Teaching the Alphabet. In Waldorf education, the capital alphabet is taught one letter at a time using the medium of story and art to really bring the letters alive for each child in a memorable, meaningful way.
The letters emerge out of the story, usually a Grimm’s Fairytale (but it doesn’t have to be,) and come to life on the chalkboard and page. For example, to introduce the letter M many people tell Simeli Mountain and draw a mountain that resembles an M. While it’s not the quickest way to teach the alphabet, I found it to be the most rewarding. Not just for Sunburst, but for myself, as well. Every bit of it seemed important. There are many ways to go about this lesson. I combined ideas from Path of Discovery Grade 1, Genii of Language by Alan Whitehead, Christopherus First Grade Syllabus, postings on various Waldorf e-groups by other homeschoolers, and mixed them with my own thoughts and what we were emoting based on our own personalities and the season (we started the lesson in late Fall.) 1. 1. How I Adapted “Along The Alphabet Path” So I wrote a bit about the use of saints to teach letters in a Waldorf-style for mothers who had asked this question about how to work in Waldorf elements of teaching with a predominantly Roman Catholic/Orthodox focus.
Now I would like to share a bit about what personally I did when my oldest was in first grade. Perhaps it will spark some ideas for you and your summer planning! My oldest was a fluent reader prior to when she turned seven and started first grade. And by fluent I mean she could read whatever she wanted, so beyond Frog and Toad and all that…People freak out about a situation like this frequently on Waldorf boards and forums, because they don’t realize that the content of Waldorf first grade so speaks to the soul of a seven-year old and the academic skill level can be adjusted up or down. Also, early readers frequently need the balancing and harmonizing Waldorf first grade provides. Create her own story, of course, in a three day rhythm. Lily could hardly believe her ears! Choosing Fairy Tales for Different Ages. Download the article: Choosing Fairy Tales for Different Ages Deciding which fairy tales are appropriate for which age group is a problem which faces every kindergarten teacher as well as every parent who wants to offer fairy tales to children.
Over the years, with the experience of actually telling the tales to children, one develops a "sense" for this, but in the beginning some guidelines may be of help. Among the fairy tales, there are stories of varying degrees of complexity. The Waldorf Approach to Writing and Reading for Literacy Grades 1& Training Manual. Teaching the Alphabet. In Waldorf education, the capital alphabet is taught one letter at a time using the medium of story and art to really bring the letters alive for each child in a memorable, meaningful way.
The letters emerge out of the story, usually a Grimm’s Fairytale (but it doesn’t have to be,) and come to life on the chalkboard and page. For example, to introduce the letter M many people tell Simeli Mountain and draw a mountain that resembles an M. While it’s not the quickest way to teach the alphabet, I found it to be the most rewarding. Not just for Sunburst, but for myself, as well. Every bit of it seemed important. There are many ways to go about this lesson. Great Fairy Tales for First Grade. Choosing Grimm’s Tales for the Waldorf-Inspired First Grade « Cedar Ring Mama. We are well into the school year, but I haven’t done very much of the alphabet yet because I’ve strayed a bit from the plan.
I floundered for a bit because I just wasn’t “feeling it” about either the container story in the Christopherus curriculum, or the first Grimm’s tale (Simeli Mountain) in A Little Garden Flower. While I love both curriculums, neither one of those stories felt right for my son, and I really want his education to engage what is going on with him for his temperament and individual struggles and abilities. Not only that, but if the specific Grimm’s tales didn’t engage me, it seemed less likely that they would move him in the way I want them to, since our children are absorbing a bit of us that we offer with our storytelling. Sistermama gets real: Fairy Tales and Capitals for Waldorf First Grade.
I found here a nice description about how letters are introduced in Waldorf education, so I won't resummarize it all.
Lucy is so excited to be starting school in a few short weeks. She has been chomping at the bit for first grade, mostly for reading and knitting, oh, and flute and math. Infusing Waldorf Elements Into Your Christian Homeschool. This is a big topic, and may take several posts.
Waldorf School of Orange County - Where Education Comes Alive! The Parenting Passageway. Sewing and Craft Patterns published by The Silver Penny in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Sewing & Craft Patterns Available Exclusively from The Silver Penny © Kathryn Sheehan, All Rights Reserved.
This delightful collection of patterns has been created and produced by The Silver Penny in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. NOTICE: Sewing patterns are non-returnable. Click to learn more and view other photos of finished project. Fairy Hut Pattern Finished Hut measures 7½” wide by 12” tall. Created by Kathryn Sheehan An adorable, six-sided fairy house with a door, four windows and a hinged roof! Our price is $8.95 (Directions for dolls & furniture not included in pattern.) Enchanted Fairy Cottage Pattern Finished house measures 12" tall x 7 1/2" wide. Even the pickiest fairy would love to live in such a luxurious house!
Gnome Home Pattern Finished house measures 8½" high, 12" wide & 9" deep. BONUS! Reminiscent of a hobbit hole you might find in the Shire, this pattern was designed from original sketches and includes some special features unique to the homes of Hobbiton! Our price is $5.95 Save 15%!