Friday, September 10, 2010

Transitioning from Homeschooling to Waldorf Schooling

This past week, we transitioned from a homeschooling family to a Waldorf-schooling family.  The kids love their teachers (Joey's teacher is Daddy!), and we are enjoying being immersed in a school that is full of art, beauty and spirit. 















Rick's Grade 6 room (Mommy knitted the silk tie from the pattern in Living Craft Magazine)















Wilson at the Rose Ceremony for Grade 1



















Joey in her new classroom














Ricky with his Grade 1 buddy at the Rose Ceremony















We felted some indoor shoes for Wilson.  More pics to come!















Mommy subbed for the 6-8 grade Winds teacher one day (taught band 16 years ago--nice to be back in the classroom for a bit!).















A tour of the beautiful new Kindergarten classrooms with handmade wood furniture.















Homemade fruit smoothies after school with berries from the farmer's market and mint from our garden.



















Ricky is off to Ashland, Oregon with Grade 8 next week.  Joey and Rick are exploring Mt. Lassen with Grade 6.  What a wonderful way to start off the school year! 

19 comments:

Sarah said...

We have had a good start to our year. The rose ceremony was so beautiful. I have been with our school long enough that I remember when many of the first graders were born. Today our school gathered for the first assembly of the year and began remembering the Michaelmas songs. I was sad to know that my older daughter was no longer there. I am a bit in mourning.

momma rae said...

how exciting for your family!!! what a beautiful school. what will mom do with all her ducklings away? ;)

Tan Family said...

Rae, it's been strange not planning curriculum! I will miss homeschooling them this year. I am busy with consulting, workshops, weddings, and Etsy orders. And, helping out when I can at school!

Bending Birches said...

This is a beautiful post....the school looks so warm and inviting...and the kindergarten room looks like the perfect place for little angels to land.....just as it should:)
Rose ceremonies are such a thoughtful element of waldorf education....
I am sure that your son will love his experience...especially since the family is so involved:)
hugs to you all, and best wishes for a wonderful school year!

prettydreamer said...

What beautiful pictures of your family...I just wanted to wish everyone a beautiful year!! Pamela

Grandma said...

What a wonderful first week of school for the Tan family! Have a great year at your new school.

Linda said...

This is so wonderful and exciting, it all looks amazing:)
xo
Linda

Jacqui said...

Wishing you all the best in the new school - it looks so magical. xx

renee ~ heirloom seasons said...

How exciting for you all Jennifer. I'm sure you will find plenty of wonderful ways to keep yourself busy.
Beautiful photographs, thanks for sharing!

Jen said...

The school looks lovely and it sounds like the kids are settling in nicely. How fun that Joey will still have Daddy as a main teacher, but I know you'll always be their primary one, Jennifer - no matter whether they are learning at a school or at home! You are everywhere, Momma!

Hugs,
Jen

Mama G @ bigcraftyblog.blogspot.com said...

I am hoping you can help me...my mom lives in Sacramento and follows a raw diet. She is looking for somewhere to buy produce that uses no pesticides at all (organic or non organic). I know you had mentioned the Sacramento Waldorf School in Fair Oaks sold produce. I am assuming they do not use any organic pesticides? Do they sell at the school or at a farmers market? Thanks so much!

Tan Family said...

Hi Glenn Family! There are lots of places to buy organic veggies, and also raw foods in the Sacramento area. Sac Waldorf is in Fair Oaks and sells their harvest each Thursday (have her call to double-check day/time) while the school is in session. They also have a CSA. Steiner College, just a block away from Sac Waldorf also has a CSA for their biodynamic produce. Here is another CSA that I highly recommend from an organic farm: http://www.goodhumus.com/. There are farmer's markets with organic produce in downtown Sac, Davis, Fair Oaks, Rancho Cordova and El Dorado Hills. Do a search on Sacramento Farmer's Market for details. Elliott's in Citrus Heights and Whole Foods in Carmichael and in Roseville have organic produce from some local farms. Tell her to join the Raw Sacramento yahoogroup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RawSacramento/?yguid=254491949. She'll get info. on raw events, classes, speakers, potlucks and more! Here is a link to our raw food bookshop with our favorite raw books: http://astore.amazon.com/syrendell-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=1. Hope this helps!

onegoldensun said...

Best wishes for your transition to Waldorf school! It looks like a wonderful opportunity to grow into a larger community. How great that Rick will be teaching there as well. Blessings on your new adventures!

Jenn said...

Looks great!! Everything is so beautiful. I would do that if we could! It's nice to catch up with you again. Hugs, Jenn

Jenn said...

Everything is so beautiful, it sounds wonderful!! I would do that with my children if I could but I don't know if there are any Waldorf schools near us and we couldn't afford them anyway. Such a lovely way to learn. It's been nice catching up with you. Would love to chat sometime. Hugs, Jenn

Fig Tree Alley Fiber Arts said...

How wonderful Jennifer! As usual, I am humbled and amazed at your wonderful family. I know your kids are going to have a great time at their new school and I hope the extra time you gain (ha ha) will allow you to continue to share your talents with the world. I am always inspired by you and your lovely family! Best wishes for a happy and healthy school year and beyond!

Julia

Unknown said...

It all looks so beautiful, how exciting that you have found a lovely place for your children to enjoy learning.

Ashley said...

I love the idea of wet felting slippers but after a search I can't find a tutorial anywhere! Do you have a link to one or instructions?

Tan Family said...

Hi Ashley! Thank you for the comment. I'm working on a tutorial that will be available in our Etsy shop, soon! :)