Karissa Tunis

When Life Gets Busy… Tips & Strategies for Stress Management

When life gets busy, it can be so hard to keep those little, yet important things from falling through the cracks! We start to switch into survival mode where only the most crucial tasks gets completed; and while this is totally normal, it is not ideal! We are often left feeling unfulfilled, out of touch, and guilty about all of those tasks that got put on the back-burner for far too long. And often times, this leaves us searching for stress management solutions.

The reality is that life doesn’t ever really slow down. We can’t live our lives postponing things for the day when we aren’t busy – because, that day will never come.…

Family Conversation Starters – Education Options

We hear all the time how important it is to open up the lines of communication. Communication improves relationships with partners, friends, & coworkers; but we can’t forget that it also improves our relationships with our children. And, especially this time of year, it can help improve their conversation at school with their teachers and peers. Try these education questions and start talking with your kids.

Taking the time to have a genuine conversation with your child can be so much fun & so insightful! It also helps to build up a great family bond, which is why we are offering a few family conversation starters to go a long with each curated collection of content….

Information about Waldorf Education

Information about Waldorf Education

Recently I did a Q & A with Susquehanna Waldorf School. They are a private local school that offers a unique way of teaching through music and the arts. While they might not be local to you, I hope that you find their information informative, and that you will consider checking out your own Waldorf school around you!

I have had the pleasure of partnering with this school for another project, and I can tell you that my experience has been all positive! I encourage you to check them out if you live in Lancaster County.

Q: What is the Waldorf education philosophy?

Founded in the early 20th century, Waldorf Education is based on the insights, teachings and principles of education. This is outlined by the world renowned artist, and scientist, Rudolf Steiner. The principles of Waldorf Education evolve from an understanding of human development that addresses the needs of the growing child.

Waldorf schools offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. They integrate the arts in all academic disciplines, for children from preschool through twelfth grade, to enhance and enrich learning. Waldorf Education aims to inspire life-long learning in all students, and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities.

EDUCATION OPTIONS

This collection is created to shed light and answer questions surrounding different types of schooling and education. We are not trying to compare, but rather give you insight into the differences. Each family will need to make their own decision regarding what works best for their child and family. There are no “right” answers. It is an individual decision that needs to be made based on your student’s individual needs, learning style, abilities, and resources. Read below for more information about Waldorf.

Our goal of this Education Options collection is to allow you to dive a little deeper into the possibilities and opportunities around you!

Q: What are some similarities and differences in comparison to traditional schooling?

Waldorf Schools are similar to traditional/mainstream schools in that the curriculum offers a classical education in all academic disciplines. Students engage in traditional academic subjects, such as Math, Science, History and Literature. What’s more, they learn not one, but two foreign languages. This begins in first grade with Mandarin and Spanish. An emphasis on strong and healthy social connections, in a structured environment, will feel similar to traditional schools.

Some noticeable differences would be the lack of technology in the classrooms and the relationship with the class teacher. Also, the arts that are fully integrated into every subject and teaching modality.

Technology

Computers and digital technology are not part of the early grades curriculum. Although, mechanical technology and the practical arts are incorporated at all levels. There are no screens, iPads, laptops or white boards in any of the classrooms at SWS. In 8^th grade, computers are introduced for keyboarding and as a tool for research. But only after students study coding and/or biographies of early innovators in computer technology. And perhaps after disassembling and reassembling a laptop! The question of “why” and “how” lives in everything we do.

Teacher

Additionally, the class teacher stays with a class for many years, sometimes from 1^st to 8^th grade. This allows the teacher to truly understand how a child learns and interacts with the world. It also allows them to get to know their student as a developing human being. In addition, it establishes a significant level of trust between the student, the teacher, and even the parents. Class teachers do not teach Subject like Language, Woodworking, and Music classes; so children do interact with several teachers each day.

Arts

The arts enrich every aspect of learning at a Waldorf School. Instead of using pre-printed text books, the children create their own books as records of their learning. They compose AND illustrate their lessons each day. Research continues to show that the inclusion of the arts in academia increases aptitude and creative thinking. This benefits areas such as math and science; and has a positive effect on emotional development as well. Teaching to the whole child, developing all of their capacities, is integral to the education.

Lastly, Waldorf places high value in art, critical thinking, and creativity. Waldorf does not pursue academic instruction before the age of seven. An Early Childhood student is gaining the foundations for academic work. In language skills they work on annunciation and pronunciation through songs and poems. For fine and gross motor skills they practice through painting, finger knitting, chopping vegetables for snack, and movement in general. And to help develop an appreciation for math and science, they explore through building, climbing, setting the table, and skipping.

