Waldorfy: Recent Episodes
Ashley Renwick
Waldorfy serves to explore and explain Waldorf Education and Anthroposophy. In most episodes, I discuss topics with a Waldorf teacher, or someone with knowledge about anthroposophy, to deliver accurate, simple, interesting, information and explanations. When possible we’ll bring to attention any research or studies surrounding the topics we are exploring. My main aim is to reach parents, perspective parents, and alumni to engage them with the meaning and purpose of Waldorf Education and it’s connection with anthroposophy.
Exploring how healthy eating and sleeping relate to the Waldorf approach.
In this episode I'm speaking to my own experience growing up attending a Waldorf school and how it came across that healthy eating and sleeping were related to the Waldorf philosophy. I'm also hosting returning guest, anthroposophical doctor, Dr. Adam Blanning, to speak with me about the relationship between Waldorf and healthy eating and sleeping. In addition, towards the end of this episode, I wrap up this final episode of the seventh season and speak about what's next for Waldorfy.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/eatingandsleeping
Thank you to all our generous Waldorfy Patreon supporters!!
Special thanks to our Waldorfy season seven podcast partner, Sparkle Stories!
To learn more about guest Adam Blanning and what he offers, click here.
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennsion.
Simplicity, "Simplicity Parenting", how do these concepts tie into the Waldorf approach? Listener favorite Meagan Rose Wilson is back to explore these topics and speak to how one can begin to implement these ideas into life with young children.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/simplicity
Thank you to Waldorfy podcast partner Sparkle Stories for helping me to bring this content to all of you.
Big thanks to our generous Waldorfy Patreon supporters!
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennision.
Exploring how to navigate allowing and limiting "screens" and the use of digital technologies for young children.
Extra special thanks to guest, Eloise Rickman, author of "Extraordinary Parenting", for speaking with me for this episode. If you'd like to learn more about Eloise and all she offers click here.
For additional show notes and resources that accompany this episode (and there are some good ones) please visit:
https://waldorfy.com/screens
Special thanks to our Waldorfy season seven partner Sparkle Stories!
Additional thanks to our generous Waldorfy Patreon supporters.
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison
Meredith Floyd-Preston of the Waldorf Journey podcast is back! I love speaking with Meredith, she's such a joy to host. I really love here ability to be concise and light hearted. Her passion for Waldorf truly shines in everything she does.
In the episode we're exploring what makes the Waldorf approach to reading and writing unique and effective. Meredith speaks to her experience with this in the Waldorf classroom, and I speak to my own Waldorf experience and how I'm going about approaching this topic now with my young children.
Be sure to check out the show notes and resources for this episode, and there's some good stuff there, at:
http://waldorfy.com/reading
Click here to learn more about my guest Meredith and all she offers, her podcast, blog, courses, and more.
Special thanks to Waldorfy season podcast partner Sparkle Stories for helping me to bring this content to all of you.
Big thanks to all of our generous Waldorfy Patreon supporters.
Theme music for this episdoe was composed and performed by Book Kennison
Returning guest Chinyelu is back! We're exploring the concepts of reverence and ritual in the life of the young child, and how they tie into the Waldorf approach.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/reverenceandritual
Special thanks to our Waldorfy season podcast partner Sparkle Stories for helping me to bring this content to all of you!
Super Special thank to our generous Waldorfy Patreon supporters!
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Guest David Sewell McCann of Sparkle Stories is back to speak with me all about Waldorf and storytelling!
To me storytelling. especially learning through story, is a memory that's at the center of my own Waldorf experience as a child. How storytelling is brought through the Waldorf approach, how we can incorporate story telling into life with young children, in addition to how I approach storytelling in my home with my little ones, are just some of the things we explore in this episode.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/storytelling
Special Thanks to Season Seven Waldorfy Podcast Partner Sparkle Stories for helping me to bring this content to all of you.
A huge thanks to all of our generous Patreon supporters!
