Hi all,
I visited Three Rivers Waldorf Academy while in LaCrosse. Wow, I just wanted to stay in the Kindergarten rooms forever. They certainly have made a lot of intentional choices at this school.
I chatted with Martha, who gives tours and is the enrollment coordinator. She was the woman that Karina Klug invited to Decorah to offer the Coop class on Waldorf-inspired parenting.
After talking with her, I truly felt that anything less than Waldorf would be such a loss. I must admit that I haven't read all of the suggested readings and I'm not very familiar with Montessor (or Waldorf for that matter). That feeling might change as I become more informed on the philosophy of both or others. She was definitely not anti-Montessori in any way.
One comment she made was that they had a challenging fiscal year last year after purchasing an old school. She commented that there were many things they hadn't forseen as needing to purchase or staff for. If the purchase of a space is in the future for the Montessori preschool program and/or primary grades, I'd advise that they be consulted as they have been through it.
I also asked whether she would be willing to present to parents in this town on the Waldorf philosophy and curriculum. She felt that another woman, Pam(?), would be better suited and actually does that routinely. Perhaps once the conversation with the Montessori parents begins that might be a possibility. I would also like someone to come to present on Montessori as well, if possible. (Maybe the current Montessori teacher here in Decorah as she is certainly studying the philosophy in depth right now).
Martha also gave me some additional information on this "Open House" occuring at Three Rivers on January 19th. It sounds more like a workshop and there are breakout sessions to choose from. Information on it will be available on their website next week(?). Martha said that she had been thinking and thought that maybe interested people from our group could roadtrip to LaCrosse, attend this event, and then have a tour of the building/chat with them to get people on the same page.
Anyway, it was generally a good time (much the same as a Montessori Board meeting). Sorry if you don't get that insider joke, attend the next board meeting and you too will likely agree. I'd recommend the January 19th event to people interested in learning about Waldorf education. It sounds like it should be very informative.
Thanks for reading!
Alicia
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Alicia, I'm so glad you made it up to three rivers school. Emily and I also walked away from our visit in absolute awe of what they have done. As I do more research I feel that the Waldorf method should be complemented with other influences, to make it more academically based. I also feel it should be approached without the religious tilt. I don't have the backgroud to do justice in an evaluation of different curriculums, like others in our group do - I'm really just coming from it as a Mom.
Thanks for visiting the school! I think it's a great idea that we have people come to our group to speak on Waldorf and Montessori. Also - there will be child care available at the January 19th Windows into Waldorf event. They will send me a posting of the schedule when it is available, and I'll forward it on to all.
Pam
Post a Comment