Today was Grace's first day of school! I apologize for the blurry pictures but I wanted to post these anyway in order to document Grace's very special day. Unbeknownst to me, I had a smudge on my camera lens as I was taking these pictures of Grace just before she left for school this morning.
Grace is attending a new school. We put so much thought into what type of school would be best for our Grace. She has such an insatiable desire to learn and we wanted to find a school for Grace that would foster her love of learning as well her love of art, music, dance, theater and nature. We had done considerable research on Montessori and Waldorf schools over the summer and we uncertain which educational path to choose. Grace attended a week long camp at a Waldorf school at the end of July and it was at that time we knew that this would be the perfect environment for her. The main objective of Waldorf schools is to honor and protect the wonder of childhood. In their words, "Every effort is expended to make Waldorf schools safe, secure and nurturing for children. Its goal is to produce individuals who are able, in and of themselves, to impart meaning to their lives." The aim of Waldorf schooling is to educate the whole child, "head, heart, and hands." The Waldorf curriculum balances academic subjects with artistic and practical activities. Art, music, dance, theater, gardening and foreign languages are emphasized and all children learn to play an instrument and to knit." The Waldorf education also discourages the use of electronic media, particularly television, and uses all natural materials. We are extremely fortunate to have a Waldorf school in Maine because this is just right for our Gracie girl!
Grace is currently in the kindergarten classroom, however, she will not be an "official" kindergarten student until next September. Grace missed the cutoff for kindergarten in the state of Maine by one month. Grace will be attending school this year on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. When I picked up Grace from her first day this afternoon she was beaming! Grace can't wait for school tomorrow -- she is excited to climb the apple trees outside of her classroom's window, to make bread and butter, to gather eggs from the chicken coop and to continue to get to know so many new friends.
2 comments:
I am so happy to see a beautiful picture of Grace on her first day of school. She looks like she could levitate, she's so excited.
Yesterday, thoughts of her getting ready for this day kept playing in my mind. Today, I was chronologically following what she might be doing. I can't wait to hear her recounting as many parts and happenings of her day as possible.
Learning about the Waldorf School is very interesting. They offer so much! What a rich curriculum and an admirable philosophy!
Love to all, and a special hug to a beaming learner named Grace,
Memere
Oh, Memere, you said it exactly right, our Grace is so happy and proud she could fly to school!
I am so excited to know that Grace is in the perfectly~right atmosphere for her at the Waldorf School. If a curriculum could be hand written for Grace, well, this is exact the environment. Grace's love of performing and nature will be nurtured here. I can't wait to hear and learn from her. And, I know how wonderful a sewist Grace is so knitting will expand her love of fiber.
Rebecca, please share 'everything' with me as your family moves along this new path of Waldorf. I am so taken with their philosophy of learning and life.
I am sending Grace all of my love and wonder as she grows in this new space. I want to go and sit by the sea with her and talk and share all that she is becoming.
Love, Maddy
ps--and those new amazing red school shoes, oh, me, oh my, I'm in-love!!
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