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode we're exploring what we mean when we talk about "wonder and awe" for young children, and how this relates to the Waldorf approach. I was so fortunate to get to host Waldorf teacher, Meredith Floyd-Preston, as my guest for this episode. Meredith hosts a podcast about Waldorf education from her perspective as an experienced Waldorf teacher called the Waldorf Journey podcast.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/wonderandawe
Special Thanks to Waldorf Season Seven Podcast Partner Sparkle Stories for helping me to bring this content to you.
A huge thanks to our generous Patreon supporters for supporting this content. Learn more and become a supporter by visiting, patreon.com/waldorfy
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Play. It's such a simple topic, but one I really felt had to be highlighted in this season due to how integral it is to the Waldorf approach. In this episode, returning guest and listener favorite, Tim Bennett is back, to speak with me all about play. Together we explore why play is such a big part of the Waldorf approach, how play supports a child's natural development, how we as parents carers can create plenty of space for play, and so much more!
Show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
htttp://waldorfy.com/play
Special thanks to Waldorfy Season Seven Partner Sparkle Stories!
Additional thanks to our generous Patreon supporters. Thank you so much for helping me to bring this content to all of you!
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
It's a simple thing that can add so much, in this episode I'm speaking about the benefits of inner and outer warmth., AND hosting one of my favorite guests, Meagan Rose Wilson!
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/warmth
Special thanks to all of our generous Patreon supporters for helping me to bring this content to all of you.
Learn more about becoming a Patreon supporter.
Big thanks to Waldorfy season seven podcast partner Sparkle Stories!
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
This episode is all Ashley speaking all about daily rhythm! Why a daily rhythm? Plus how to work in a daily rhythm with young children is discussed.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/rhythm
For a more in depth discussion on Rhythm with guest, Waldorfy listener favorite, Meagan Rose Wilson, visit:
waldorfy.com/dailyrhythm
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennsion.
Special thanks to Waldorfy season seven podcast partner, Sparkle Stories, for helping to bring this content to all of you!
I figured we'd better start this seventh season of the show by revisiting one of the show's most commonly asked questions. In this episode I'm speaking with returning guest Chinyelu Kunz of the We Nurture podcast. Her many years of experience with Waldorf give her an incredible perspective and ability to explain clearly what the Waldorf approach is and what it aims to achieve.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/whatswaldorf
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
To check out the We Nurture podcast and all of Chinyelu's offerings please click here.
Special thanks to Waldorfy season seven podcast partner, Sparkle Stories, for helping to bring this content to all of you!
Ashley introduces the theme for the seventh season of the show!
Show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/season7trailer
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Special thanks to our season podcast partner, Sparkle Stories!
VERY experienced Waldorf kindergarten teacher Tim Bennett speaks with me in this episode all about the Waldorf kindergarten.
We discuss what's going on for the five/six year child developmentally, what the average day looks like in the Waldorf kindergarten, what drew Tim to become a Waldorf Kindergarten teacher, and a bit about how to bring the Waldorf kindergarten environment into the home.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/waldorfkindergarten
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison
Chinyelu of the We Nurture podcast is back! In this episode we're exploring the Waldorf birthday celebration.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/waldorfbirthdays
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Special Thanks to the following Waldorfy podcast partners:
Palumba
Sparkle Stories
Toy Making Magic
A conversation on navigating what friends, family and community may think of the Waldorf approach. I speak with my own Waldorf mama, Jeni Ogilvy, in this episode. We also explore dealing with feelings of "I'm Waldorfy enough".
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/chatwithmymom
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Special thanks to all or of generous Waldorfy Patreon supporters and the following Waldorfy podcast partners:
Palumba
Sparkle Stories
Toy Making Magic
For the first time on the show I'm hosting TWO GUESTS! Returning guests, Ashley J. May, and Meagan Wilson join me for a discussion centered on being critically conscious in bringing stories and songs to young children.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/storiesandsongs
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
My guest, Chinyelu of the We Nurture podcast, and I discuss what exactly the mood of the fifth is and why it is used in Waldorf Early Childhood Education. Chinyelu gives us a few examples of songs in the mood of the fifth in addition to chatting with me about songs and music in general for young children.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/moodofthefifth
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Is there a connection? In this episode the incredibly loving and wise Waldorf mama and IBCLC Judy Fayre speaks with me about wither or not Waldorf does or does not have anything to do with the "Waldorf approach".
