where family culture and education meet

Making a fort out of the furniture in the living room.

Several of you have commented on or asked about Lala's new school since I haven't given any updates on it.

Honestly, I have re-written this post so many times! As a new school, and one that is hybridizing Waldorf and public school requirements in an urban (diverse) setting, there have been kinks. The bumps in the road have been discouraging; biggies that have been difficult to approach as a parent, even though the school is built around community. The vision and the educational model (Waldorf) are so inspiring, but as anyone who has been part of a brand new school can attest to, it doesn't all come together quickly and easily. I have not been part of a school from day 1 before and I didn't expect the loss of so many people along the way (although we entered Lala's last school at year 3 and this was also the case at that time).

As I mentioned, we made some hard decisions about where to place Lala this year, so I, along with other parents, have continued to invest a lot to help support positive progress. We think it is worth it. Right now, Lala really likes school, loves all that she is learning, and has made huge leaps in noticeable skills, such as reading and printing, and this comfort and success is reflected in her behavior. This is no small thing to us!

This winter break (especially in comparison to last year and last year' winter break) has given us a good perspective on how Lala is doing in school. She is thriving!

A group of students working on their knitting in Lala's class

One of the wonderful things the school has continued to do is offer parent studies, where a topic related to Waldorf is discussed with and taught to parents. I attended the offerings on children birth to 7 and the one on children 7 to 14. It was so interesting to hear the responses of other parents to what was discussed and understand where we fit into our school community. (Our family was the only one present for which kid screen time is virtually non-existent, but our kids believe in a non-commercialized version of Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, and the Tooth Fairy. This got head shakes, but for us, magic is important.)

Between those studies and my reading Heaven on Earth (one of the best of the half dozen books on education/parenting that I have read since I began seeking Waldorf books to educate myself further), I now feel so at peace with where our family has been and where we are. So many of the suggestions in the book were ones that have been part of our family culture since our babes were born. At one time, I worried that, in choosing to attend this school, we were coming to Waldorf late (the earlier in their life the better for setting a foundation), but I have come to realize that, without knowing it, all along, our family choices have always blended quite well with this style of education and it suits Lala well. (If you are wondering, we have thought about Finnian's needs in all of this as well. He is very different from Lala, but he shares the same exposures within our little family, so we feel we are on the right path for him for now and will make adjustments as needed.)

At the moment, this is what a new, ever changing public Waldorf first grade looks like. It is a blend of donations and creations.

It is for these reasons that we have continued to focus on the positives, appreciate all the wonderful things Lala's school offers and has the potential to be, and how the school's philosophy supports our family choices. We hope the benefits will continue to outweigh the challenges. This is a completely new (for us) version of taking education one day at a time.

I continue to step forward and offer myself in whatever way I am able, grateful for the loving container the first graders have and advocating that the Waldorf approach and aesthetic remain as things are being shuffled, hoping that, with involved, supportive parents, the school's kinks will be straightened out quickly and effectively. It certainly has pushed me to find my voice and strengthen my confidence to support what I believe our children need.

Play time at home.

Oh, and for anyone wondering, we do think we made the right decision about grade for Lala! She is thriving socially and seems to be gaining confidence, as well as mastering skills that she passed last year, but didn't have the bandwidth to fully engage herself in. No regrets!

This educational journey continues to keep us on our toes!