Objective 1: Curriculum & Instruction, Professional Development, and Celebration
1) Environmental Issue Instruction
WSB has continued and enhanced its commitment to our students, staff, and community, by providing a substantial and holistic program infused with ecoliteracy principles. All of the educators at the Waldorf School of Baltimore value our Green School status -- the following provides examples of our efforts at each grade level.
WSB has continued and enhanced its commitment to our students, staff, and community, by providing a substantial and holistic program infused with ecoliteracy principles. All of the educators at the Waldorf School of Baltimore value our Green School status -- the following provides examples of our efforts at each grade level.
The Whole School
Documented below is a sampling of the eco-centric activities of each of our grade levels. As it stands, the Waldorf curriculum is already ripe with ecoliteracy, however, the Waldorf School of Baltimore has enhanced and grown its ecoliteracy program with the development of a Green Committee in May 2009 and then hiring an Ecoliteracy & Sustainability Coordinator in Oct 2012. In the autumn of 2012, Michel Anderson (our Ecoliteracy & Sustainability Coordinator) began a sustainability blog, Green Dragon Bytes, that highlights and educates the WSB community (and beyond) about our green initiatives and progress. Many individual blog posts will be referred to throughout this application as they contain documentation and photographs of our efforts. The blog can be found here: www.sustainablewaldorf.com.
The day in a Waldorf School is punctuated with rhythms. Daily verses are said at the opening & closing of each day as well as before snacks & at lunch time. Though the words of each verse may vary from classroom to classroom, they all contain an element in which the earth and nature are held in reverence, directly linked to our lives, and given thanks. Below is one of the verse that often echos through our colorful and art-filled hallways at lunch time:
The silver rain, the shining sun,
The fields where scarlet poppies run,
And all the ripples of the wheat,
Are in the bread that we do eat.
So when we sit for every meal,
With thankful hearts we always feel,
That we are eating rain and sun,
And fields where scarlet poppies run.
Documented below is a sampling of the eco-centric activities of each of our grade levels. As it stands, the Waldorf curriculum is already ripe with ecoliteracy, however, the Waldorf School of Baltimore has enhanced and grown its ecoliteracy program with the development of a Green Committee in May 2009 and then hiring an Ecoliteracy & Sustainability Coordinator in Oct 2012. In the autumn of 2012, Michel Anderson (our Ecoliteracy & Sustainability Coordinator) began a sustainability blog, Green Dragon Bytes, that highlights and educates the WSB community (and beyond) about our green initiatives and progress. Many individual blog posts will be referred to throughout this application as they contain documentation and photographs of our efforts. The blog can be found here: www.sustainablewaldorf.com.
The day in a Waldorf School is punctuated with rhythms. Daily verses are said at the opening & closing of each day as well as before snacks & at lunch time. Though the words of each verse may vary from classroom to classroom, they all contain an element in which the earth and nature are held in reverence, directly linked to our lives, and given thanks. Below is one of the verse that often echos through our colorful and art-filled hallways at lunch time:
The silver rain, the shining sun,
The fields where scarlet poppies run,
And all the ripples of the wheat,
Are in the bread that we do eat.
So when we sit for every meal,
With thankful hearts we always feel,
That we are eating rain and sun,
And fields where scarlet poppies run.
Children's Garden (pre-k - kindergarten)
Our Children's Garden students (ages 4-6) spend a generous portion of their days outdoors (rain, snow, or shine) observing nature and playing in a diverse landscape full of trees, shrubs, gardens, sandboxes, rolling hills, and bushes. Over the last 4 years we have added a few new eco-centric playground elements which receive a lot of attention -- a timber-frame playhouse, carved owl pole, and willow tunnel. Inside, students explore and play with completely natural materials such as wood, wool, silk, and beeswax. The focus is on nurturing a sensory appreciation and love for nature and her gifts. In spring of 2013, we adopted 3 hens at our school -- their coop is located in the Children's Garden play area, and they are in charge of caring for the hens on Mondays. During that time they take the hens out to roost in their mobile day-pen, feed them, bring them water, and fetch eggs. At lunchtime, students participate in making soup and bread from scratch (from cutting vegetables to grinding grain) and then take what is left over to the compost bins in the garden. They use our hens' eggs in their bread. When available, ingredients are even harvested from our school's organic garden. Every fall, students dye their dress-up play capes with marigold flowers they planted the spring before. Below are two documents showing some of many seasonal festivities the Children's Garden students partake in, as well as photographs taken of our Children’s Garden students at play and work.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly Articles - Autumn Festival Sept 2010 (page 3) & Spring Festival April 2011 (page 4)
- Photos: 5 photos of students playing outdoors (taken in Fall 2011). 12 photos of bread & soup making (taken in 2010). 6 photos of of students dyeing their capes with marigold flowers (taken in Sept 2013).