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/chestandbreastfeeding
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
As always I love my conversations with listener favorite and returning guest, Meagan Rose Wilson of Whole Family Rhythms. In this episode we're discussing all things "Waldorf Early Childhood". What happens in a Waldorf early childhood, pre-school, or childcare setting? What does a typical day look like? How can we bring these ideas into our home life with young children? What about potty training? Is there a "Waldorf approach", and many more topics are explored in this episode.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/earlychildhood
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison
In this episode I speak with author of, "Joyful Toddlers and Preschoolers", Faith Collins all about how to navigate the joys and challenges of toddlerhood.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/toddlers
Special thanks to Waldorfy podcast supporters:
Sakura Bloom
Sparkle Stories
Palumba
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison
Is there such a thing as a "Waldorf baby"? Did Steiner give indications for children under one? Why is it a "Waldorf thing" to support your baby's development by keeping them warm? I explore this and more in this episode featuring returning guest, listener favorite, Rahima Baldwin Dancy.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/waldorfbabies
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Special thanks to our Patreon supporters, Podcast episode partner Sakura Bloom. and Waldorfy podcast season partners Palumba & Sparkle Stories.
You can find the finest Waldorf toys, books & art supplies at Palumba.
Sparkle Stories offers 1300+ original audio stories for ages three and up, specially crafted to enrich your child's developing mind. Use code: WALDORFY at check out to get an extended 30 day trial of Sparkle Stories. Code good through end of 2021.
In this introduction for the sixth season of the show I'm discussing some of the details of upcoming episodes. I also speak a bit about guests and topics for the season, in addition to getting into the details of the Waldorfy podcast Patreon drive coming up this September 2021!
Theme music for this episode was performed and composed by Book Kennison.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at:
www.waldorfy.com/seasonsixtrailer
You can learn more about becoming a Patreon supporter at www.patreon.com/waldorfy
As a culmination of the fifth season of episodes, my guest Simone and I discuss all things about the Waldorf eighth grade year in addition to how she's expanded on the "traditional Waldorf cannon" through all the grades.
Content warning, we do speak briefly about sexual education in this episode, it may not be suitable for all ears.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/eighthgrade
The theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Returning guest Anne Clair Goodman speaks with me in this episode all about seventh grade and the seventh grader. Similar to the other episodes in this season, we spend most of our discussion focused on how the curriculum of the seventh grade meets the twelve and thirteen year old where they're at. We also continued our discussion on media and screen time that we begun in our conversation about the sixth grade.
Webpage for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/seventhgrade
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennsion.
For this episode I was so fortunate to get to speak with incredible guest, Anne Clair Goodman all about sixth grade and the sixth grader. The experience for the sixth grader is so different than any age or grade we've talked about this season. The twelve year change, which we discuss in this episode, is a challenging developmental shift that may be just beginning in the sixth grade but generally continues into the teenage years. In addition to speaking about the blocks in the sixth grade curriculum we also speak about media and screen time as that can also be an interesting component parents, carers, and teachers may be navigating at this time.
This will also be the last episode before I step back from the podcast for a few months on maternity leave.
Additional resources and show notes for this episode can be found at: Waldorfy.com/sixthgrade
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode I'm speaking with experienced Waldorf teacher, Jen Kershaw, all about fifth grade and the fifth grader. What does fifth grade curriculum include? How does Waldorf education uniquely meet the needs of the fifth grader? Listen in to hear us discuss these topics and much more!
The webpage and show notes for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/fifthgrade
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode we discuss the needs of the developing fourth grader, according to the Waldorf approach, as well as dive into what's taught in the Waldorf fourth grade curriculum that works meets those needs.
My guest in this episode is the wonderful Angela Lindstrom.
