A Waldorf Journey Podcast

Habits to Start Strong in First Grade

In this episode, I’m diving into what it really takes to start the year strong in first grade. This is such a tender, transformative time—children are stepping out of the warm, dreamy world of early childhood and into something more structured, more purposeful. And they’re looking to you for clarity, confidence, and rhythm. First grade is when we really begin to form the class, and the habits we establish early on can shape the whole year (and beyond). Here are the grounded, steady practices I’ve found make the biggest difference: ✅ Lean on Rhythm—And Keep It Simple Children this age need steady, predictable routines. A clear rhythm—daily and weekly—helps them feel safe and grounded, so they can relax and actually learn. These rhythms aren’t just sweet rituals—they’re tools that build trust and flow. ✅ Start with Movement, Not Sitting Six- and seven-year-olds aren’t built to sit still right away. I always start the day with movement—walking, clapping games, beanbag tosses—not just to get the wiggles out, but to build attention, coordination, and group cohesion. ✅ Model Everything—Then Model It Again Whether it’s lining up, sharpening pencils, or walking through a doorway, I never assume they already know how to do it. I model it slowly and clearly—and then I do it again tomorrow. These kids want to know what’s expected. They’re looking for leadership. ✅ Practice Listening in Little Doses Listening is a muscle, and it takes time to build. I use echo songs, call-and-response verses, and short memory games to strengthen their listening capacity. And when it’s time for a good story? Their attention can go so deep. ✅ Give Them Jobs—and Teach Them Well Children want to help. Giving them small, meaningful jobs gives them a sense of purpose and belonging. But just like anything else, I take the time to teach each job slowly and carefully. Starting first grade isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing a few key things really well, over and over, until they become part of the class rhythm. These children are wide open. They’re looking to us for how to be in the world—so let’s offer them steadiness, clarity, and purpose. You’ll be amazed at how they rise to meet it. Let’s stay connected:  🌿 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/awaldorfjourney] 📺 YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@awaldorfjourney] 🌐 Website [https://www.awaldorfjourney.com] 📬 Substack [https://waldorfatwork.substack.com/] ✉️ Email me at meredith@awaldorfjourney.com Thanks for listening and being part of the journey!

Creating a Waldorf Home: Nurturing Rhythm, Simplicity, and Beauty

What does it really mean to create a Waldorf-inspired home? In this episode, I share what first drew me to the peaceful beauty of Waldorf living—and the moments when it felt completely out of reach. From the temptation to chase the aesthetic to the deeper values that truly make a Waldorf home, we’ll explore how rhythm, simplicity, and presence matter more than wooden toys and silks. We’ll talk about: * The heart of a Waldorf home: rhythm, warmth, and intention * Daily and weekly rhythms that support your family life * Creating cozy spaces and nurturing the senses * Meaningful work and seasonal celebrations * Why perfection isn’t the goal—presence is Plus, I’ll offer practical ideas you can begin today, whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your home life. My Website: A Waldorf Journey [http://www.awaldorfjourney.com] Substack: Waldorf at Work [https://waldorfatwork.substack.com/]

Teaching Natural Sciences – Physiology & Anatomy in the Waldorf School

In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I explore the unique approach to teaching natural sciences in a Waldorf classroom, with a particular focus on physiology and anatomy in the seventh and eighth grades. I discuss how Waldorf education brings warmth, storytelling, and experiential learning to these subjects, fostering a deep and lasting connection rather than just rote memorization. Topics Covered: 🦴 The importance of warming the soil—creating a deep feeling connection to the subject matter rather than emphasizing memorization. 🦴 How physiology (body systems) is taught in seventh grade, and anatomy (bones & muscles) in eighth grade. 🦴 The evolution of natural sciences in the Waldorf curriculum—from early childhood observations of nature to more structured blocks in the upper grades. 🦴 The role of storytelling, artistic representations, and metaphor in teaching science. 🦴 How to integrate the arts into science, including beautiful chalkboard drawings, lesson book illustrations, and artistic explorations of the body's systems. 🦴 Experiential learning—engaging the senses and fostering direct experiences in the classroom (e.g., observing digestion through eating an apple, exploring skeletal structures through movement). 🦴 Keeping the focus on health, balance, and the body's wisdom, rather than emphasizing illness or pathology. Recommended Resources for Teachers: Mentioned in this episode: 📖 Waldorf Inspirations [https://waldorfinspirations.com/] – A fantastic online resource for curriculum ideas, teaching approaches, and inspiration for bringing the natural sciences to life in a Waldorf classroom. Visit Waldorf Inspirations [https://www.waldorfinspirations.com] 📚 Charles Kovacs’ Resource Books: * Human Being and the Animal [https://amzn.to/3Xs9CHs] * Botany [https://amzn.to/4br98XO] – A Waldorf-aligned approach to teaching plants and their relationship to the human being. * Rocks and Minerals [https://amzn.to/41EOMa7] – A beautifully written introduction to geology, making connections to the wider natural world. These books are invaluable for teachers looking to enrich their science lessons with depth, storytelling, and the Waldorf approach to education. Join the Conversation! Have you taught physiology or anatomy in a Waldorf classroom? What experiences, activities, or biographies have resonated most with your students? Share your insights in the comments on YouTube or on Instagram/Facebook @AWaldorfJourney. 🎧 Listen Now on Your Favorite Podcast App 💻 Visit: AWaldorfJourney.com [https://www.awaldorfjourney.com] for curriculum materials, teaching resources, and blog posts. Thank you for being part of the A Waldorf Journey community! 🌿✨