Our Children's Garden students (ages 4-6) spend a generous portion of their days outdoors (rain, snow, or shine) observing nature and playing in a diverse landscape full of trees, shrubs, gardens, sandboxes, rolling hills, and bushes. Over the last 4 years we have added a few new eco-centric playground elements which receive a lot of attention -- a timber-frame playhouse, carved owl pole, and willow tunnel. Inside, students explore and play with completely natural materials such as wood, wool, silk, and beeswax. The focus is on nurturing a sensory appreciation and love for nature and her gifts. In spring of 2013, we adopted 3 hens at our school -- their coop is located in the Children's Garden play area, and they are in charge of caring for the hens on Mondays. During that time they take the hens out to roost in their mobile day-pen, feed them, bring them water, and fetch eggs. At lunchtime, students participate in making soup and bread from scratch (from cutting vegetables to grinding grain) and then take what is left over to the compost bins in the garden. They use our hens' eggs in their bread. When available, ingredients are even harvested from our school's organic garden. Every fall, students dye their dress-up play capes with marigold flowers they planted the spring before. Below are two documents showing some of many seasonal festivities the Children's Garden students partake in, as well as photographs taken of our Children’s Garden students at play and work.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly Articles - Autumn Festival Sept 2010 (page 3) & Spring Festival April 2011 (page 4)
- Photos: 5 photos of students playing outdoors (taken in Fall 2011). 12 photos of bread & soup making (taken in 2010). 6 photos of of students dyeing their capes with marigold flowers (taken in Sept 2013).
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1st Grade
The early elementary years of Waldorf Education provide a strong focus on experiential and sensory learning experiences. Our 1st grade class spends a good portion of their day outdoors. In the autumn, students plant tulip bulbs around a tree in our garden. They check on them throughout the winter in anticipation of their budding. During mid-March, the budding of the bulbs are some of the first signs of spring at our school. Each student has their own bulb and cares for it throughout the seasons. Students also work with beeswax modeling throughout the year.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from Oct 30, 3013, about tulip planting: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/10/30/when-you-wish-upon-a/
- Photos: 6 photos of 2013-14 1st graders planting tulip bulbs.
The early elementary years of Waldorf Education provide a strong focus on experiential and sensory learning experiences. Our 1st grade class spends a good portion of their day outdoors. In the autumn, students plant tulip bulbs around a tree in our garden. They check on them throughout the winter in anticipation of their budding. During mid-March, the budding of the bulbs are some of the first signs of spring at our school. Each student has their own bulb and cares for it throughout the seasons. Students also work with beeswax modeling throughout the year.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from Oct 30, 3013, about tulip planting: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/10/30/when-you-wish-upon-a/
- Photos: 6 photos of 2013-14 1st graders planting tulip bulbs.
2nd Grade
Our 2nd Grade has a Nature Study class twice a week. During this time the students hear stories about various species of plants or wildlife found on the school property such as golden rod, gum trees, sassafras, milk weed, milk weed bugs, deer, and more. The students take frequent nature walks in order to experience the shifts in the season. They observe the various natural phenomena through their senses, and respond to them through drawing, journal entries, and ceramic art making. In addition, they learn more about the composting process and do some planting in our garden.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from Sept 9, 2013, about Nature Study: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/09/06/nature-study-hugging-giants/
- File: 2nd Grade 2013-14 Master Schedule
- Photos: From Nature Study lessons. Depicting a tree observation activity and composting activity.
Our 2nd Grade has a Nature Study class twice a week. During this time the students hear stories about various species of plants or wildlife found on the school property such as golden rod, gum trees, sassafras, milk weed, milk weed bugs, deer, and more. The students take frequent nature walks in order to experience the shifts in the season. They observe the various natural phenomena through their senses, and respond to them through drawing, journal entries, and ceramic art making. In addition, they learn more about the composting process and do some planting in our garden.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from Sept 9, 2013, about Nature Study: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/09/06/nature-study-hugging-giants/
- File: 2nd Grade 2013-14 Master Schedule
- Photos: From Nature Study lessons. Depicting a tree observation activity and composting activity.
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3rd Grade
At our school the 3rd grade curriculum is intimately tied to gardening and farming. As a result, the 3rd grade students act as the primary custodians of our school's organic garden. The year starts with a fall harvest and a garden lunch with the 3rd and 4th grade. This lunch signifies the hand-off of primary responsibility for the garden to the new 3rd grade students. The 3rd grade's gardening adventures do not end on our school's property -- students visit many regional farms throughout the fall. The trips culminate in late April with a week-long trip to Hawthorne Valley Farm in Ghent, New York. There the students move through a robust farm education program that has them experience many facets of farm life -- including milking cows, making butter, mucking the barn, riding horses, chopping firewood, harvesting root crops, wildcrafting, herding cows, and many other activities. The Waldorf School of Baltimore's partnership with Hawthorne Valley Farm spans 37 years now, and our 3rd grade class has been going ever year since then.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from Oct 7, 2013, about a farm field trip: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/10/07/wsbs-3-grade-the-organic-fruit-farm/
- Blog Entry from Nov 5, 2013, about a farm field trip: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/11/05/wsb-vistits-one-straw-farm/
- Blog Entries & Slideshows documenting the week-long farm trip to Hawthorne Valley Farm in Ghent, NY:
-- http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/03/20/throw-back-farm-trip-2011/
-- http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/04/23/down-on-the-farm-day-1-2/
-- http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/04/25/down-on-the-farm-day-3-4/
-- http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/04/26/down-on-the-farm-day-4-cont/
-- http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/05/01/down-on-the-farm-day-5/
- Photos: 18 photos taken on various farm trips 2010-2013 as well as 13 gardening photos taken at WSB during the 2012-13 & 2013-14 school year. An additional 2 photos show students making a bowl by burning a log with charcoal over a period of 3 days (taken in Spring 2013).
