Many of you have probably heard already about "
The Waldorf Connection", started by the amazing Donna Ashton last year. For those who have not, here is some background information about The Waldorf Connection and how and why it was started:
When I found the Waldorf method 4 years ago, I knew it was what I wanted for my family. I gathered as much information as I could find through books and online websites. But, I still had so many questions and wanted specific things explained. Wet-on-wet painting was such an issue with me, that for 2 years I didn't even try it! I kept wondering, "Was I doing this right?" As I looked ahead to the upcoming grades, I knew I needed some help. I couldn't be the only one wanting more! So, that was how The Waldorf Connection began. So far, I have had such an overwhelming response, and many parents thanking me, it is very satisfying.
I created the Waldorf Connection to be exactly that- a place where homeschooling families can connect to teachers and experts in the Waldorf field. My goal- to bring concrete information to help parents understand the Waldorf concepts and to support the family-run Waldorf entrepreneurs.
The Homeschool Expo was designed after a regular Homeschool expo, but online. I am hosting 15+ workshops on planning, grade overviews, parenting, rhythm, multiple-age homeschooling, rites of passage, music and more! Are you wondering which curriculum to choose for next year? Come listen to your favorite speaker and see what they offer before you buy. Peruse our Vendor Room with online store displaying their books, supplies, curriculums, toys, etc. Registration and all workshops are *free*. Just sign-up at http://thewaldorfconnection.com/.
I had a chance to interview Donna a bit and asked her a few questions:
How has Waldorf education enriched your lives?
I started out with the idea that Waldorf education was my homeschooling curriculum. It soon turned into our "lifestyle". A lot of the same principles that I had been adhering to in our family life, are within the Waldorf method, so it was a good fit. I love the 'living' way that the children (and I) learn. The beautiful materials and enchanting stories, art, music. It is all so enriching! And it incorporates the baking, painting, knitting of our daily lives, into the rhythm of school.
What is your favorite Waldorf resource book?
Does the Internet count? Seriously, I have a few that I really turn to like "Child's Seasonal Treasury" and "Little Garden Flower's curriculum", "Rhythms of Learning" and "All Year Round". O.k. I know that is more than one, but I love to take what I need from a few sources and then make it my own.
If you could choose 4 Waldorf inspired materials to enhance your homeschool, what would they be?
1) Coloring with Block Crayons by Sieglinde De Francesca (available thru A Little Garden Flower)- These taught me how to color!
2) Beautiful, wool felt for wet and needle felting - give this a try it is amazing what you can create.
3) A song Cd like, "Naturally I Sing", "Sing a Song of Seasons", or one of her other sets. We have used these for years and now I find myself humming tunes as I work around the house.
4) My own imagination... I love to weave part of myself and my children's interests into our lessons.
I will giveaway an entire set of all the Expo Workshops on MP3- over 15 hours of content. (value $57) You can listen to the workshops again and again, download to your Ipod or burn to CD. An excellent resource to keep for the future, as your children grow or just to refresh your knowledge.
To be entered in the giveaway, please leave a comment. If you would like to be entered again please share the love and blog about this giveaway and remember to let me know you have done so! A winner will be announced Monday morning, June 14th!
I have added a button on the side of my blog linking to The Waldorf Connection, please feel free to add it to your blog and share the love:) Here is the link: http://thewaldorfconnection.com/.
Thank you, Donna, for sharing so generously with all of us! Your time and efforts to bring Waldorf inspired awareness and knowledge to the rest of us is so appreciated!!!!
The lucky winner will be announced next Monday, June 14th!
For those who are interested in a holistic lifestyle, Donna has also started The Mindful Connection. You can find a link to it to the left of my blog. It was fabulous!
UPDATE: The Winner of the Waldorf Connection Giveaway is Hallie!!!!!
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