with that Alpha spies his pockets – “Plus, are you leaving anything behind?” Plus stares at the floor and tries his best not to lie, Alpha doesn’t give him the chance and gives Plus a big gnome hug with a little shake and all of Plus’s pockets empty out onto the treasury floor.
Alpha counts them up: “20 jewels! Most of them are pretty green emeralds, what a great collector you are!” Plus adds “Green is my favorite color!” as he steps aside to make room for Divided By.
Divided By begins to explain to Alpha: “I had my twelve jewels, all pretty indeed, but then I came across poor Minus and he again lost everything because of the hole in his robes, so I helped him. I divided my batch in two piles and gave him some, so I fear today Alpha, I have only brought six jewels.”
Alpha gave her a hug and thanked her for all her hard work.
In came Minus and the whole room looked a little gloomier. “What’s wrong Minus?” asked Alpha. “I lost my jewels again and Divided By had to help me.”
“There is no shame in getting help! We all need help from time to time Minus. Perhaps you should visit one of the sewing elves and see what they can do for your robes; I know they’ve done wonders for a special cobbler friend of mine. Now let’s count your bag.”
“Very good, six jewels, very pretty jewels, the king will be so pleased. Today we have gathered all 48, great work Number Gnomes. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
With that the gnomes bid Alpha good bye and went to play in the meadow – they loved to count flowers. That’s tomorrow’s lesson!
For drawing from this story, we draw the gnomes and for writing you could write out their names or if your child would like, you can also write a short summary. A portion of my daughter's picture is below (the entire picture wouldn't fit.) After this introduction, I would be done for the day, then the following day you can go over counting them again from this story and also begin counting other things. Future posts will include other lessons in the four processes.
*I even tied in the Elves & the Shoemaker reference in this story; feel free to explore the story as another way of showing how generous we can all be with each other. There are many versions.
Many blessings!
On our yahoo group the topic of keeping a good rhythm with Dad at home working came up. Some moms have expressed a loss of rhythm, a loss of being able to pull things together in front of or along side Dad. Since Erik and I work together each day, I shared this with the group. Perhaps you will also find it helpful. Blessings!
You know, working in the same house takes one thing.... are you ready? get a pen and paper.... only this one thing. A sense of humor. That's it. Have you watched our "Day in the Life" video lately? For those who haven't seen it, you can watch it here...
I constantly remind myself that this is what we want to be doing! lol. When Erik first came home we had to adjust, not only had he not watched me teach them, he wasn't used to our rhythm, the arguing that goes on - the first week he looked at me and said "how on earth do you get it all done?" He sees me now get up at 3 or 4am to work, he gets up between 6 and 7 so we can have quiet conversations and alone time, he is an active participant in our schedule - he has to be, that was part of the deal with him being home. When we are in editing time for a book or DVD, he takes the manuscript or computer to the library or Barnes and Noble and sits there in the quiet. We also take turns with a lot of stuff - free movies right now at the theater for the summer, one week he goes, one week I go, we give each other the breaks we need and we are totally honest with our needs. The honestly goes right along with the sense of humor!
Things I have learned - things that irritate me are usually things that I myself do so before I nag, I look at a way to work at it together.
I don't think it matters how big your house is, lol, six people in one space all day is enough to drive even the most level tempered person a little batty and that is where rhythm comes in. We talked (Erik and I) about how we wanted our house to FEEL - we want it to FEEL happy, healthy and full of the Spirit. We start each day with an anchoring activity as soon as we rise - we have a set rising time for the children, 8am - we come together for prayer and scriptures/verses and a song and then they all set off on their chores while I make breakfast. Most of the time my work is pretty much done with the exception of emails through the day since I have been up since before the breezes at dawn. I have taken to a walk alone at 730 each morning too and I return by 8am happy and ready to start the day (I take my mp3 and listen to Eckhart Tolle, Wayne Dyer, Steiner, you name it, who ever is begging to give me a message) - after breakfast we all go on a walk together and while the kids are walking in front of us or on their bikes, Erik and I chat about what we have going business wise for the day. Then we know where we can step up to help - this is the time to ask for the help. We get back and everyone gets to work, kids on school, Erik on his projects and our day flows. But if flows because we lead it. Of course I am the active force behind the WE part in that - I am the beacon for our home - so are YOU. Mom holds the beacon spot, only you can really make change. Dad will usually follow and if he won't tell him to move aside or work from the library because you've got kids to teach and work to do. Let him know that you would like to involve him in your day and activities but if he's not willing then he needs to not be in the way - sure he lives there but it is a lot easier for him to go elsewhere than it is for you and the children. I should say I have rarely found this to be the case, most of the time Dad WANTS to join in and is only begging to be asked - except men are often incapable of asking so you will have to suggest it.