At our school the 3rd grade curriculum is intimately tied to gardening and farming. As a result, the 3rd grade students act as the primary custodians of our school's organic garden. The year starts with a fall harvest and a garden lunch with the 3rd and 4th grade. This lunch signifies the hand-off of primary responsibility for the garden to the new 3rd grade students. The 3rd grade's gardening adventures do not end on our school's property -- students visit many regional farms throughout the fall. The trips culminate in late April with a week-long trip to Hawthorne Valley Farm in Ghent, New York. There the students move through a robust farm education program that has them experience many facets of farm life -- including milking cows, making butter, mucking the barn, riding horses, chopping firewood, harvesting root crops, wildcrafting, herding cows, and many other activities. The Waldorf School of Baltimore's partnership with Hawthorne Valley Farm spans 37 years now, and our 3rd grade class has been going ever year since then.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from Oct 7, 2013, about a farm field trip: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/10/07/wsbs-3-grade-the-organic-fruit-farm/
- Blog Entry from Nov 5, 2013, about a farm field trip: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/11/05/wsb-vistits-one-straw-farm/
- Blog Entries & Slideshows documenting the week-long farm trip to Hawthorne Valley Farm in Ghent, NY:
-- http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/03/20/throw-back-farm-trip-2011/
-- http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/04/23/down-on-the-farm-day-1-2/
-- http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/04/25/down-on-the-farm-day-3-4/
-- http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/04/26/down-on-the-farm-day-4-cont/
-- http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/05/01/down-on-the-farm-day-5/
- Photos: 18 photos taken on various farm trips 2010-2013 as well as 13 gardening photos taken at WSB during the 2012-13 & 2013-14 school year. An additional 2 photos show students making a bowl by burning a log with charcoal over a period of 3 days (taken in Spring 2013).
4th Grade
Every year our 4th grade students study Maryland Geography, Mapping, and Animals. Throughout the year they go on various eco-oriented field trips (such as camping, the Baltimore Zoo for animal study, and Druid Hill Park to study mapping). During the 3-week Animal Study block, students pick one animal to study and journal about. The weeks culminate with each student making a model of their chosen animal and their habitat. The models are made solely of cardboard and natural materials. Each year the 4th Grade students use their math skills to prepare a special lunch with the 3rd Grade as their guests to celebrate the transfer of the garden responsibilities to the new 3rd grade. 4th grade students measured the room to figure out how to fit in extra tables and used their skills to prepare a delicious meal for the combined classes.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry about camping from May, 30, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/05/30/camping-down-south-with-the-4th-grade/
- Blog Entry about camping from Oct 2, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/10/02/4th-grade-camping-in-southern-maryland/
- Blog Entry about Garden Lunch from Nov 8, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/11/08/a-garden-lunch/
- Photos: 8 images of some of the 4th Grade students' Animal Studies -- all made from natural materials. Also included, are 3 photos from Fall 2012 and 6 photos taken in Fall 2013 of a garden lunch prepared by the 4th Grade for the 3rd Grade -- the lunch was prepared with food harvested from our organic garden.
Every year our 4th grade students study Maryland Geography, Mapping, and Animals. Throughout the year they go on various eco-oriented field trips (such as camping, the Baltimore Zoo for animal study, and Druid Hill Park to study mapping). During the 3-week Animal Study block, students pick one animal to study and journal about. The weeks culminate with each student making a model of their chosen animal and their habitat. The models are made solely of cardboard and natural materials. Each year the 4th Grade students use their math skills to prepare a special lunch with the 3rd Grade as their guests to celebrate the transfer of the garden responsibilities to the new 3rd grade. 4th grade students measured the room to figure out how to fit in extra tables and used their skills to prepare a delicious meal for the combined classes.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry about camping from May, 30, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/05/30/camping-down-south-with-the-4th-grade/
- Blog Entry about camping from Oct 2, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/10/02/4th-grade-camping-in-southern-maryland/
- Blog Entry about Garden Lunch from Nov 8, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/11/08/a-garden-lunch/
- Photos: 8 images of some of the 4th Grade students' Animal Studies -- all made from natural materials. Also included, are 3 photos from Fall 2012 and 6 photos taken in Fall 2013 of a garden lunch prepared by the 4th Grade for the 3rd Grade -- the lunch was prepared with food harvested from our organic garden.
