In this episode, I’m diving into what it really takes to start the year strong in first grade. This is such a tender, transformative time—children are stepping out of the warm, dreamy world of early childhood and into something more structured, more purposeful. And they’re looking to you for clarity, confidence, and rhythm. First grade is when we really begin to form the class, and the habits we establish early on can shape the whole year (and beyond). Here are the grounded, steady practices ...
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In this episode, I’m diving into what it really takes to start the year strong in first grade. This is such a tender, transformative time—children are stepping out of the warm, dreamy world of early childhood and into something more structured, more purposeful. And they’re looking to you for clarity, confidence, and rhythm. First grade is when we really begin to form the class, and the habits we establish early on can shape the whole year (and beyond). Here are the grounded, steady practices ...
In this episode, I’m diving into what it really takes to start the year strong in first grade. This is such a tender, transformative time—children are stepping out of the warm, dreamy world of early childhood and into something more structured, more purposeful. And they’re looking to you for clarity, confidence, and rhythm. First grade is when we really begin to form the class, and the habits we establish early on can shape the whole year (and beyond). Here are the grounded, steady practices ...
What does it really mean to create a Waldorf-inspired home? In this episode, I share what first drew me to the peaceful beauty of Waldorf living—and the moments when it felt completely out of reach. From the temptation to chase the aesthetic to the deeper values that truly make a Waldorf home, we’ll explore how rhythm, simplicity, and presence matter more than wooden toys and silks. We’ll talk about: The heart of a Waldorf home: rhythm, warmth, and intentionDaily and weekly rhythms that suppo...
In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I explore the unique approach to teaching natural sciences in a Waldorf classroom, with a particular focus on physiology and anatomy in the seventh and eighth grades. I discuss how Waldorf education brings warmth, storytelling, and experiential learning to these subjects, fostering a deep and lasting connection rather than just rote memorization. Topics Covered: 🦴 The importance of warming the soil—creating a deep feeling connection to the subject matter ...
In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I welcome my colleague Laura Elmore for a deep dive into one of the most cherished Waldorf traditions—the class play. With decades of experience in Waldorf education, Laura shares her insights into why class plays are such an integral part of the curriculum, how they evolve from the early grades to middle school, and the pedagogical purpose behind them. Looking for a play to perform with your students? My first- and second-grade plays are available on my...
In this episode, I take a moment to share a personal story about my decision to leave teaching and the journey that followed. Teaching, especially in a Waldorf school, is a deeply fulfilling experience—but it also comes with its challenges. I reflect on the thoughts that led to my transition, from the pressures of the classroom to the realization that I needed a more sustainable and financially secure path forward. What You'll Hear in This Episode: Why I first began questioning my long-term f...
Welcome to A Waldorf Journey! Let's explore the artistic tools that shape a Waldorf classroom, from beeswax crayons to colored pencils, and why these choices matter for child development. 🔹 Beeswax Crayons – Supporting grip strength, movement, and blending colors for a sensory-rich experience. 🔹 Why No Graphite Pencils? – Encouraging openness and self-expression rather than rigid precision. 🔹 Markers vs. Natural Materials – How markers lack depth, texture, and warmth compared to crayons and ...
In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I dive into the essential role of mentorship in supporting Waldorf teachers.Join me as I explore the benefits and challenges of mentorship in Waldorf schools, from the common practice of pairing new teachers with experienced colleagues to the advantages of working with an external mentor. I discuss the importance of confidentiality in the mentor-mentee relationship, the power of self-reflection in professional growth, and how objectivity can bring fresh i...
Prefer to watch this on YouTube? Check it out here!In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I take a deep dive into one of the most inspiring aspects of Waldorf education: the transition from teaching mythology to history through the grades.Join me as I explore how this unique approach supports child development, nurturing imagination in the younger grades and fostering analytical thinking in later years. From fairy tales in first grade to revolutions in eighth, I discuss the guiding principles ...
These days my inbox is filled with two kinds of questions.Can you give me some advice for writing end-of-year reports?Do you have suggestions for making summer planning easier?Luckily, I have thoughts on both of those topics. You can find lots of information about them both on the blog. But I mention this just because it points out the dilemma that teachers face right now.The blog post for this episode.Waldorf at Work, my Substack newsletter.
In this episode, I take a look at the Waldorf traditions and ceremonies that mark students' development and transitions. Waldorf is really good at marking time in this way and it's one of the things many of us really love about Waldorf Education.The blog post for this episode.Waldorf at Work: My super-practical, actionable Substack newsletter.Email me about summer mentoring.Interested in my Summer Planning course? I'm in the process of deciding if I'm going to run this course. Let me know if ...