Bringing the Waldorf Class Play to Life

In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I welcome my colleague Laura Elmore for a deep dive into one of the most cherished Waldorf traditions—the class play. With decades of experience in Waldorf education, Laura shares her insights into why class plays are such an integral part of the curriculum, how they evolve from the early grades to middle school, and the pedagogical purpose behind them. Looking for a play to perform with your students? My first [https://www.awaldorfjourney.com/shop/p/grade-1-class-play-the-kings-son-who-feared-nothing]- and second-grade [https://www.awaldorfjourney.com/shop/p/grade-2-class-play-fables-from-around-the-world] plays are available on my website: www.awaldorfjourney.com. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The Role of Class Plays in Waldorf Education – Why plays are a vital part of child development and learning. ✔️ The Play Selection Process – How teachers choose plays that align with the curriculum and the needs of their class. ✔️ Casting Considerations – The balance between typecasting and pedagogical casting, and how students can have a say in their roles. ✔️ The Evolution of Class Plays – How the approach to plays shifts from early childhood to the upper grades. ✔️ Overcoming Performance Anxiety – How to support students through the process, especially in vulnerable stages like middle school. ✔️ Beyond Acting – The importance of stage crew roles and how they can be just as transformative as being on stage. ✔️ Practical Tips for Teachers – Structuring the play block, engaging students in improvisation, and maintaining rhythm in the classroom. Resources & Links: 📌 Find this episode and more at A Waldorf Journey [http://www.awaldorfjourney.com] 📌 Watch this episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/RLNcoC6PvPc] 📌 Connect with Meredith on Instagram & Facebook: @awaldorfjourney 📌 Learn more about Cedarwood Waldorf School [http://www.cedarwoodschool.org] 📌 Learn more about the Micha-el Institute Teacher Training [https://www.micha-elinstitute.com/] Join the Conversation: 🎭 Have you directed or been part of a Waldorf class play? Share your experiences in the comments or tag us on social media! 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode. If you enjoyed this conversation, please leave a review—it helps others find the podcast and join the Waldorf journey!

Why I Quit Teaching and What I'm Doing Now, 2025 Edit

In this episode, I take a moment to share a personal story about my decision to leave teaching and the journey that followed. Teaching, especially in a Waldorf school, is a deeply fulfilling experience—but it also comes with its challenges. I reflect on the thoughts that led to my transition, from the pressures of the classroom to the realization that I needed a more sustainable and financially secure path forward. What You'll Hear in This Episode: * Why I first began questioning my long-term future in teaching. * The impact of the pandemic on my decision. * How financial sustainability and career longevity played a role. * The transition from teaching to marketing and communications. * How my experience as a Waldorf teacher translated into my new career. * What I miss most about the classroom—and what I’ve gained. * My current role in marketing and communications for a Waldorf school. For those of you who have thought about making a change in your career or are wondering if teaching is a sustainable long-term path, I hope my story provides some insight and encouragement. Continue the Conversation Have you ever faced a similar decision? If you’re a teacher—Waldorf or otherwise—I’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation in the YouTube comments or on my blog. 📖 Read the Blog Post Here [https://www.awaldorfjourney.com/blog/the-adventure-continues]🌿 Visit A Waldorf Journey: https://www.awaldorfjourney.com [https://www.awaldorfjourney.com] 📷 Follow Along on Social Media: * Instagram: @awaldorfjourney [https://www.instagram.com/waldorfjourney] * Facebook: A Waldorf Journey [https://www.facebook.com/waldorfjourney] * TikTok: @awaldorfjourney 🎧 Subscribe & Stay Connected If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share it with other educators who may find it helpful! Thanks for tuning in. 💛