Their imaginative minds are nurtured through story-telling, puppet plays, and free play. When they enter the rich academic world of First Grade, their minds and bodies are prepared to eagerly and happily jump in.

Q: How does Waldorf education benefit the students?

When art and music are tied into Math and Science, when stories are used to teach the characteristics of the letters and the math processes, the children are emotionally connected in a deeper way to their learning. This connection allows the lessons to stay with them longer.

Through experiential learning, Waldorf education is evolving the children’s creative and complex thinking. SWS strives to develop a child’s academic, emotional, physical and spiritual capacities.

Professors who have taught Waldorf students across many academic disciplines and across a wide range of campuses—from State Universities to Ivy League—note that Waldorf graduates have the ability to integrate thinking. They assimilate information as opposed to memorizing isolated facts. They are also flexible, creative and willing to take intellectual risks. And also, they are leaders with high ethical and moral standards who take initiative and are passionate to reach their goals. Waldorf graduates are highly sought after in higher education.

Q: What does a day in the life of one of your students look like?

Early Childhood

An early childhood student (mixed-age Kindergarten) spends a good part of the morning engaged in free play. This time helps to build their motor skills, their social capabilities, and their imaginations. Each classroom has a kitchen in which the children can help to prepare their healthy snack.

Circle time includes stories that are told by memory so that a child can create their own imagery, song and movement. There is plenty of outdoor time each day, and a great reverence for nature is fostered. One class walks to the Susquehanna River each day to start their morning. The premise that “the world is good” and “we are kind and conscientious” is modeled and nurtured every day.

Grade Students

A grade student begins their day with movement as well. The early grades begin with Circle time where they may practice their times tables while passing bean bags. Or perhaps trace the shape of an S as they recite a poem about a slithering snake in the grass as they learn their letters.

The older grades may go outside to practice throwing the javelin and discus as part of their study of Ancient Greece and the Olympics. Or they might go on a bike ride and collect samples of leaf and plant species as part of their Botany studies.

Then the bulk of the morning is spent in Main Lesson. This is a period of about an hour and a half that is dedicated to the academic block they’re focused in (Math, Science, Literature, etc.). There are no tests until the 5^th grade. A small class size allows for teachers to assess a student’s progress in other ways.

Subject

After snack and recess, the students attend Subject classes. This includes two languages (Mandarin and Spanish for Grades 1-4 and Mandarin and Latin for Grades 5-8), Music, Fiber Arts/ Handwork (each child learns to knit in 1^st grade), Woodworking, Eurythmy, Orchestra (each child begins a string instrument beginning in 3^rd grade), Chorus, Games, and more.

After lunch and another recess, the early grades will finish the day with lighter activities. This includes Painting, Reading, Nature Walk, etc.; and the older grades (Grade 4 and up) will have an additional Subject class or two as well as Clubs. Each student finishes the day by helping with the classroom chores before dismissal.

Their classrooms use lamps and natural lighting, rather than overhead lights, and have soft paint colors on the walls. A child removes their shoes and puts on slippers or soft shoes (through Grade 3). There are nature tables, class pets, plants and pianos/ musical instruments in any given classroom. The goal is to create an atmosphere where the child is relaxed, and when they are relaxed they can take on learning in a stronger way.

Q: How can families find more information about this style of learning?

The best way to truly experience the Waldorf approach is to visit. We happily offer personal tours that accommodate any schedule, and Open Houses are available throughout the year. You can check out this website for additional Waldorf education in general – www.waldorfeducation.org, or check out our school’s website for more information – www.susquehannawaldorf.org

A big thank you to the Susquehanna Waldorf School’s Director of Admissions and Marketing for taking the time to provide us with this information! We hope that you will give Susquehanna Waldorf consideration when deciding upon your child’s education. And if you are not local to Lancaster County, we hope that you will keep an open mind and check out your local Waldorf school options.

Our goal of this Education Options collection is to allow you to dive a little deeper into the possibilities and opportunities around you!

Egg & Cheese Omelette with Olive Oil

When getting ready for school, daycare, or even just for another busy day; it’s important to remember a healthy full-filling breakfast. Below is an easy nutritious meal that is great for kids through adults, and will give you enough energy to conquer the day! Try this simple egg & cheese omelet recipe today!
…

The Benefits of Prioritizing Family Dinner & How to Make it Happen

In our house, meal time is family time. We make it a point to all eat a family dinner together most nights of the week. Sometimes this may mean that we eat early at 4:45, or some nights closer to 8 pm. But for us, we would rather be more lenient with our dinner schedule, and make the time we share together the priority….

