My Waldorf Journey
In my homeschool I blend many philosophies and ideas— but, Waldorf has a special place in my heart and today I want to share a little more about my way into Waldorf.
My journey into Waldorf education and philosophy truly began when my oldest daughter was a baby, though, in many ways, it had already been a part of me long before. A new mom-friend—a Waldorf alum herself—casually pointed out how my parenting had a Waldorf-inspired essence. At first, I simply smiled and played along, unsure of what she meant. But her words planted a seed. I began reading, researching, and asking my own mother questions, only to realize that my upbringing had been steeped in the magic of Waldorf all along.
Growing up, my childhood was woven with enchantment. My mother, deeply inspired by Waldorf education, filled our home with storytelling, song, and the quiet wisdom of seasonal rhythms. Fairies flitted in the garden, gnomes whispered secrets in the hollow of old trees, and the world itself felt alive with unseen wonders. My grandmother carried this same magic, teaching me to find stories in the patterns of tree bark and the whispers of the wind. My grandmother baked and cooked with me after school and lived with us for all my elementary years. It was a childhood where the ordinary shimmered with fairytales and handiwork, animals, and nature was part of it all.
Yet, it wasn't until I became a mother myself that I fully embraced the beauty of Waldorf philosophy with intention. That conversation with my friend acted as a spark, and so, my homeschool journey began—not by adopting a rigid framework, but by nurturing the same magic and wonder I had known as a child.
While Waldorf is a big part of our homeschool and everyday life, we are not purists. Our days unfold in a rhythm that feels natural, shaped by inspiration from Maria Montessori, Charlotte Mason, and the many homeschool books I adore. We embrace what resonates with our family, weaving together a tapestry of learning that is uniquely ours.
For instance, while Waldorf philosophy traditionally discourages screen time, we approach technology with mindfulness, allowing it to enrich our learning rather than detract from it. We do not strictly follow the main lesson block format, instead allowing flexibility to guide our explorations. And while I find Eurythmy fascinating, I know it is a dance I will likely never teach.
Interestingly, my connection to Anthroposophy—the spiritual philosophy behind Waldorf education—runs deeper than I ever realized. In college, I worked in an Anthroposophical bookstore, making coffee, setting up for lectures, and listening to ideas that, at the time, felt like passing clouds. I had no idea those very concepts would later bloom into the foundation of my homeschool and parenting philosophy.
Today, our home is filled with the same magic I cherished as a child. We live by the rhythm of the seasons, immerse ourselves in storytelling, and find learning in the natural world around us. Art, music, and the warmth of creativity shape our days. Waldorf, to me, is not about rules—it is about wonder. It is about embracing the slow, intentional beauty of childhood, where the days are long, the stories are rich, and imagination knows no bounds.
If you are on a similar journey, or if you are just beginning to explore the world of alternative education, I invite you to walk this path with me. Let’s weave magic into our children’s learning, honor their natural curiosity, and create an education that nurtures not only the mind but the heart and soul as well. Together, we can make learning not just a task, but an adventure filled with wonder.