5th Grade
Every year our 5th Grade students are engaged in a 3-week lesson block on Botany. During that time they take hikes throughout our property, as well as field trips to arboretums and nature parks. They engage in a plant study outdoors, and do daily observations of tulip bulbs that they bloom indoors. They made beautiful terrariums as well. All of their efforts are recorded in a Botany Lesson Book that is individually made by each student. The books are filled with lessons on plants, trees, algae, lichen, fungi, and much more.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from May 13, 2013 about a camping trip to Wye Island: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/05/13/5th-grade-camping-trip-on-wye-island/
- Blog Entry from Sept 9, 2013 about a field trip to Marshy Point Nature Center: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/09/04/field-trip-5th-marshy-point/
- Photos: Images taken in Nov 2013 of student-made botany lesson book pages:
Every year our 5th Grade students are engaged in a 3-week lesson block on Botany. During that time they take hikes throughout our property, as well as field trips to arboretums and nature parks. They engage in a plant study outdoors, and do daily observations of tulip bulbs that they bloom indoors. They made beautiful terrariums as well. All of their efforts are recorded in a Botany Lesson Book that is individually made by each student. The books are filled with lessons on plants, trees, algae, lichen, fungi, and much more.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from May 13, 2013 about a camping trip to Wye Island: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/05/13/5th-grade-camping-trip-on-wye-island/
- Blog Entry from Sept 9, 2013 about a field trip to Marshy Point Nature Center: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/09/04/field-trip-5th-marshy-point/
- Photos: Images taken in Nov 2013 of student-made botany lesson book pages:
6th Grade
The outdoors and nature are fused into many lessons for the 6th Grade curriculum. For example, in conjunction with their astronomy block, this year our students, along with math teacher, Kathy Breen, and classroom teacher, Donald Bufano, have been plotting an analemma on the concrete pad next to the school. The analemma is created by marking the position of the top of a pole’s shadow on the ground at noon standard time. This marking is done at approximately weekly intervals over the course of the year. If you imagine what this mapping might look like you might expect that the longest shadow would occur at the winter solstice and the shortest would occur at the summer solstice, which is true. So the point furthest from the pole is at the winter solstice and the point closest to the pole is at the summer solstice. Surprisingly there is also some variation in the east-west direction. We mark the spots with white paint and a form is created week by week that will look like a figure 8 at the year’s end. These observations and markings help students to appreciate the cyclical relation of the sun to the earth over a year’s time as well as noticing how fast the shadow moves on the ground in minutes. Marking exactly at noon is important. We shift to 1 o’clock during daylight savings time. It also encourages a connection with the sky and weather as shadows disappear under cloud cover. Sometimes snow needs to be shoveled before a mark can be made.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Waldorf Science Newsletter about the Analemma Phenomena (see Page 50)
- File: PDF Document of Analemma Lesson Plan
- File: PDF Document "Walking the Analemma"
- Photos: 6th Grade Students marking the Analemma near the Spring Equinox 2014.
The outdoors and nature are fused into many lessons for the 6th Grade curriculum. For example, in conjunction with their astronomy block, this year our students, along with math teacher, Kathy Breen, and classroom teacher, Donald Bufano, have been plotting an analemma on the concrete pad next to the school. The analemma is created by marking the position of the top of a pole’s shadow on the ground at noon standard time. This marking is done at approximately weekly intervals over the course of the year. If you imagine what this mapping might look like you might expect that the longest shadow would occur at the winter solstice and the shortest would occur at the summer solstice, which is true. So the point furthest from the pole is at the winter solstice and the point closest to the pole is at the summer solstice. Surprisingly there is also some variation in the east-west direction. We mark the spots with white paint and a form is created week by week that will look like a figure 8 at the year’s end. These observations and markings help students to appreciate the cyclical relation of the sun to the earth over a year’s time as well as noticing how fast the shadow moves on the ground in minutes. Marking exactly at noon is important. We shift to 1 o’clock during daylight savings time. It also encourages a connection with the sky and weather as shadows disappear under cloud cover. Sometimes snow needs to be shoveled before a mark can be made.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Waldorf Science Newsletter about the Analemma Phenomena (see Page 50)
- File: PDF Document of Analemma Lesson Plan
- File: PDF Document "Walking the Analemma"
- Photos: 6th Grade Students marking the Analemma near the Spring Equinox 2014.
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7th Grade
Starting at the end of the 2012-13 school year all of our Middle School students have an entire lesson block of 3 weeks dedicated to Environmental Science & Sustainability. During that week they engage in creative writing and nature observation and focus on the subjects of Energy, Plants, and Water. They also take numerous hikes and field trips. Waldorf students have an intimate connection with their classroom teachers because the teacher follows the students through the grades. For the last 8 years, Gail Kuderko (our current 7th Grade classroom teacher), has kept a Vermicompost station that her class has cared for as well as sold casing as a classroom fundraiser each year. Faculty members, Gail Kuderko, Matthew Thurber, Kathy Breen, Alexandrea Arnold, & Michel Anderson, have meet frequently over the last 2 years to adapt the material of the Environmental Awareness & Sustainability Curriculum developed by the Detroit Waldorf School to our Mid-Atlantic region.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from Oct 31, 2012, about a 3-day camping trip: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2012/10/31/shenandoah-camping-adventure/
- Blog Entry from Dec 11, 2012, about a nature hike: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2012/12/11/monday-hike/
- Link: Environmental Awareness & Sustainability Lessons for Middle School: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/264912244/Enviro_Science_Curriculum.pdf
- Photos: 2013-14 7th Grade Students making a Lime Kiln (Blog post here: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/11/25/middle-school-lime-kilm-project/)
Starting at the end of the 2012-13 school year all of our Middle School students have an entire lesson block of 3 weeks dedicated to Environmental Science & Sustainability. During that week they engage in creative writing and nature observation and focus on the subjects of Energy, Plants, and Water. They also take numerous hikes and field trips. Waldorf students have an intimate connection with their classroom teachers because the teacher follows the students through the grades. For the last 8 years, Gail Kuderko (our current 7th Grade classroom teacher), has kept a Vermicompost station that her class has cared for as well as sold casing as a classroom fundraiser each year. Faculty members, Gail Kuderko, Matthew Thurber, Kathy Breen, Alexandrea Arnold, & Michel Anderson, have meet frequently over the last 2 years to adapt the material of the Environmental Awareness & Sustainability Curriculum developed by the Detroit Waldorf School to our Mid-Atlantic region.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from Oct 31, 2012, about a 3-day camping trip: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2012/10/31/shenandoah-camping-adventure/
- Blog Entry from Dec 11, 2012, about a nature hike: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2012/12/11/monday-hike/
- Link: Environmental Awareness & Sustainability Lessons for Middle School: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/264912244/Enviro_Science_Curriculum.pdf
- Photos: 2013-14 7th Grade Students making a Lime Kiln (Blog post here: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/11/25/middle-school-lime-kilm-project/)
8th Grade
Every year our 8th Grade students study food systems. In the spring of 2013, WSB purchased copies of The Omnivore's Dilemma to supplement the curriculum. While reading it students do lessons that calculate food miles and energy consumption of the food found in their own pantries at home. They also visited local farms -- a meat and egg producing farm, “Natural Meats,” from the Waverly Farmers' Market; and also a charity farm, "First Fruits," where they picked apples that were donated to shelters. They also went to see the Aquaponics project at Cylburn as part of their effort to think about our food supply and how it can be envisioned.
