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Parent Perspective:
What the First Grade Year Has Been Like
by Beth Patchel
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Our daughter Cecilia is in the first grade class this year. In trying to explain our choice to friends and parents who don't understand what a Waldorf education actually is, I've tried to find a comparison between Waldorf learning versus what I learned about a more standard education, both public and private.
I'm realizing almost every day that the Waldorf first grade curriculum, which once seemed to me so simplistic at face value, is incredibly complex. Last year, in researching other schools, it struck me that although the children were able to learn vast quantities of information, it was only at a very shallow level: "Fill in the blanks. Here is a list of words, memorize their spelling." The spelling words would have no relation to each other; the "blank" was perhaps one sentence in a complex story, but the comprehension of the story itself was not so important. In this way a huge amount of material was waded through in a short time.
Waldorf, in contrast, significantly decreases the amount of information and instead digs deep down to encompass every facet of it. An example: 12 = 4 x 3. A simple math equation on the surface. But instead of rote memorization, the children explore this math "sentence" by drawing a tree (with deep roots!) that holds 4 nests, 3 eggs per nest. An entire lesson is spent taking care with the drawing. The children are learning math as art, as story! (This was a revelation to me, as I've struggled with math my whole life.) The next day they will work on the four-times tables as a whole, but instead of droning on trying to memorize them by rote, they will count the sentence with their bodies, stomping their feet: stomp stomp stomp 4, stomp stomp stomp 8, stomp stomp stomp 12. They are learning not how to fill in the number at the end of the equal sign (a shallow equation); they are feeling math with their whole bodies, a concept fairly alien to us, not just in our schools but in our culture. Does anyone really think of math as poetic or physical?
How many of us can count the times we memorized things for tests, only to forget them the following week? How many times have we finished a book,only to feel that we read all the words but didn't quite comprehend the story's full meaning? This is so commonplace it's regarded as "normal" learning. It's just what one does in school. No one seems to even question anymore whether or not things should perhaps be digested fully so as to be remembered later!
The Waldorf curriculum avoids these pitfalls by early on making the knowledge a physical part of the children, living within them, with deep unshakable roots. The children cannot possibly forget what they have marched out, drawn out, played out, shouted out!
One of the simplest and best explanations for the curriculum was explained to me by David Heberlein last year, when I was trying to understand what was the point of taking up so much time, so much care with each little detail? He told me simply, "to preserve the imagination." The imaginative muscle can't be used if it's busy decoding words, or memorizing things by rote. Which explained quite poignantly for me why a standard education seems designed for failure: How can you teach children to be an original thinker if their imagination gets so little use it eventually disappears altogether?
What a gift for Cecilia, then, to preserve and strengthen her childhood's greatest asset--her imagination--all the while laying the foundation for truly independent thinking that will, I'm certain, endure for her lifetime.
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A Peek into the Classroom:
Class Trips
by Cynthia Darvin-Vega
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As the buds come out on the trees and the flowers begin revealing their colors, the children in several grades embark on class trips which have been in incubation in their studies and eagerly anticipated as they have grown within the warmth of our community.
The third grade have embarked on their Farm Trip to Hawthorne Valley in Ghent, New York, on May 2-6. During this time the students are farmers. They rise early, care for animals, tend the garden, ride horses, milk cows, muck out the stalls, and with some luck, witness the birth of a calf. In small groups, they prepare, serve, and clean up all of their own meals. For many, this is the first trip away from home for an extended time, and children return feeling responsible, responsive, and independent. It is an experience remembered for a lifetime, and often a topic of many graduation speeches.
As the culmination of their studies of Greece, the fifth grade participates in a Pentathlon at the Kimberton School (PA) on May 12. Joining with other area Waldorf schools, students are assigned to mixed-school groups representing Sparta, Athens, Corinth, and Thebes. The city-states participate in javelin, wrestling, running, discus, and long jump, while being observed for beauty and grace.
This week the sixth grade is in Fairlee, VT, at the Hulbert Outdoor Center. The children are participating in high and low ropes activities, exploring hikes, and rock climbing. The imaginative team-building activities foster trust, communication skills, leadership, responsibility, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
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This and That
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A group of Waldorf parents have organized a fund-raising initiative for Japan and will have a booth at the May Fair. To date, these parents have raised over $250, a quarter of their goal of $1,000. At the May Fair, they will be selling green tea, mochi (a traditional Japanese rice treat) and other Japanese sweets, handmade origami crafts, bookmarks and accessories, and more. Visitors may learn the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. All proceeds will go to efforts to help children and schools in the affected areas. This initiative will give concerned members of our community an opportunity to contribute to Japan's recovery effort. For more information, please contact Fumiko Honda Bauer at FUMI0301@aol.com.
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Dalagelis Painting LLC, owned and operated by Rachel Higginbotham and Chris Dalagelis, parents of sixth grader Hope Higginbotham, would like to offer its services to the families at the Waldorf School. In return they will donate 2 percent of the labor cost to the Annual Fund. You can see some of their work at www.dalapainting.com.