I can't say enough about weekly meetings - they are really important when you are home together, keep things in check. Erik and I meet Tuesdays and Thursdays to work on business stuff early (on top of our morning check in while on our walk) - this also gives us time to talk about any of the kids that might need extra support that week. He also tries to hold weekly dad meetings with each child, not long, just 20-30 min of a "check in" - he also teaches when I am ill or have a meeting to attend (he pulls open our books and teaches right from there, lol, shameless promo on my part) - he does the scouting stuff with the boys too - I just don't have the time and it is important, dads need to help. We've got one boy working toward an Eagle and one in cubs and life can feel like a constant camping trip so he's in charge of that one.
I hope this is helpful. It does take time to settle into a routine and once you have it then you are in charge of keeping it afloat - remember YOU are the beacon.
Many blessings.
PS- arguing kids irritates me - and I've got some - best cure is laying on their bed until they remember who the mom is. I never did time out when they were little because that doesn't work (or it didn't for us) but give me a 9yo pleading his case for the fourth time in an hour to do something, buy something, or eat something that I have said no to and he gets to take some time to rethink his position. hehe. All in good fun - remember that sense of humor?
I know I talk about rhythm a lot! lol - but as I reflect on our school year, as we transition into our summer it is back on my mind. I felt prompted to write a bit - more than once I have worked with families that REALLY resist rhythm - some resist openly and others play a game of sabotage that they often can't see until it is pointed out to them. Why are they resisting? I'm not sure - there is order to rhythm - so could this be it? I have folks tell me - "if I have order then I feel boxed in, I'm not free!" Really? but do you feel free when you don't have control in your day? when you feel the chaos? when you worry that you aren't getting your work in with your child? I have others tell me "I was drawn to Waldorf because it seems so free, no rules, freedom" - sure there is freedom but it isn't from lack of order. True freedom and joy in this method comes from the order and the rhythm - a well laid out rhythm BRINGS freedom! It doesn't mean that your rhythm has to be a baking day, a painting day, etc. - your rhythm might be totally different, super simple - it might just start with getting up at the same time and getting on a walk - that alone can bring a tremendous amount of order to your day, flow to your rhythm and FREEDOM to your family. Waldorf is about freedom, but it is also about order, there is reason for rhythm and the order.
Why order? well the Universe is a very ordered place - without order stuff falls apart, without order the seasons would be all messed up! We can sometimes see this first hand when Mother Nature's rhythms get wonky - this last season we had winter.... winter.... a taste of spring.... more winter.... BOOM summer. It took us off guard, our rhythm was totally askew - we felt like we were floundering in many ways and if it hadn't been for my personal sense of order and rhythm we would have been in a bigger mess. Imagine how chaotic the Universe would be without her rhythms - if we went from summer to winter in a day or from winter to summer in a day - how would that look and feel? I know how it felt to us this year and it made me even more thankful for the order that true rhythm can bring.
So mamas that feel like you are floundering - stop resisting the natural order that comes from some sort of rhythm. It doesn't mean you have to get up before dawn like some crazy people you know <wink, wink> it means that you find something that works. Sure, I STRONGLY believe in rising before your children - but if you aren't in that season of your life, then work with what you can, but find your rhythm, take the time to seek it out, pray, meditate, ponder, listen for that still, small voice and it will come. You will be so glad you did.
Many blessings.
We are in the thick of working on this book, but I thought I would post the year-at-a-glance for anyone who needs it or wants a heads up on how we plan to organize things. Download yearataglancegr6.pdf
This will be a great year, filled with physics, Roman history, geography, Islam and Christianity, medieval society, geology and more botany! So much to cover!
The book will start in presale in about two weeks, I want to get closer to the print deadline so you don't have to wait so long. Our back to school sale will start in July as well. More to come in our newsletter. If you don't get our newsletter, you can subscribe our website at www.alittlegardenflower.com
Enjoy the year at a glance. Many blessings!
I set this for grade 5 and botany, but it really can go for ANY gardening lessons that you do.
Harry and I are finishing up some of his botany - I *think* we are done with the snow, although people keep telling me they have had flakes on the 4th of July before - NOT this year! lol. So we decided to get started last week, finally, with our planting. We are working on a few things - we started some carrots and onions in a jar so we can watch them grow - we used a kit that we got from that cabin store, but from what I can tell you could probably do it with any type of plastic jar (I say plastic because you will want there to be a drain hole on the bottom) - ones that would work well so you could view the growth are those new freezer jam jars by Ball, they are pretty cheap and you won't feel badly about putting a hole in the bottom!
Harry also started some strawberries from seed, some lavender and some roses, all little seed packets that we found. We also found these SeedBallZ 
(we are actually thinking of carrying these as part of the grade 5 package for the fall - we want to see how they go.) Once we started everything, we decided to make a chart to watch their weekly growth, I've got a picture of the one I made on the board
, this is the one he copied into his book, but I also made a worksheet for those that want to use it or just want a clearer idea of our design.