Webpage and show notes for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/fourthgrade
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode experienced Waldorf teacher Kris Ritz and I discuss the Waldorf third grade year with a focus on the developing third grader. What is the nine/ten year old experiencing? How can we the adults in their lives can be most supportive of their experience at this time of transition? These are the sorts of questions we dive into in this episode.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be. found at:
waldorfy.com/thirdgrade
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode I’m speaking with experienced Waldorf teacher Michael Gannon all about the Waldorf approach to second grade. We explore what the needs of the developing seven and eight year old are, and then how the Waldorf second grade curriculum works to meet those needs.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at the episode webpage:
waldorfy.com/secondgrade
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
How do you know a child is ready for first grade within a Waldorf school? What happens on the first day of first grade in a Waldorf school? What does a Waldorf first grader learn through the first grade year? These are all things we dive into in this episode featuring my guest, experienced Waldorf teacher, Lori Kran.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/firstgrade
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this special trailer episode I'm introducing the theme for the fifth season of the show: "Waldorf Through the Grades".
Throughout this season I'll be hosting seasoned Waldorf teachers to talk to me about each grade on it's own starting with grade one continuing though grade eight. we'll be discussing the different developmental stages of the child as they pass through each grade and dive deeper into the Waldorf curriculum and how it works to meet the needs of that developing child.
I'm also speaking in this trailer with my Waldorf alum husband, Tobin, about some of his Waldorf experience and how it contrasts with my own.
Webpage and show notes for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/season5trailer
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Educational researcher and ethnographer Ashley May speaks with me in this finale episode of the fourth season of the show. Ashley shares her incredible wisdom surrounding the episode and this season's topic of inclusion and belonging. We discuss the beauty that Waldorf has to offer, but also how it needs to improve to serve all children and families within diverse communities.
Additional resources and show notes for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/ashleymay
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
This episode is about discovering and exploring Waldorf education from the perspective of a Black mother, Sabine Josephs. Sabine is the founder of All of Us Crayons, natural beeswax crayons that honor our diverse world. Sabine also talks about her experience pursing becoming a Waldorf teacher and starting Waldorf teacher training.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/sabine .
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Kenya Strong speaks with me about her experience with Waldorf education from her perspective as a Black Waldorf teacher. Kenya has a master's in education, a Waldorf certification, and has over twenty years experience in teaching, seven of those years in a Waldorf classroom.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/kenya
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode I'm speaking with Joanis a Black Waldorf alumna all about her experience attending a Waldorf school. She speaks about the things she enjoyed, in addition to the challenges she encountered.
More on this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/joanis
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Emely, a Black Waldorf alumna, shares her experience and perspective with me in this episode. We talked about what she liked about her Waldorf school experience as well as discuss the struggles she faced.
More on this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/emely
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Genevieve Dagobet is a brilliant, strong, courageous woman. After migrating to the US from Hatii in 1992, Genevieve eventually found Waldorf Education and knew she couldn't look back. She has over thirty years experience in education including time as a passionate Waldorf class teacher. In this episode Genevieve and I are discussing Waldorf Education, Rudolf Steiner, comments he made about race, and much more.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/genevieve
Theme music for this episdoe was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this trailer I'm introducing the theme for season four of Waldorfy: Inclusion and Belonging for the Black Community in Waldorf Education.
I'm speaking about how this season has evolved from just one planned episode into a whole season, the guests that will be featured, and various themes that reapear throughout the series.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/seasonfourtrailer
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode I am interviewed by the lovely Laura Scappaticci of the Anthroposopher podcast. We talk about why I started Waldorfy, my interest in anthroposophy and how I relate to it, as well as Rudolf Steiner's statements on race.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/relatingtoanthroposophy
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennision.
Laura Scappaticci, host of the Anthroposopher podcast is my featured guest in this episode. We talk all about how Laura discovered anthroposophy and how her relationship with it has evolved over time. Laura also works with the Anthroposophical Society in America and she talks about her work with that as well.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/anthroposopher.
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
What is the Camphill movement? In this episode my guest Ben Davis and I discuss the history and intent of Camphill communities, the three fold human being, three fold social order, and how Camphill communities serve individuals with and without disabilities.
In this episode I'm diving into anthroposophic medicine. My guest Dr. Adam Blanning and I speak all about what anthroposophic medicine is and how it's practiced.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/anthroposophicmedicine.