In Physics, 8th Grade studies the living properties of water and air, the forms they tend towards, and how these forms can be found in all things living or once living. They studied their properties and examined their effects on the entire earth and its weather systems — air and water currents, vortices, etc. This block included study of currents in the stream near our school.
While studying the Industrial Revolution, an examination of humankind’s transition into industrial society was contemplated along with the positive and negative effects of the machine age. Negative effects included pollution and poor working and living conditions, as well as more inhuman life conditions in cities (and even in the country). Positive effects included greater ease, greater work capacities, and material comfort.
Every year, our 8th Grade goes on a couple of camping trips. In 2012, 8th grade students went on a week-long camping trip to Francis Marion National Forest & Capers Island State Heritage Preserve to participate in a paddling adventure that combined a study of human, plant, and animal ecology (see the attached itinerary). And in the fall of 2012, the 7th & 8th Grade went camping in the Shenandoah National Forest for 3 days of hiking and nature observation. At WSB, the graduating class spends their last week together on a week-long trip; the 2013 graduating class chose to visit Hawk Circle in Cherry Valley, New York for a week of wildcrafting, fire-making, river-swimming, fishing, tracking, and camping (see photos below).
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from Oct 31, 2012, about a 3-day camping trip: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2012/10/31/shenandoah-camping-adventure/
- File: Weekly article from Oct 2011 about 7th & 8th Grade camping to Catoctin Mountain Park (page 5).
- File: PDF Document of the itinerary of the week-long trip taken by the graduating class of 2012. Students went to Francis Marion National Forest & Capers Island State Heritage Preserve.
- File: Weekly article from May 2012 sharing reflection on the 8th Grade's camping trip in South Carolina (page 6-7).
- Photos: Taken on the week-long trip to Hawk Circle by the graduating class of 2013 (taken June 2013):
Every year our 8th Grade students study food systems. In the spring of 2013, WSB purchased copies of The Omnivore's Dilemma to supplement the curriculum. While reading it students do lessons that calculate food miles and energy consumption of the food found in their own pantries at home. They also visited local farms -- a meat and egg producing farm, “Natural Meats,” from the Waverly Farmers' Market; and also a charity farm, "First Fruits," where they picked apples that were donated to shelters. They also went to see the Aquaponics project at Cylburn as part of their effort to think about our food supply and how it can be envisioned.
In Physics, 8th Grade studies the living properties of water and air, the forms they tend towards, and how these forms can be found in all things living or once living. They studied their properties and examined their effects on the entire earth and its weather systems — air and water currents, vortices, etc. This block included study of currents in the stream near our school.
While studying the Industrial Revolution, an examination of humankind’s transition into industrial society was contemplated along with the positive and negative effects of the machine age. Negative effects included pollution and poor working and living conditions, as well as more inhuman life conditions in cities (and even in the country). Positive effects included greater ease, greater work capacities, and material comfort.
Every year, our 8th Grade goes on a couple of camping trips. In 2012, 8th grade students went on a week-long camping trip to Francis Marion National Forest & Capers Island State Heritage Preserve to participate in a paddling adventure that combined a study of human, plant, and animal ecology (see the attached itinerary). And in the fall of 2012, the 7th & 8th Grade went camping in the Shenandoah National Forest for 3 days of hiking and nature observation. At WSB, the graduating class spends their last week together on a week-long trip; the 2013 graduating class chose to visit Hawk Circle in Cherry Valley, New York for a week of wildcrafting, fire-making, river-swimming, fishing, tracking, and camping (see photos below).
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry from Oct 31, 2012, about a 3-day camping trip: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2012/10/31/shenandoah-camping-adventure/
- File: Weekly article from Oct 2011 about 7th & 8th Grade camping to Catoctin Mountain Park (page 5).
- File: PDF Document of the itinerary of the week-long trip taken by the graduating class of 2012. Students went to Francis Marion National Forest & Capers Island State Heritage Preserve.
- File: Weekly article from May 2012 sharing reflection on the 8th Grade's camping trip in South Carolina (page 6-7).
