The ABC's of a Waldorf Mama: Letters A-E

A is for Academic Work

As a Waldorf Mama, I want to see my children's education up to the age of seven, with an emphasis on creative play, imagination, imitation, movement, rhymes and artistic experiences.

Rudolf Steiner, whose educational philosophy guides Waldorf Schools, wrote that until the age of seven all of a child's energy is being used to develop physically. Requiring a child to perform academically before they are developmentally ready can result in lower brain systems doing the learning presenting a real risk of missing out on creating patterns of meaning. Children aged 3 to 7 should be learning through doing, not sitting at desks doing academic tasks. 

B is for Birthday Crowns

We love celebrating birthday’s around here…why do you think I have so many kids, haha! To make it extra special for the birthday person I created these Birthday Crowns from felt and hand stitched embellishments.

Each person has their own special crown to wear on their special day.

Hinterland Mama has compiled a list of links that will provide lots of inspiration and a couple of tutorials, follow this link to have a stick beak. Here’s Hinterland Mama’s post on her crowns.

C is for Creative Play
Creative play has been a part of everyday life here as a way for my children to explore their environment. This year will see more investigation, imagination and experimentation as Chook transitions form toddlerhood to preschool child.
What has really helped us so far to encourage creative play is implementing toy rotation. If you are just considering doing this for your family here is a free printable to help you sort your toys into creative play categories.

If you think a complete overhaul is due or would like some ideas on excellent materials to have on hand to encourage creative play, follow this link to 14 Open Ended Materials for Toddler Play.

D is for Dolls



This picture is from the Waldorf Dolls website.

Aren't these dolls just adorable! I have dabbled in making these dolls, making one for Chook earlier this year, and I am currently making another for Strawberry's birthday. Once again I have been stumped by making hair for the doll but I found this tutorial over at bybido and I hope to give it a go soon.

E is for the Environment as the 3rd Teacher

Taken from the Reggio Emilia philosophy, it prompts parents and educators to consider the place and space around the child and the opportunities that are available there for the child to explore and think.
As a Waldorf Mama this means considering our daily rhythm, considering carefully all the points listed above in Creative Play, establishing activity areas and building skills towards independence through labelling, routines and kid-friendly materials.

Triple T Dad is helping to create our art activity area :)

Don't forget to follow us on Facebook & Pinterest where I love sharing new ideas on parenting with joy, creative play and learning through play.
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The ABC's of... series is hosted by nearly 60 awesome blogs from the Kid Blogger Network. Today my co-hosts are writing posts around School Activities. Don't forget to visit for additional features!

• A Waldorf Mama from Triple T Mum
• After School Activities from The Educators Spin On It
• Hands-on History from Adventures in Mommydom
• Home Daycare or Family Child Card from My Buddies and I
• Homeschooling from Enchanted Homeschooling Mom
• How to Home School from In Lieu of Preschool
• Math Activities from Blog Me Mom
• Montessori from Living Montessori Now
• Science Activities & Play from Science Sparks
• Teaching Math from Montessori Tidbits
• Thrifty Teaching Tools from Kindergarten & Preschool for Parents & Teachers