Gratitude is the Best Attitude
Walnut Grove Coop is a secular group but still encourages the growth of the character of our members. We create mindful classes that encourage introspection and reflection. We close our classes with a gratitude practice which prompts the children to recall and share what they are grateful for and what they have learned.
Doing Our Part
Unit study block lessons are planned to teach that we are the microcosm in the macrocosm. Our world is a-bustle with systems that intertwine. The general knowledge topics that we explore help children to acquire conceptual understanding through play-based learning, investigation, and experience of one subject over a long period. Students will observe their own processes and those found in nature to develop their own concept of relationship and contribution to their group, the community, and the world. Our classes take a Nature Observation break walk as part of each class — even in rainy or snowy weather. We teach children to connect their studies to the outdoor environment. We often teach classes outside.
Members are offered opportunities throughout the program year for community service and their hours are tracked and acknowledged at the end of each program year with a Certificate of Community Service.
Appeal to the Senses
The materials used in each class are selected to appeal to your child’s senses. In the Waldorf approach, these reach beyond the typical senses one might bring to mind and also include intuition, inspiration, imagination, and movement. Children are encouraged to wonder, ponder, predict, and create the lessons that open the world around them. All senses are nourished with the colors, natural materials, music, stories, and experiences that we offer.
Waldorf Ways
Where is the book in which the teacher can read about what teaching is? The children themselves are this book. We should not learn to teach out of any book other than the one lying open before us and consisting of the children themselves.
— Rudolf Steiner, Human Values in Education
We are not a Waldorf Steiner School. We are a mindful, child-led enrichment program. Our families value the methods and principles used in the Waldorf style of education and have implemented those that serve our group best while we meet several times a week. We focus on mindful education to help each child awaken or retain their awareness of the world around them.
Visit our Resource Page for more links to Waldorf information.