- Photos: Taken on the week-long trip to Hawk Circle by the graduating class of 2013 (taken June 2013):
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weekly_05.28.12_p6.7.pdf | |
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Upper School
Unfortunately our Upper School closed at the end of the 2011-12 school year. However, WSB would like to highlight a few of the activities our upper school students engaged in from April 2010 to June 2012. Below is the letter summarizing the many activities our upper school was involved in before closing its doors in August, 2012.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Letter about Upper School accomplishments
- File: Weekly Article - "A Tale of Two Bottles" a story about recycling written by Upper School student - April 2011 (page 5)
Unfortunately our Upper School closed at the end of the 2011-12 school year. However, WSB would like to highlight a few of the activities our upper school students engaged in from April 2010 to June 2012. Below is the letter summarizing the many activities our upper school was involved in before closing its doors in August, 2012.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Letter about Upper School accomplishments
- File: Weekly Article - "A Tale of Two Bottles" a story about recycling written by Upper School student - April 2011 (page 5)
upper_school_environmental_activites_from_2007-2012.pdf | |
File Size: | 208 kb |
File Type: |
weekly_4.11.11_p5.pdf | |
File Size: | 97 kb |
File Type: |
2) Professional Development
Much of WSB's staff is made up of avid nature-lovers and gardeners (in fact, four faculty members are certified Baltimore City Master Gardeners). WSB prides itself on supporting its staff with opportunities to develop new professional skills that will enrich both the individual and the community.
Much of WSB's staff is made up of avid nature-lovers and gardeners (in fact, four faculty members are certified Baltimore City Master Gardeners). WSB prides itself on supporting its staff with opportunities to develop new professional skills that will enrich both the individual and the community.
Ecoliteracy & Sustainability Coordinator Presentations at WSB Full Faculty Meetings
At our monthly full faculty meetings, Michel Anderson (WSB Ecoliteracy & Sustainability Coordinator) offers the entire WSB staff information about our ongoing green projects. At our February 2013 meeting, Emily Conrad of Clean Currents (a renewable energy company) came in to give a PowerPoint presentation about home energy usage and conservation.
Supporting Documentation:
- 3 Files: PDF files documenting the agenda from some of our monthly Full Faculty Meetings.
At our monthly full faculty meetings, Michel Anderson (WSB Ecoliteracy & Sustainability Coordinator) offers the entire WSB staff information about our ongoing green projects. At our February 2013 meeting, Emily Conrad of Clean Currents (a renewable energy company) came in to give a PowerPoint presentation about home energy usage and conservation.
Supporting Documentation:
- 3 Files: PDF files documenting the agenda from some of our monthly Full Faculty Meetings.
full_faculty_agenda_2-21-13.pdf | |
File Size: | 178 kb |
File Type: |
full_faculty_agenda_5-9-2013.pdf | |
File Size: | 74 kb |
File Type: |
full_faculty_agenda_2-20-14.pdf | |
File Size: | 110 kb |
File Type: |
MAEOE Annual Conference 2010-2014
Since becoming a Maryland Green School, WSB has supported and funded staff members to attend the annual MAEOE Conference. In 2014, WSB Ecoliteracy & Sustainability Coordinator, Michel Anderson, presented an hour-long, hands-on workshop on Bokashi Composting entitled, "School-wide Indoor Anaerobic Composting."
Supporting Documentation:
- Information about the workshop is posted on our blog, Green Dragon Bytes: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/bokashi-composting/
- PowerPoint presentation is available online on MAEOE's website: http://www.maeoe.org/conference/Conference%20Presentations/index.php.
Since becoming a Maryland Green School, WSB has supported and funded staff members to attend the annual MAEOE Conference. In 2014, WSB Ecoliteracy & Sustainability Coordinator, Michel Anderson, presented an hour-long, hands-on workshop on Bokashi Composting entitled, "School-wide Indoor Anaerobic Composting."
Supporting Documentation:
- Information about the workshop is posted on our blog, Green Dragon Bytes: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/bokashi-composting/
- PowerPoint presentation is available online on MAEOE's website: http://www.maeoe.org/conference/Conference%20Presentations/index.php.
2013_maeoe_conference_attendance_certificate.jpg | |
File Size: | 162 kb |
File Type: | jpg |
2014_maeoe_conference_attendance_certificate.jpg | |
File Size: | 179 kb |
File Type: | jpg |
AIMS Annual Conference
WSB supports and funds its teachers and staff to attend the annual AIMS Conference every year. In 2010, the keynote speaker was Mary J. Plotkin, Ph.D., a world renowned environmental conversationalist. The focus of the 2010 conference was "environmental sustainability," and many of the workshops offered were focused on ecoliteracy. In attendance that year were Ed Meade, WSB Director of Academics, Cate Mulvihill, WSB Handwork & Games Teacher, and Alejandra Lorenzo, former WSB Upper School Teacher.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: A scan of the AIMS 2010 Conference Catalog that was given to all attendees.
WSB supports and funds its teachers and staff to attend the annual AIMS Conference every year. In 2010, the keynote speaker was Mary J. Plotkin, Ph.D., a world renowned environmental conversationalist. The focus of the 2010 conference was "environmental sustainability," and many of the workshops offered were focused on ecoliteracy. In attendance that year were Ed Meade, WSB Director of Academics, Cate Mulvihill, WSB Handwork & Games Teacher, and Alejandra Lorenzo, former WSB Upper School Teacher.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: A scan of the AIMS 2010 Conference Catalog that was given to all attendees.
aims_2010.pdf | |
File Size: | 307 kb |
File Type: |
Beekeeping for the Future Workshop 2011
Our classroom teacher, Christina Harris, took a Beekeeping Workshop in November of 2011.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Email regarding Christina Harris's registration into the course.