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Why are the walls of Waldorf classrooms painted using the same technique? Why is each grade in a Waldorf school painted a specific color? In this episode I get to discuss the answers to these questions and more with my guest master lazure artist, Charles Andrade.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/lazure
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Why do Waldorf schools look the way they do? In this episode I host guest, Elizabeth Seward as we explore all things anthroposophy, architecture and design.
An introduction to eurythmy! My lovely mother-in-law and eurythmist, Carol Renwick, joins me as my guest in this episode. We discuss what eurythmy is, what it's intended uses are, why it's taught in Waldorf schools, and much more!
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/eurythmyintroduction
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
A much longer episode than I usually put out there, this episode is more of a story than one packed with questions and info. I think you'll enjoy hearing how my guest, Lincoln Geiger, became involved in the biodynamic movement and about the unique ups and downs he's experienced over the course of his farming career.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at: waldorfy.com/biodynamicfarmer
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
I'm talking all things biodynamic farming with my guest, Alice Groh. We get into what distinguishes biodynamic farming from conventional and organic farming and much more about this particular branch of anthroposophy.
You can find additional show notes and resources mentioned in this episode at:
waldorfy.com/biodynamicfarming
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
This episode is titled “A Road Map for Anthroposophy”, because that’s really what it is. In this episode we’re breaking down what anthroposophy is in simple terms and then laying out all the things that fall under the umbrella of anthroposophy. Plus my incredible guest, Dr. Douglas Gerwin is sharing some of his findings from his survey of Waldorf graduates just published this week in a book titled, Into the World: How Waldorf Graduates Fare After High School.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at waldorfy.com/roadmapforanthroposophy
Theme music for this episode is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this season 3 trailer, I'm announcing the theme for season 3 and answering listener questions.
For additional show notes and resources for this episode please visit, waldorfy.com/season3trailer
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
This episode features the perspective of four Waldorf alumni, all mothers. I speak with each of these guests about their experience as Waldorf students and how that experience has impacted their life and mothering.
In this episode I'm honored to speak with internationally known author of "You Are Your Child's First Teacher", Rahima Baldwin Dancy. An experienced mid-wife and Waldorf early childhood educator, Rahima has so much wisdom to share. In this episode we talk all about bringing Waldorf ideas into the home something that Rahima is incredibly knowledgeable about.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/waldorfathome
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Guest Carrie Dendtler of the Parenting Passageway speaks with me about her homeschool journey with her three children.
Carrie is a wife and Waldorf homeschooling mother of three children now ages 17,14, and 9. She has worked with children and families in many capacities for over 20 years. This includes working as a pediatric and neonatal physical therapist, a lay breastfeeding support leader, a board-certified lactation consultant, a Waldorf homeschooling group leader, a public speaker on homeschooling and gentle parenting topics, and as a consultant for homeschooling parents. She completed degrees in Newspaper Journalism/Latin American Studies; physical therapy and her Foundation Studies in the Arts and Anthroposophy through Antioch University in 2013 for Waldorf Education.
She has been homeschooling since 2007 and enjoys teaching the upper grades the most. She has blogged at The Parenting Passageway since 2008 and frequently writes about Waldorf homeschooling and the challenges and joys of homeschooling multiple children.
Carrie's blog is one of the most incredible resources for those interested in Waldorf homeschooling. I had a blast speaking with her and hope you enjoy the show!
For additional show notes and resources for this episode visit:
waldorfy.com/theparentingpassageway
Theme music for this episode was composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Founder of thechildisthecurriculum.com, Annie Haas, speaks with me in this episode all about homeschooling. We talk about her experience homeschooling her own children and what she's started with "The Child is the Curriculum".
It seems simple enough, but what IS a Waldorf toy? In this episode my guest Meagan of Whole Family Rhythms and I talk all about Waldorf toys. What kind of play are Waldorf toys meant to inspire? Why all natural materials? These are just some of the questions we explore in this episode.
When I thought about creating this season of episodes it dawned on me, how bringing Waldorf into the home will really be different in every house hold. Yes, there are things like some Waldorf kids watch a little more TV than others, but that was not the kind of different I was thinking of.
