One of my favorite parts of the trip was having the privilege of visiting Golden Valley Charter School of Sacramento which is a K-8 Public Charter School Inspired by Waldorf Education. They allowed us to be part of their Friday gathering and observe in classrooms. The Friday gathering brought the school together as a story was told about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A class recited a verse and then the school sang together. I participated in a first grade morning circle, learning new songs and verses and joining in on ones I already knew. I also observed their main lesson which was a math lesson taught through story telling. I heard about the land of Numerica and its royal family; Sir Plus, Minus Minor and Princess Equals. The students were captivated by the story and helped to retell parts as they solved math problems using “gems” as manipulatives on their “magic carpets” which were felt squares that covered their desks. I then traveled to the magical world of Kindergarten where I was invited to join the class for snack. I was served tea and fresh baked bread and honey from one of the children’s bees. We sat in silence since the quiet candle was lit and practiced table manners and expressed gratitude for the work that went into preparing the bread, setting the table and friendship. Having the opportunity to see an established public school successfully implementing Waldorf practices was inspiring and encouraging.
At the conference I attended The Developing Will of the Young Child. This workshop focused on the young child in kindergarten or early childhood programs. Our presenter spoke on the importance of the will of the child especially in the first seven years of life. Will is developed through imitation and habits are learned and shaped during this rising and developing of the will. It is more important than ever that I, as a teacher, am worthy of imitation not only in my actions but through my tone of voice, attitude, gestures as well as my inner thoughts and mood. Meaningful work and chores are crucial in developing a child’s will. Children should always feel like they can do anything a teacher or adult is doing; sewing, cooking, sweeping, dusting, washing dishes, gardening, etc. The level of work does not have to be the same but that they feel like they can do the same action or activity. The following is a verse I learned and recited during this workshop:
That good may become,
what from our hearts, we are founding,
what from our heads, we direct focused will.
The topic of my breakout session was Discipline in the Classroom: Tools for Your Tool Kit. The presenter shared different classroom techniques and approaches when dealing with group and individual problems or behavior. She stressed the importance of the teacher being objective and not angry when disciplining, as well as assessing the reason for the behavior; was the lesson too long? Too much content? Are you, as the teacher, not feeling well or upset? Is it a Monday after holiday break? Although I know this, it is always comforting to have confirmation. I am looking forward to trying out some of the tools in my classroom especially those having to do with noise level and trying out the D.A.D.D. technique: Disapprove, Affirm, Discover, Do over. The idea of delivering disciplinary messages in the same area every day is also something I look forward to experimenting with. The presenter suggested choosing a spot and delivering all disciplinary messages from there. This may entail leaving teaching space and traveling to this spot to deliver the message and travel back to the teaching space. Most importantly all disciplinary techniques need to be fair, consistent and carried through.
My heart is so full as I reflect on this experience. It would not have been the same if I wasn’t with my colleagues to participate in this conference together. I am truly appreciative to the families of our school for believing in me as a teacher of their children and understanding the importance of this learning opportunity.
The Alliance for Public Waldorf Education Conference proved to be everything I imagined and more. The small, quaint college grounds are stunning as we were surrounded by beautiful gardens and working farm complete with sheep, cows, chickens and turkeys. The community of people were very welcoming as we were all there for a common cause; the appropriate development and education of our children. We even saw familiar faces, connecting with friends and presenters from our training in Kentucky over the summer. The days were long but filled with valued knowledge, information and wonderful food and companionship.