Interested in following me on my new adventure? You can subscribe at:waldorfatwork.substack.comAlso in this episode, I talk about the question I hate most: "Am I Waldorf enough?" I talk through the assumptions that are embedded in this question and some of the reasons why they are completely misguided.Because, newsflash, Waldorf is not about playing the flute, singing songs, or spending lots of time outside. It's about doing those things out of an understanding of the impact that they have on...
How do you demonstrate your commitment to learning and growing? What mistakes have you made recently? How do you show others that it's okay to make mistakes? And how do you make sure you're REALLY okay with making mistakes?Finding these answers has been a big part of my work recently, and my own path as a learning, growing human being -- even as a grown-up. It's also the topic of my new project Evolving Pigeon -- even old birds learn and grow. Here are links to some of the things I talked abo...
A brand new episode catching you up on why I left teaching and what I'm doing now.Mentioned in this episodeMy website, A Waldorf JourneyBlog post about my decision to leave teachingBlog post about telling my studentsA post about walking the growth mindset talkMy new project, Evolving Pigeon, for adult fans of the growth mindsetThe Practical Art of the Waldorf ClassroomMy other coursesMy curriculum guidesFollow me on InstagramThe Facebook groupInterested in mentorship or sponsorship? Email me ...
Recently I was working with some teachers who are getting ready to teach 7th grade and we were talking about the creative writing block most often called Wish, Wonder and Surprise. We had a conversation about each one of these gestures and what makes them different from each other. And we talked about how to have this conversation with students.WishWish is pretty clear. When I taught 7th grade, the students and I talked about the difference between a wish, a hope and a dream. And we talked ab...
It’s August, so I’m headlong in planning mode. And though there are many things competing for my time these days, working on my planning is one the tasks that I actually look forward to every day. It’s also the one thing that teachers ask me for the most help with. I feel lucky that planning is something that I enjoy so much, and it definitely makes a difference in my classroom. I start the year feeling prepared. I head into every new block with a solid plan. And I start each day knowing...
Register for my summer productivity course.My history as a middle school teacherHow our work will changeWhat we’re doing to set a solid frameworkBuilding HabitshomeworkFinishing their workEngaging with our lessonsGeneral classroom behaviorBuilding a Culture of Caringwe’re good people and we’re working togetherwe’re on the same teambuilding up an image of each individual as a caring individualbuilding an image of the class as a whole being caringbuilding a reputation for them to live up toHow ...
Join me as I make my way through The Growth Mindset Coach — a month-by-month guide for teachers. Each month I’ll record an episode about it and I’d love to hear what you think!In this episode . . . Audible (affiliate link)my curriculum guidesThe Growth Mindset Coach by Annie Brock and Heather HundleyMindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol DweckOutliers by Malcolm GladwellGrit by Angela DuckworthTARGET from Carol AmesTaskAuthorityRecognitionGroupingEvaluationTime
Join me as I make my way through The Growth Mindset Coach -- a month-by-month guide for teachers. Each month I'll record an episode about it and I'd love to hear what you think!In this episode . . . Skillshare (my affiliate link)my curriculum guidesThe Growth Mindset Coach by Annie Brock and Heather HundleyMindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol DweckTeacher feedback stemsI noticed howLook at how much progress you've made onI see a difference in this work compared withI admire ho...
PromosAudible -- Get your free trial by hitting my link.Skillshare -- I'm loving Skillshare. Free 14 day trial with my link.My curriculum guides -- I've got a guide that will help you teach and give you just the amount of help that you need.Things I Talked About This WeekMy biostructure and systems in the classroommentorship and evaluationmy Practical Art of the Waldorf Classroom coursethe importance of the social-emotional curriculumskill-building vs. imaginative contentkeeping Waldorf teach...
PromosAudible -- Get your free trial by hitting my link.Skillshare -- I'm loving Skillshare. Free 14 day trial with my link.My curriculum guides -- I've got a guide that will help you teach and give you just the amount of help that you need.ContentThings that made me happy in 2020.Creating and Enjoying a Life I LoveBeing ProductiveAtomic HabitsChangeNew IdeasStuff MentionedNotionTodoistGoogle ClassroomSuperhumanAtomic Habits
In this episode, I’m diving into what it really takes to start the year strong in first grade. This is such a tender, transformative time—children are stepping out of the warm, dreamy world of early childhood and into something more structured, more purposeful. And they’re looking to you for clarity, confidence, and rhythm. First grade is when we really begin to form the class, and the habits we establish early on can shape the whole year (and beyond). Here are the grounded, steady practices ...
