Waldorf Homeschooling Options

Plans Changing Unexpectedly

So many new things at the moment. And it all revolves around Waldorf homeschooling. Homeschooling! I’m trying my hardest not to run and hide in the closet or pull a book off the shelf and get lost in a story. Reality is not my friend. The thought of homeschooling is not my friend. But it is the reality for me. We’ve been dealing with COVID-19 for months now. Not easy, but I’ve adapted. I survived distance learning. Again, not easy, especially while trying to work, but we managed. Will I survive homeschooling?

Let me explain why I’m freaking out so much. Until a week or so ago, school was taken care of. My girls were enrolled in our local Waldorf school. However things played out, it wasn’t my job to figure it out. So, what happened? We received notification that we would be 100 percent distance learning a month ago. I was good with that. Even with the struggles last year. Even with finding out that my youngest was the only one in her class and she was being combined with the grade above hers. I figured we’d give it a go; she’s bright and has friends in the class above.

Then last week we received an email that enrollment was not what it needed to be, and they were readjusting the classes. When they readjusted, my youngest was combined with the two grades below her and my oldest was no longer with her teacher but put with a different grade and a different teacher, and they would now be following a hybrid model (which I guess they can do since it’s a small private school, even though public schools can only do distance learning). The school’s building has been an area of contention for a few years now in the parent community. It’s an old building and there are no windows that open.

We Are Given What We Can Handle

These changes pushed me over the edge. I understand why they made them—enrollment is down due to COVID, so the income from tuition isn’t there and they’re trying to keep the school afloat. I love the school and the community, and I’m committed to Waldorf education. But the hard fact is the changes they’ve been forced to make to navigate COVID-related schooling is not the best fit for my family. I withdrew them.

So, where did that leave me? My youngest has been adamant that she does not want to distance learn, nor does she want me to homeschool her. Distance learning last year was not easy for the two of us. Her teacher laid out the lessons but, I still had to deliver them. That did not go well, to put it mildly. I have never wanted to homeschool, and this just reaffirmed my feelings.

The universe was watching out for me. A homeschooling pod with a small group of friends that we’ve already bubbled up with sort of fell into place with a Waldorf teacher who will be teaching outside in a tent structure on a farm. Farming plays a big role in third grade in Waldorf education. Can we say perfect? (I don’t know that my youngest and I would have made it through a year of homeschooling.)

Homeschooling Reality

So why the freak-out? I have two kids. My oldest is adamant that she wants to homeschool. I tried to come up with a similar pod configuration for her with a teacher, but she wants me to teach her—”real homeschooling, Mom,” she told me. I don’t know how this will go, but with her entering her teenage years, which I know will probably make this more difficult, I have to at least try. It might even bring us closer together. At least that’s what I’m telling myself because I just don’t think I have the personality to be a homeschooling mom. Regardless of what I think, though, the reality is that’s exactly what I am now.

I’ve been looking online for Waldorf homeschooling curriculum. A lot of places have nice packets of everything for younger grades, but when you get to middle school, you’re on your own. They have block schedules, but the actual day-to-day lessons seem up to you to figure out. I’m still researching, and I could have that completely wrong, but there doesn’t seem to be a complete Waldorf ready-made curriculum for middle school. Meadow Oaks seems to be the closest, but it doesn’t seem to follow as closely to Waldorf curriculum. The thought of being solely responsible for my daughter’s education in a middle school and transformative year is freaking me out.

Options for Waldorf Homeschooling Curriculum

First thing, I Googled “Oregon homeschooling” and found out that, thankfully, homeschooling regulations in Oregon aren’t too bad. My sister-in-law has been homeschooling since her first child entered kindergarten, so I know some states are crazy. She has four kids; two are grown and out of the house. As a homeschooling pro, she has recently started her own homeschooling blog called Pencil Treks. While she doesn’t use a Waldorf curriculum, I will still be using her as a resource. If you are homeschooling, too, I highly recommend you check her out.

With my own research and talking with other Waldorf parents who have homeschooled a bit and talking with my oldest’s teacher, this is what I’ve found so far for Waldorf homeschooling curriculum:

• Oak Meadow is Waldorf inspired and has the full kit (even for middle school). They even have an accredited online school, so you don’t have to deal with homeschooling regulations, at least from what I understand. (This is all new to me, so whatever you decide, do your own due diligence.)

• Christopherus is also Waldorf inspired but seems a bit more “Waldorf” than Meadow Oaks. They have student/teacher books for some of the subjects and an outline for the year (which I printed off and will be looking at).

• Seasons of Seven is an online school with certified Waldorf teachers and also has Waldorf homeschooling curriculum in their Waldorf Essentials Homeschool Options. (My oldest’s Waldorf teacher told me about Seasons of Seven.)

One Thing at a Time

So, I’m neck-deep in researching seventh-grade Waldorf curriculum at the moment. I’ll update you as I decide what will work best for us. I have until after Labor Day when school will start in Oregon. Then, who knows what will happen.

To all the other mama’s (and papa’s and grandparent’s) out there who are facing similar situations, all I can say is one thing at a time. We’ll get through it somehow, and you are not alone. Remember to take time for yourself so you can have the patience reserves that you’ll need. (Read this post to find out why self-care is so important.) I’m already picturing taking deep breaths and figuring out what I’ll be doing when my daughter or I become frustrated.