Back to School – How to Help the Whole Family Adjust

Back to School is always a weird time of year for families. Everyone is on varying levels of dreading going back, and looking forward to it. Oftentimes, it’s a mix of both! And since this transition is something that we have to do every single year, it’s a good idea to seek out some strategies and ideas to help make things go as smoothly as possible.…

How to Win at Networking – Networking Tips that Lead to Success

Networking can be hugely beneficial if it is done in the right way. When we hear the phrase “business networking,” we picture a room full of men in suits swapping business cards and reciting canned elevator pitches. However, you can set yourself apart from the crowd in a professional and memorable manner by following these simple, yet effective networking tips….

3 Ways to Prepare for the First Day of School

Sure, the summer’s slowed-down pace, coupled with not having to pack school lunches, makes July and August pure joy. But for me, after eight weeks, I welcome the opportunity to outsource six children, for six hours a day, and send them off to their first day of school.

However, if your little bird is leaving the nest for the first time this year, you might not be feeling so ready for school to start. Here’s my advice: Try not to panic as September approaches. Instead, follow these 3-step plans far in advance of school starting, a few weeks ahead of school and on the actual first day….

Morning Routine

View, save, and print this free morning routine checklist for your kids! Consider laminating or framing, and displaying in an area that your children will see every morning while getting ready for school.

For more on this topic, check out the full Back To School collection

BACK TO SCHOOL

Back to School is always a weird time of year for families. Everyone is on varying levels of dreading going back, and/or looking forward to it. However, it oftentimes is a mix of both! And since this transition is something that we have to do every single year; it’s a good idea to seek out some strategies to help make things go as smoothly as possible in our morning routines and throughout the day!

In this collection we are covering the topic with lots of Back to School advice, tips, and suggestions from both expert professionals and seasoned mothers! Enjoy topics on how to help the whole family adjust back to school, 3 ways to prepare for the first day of school, a free morning routine printable, guidelines for accomplishing homework, homeschooling, and more!

Best of Luck!

And for more on this topic, check out the full Back to School collection

Understanding Introverted Boys – How to Bond with a Child Who Keeps to Himself

What if your son is developing a personality where he keeps to himself? Don’t be alarmed, you might have someone very unique being made right in front of you! While some kids love being in large groups, other children actually prefer to be by themselves – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Introverted boys have amazing things to offer. And it is always our job as parents to support them in their interests and natural abilities.

But I think we can almost all agree that we would be alarmed if our children chose not to take part in group activities at all. Well, let’s learn to understand what this means before we think of it as a defect. First, your child isn’t abnormal, he is actually quite normal. However, he has a few characteristics that you may need to explore.

For more on this topic, check out the full Child Behavior collection

Where does his mind go?

If he appears to be reading a lot more than the other kids, you should encourage this. However, let’s take a look at why this could be happening. He’s bored with his surroundings? He finds stories to be more exciting than playing with other children? Or perhaps he wants to understand ideas, concepts, characters and their actions as well as motives. What you could have in your son, is an inquisitive mind eager to understand the meaning of these stories. To a greater extent, you might want to understand why he is reading such stories as well as understand the reason why they are important. Children’s stories always have a moral to them. ‘The boy who cried wolf’ is a prime example. Sit down and explain why using alarmist or over-the-top language can cause people to undermine and not believe you. Logically, he is very interested in hearing the explanation.

[Read: Curiosity or Anxiety?]

Understanding Introverted Boys

Every single boy is different, and dads need to be okay if their son is breaking the common mold. How boring would it be, if every child growing up, turned out to be the same? But it’s totally understandable why fathers might want to see signs that indicate their son is growing up to be ‘normal’. If you want to know more about his personality, ask him to take the online Enneagram personality test. Just answer a few simple and complex questions, and you will be given a personality type. If he scores personality type 5, he is a thinker. These types of people like to explore ideas and concepts. If you have a son like this, it might be a great idea to introduce him to a philosophy book or perhaps a science journal.

[Read: 100 Fun Ways to Connect With Your Dad]

Long-term planner

Studies have shown children who are introduced to chess and classical music, tend to be at home thinking about long-term solutions to problems. The intricacies of chess maneuvers and strategies, together with the complex compositions of classical artists, create a mind that is designed to look ahead. If given this type of upbringing, your son could feel right at home in an economics class, or perhaps learning about the classics which explain how civilization itself came to bear.

[Read: New Year New Goals]

Fathers need not worry if their sons are a little reclusive. It’s okay to be different. And if your son is more interested in ideas than people, cater to his needs instead of forcing him to go play with the other children. If you look hard enough, you will find something that the two of you can do together and bond over.