I wanted to explore how Waldorf ideas and methods were incorporated into family traditions that aren’t included in a traditional Waldorf school year. How can traditions from all around the world be brought into the Waldorf fold?
This is exactly what I discuss in this episode with guest Ashley May. Ashley eloquently describes what drew her into Waldorf. We discuss ways Waldorf ideas seamlessly came into her home with her young children and the ways which they did not.
Ashley May is an independent educational researcher and the founder of The Grassroots Morning Garden Project. Her work focuses on early childhood, progressive pedagogies, identity development, and cognition--centering the experiences of underserved children, families, and communities. Ashley’s current work concerns immigrant origin children and families, exploring their experiences through a critical lens. Utilizing counter narratives, Ashley aims to reclaim the circle as a site of resistance--working with families to co-create meaningful experiences for their children.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at: https://waldorfy.com/waldorfinthemuslimhome
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Meagan of Whole Family Rhythms joins me for a discussion about seasonal rhythm and Waldorf festivals. We touch on the benefits of establishing a seasonal rhythm in the home and dive into the intended meaning behind Waldorf festivals.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at:
https://waldorfy.com/seasonalrhythm/
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
It was such a delight to have Melisa Nielsen come on the show to speak with me about Waldorf homeschooling. I’ll be honest, I was intimidated to cover this topic since it’s something I know almost nothing about. So many of you requested that I cover Waldorf homeschooling and I didn’t even know where to begin. I asked the Waldorfy social media audience, who they would like to hear from on the topic of Waldorf homeschooling and overwhelmingly the guest that the most people wanted to hear from was Melisa. I personally didn’t know Melisa and because I’m always trying to bring you all the very best of guests and info surrounding Waldorf methods and ideas, I actually sent her an e-mail that practically grilled her on her credentials. I’ve since come to find out she is one of the pioneers of the Waldorf homeschool movement with years of experience as a homeschool parent and mentor to families pursing Waldorf homeschooling. As she discusses in the episode, she has five children herself and really went through it all learning to meet each of her children and their needs with Waldorf curriculum. I was so impressed with her knowledge and experience. Now I know why so many of you wanted to hear from her!
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
waldorfy.com/waldorfessentials
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison
In this episode I speak with Meagan Wilson of Whole Family Rhythms.
Meagan speaks from her experience working with so many families and from her own experience as parent of four. She discusses not just the benefits of rhythm in the home for young children, but also for older children and even adults. I loved speaking with Meagan for this episode. I know you'll enjoy learning all about creating a daily rhythm for your family from our conversation.
In this first episode of season two of Waldorfy, I sit down with experienced story teller extraordinaire, and former Waldorf teacher, David Sewell McCann. David and I discuss what the Waldorf approach to screens and media is. David also speaks about how his stories, recorded audio stories he's written and produced through Sparkle Stories can offer a great alternative to screen time in the home.
In this trailer for the second season of Waldorfy, you'll get to hear from a special guest, my husband Tobin! Tobin is a Waldorf alum, he attended a Waldorf school from kindergarten up through grade 12. In this trailer episode he speaks a little about his Waldorf experience and how it has shaped who he is.
Also announced in this trailer is our theme for season 2 which is: WALDORF IN THE HOME!
We give a little sneak peak into some of the topics and guests of this upcoming season as well as discuss upcoming things going on for Waldorfy.
The first episode of season 2, episode 201, will be released next week on October 1st 2019!
I neglected to mention in this episode that the Waldorfy website is, waldorfy.com
I did create an itty bitty show notes page at the website for this episode. That page can be found at:
If you want to follow us on social media we're @bewaldorfy. You can e-mail Waldorfy at info.waldorfy@gmail.com.
Theme music for Waldorfy is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
When I first googled this question myself, I found a lot of confusing and conflicting information. I felt that some of what I was finding did not reflect what I had experienced as a Waldorf alum.
Along with my guest, Glynn Graham, I explore the question "Are Waldorf Schools Religious?". I found that while it was hard to explain in a concise way, it's really not that confusing a topic. My guest Glynn does a really great job helping me to bring clarity to this question.
