* Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your favorite creative outlets?
Before the birth of my son in August 2009, I worked with children in various creative settings--local zoos, drama camps, ballet and gymnastics studios. I also studied Elementary Education in college.
While I have always loved learning and teaching, I never quite felt inspired or empowered in public school classrooms. There was something about traditional pedagogy that did not *ignite* me like I had hoped and planned it would. I discovered Waldorf and Anthroposophy soon after the birth our son, Wesley, and my life and point of view forever changed.
While I have always loved learning and teaching, I never quite felt inspired or empowered in public school classrooms. There was something about traditional pedagogy that did not *ignite* me like I had hoped and planned it would. I discovered Waldorf and Anthroposophy soon after the birth our son, Wesley, and my life and point of view forever changed.
* What inspired you to pursue Waldorf education and a natural lifestyle?
Upon becoming a mother, I was bombarded through the mail, mainstream magazines, and websites with information about "must have" baby items. Brightly colored plastics, polyester, noisy toys that flashed and blinked, baby equipment that pushed precocious development (such as wlkers and jumpers), and videos that claimed to make your child smarter. Nothing I saw appeared to respect the phases of child development. I have always been drawn to the natural world (many thanks to my inspirational mother!), so my choice to live a natural lifestyle has absolutely spilled into my parenting style.
Waldorf education has become such a beacon in my life. The wisdom and inspiration I have gleaned from it has been so transforming for every member of my little family. The first time I walked into a Waldorf kindergarten, all of the hair on my arms literally stood up. I was utterly blown away by the serene colors, the natural and open-ended playthings, and the sense of community! Reverence and respect for child development is what impressed me most, though.
* How has motherhood transformed you? Has it made you more creative?
Motherhood has transformed me in nearly every way it possibly could. I am more patient. I now strive to move through the day slowly and with purpose and spirit.
I have always enjoyed handwork and crafts. As a young girl, my summer days were filled with bracelet making, drawing, and bead looms. After our son was born, my creative spirit was renewed. Our house was finally a home, and I wanted to fill it with handmade items! I wanted our son to have playthings and clothing that was formed by hand and spirit. I learned to knit (I almost gave up!), honed sewing skills and took up woodworking.
One thing that we really need to remember about Waldorf is that it is about simplicity and spirit. One does not need shelves of wooden trucks and cars, baskets and baskets of play silks, or the most expensive dolls. An excess of items may create disregard. A child will hold much more meaning and emotion to a few carefully selected and quality playthings rather than a whole brigade of them.
In Spring 2011, I opened the doors to our home as a Waldorf inspired playgarden three days per week. It is a fantastic learning experience for me. I strive to create an uncluttered space and a rhythmic day for the children. It's purposeful work; challenging and always beautiful in many ways. I am also lucky enough to belong to a beautiful Episcopalian church where I currently serve as Director of Youth Education.
During Summer 2011, I attended a 1-week Introduction to Waldorf Early Childhood Education at The Sunbridge Institute in New York followed by a weekend Eurythmy course the following Winter. I began my 3-year Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training at Sunbridge in July 2012.
In Spring 2011, I opened the doors to our home as a Waldorf inspired playgarden three days per week. It is a fantastic learning experience for me. I strive to create an uncluttered space and a rhythmic day for the children. It's purposeful work; challenging and always beautiful in many ways. I am also lucky enough to belong to a beautiful Episcopalian church where I currently serve as Director of Youth Education.
During Summer 2011, I attended a 1-week Introduction to Waldorf Early Childhood Education at The Sunbridge Institute in New York followed by a weekend Eurythmy course the following Winter. I began my 3-year Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Training at Sunbridge in July 2012.
contact: bendingbirch@gmail.com