ESSENTIAL ASPECTS OF WALDORF EDUCATION
Late in the week, several new parents were visiting our school.
As they were processing information about the grades, teachers,
test-scores, the school report card and the curriculum, they just
happened to have read the latest Tuesday newsletter on the school's
web-site, particularly regarding the recent edition of the 'Whole
Language Approach' to reading. They asked why parents sent their
children to MOCS? They also were keen to know more about other
essential aspects of Waldorf Education which, as parents, they
may not find in another public school experience for their children.
In particular, they were keen to know more about music, the arts
and multiculturalism.
Regarding the ARTS-drama, painting, music, drawing, modeling,
etc.- they are integrated into the entire academic curriculum,
including mathematics and the sciences. The Waldorf method of
education through the arts awakens imagination and creative powers,
bringing vitality and wholeness to learning. It also speaks to
a variety of learning styles and intelligences, maximizing learning.
When it comes to the MULTICULTURAL CURRICULUM, an extraordinary
humanities curriculum which begins in kindergarten and grade one
with fairy and folk tales, continues in the lower elementary grades
with mythology and legends of many cultures. The teacher can draw
stories from Native American, African, European and Asian cultures.
The Old Testament and World Tales in grade three, Norse mythology
in grade four, the ancient cultures of India, Egypt, Persian,
Mesopotamia, and Greece in grade five, provide the background
for the study of history and are presented as much as possible
through excerpts from original texts. By living into a variety
of cultures through their legends, literature and art, the children
gain flexibility and an appreciation for human diversity. The
multicultural element is enhanced by the teaching of foreign language
(Spanish) beginning in grade one.
MUSIC permeates and harmonizes life in a Waldorf Methods school
like MOCS through a curriculum designed to develop the innate
musicality every child is born with. In the first grade children
sing, and learn to play the recorder, a simple wooden flute; both
activities are practiced daily through the elementary school years.
In the third grade, simple string instruments like the lyre and
children's harp can be introduced, while the fourth graders have
the challenge of learning to play a violin or cello and joining
an "orchestra." Some schools provide instruction in
wind instruments in sixth or seventh grades. Music is taught in
a Waldorf program not only for its own sake and joy it engenders,
but also because it brings a strong harmonizing and humanizing
force into the student's life.
Why parents send their children to MOCS and its Waldorf Methods
program is best answered by parents. As I was leaving the school
last Friday, Albert Kadosh just happened to be in the office hallway
and graciously took time to speak and share with those visiting
parents his experience of our school and community. I'll be keen
to find out from Albert this week if he felt those visiting parents
will be joining our growing and expanding school community for
the next year! My thanks to Albert, and all the parents of MOCS,
for being such wonderful ambassadors of Waldorf Education in Prescott
and Arizona.
- Merrill Badger, Principal |
Happening This Week:
Tuesday, April 6th is the 4th grade Parent
Class Meeting from 6:30—8:00 p.m. Childcare available.
Wednesday is early dismissal at 12:30 p.m.
and a $3 lunch is available.
Friday April 9th and Monday April 12th
there will be NO SCHOOL
Have a Happy Easter!
|
Art Work Please!
We are still looking for watercolor paintings from our children
to be donated to a local nursing home. The nursing home offered
their space for one of our school signs in exchange for our
children’s artwork.
|
"The Music Man"
is coming to town,
to the Elk's Theater, the Last weekend in April & First weekend
in May.
Tickets available:
1st Wednesday in April (half-day)
During Friday Tea Garden &
in the Office anytime.
Tickets are $5 and MOCS gets a dollar for every ticket
sold!
For more info call Susan 776-8885
|
End of the School
Year
The last day of school is Wednesday, June
2nd. Please let us know if you are interested in having a Day
Camp for Thursday and Friday June 3rd and 4th. Please take a look
at the following opportunities for this summer at MOCS. For further
questions please call Laura Gardella at 541-7815.
|