Our classroom teacher, Christina Harris, took a Beekeeping Workshop in November of 2011.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Email regarding Christina Harris's registration into the course.
christina_harris_-_beekeeping_workshop_email.pdf | |
File Size: | 78 kb |
File Type: |
Aldo Leopold Education Project 2012
On Jan 7, 2012, WSB hosted an Aldo Leopold education workshop for our faculty and staff. The workshop taught the 13 attendees how to incorporate A Sand County Almanac into Waldorf curriculum and deeper insights in the Leopold Education Project (LEP). The Leopold Education Project is an innovative, interdisciplinary, critical thinking, conservation and environmental education curriculum based on the classic writings of the renowned conservationist, Aldo Leopold.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly Article from Jan 2012 regarding the workshop (page 1 & 4)
On Jan 7, 2012, WSB hosted an Aldo Leopold education workshop for our faculty and staff. The workshop taught the 13 attendees how to incorporate A Sand County Almanac into Waldorf curriculum and deeper insights in the Leopold Education Project (LEP). The Leopold Education Project is an innovative, interdisciplinary, critical thinking, conservation and environmental education curriculum based on the classic writings of the renowned conservationist, Aldo Leopold.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly Article from Jan 2012 regarding the workshop (page 1 & 4)
weekly_01.23.12_p.1.4.pdf | |
File Size: | 500 kb |
File Type: |
Wilderness Education Workshop (held at the AWSNA Summer Conference) 2012
In June 2012, WSB Handwork & Games Teacher, Cate Mulvihill, attended a wilderness education workshop entitled Seeking the Journey II: Wilderness Education for the Adolescent Waldorf Student. The following is from the catalog describing the workshop:
How do we help young people stay connected to others, to the earth, and to themselves? Through presentation and discussion this workshop will focus on the role of outdoor/wilderness education for Waldorf middle and high-school students, including anthroposophical viewpoints and discussions of the importance of nature for the developing child and adolescent. The workshop will also include practical aspects of program development, trip planning, and risk management.
Karl Johnson has been leading adolescents on wilderness adventures for over 32 years. He is the educational support specialist and high-school wilderness experience program coordinator at the Santa Fe Waldorf School. He serves on the faculty of the West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy in British Columbia. He is a certified instructor with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
The workshop was held in June 2012.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: See page 5 of the attached catalog.
In June 2012, WSB Handwork & Games Teacher, Cate Mulvihill, attended a wilderness education workshop entitled Seeking the Journey II: Wilderness Education for the Adolescent Waldorf Student. The following is from the catalog describing the workshop:
How do we help young people stay connected to others, to the earth, and to themselves? Through presentation and discussion this workshop will focus on the role of outdoor/wilderness education for Waldorf middle and high-school students, including anthroposophical viewpoints and discussions of the importance of nature for the developing child and adolescent. The workshop will also include practical aspects of program development, trip planning, and risk management.
Karl Johnson has been leading adolescents on wilderness adventures for over 32 years. He is the educational support specialist and high-school wilderness experience program coordinator at the Santa Fe Waldorf School. He serves on the faculty of the West Coast Institute for Studies in Anthroposophy in British Columbia. He is a certified instructor with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS).
The workshop was held in June 2012.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: See page 5 of the attached catalog.
awsna-summer-2012.pdf | |
File Size: | 620 kb |
File Type: |
Teaching Sensible Science 2012-13
Nine WSB teachers (Sharon Barkhouser, Charlotte Espinoza, Gail Ann Kuderko, Clair Jerram, Alexandrea Arnold, Matthew Thurber, Ed Meade, Michel Anderson, and Kathy Breen) attended the 3-week course on teaching a phenomenological approach to science. During the course the group studied, discussed, and observed, various environmental science projects relating to transportation, temperature, sunlight, and botany. Tuition for the course was generously funded by our school's Parent Association.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Sensible Science at WSB Flyer
- File: Teaching Sensible Science Description
Nine WSB teachers (Sharon Barkhouser, Charlotte Espinoza, Gail Ann Kuderko, Clair Jerram, Alexandrea Arnold, Matthew Thurber, Ed Meade, Michel Anderson, and Kathy Breen) attended the 3-week course on teaching a phenomenological approach to science. During the course the group studied, discussed, and observed, various environmental science projects relating to transportation, temperature, sunlight, and botany. Tuition for the course was generously funded by our school's Parent Association.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Sensible Science at WSB Flyer
- File: Teaching Sensible Science Description
sensible_science_comes_to_baltimore.pdf | |
File Size: | 61 kb |
File Type: |
sensible_science_description.pdf | |
File Size: | 135 kb |
File Type: |
Baltimore City Master Gardener 2011 & 2013
In 2011, WSB supported Gail Ann Kuderko in becoming a Baltimore City Master Gardener. And again in 2013, WSB funded and supported Michel Anderson in becoming a Baltimore City Master Gardener.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Michel Anderson's letter if acceptance for BCMG
- File: Gail Ann Kuderko's BCMG certificate
In 2011, WSB supported Gail Ann Kuderko in becoming a Baltimore City Master Gardener. And again in 2013, WSB funded and supported Michel Anderson in becoming a Baltimore City Master Gardener.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Michel Anderson's letter if acceptance for BCMG
- File: Gail Ann Kuderko's BCMG certificate
2013_master_gardener_intern_letter_-_michel_anderson.pdf | |
