Contemporary Issues in Waldorf Early Childhood Education

This new generation of children is both different and the same as children of earlier times. How are we changing our Waldorf early childhood pedagogy to meet them? How are we changing ourselves? What heart-warmed social gestures can nourish the parents? And are there other experts from diverse fields with wisdom to share to inspire our work?

 

We will explore Rudolf Steiner’s lecture, “Self-Education in the Light of Spiritual Science”, as well as an article by Renate Long-Breihpol entitled “The New Generation of Children.” We will experiment with some LifeWays parenting and care ideas, dip into the thoughts of Daniel Pink's book, A Whole New Mind, and play with flower essence therapy. To nourish ourselves artistically, we will interject some of Wilma Ellersick’s hand gesture games and do eurythmy with Cezary Ciaglo.

 

In the afternoons we will create a simple marionette for a group puppet show on the theme.

MATERIALS FEE: $25

Recommended Reading: Daniel Pink: A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future Patricia Kaminski: Flowers That Heal Wilma Ellersiek, Kundry Willwerth: Giving Love, Bringing Joy and Gesture Games for Spring and Summer

 

The Center for Anthroposophy will have the two articles available for participants upon arrival for this course.

 

RENA OSMER has been passionate about Waldorf early childhood education since completing her training in 1985, and she has taught children, parents, and teachers for many years. She is keenly interested in innovative ideas and new initiatives and has served the national development of Waldorf early childhood as WECAN Board Member, founding board member of Sophia’s Hearth Family Center, and LifeWays North America Board member. Rena’s career began in Wilton, NH at the Pine Hill Waldorf School, the Center for Anthroposophy and Antioch University New England. On the West Coast she has worked for Rudolf Steiner College as Director of Early Childhood Education and co-founder of the Caldwell Early Life Center and the LifeWays Children’s Center. She moved recently to the Florida sub- tropics where she currently teaches a mixed-age kindergarten in a new Waldorf initiative, Sea Star, in Boca Raton.