The Raving Thrivalist: Our First Day of School

So today, my first born started KINDERGARTEN!
Yes, I know, it's homeschool kindergarten...but it's still EXCITING!
Hair cuts, new sneakers and backpacks, OH MY!

I've spent months planning, figuring out logistics, reading, ordering materials and discussing methods and tips with experienced friends...all leading up to the kick-off today. I decided that, at least for Kindergarten, a full-on Waldorf method is ideal, but I'm not afraid to throw in or let a few outside ideas in. For example, Waldorf does not begin working on formal instructed writing until first grade, but my Boo-man has been able to write the first letter of his name and now most of the alphabet, simply from his personal interest.
(For more information on what makes a "Waldorf" early childhood program different, check out this link! Waldorf Kindergarten info)

I am finding it both fun and exhausting to be playing role of teacher and mother...full time. The "prep the classroom" time was great...all be it, late at night or with a little almost-two-year-old little one wanting to play with anything I laid out for the big "reveal". Though our play corner was always organized and had some of the traditional elements of a Kindergarten, I planned a few things to make it extra special for the "First Day of School". I rearranged the set up of the space which is now the "Kinder-corner"...and I spent two weeks overhauling where all the toys are located in the house. You see, while we are a "Waldorfy" family in many ways, there is an ever-looming techno-file father influence that keeps things in check most of the time, that and a touch of the nerd-hoarder gene in both myself and my husband makes what would be extreme seeming Waldorf lifestyle choices, become very balanced and necessary aspects of our lives. We have all the basic unfinished or beautifully painted "Waldorf" toys, a basket of pine cones and sticks, play silks...and we also have a basket full of original Star Wars action figures and first gen Transformers...all passed down from big Daddy to his boys. Up until a short while ago, they were all right here in the main area, but with a focused Kindy in mind (and hopes to give little Bubs a shot at a less plastic existence) they were all moved to the upstairs play space, where only big brother goes to play. This will hopefully keep things in balance, and allow the "school day" to stay more focused.

After today, all of my hopes are floating. I can not express how grateful I am for today!
It went wonderfully, despite the fact that I was up until midnight last night setting up and putting finishing touches on things, then I lay awake until about 2am because I had too much "Zen Tea"...which apparently, has green tea in it...and apparently...has just enough caffeine to screw up my night.

Our nature table is all set up, seasonal but with room to fill with lovely things we might find on our walks in the woods. Today we gathered acorns, fallen leaves and wildflowers, but this pic was taken the night before, with dried leaves from last year to welcome Autumn.

Our nature table

One favorite of the boys is their play kitchen. They both spent the morning making "cup cakes" before breakfast and Boo sang "Happy Birthday" to us all at some point today.

The Kitchen corner

I love little tableau; creating little worlds for the children to be invited into...so I try to change them up every so-often, but for now, we have two.

Farm figure setup

A little woodland setup

We had our walk, gathered flowers, sang songs and started a new year of stories about Boo's favorite gnome, Super Sam, courtesy of Melisa Neilsen's curriculum, Waldorf Essentials