The company recently completed a project for the Bryson/McGahren Family and donated a portion of the payment to the school. You may use Jennifer Bryson-McGahren as a personal referral for our company. Dalagelis Painting looks forward to being able to give back to the school each year by providing a wide range of services to the Waldorf community. Thank you.
Rachel Higginbotham
Dalagelis Painting LLC
609-954-4018
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Waldorf Alumnus Offers Babysitting
"My name is (Sarah) Lily Martin. I graduated from Mr. Leibner's class of 2006. I am a student at Wesleyan University majoring in Biology. I am available July 9-August 6. I was a certified lifeguard, and I have a car. E-mail: s.lilymartin@comcast.net. Cell: (609) 540-9458
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SAVE THE DATE
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End of the Year Grade School Assembly
Saturday, June 4, 9:30 a.m.
Montgomery Middle School
All grade school children are asked to arrive no later than 9:15 a.m. to join their classes. Children who are playing stringed instruments need to come early, at 9:00 a.m., for tuning. Please leave some extra time for parking and entry into the high school. Early Childhood families are most welcome to attend!
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Jean Alexander puts Vanna to shame as the live auction's affable assistant.
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Thank you to everyone who made our 2011 Four Seasons Auction a success! Click here to read more from our Auction Chair, Kimberly Trent.
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SCHOOL EVENTS
Parent Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 10, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Hagens Hall
Annual Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day
and Kindergarten May Festival
Friday, May 13
Kindergarten program begins at 8:30 a.m.
Grade school program begins at 10 a.m.
The annual Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day is an exciting occasion at our school. Grade school guests enjoy refreshments, an assembly in Hagens Hall, and a visit to the classrooms. Kindergarten guests enjoy springtime festivities and snacks with their grandchildren and special young friends. All have the opportunity to see springtime at its best on our lovely campus.
A few things to remember: On May 13, grade school dismissal will be at 12:40 instead of 12:55. (Fourth and seventh graders are asked to stay to assist with May Fair setup from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.) Children should dress nicely (in school assembly attire). Since seating in Hagens Hall is limited, priority seats will be reserved for our grandparents and special friends.
Please leave the closest parking spaces free for our older guests that morning. RSVP to Jamie by Monday, May 9, to ensure that a name tag is made for your child's special guest (609-466-1970, x112). Please contact Diane if you are willing to help with refreshments, parking, or hosting for this event (609-466-1970, x115).
May Fair Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. From silk dyeing to jump-rope making, the class activities planned for the May Fair look great. Some new and interesting things to look out for are a chance for children to sample circus activities, a table where you can make origami cranes to benefit the people of Japan, and two wild herb walks around campus. We also have a fabulous musical lineup featuring WSP's own talented parents. We also have many wonderful vendors coming with items such as unique jewelry and clothing, henna tattoos, alpaca yarn, lovely wool felted dolls, and much more. Look out for a May Fair table at drop-off and Grade School pick-up on Wednesday, May 11. At those times Marla Hanan will be available to answer last-minute questions. Thank you in advance for all of your hard work to help make this day a memorable one! Fourth and Fifth Grade Strings Recital Friday, May 19, 1:45 p.m. Hagens Hall Parents of fourth and fifth graders are welcome!
Father-Child Field Day Saturday, May 21, 9:00 a.m.-Noon This event will be held on the lower athletic field at the school. Designed to allow fathers to gather once again to meet other Waldorf dads and feel connected to the school, the morning will include athletic games and activities to appeal to nursery-age through seventh grade students. The main goal is to get Waldorf dads and kids together to have fun! So far this year, Waldorf dads have installed the Natural Roof on the Golden House, met socially at the Rebarbers', and bowled for the coveted beeswax trophy, and now they can enjoy a beautiful May morning having fun with their kids.
Any questions, contact Doug Jackson at djackson61@msn.com or 908-296-2370 (cell). Meet the New First Grade Teacher: Elizabeth Hamilton Sunday, May 22, 4:00-5:00 p.m. First Grade Classroom Parents of next year's first grade will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and get to know Mrs. Hamilton in a relaxed, informal setting. Seventh Grade Play: Oliver Twist Wednesday, May 25 Times TBA To view our complete events calendar, please click here. |
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FROM THE OFFICE
Please note the May 15 deadline for re-enrollment. After May 15 a 2.5% administrative fee will be added to your tuition for 2011-12.
Back-to-School Packets
Watch for this May mailing, which will include important forms for Fall 2011.