In the episode she simply answers that, by a traditional definition, no Waldorf Schools are not religious. However there are aspects of Waldorf education, for instance fostering qualities like compassion, reverence, gratitude, and kindness, that most all major religions also foster. We go on to discuss other aspects of Waldorf education where there is confusion about a religious influence.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/waldorfandreligon
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode I learn about public Waldorf schools. I speak with guest, Mary Goral Ph.D., all about this growing movement allowing more and more families to experience the Waldorf approach.
Additional show notes for this page can be found at: http://waldorfy.com/publicwaldorfTheme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
Sarah Lee from Sarah's Silks, speaks with me in this episode. We discuss her experience as a Waldorf parent of three young adults all of whom attended a Waldorf school all the way up through twelfth grade. We discuss Sarah's parent perspective of "How Waldorf Works" as the episode is titled, which includes how she felt Waldorf Education served the needs of her different children.
You can find additional show notes for this episode at:
http://waldorfy.com/howwaldorfworks
(This is also where you'll find the link to enter our give away with Sarah's Silks)
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode I bring Helen Ann Ireland on the show to talk about how and reading writing are taught in the Waldorf approach. We also get into the topic of testing, why there aren’t tests in the early grades, and how students are assessed academically throughout Waldorf education.
Additional show notes and resources for this episode can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/reading-writing-and-testing-in-waldorf-education/
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode I speak with Waldorf class teacher of 23 years, Darcy Drayton. As I’m introducing the episode, I first speak a little about why art is being integrated across all subjects in Waldorf education. Then when speaking with Darcy, we discuss more of how art is incorporated in the curriculum and how she uses different artistic mediums as tools to teach with. Darcy, an artist herself, also speaks about drama and class plays in the Waldorf curriculum, and how she uses her artistic freedom as a teacher, to meet the children where they’re at developmentally. While also trying to be aware of the challenges that they will face in today’s changing world.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/art-in-waldorf-education/
Theme music is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode I continue my conversation from episode 104 with my guest Theo Groh. In the previous episode Theo and I speak about Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Waldorf education, and Theo's experience with anthroposophy and Waldorf. In this segment, episode 105, Theo and I pick up by discussing how Theo finds anthroposophy relevant today. We also touch on how Waldorf alumni can help the Waldorf movement and much more about the Waldorf experience.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/more-with-waldorf-alum-theo-groh/
Music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode I wanted a contrast to the previous three episodes I’ve produced. I wanted a young fresh perspective to speak with me about Rudolf Steiner, who he was, and his ideas. I am so excited that a friend of mine and fellow Waldorf alum, Theodore, said he’d sit down with me for a discussion exploring Rudolf Steiner and anthroposophy.
Additional show notes for this episode can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/who-is-rudolf-steiner/
Music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode I speak with Torin Finser, PhD, all about anthroposophy. We go a little into speaking about its founder, Rudolf Steiner, and discuss the connection between the study of anthroposophy and Waldorf education.
Additional show notes can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/what-is-anthroposophy/
Theme music is composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this second segment of my exploration into, “What is Waldorf Education?, I speak with Waldorf class teacher, Hugh Renwick. Hugh talks about the aims of Waldorf education as a whole, and elaborates more on the developmental phases that Glynn spoke about in part 1. He also goes into more depth speaking about the Waldorf curriculum.
Additional show notes can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/what-is-waldorf-education-part-2/
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this episode, I speak with veteran Waldorf teacher, Glynn Graham. We discuss the founding of the first Waldorf school and dive into overarching themes of this unique approach, including what distinguishes it from a traditional approach to education.
EDIT: I mention in this episode, the “Wilton Temple Community Farm”, but it’s actually called the “Temple Wilton Community Farm”.
Additional show notes can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/what-is-waldorf-education-part-1/
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.
In this trailer episode you'll get all the details about Waldorfy. You'll be introduced to host, Ashley Renwick, and understand why she started this project. You'll also learn what to expect from the podcast.
Additional show notes can be found at:
http://waldorfy.com/the-waldorfy-welcome/
Theme music composed and performed by Book Kennison.