There is a fear among many who come to Waldorf that if gardening isn't their "thing" then they may miss something - I am one of those mamas - don't get me wrong, I love to garden, but I've never been super good at it. My ex husband used to ask me why I was buying more plants to kill! lol. But I try. This year we didn't start a food garden because our yard isn't just where we want it yet, but my father in law has a garden big enough to feed all of Rhode Island and part of New Jersey so we just go see him. We all take time helping him in the garden and enjoy the fruits of our labor. If food gardening isn't your thing then start with flowers - they are pretty and a great boost to your spirit. I encourage you to learn along with your children, do the recommended assignments and work together to gain a love for gardening.
Some great science, gardening and botany resources:
1. Acorn Naturalist these guys are actually one of my favorite all around science companies - a great resource - oh check out their front door - so pretty.
2. Botanical Interests - great seeds
3. Mel's blog - she is a dear friend and has an amazing garden, she offered up this great post on the floral clock - when I did more research, I also found more fun and interesting ideas that go along with this and a great list of alternative plants that would work - just do a quick google search on "floral clock"
Enjoy the season, have fun planting! Even if your thumb isn't green, I am told practice makes perfect!
Below is information on our Austin conference, if you'd like more information or to register, please visit our site store Many blessings!!
We are embarking on something that has not been done before! We have the goal to build communities of homeschooling families that can wax strong and come to each other in their times of need. We want to bring Waldorf to as many homeschooling families as we can - we have spent time searching for teachers that are making an effort to really understand homeschooling families - they really want to learn how to serve you! They are there to learn as much from us as we do from them. This will be an intimate weekend of making new friends, sharing meals and gaining new perspectives on all fronts.
All participants will receive a DVD set of the conference so you can come and really get hands on experience without the worry of note taking! Just become a student and enjoy the love of learning with these wonderful teachers! At the breaks, socialize with the teachers and the other parents, make lasting connections.
Because of the nature of this conference, space is very limited (40-50 slots) Childcare is available but will also be limited (15 slots)
Spouses/partners and grandparents are welcome at a reduced fee. Please register through our store.
If you are new to Waldorf and festivals, you might want some ideas for the upcoming Solstice or maybe you're just a busy mom needing new ideas - either way, I wanted to share some ideas for celebration, some are our own, some from books and some from friends.
When my older children were young we used to dance naked under the moon, they've gotten older and more self aware so now they don't part take as much, I imagine this year Samuel might be the only one but we'll all watch him! The moon dance usually brings to close an evening of activities where we spend time with family or friends outside enjoying the summer air.
A great friend of mine, Mel (of MamaTieDye!) sent me some ideas that she is sharing with her group in GA. Mel suggests doing an entire week of celebrating (I love this! We love parties!) to welcome the Solstice and bid farewell to the summer sun. She likes to make a plan - my kind of gal - things run so much smoother when we have a plan in place.
Mel's notes are below, the book resources are named at the end. 
This is a wonderful little play. It is from the publication "Education as an Art" vol 37 1978-79 (AWSNA)... the play is written for older children but we have adapted it to fit our younger kids when they were in 2/3 grade.
The Adventure of the Four Punctuation Marks
(A 4th/5th grade skit by Gail Klar)
Several characters represent each punctuation mark. Each group enters as the narrator describes them. They then proceed to walk through the forest while talking.
Narrator: One day in the forest four friends were walking, and each of these comrades was doing much talking. First marched the PERIOD - who often kept tiring. (Period marches and stops; marches and stops...)
Then came the QUESTION MARK - curious, inquiring. (Question Mark peers left and right, looks up, explores...)
The EXCLAMATION POINT followed, excited, surprised; (Exclamation Point makes excited movements, astonished pauses)
The COMMA, well-breathing, light-stepping, small-sized. (Comma weaves lightly from side to side, with measured breath)
Period: It's dark in here. The trees are high. I firmly trudge and heave a sigh.
Question Mark: Why are the trees so slender and tall? Where do they come from? Why don't they fall?
Exclamation Point: Alas! Oh look! It's so exciting! This place is spooky! It's so inviting!
Comma: It's mysterious, colorful, magical, gloomy, beautiful, soft, enormous, quite roomy...
(A Bear enters and the Exclamation Point interrupts the Comma and exclaims:)
Exclamation Point: Oh, my gosh! Help! Help! Look there! Look what's coming! A bear! A bear!
Period: Quiet down, friend. Don't jump in the air. Now, let me see. It is a bear.
Question Mark: Do you think he is hungry? Do you think he will eat us? If we try to escape, do you think he will beat us?
Comma: He's a grizzly, ferocious, massive, black heap. I think we had better flee, fly, dash, run, leap.
Exlamation Point: Well, let's not just stand here! No time to waste! He's coming much closer! Quick! Let's make haste!
(All the Punctuation Marks run very quickly off stage.)
CURTAIN.