Report Writing Day-No School for Grade School Friday, May 27 Early Childhood classes are in session as usual! School is closed Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day. |
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SCHOOL NEWS
Thank You Thank you to Doug Jackson, Alex Jackson, and Jenny Bryson-McGahren for their help at Communiversity Day! Thank you too to Folk Tale Puppets and puppeteers Fumiko Bauer, Caroline Phinney, Vera Edwards, Sherry Miller, and Anka Galkin for their presentation of Urashimo Taro to our students on April 13. Their performance, based on a Japanese folk tale, was a beautiful and fitting tribute to Japan. Gift Collection for Teachers As the school year draws to a close, the Parent Council would like to once again offer as a service to the community our "Year End Gift Collection." If you would like to make a contribution please note that the deadline is Tuesday, May 31. Please look for the forms downstairs in the Golden House kitchen on or before May 9. Yearbooks Are Coming Please stop by to preview a proof copy of the yearbook the week leading up to and including the May Fair. Look for us at a table at the May Fair and at drop-off and pick-up from May 9 through May 14. Order forms will be available at the table and on the WSP website, as well as in the Golden House kitchen next week. The order deadline is Tuesday, May 17. Please note: The portion of the yearbook that is reserved for the 8th grade class is dedicated to the teachers and classes of the special subjects this year. This is a once-in-the-history-of-WSP opportunity to get a yearbook with a wonderfully broad perspective of the school.
Gifts of Love Thank you once again for the community contributions to Gifts of Love to fulfill our teachers' wishes. A total of $800 was received at the auction, and there are still $50 and $100 gifts available for those who are interested in helping out. The full list of our teachers' wishes can be viewed in the Community Kitchen. This year's Gifts of Love will be used to purchase two training keyboards for Mrs. Campana's class to help students learn to type, two tables for Mrs. Shafer and the sculptural arts program, and blackboard curtains for the first and third grade classrooms. The early childhood teachers are wishing for picnic tables. Please keep your eyes open for a table with movable benches! Contact Nancy Lemmo if you find one that we can use. Announcing the Waldorf School of Princeton Community Walkway: Celebrating Our Community, Honoring Our Journey! Please join in the building of the WSP Community Walkway, to be installed as part of the Tractor Barn Classroom Renovation Project this summer. Inscribed bricks can be purchased for $100 and $300. For more information and to order, click here. Deadline to order is June 10.  | | Jeff and Kimberly Trent take a moment to bid at this year's Four Seasons Auction. |
 A Note from Kimberly Trent, Auction Chair
Thank you to everyone who volunteered, solicited ads and donations, and helped in any way to make the auction a success. Your efforts were greatly appreciated. I would like to especially thank those who gave their time, talent, and creativity on the auction committees. A very big thank you to Amy Krause for her incredible support on numerous occasions by helping with the online auction, downloading music for the event, and coordinating the planning and implementation of the check-in, data entry, and check-out process at the event. A special thank you also to the following people: Dale and Cari Ellen Hermann for designing the invitations and program cover, leading the decorations committee as well as decoration set up efforts and assisting with cleanup. Jamie Quirk for putting together the program beautifully as well as helping in several other areas. Solveig Pearson for helping with invitation addresses, letter mail merge, and anything else we needed a hand with. Lauren Jones for coordinating the event day volunteers. Thank you to Eric Martin for the delicious food, and to everyone who helped with food & beverage, set up, clean up, check-in, check-out, data entry, and/or other tasks: Karleen Aghevli · Jean Alexander · Karen Atkinson · Mike Atkinson · Joe Chambers · Deborah Ginsburg · Marla Hanan · David Henry · Mark Hornung · Doug Jackson · Peter Jahn · Bella Jaikaria · Angela Kneppers · Mary Langeron · Yifat Leibner · Eric and John Lemmo · Jack Malone · Susie McCoy · Laura McIntosh · Oliver, Ian, and Isabella McIntosh · Beth Miller · Jill Miller · Jeffrey Olkin · Joanne Pawelko · Lan Pendergrass · James Quirk · Tara Romanowich · Nick Rumin · Christina Sacalis · Aaron Seliquini · Marian Seliquini · Hyesook Somers · Kurt Steinert · Tamara Kotick Sutton · Jeff Trent · Camden and Kalina Trent · Ondy Wasem · Peter Wasem · Judith Wides Thank you to Diane Barlow for fielding unending questions and offering much support and guidance throughout the entire process, and to Nancy Lemmo for support, encouragement, and delicious dinners! And finally thank you to the entire WSP community for your support, encouragement, and kind words. Our net proceeds from the event topped $20,000! Summer Camp Summer's coming. . . and there are still some spaces open at our popular summer camp! Visit us online to check out our wonderful Specialty Camp offerings and to download a camp registration form. For inquiries, e-mail us! Do hurry; we don't want to exclude anyone from our community! Summer Educational Support Please contact your child's support teacher to make arrangements for your child to continue building skills over the summer. Scrip With only a few weeks remaining in the school year, it's time to think about placing your Scrip orders to get you through the summer months. Grab and Go cards will be available in the school store on Thursday mornings, or orders may be placed by emailing jalexander@princetonwaldorf.org. As a way of thanking our valued Scrip participants, all orders placed during the months of April and May will qualify toward our year-end raffle; a $45 Whole Earth Gift Card prize will be awarded in June! Thank you. Windy Hill Store The school store is offering a twenty percent sale during the month of May. St. John's Bonfire After long reflection, this year the faculty has decided not to hold the annual St. John's bonfire. Please click here to read the important note from Peter Sheen. |
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