Where We're At,...

I think we're slowly wandering out of the strictly Waldorf aisle of homeschooling and into the eclectic section. This is really a difficult thing for me to admit. I love the beauty of Waldorf, as well the pedagogy and even some of the spirituality. I am not, however, married to a strict interpretation of the curriculum sequence.

The problem is, I see so much beauty and truth in many different approaches. I love the orderliness of Montessori, and I love the nature-centeredness of Charlotte Mason. I love the freedom to follow a child's interests found in the Project Approach and Emergent Curriculum, and I went to grad school when Developmentally Appropriate Practice standards were being developed. I love the short lessons in The Well-Trained Mind, as well as the respect for the fact that if a child wants to learn, they can and should learn. Waldorf probably resonates with me most strongly, but I don't feel like following a strict Waldorf path--at least as interpreted by some of the "Steiner-Says"-gurus of today--works for our family.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not rushing out to buy workbooks for every subject or a computer curriculum or anything. But I'm giving myself permission to follow the lead of my children and to, as I tell mamas at La Leche League meetings, take what we can use and leave the rest.

That said, we had a lovely first week. We're getting back into a rhythm, and I've managed to work in time for everything I wanted except a nature walk each day. I suspect that's going to be something that is catch as catch can. Maybe one day we'll walk to the corner grocery to pick something up and notice that Mother Earth has changed her clothes, maybe another day we'll walk to pick up Big Brother from school and see an interesting flower. Whatever we do, I am sure we'll find a way to make it work for us!