File Size: | 171 kb |
File Type: |
gail_kuderko-mg-certificate.pdf | |
File Size: | 2623 kb |
File Type: |
Baltimore City Master Gardener - Master Composter Certification - 2012
In 2012, Gail Ann Kuderko & Kathy Lewis took a University of Maryland Extension course on composting. Attached is their "Master Composter" certificates.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Kathy Lewis's Master Composter certificate
- File: Gail Kuderko's Master Composter certificate
In 2012, Gail Ann Kuderko & Kathy Lewis took a University of Maryland Extension course on composting. Attached is their "Master Composter" certificates.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Kathy Lewis's Master Composter certificate
- File: Gail Kuderko's Master Composter certificate
kathy_lewis_-_mg_composting_cert.pdf | |
File Size: | 4506 kb |
File Type: |
gail_kuderko_-_mg_composting_cert_letter.pdf | |
File Size: | 5646 kb |
File Type: |
Biodynamic Course 2012-13
WSB Classroom teacher, Gail Kuderko, attended a year-long course on Biodynamic Farming & Gardening. She has shared the knowledge obtained from this training at seasonal festivals throughout the school year.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Gail Kuderko's Biodynamic Certificate
WSB Classroom teacher, Gail Kuderko, attended a year-long course on Biodynamic Farming & Gardening. She has shared the knowledge obtained from this training at seasonal festivals throughout the school year.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Gail Kuderko's Biodynamic Certificate
gail_kuderko-biodynamic-certificate.pdf | |
File Size: | 1622 kb |
File Type: |
Baltimore Honeybee Workshop 2013
When available, WSB makes every attempt to offer EE professional development workshops to all of our staff. Below you will find an email sent out to all of our staff offering funds for the Baltimore Honeybee Workshop. Due to the time commitment and schedule only our Ecoliteracy & Sustainability Coordinator, Michel Anderson, was able to attend.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Email to entire WSB staff offering the honeybee workshop as professional development and confirming Michel Anderson's attendance.
When available, WSB makes every attempt to offer EE professional development workshops to all of our staff. Below you will find an email sent out to all of our staff offering funds for the Baltimore Honeybee Workshop. Due to the time commitment and schedule only our Ecoliteracy & Sustainability Coordinator, Michel Anderson, was able to attend.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Email to entire WSB staff offering the honeybee workshop as professional development and confirming Michel Anderson's attendance.
baltimore_honeybee_workshop_-_participation_offer.pdf | |
File Size: | 275 kb |
File Type: |
Permaculture Design Course 2013-14
WSB supported Michel Anderson in becoming a certified Permaculturist. Michel started the yearlong course in September 2013 and will graduate in June 2014. As part of the course, Michel is working on a Permaculture design for the school that will be implemented and presented to the community in an adult education workshop. WSB is currently exploring the possibility of incorporating a 2-week Permaculture Design Course into the 8th grade curriculum for the 2014-15 school year.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Michel Anderson's receipt of attendance.
WSB supported Michel Anderson in becoming a certified Permaculturist. Michel started the yearlong course in September 2013 and will graduate in June 2014. As part of the course, Michel is working on a Permaculture design for the school that will be implemented and presented to the community in an adult education workshop. WSB is currently exploring the possibility of incorporating a 2-week Permaculture Design Course into the 8th grade curriculum for the 2014-15 school year.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Michel Anderson's receipt of attendance.
permaculture_design_course_receipt_-_michel_anderson.pdf | |
File Size: | 166 kb |
File Type: |
Richard Louv Lecture - March 2014
WSB teachers and staff members, Michel Anderson, Gail Kuderko, Virginia Efta, and Lisa Beckmann, all attended a talk by Richard Louv on March 18th at Notra Dame of Maryland University.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2014/03/10/richard-louv-is-coming-to-baltimore/
WSB teachers and staff members, Michel Anderson, Gail Kuderko, Virginia Efta, and Lisa Beckmann, all attended a talk by Richard Louv on March 18th at Notra Dame of Maryland University.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog Entry: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2014/03/10/richard-louv-is-coming-to-baltimore/
Learning in the Garden Workshop - March 2014
Michel Anderson, attended a 3-hour workshop at Real Food Farms on Saturday, March 29th. The presenter, Jason Reed, is a garden educator now working with the Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students After School Program (BUGS) at Living Classrooms.
Supporting Documentation:
Email: Confirmation of Michel's attendance at the workshop can be obtained through Shan Gordon: [email protected]
Michel Anderson, attended a 3-hour workshop at Real Food Farms on Saturday, March 29th. The presenter, Jason Reed, is a garden educator now working with the Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students After School Program (BUGS) at Living Classrooms.
Supporting Documentation:
Email: Confirmation of Michel's attendance at the workshop can be obtained through Shan Gordon: [email protected]
3) Celebration
Life at the Waldorf School of Baltimore pivots around various celebrations and festivals that mark the changing of the seasons and holidays. Below is a short explanation of the relevant festivities we host.
Life at the Waldorf School of Baltimore pivots around various celebrations and festivals that mark the changing of the seasons and holidays. Below is a short explanation of the relevant festivities we host.
AUTUMN:
The Festival of Courage - September
The children return in the autumn term full of energy and trailing with them summer’s warmth; a new school year begins. Nature too is breathing in. From the expanse of high summer’s dream she begins to awaken. The opening main lesson begins, and is guided over the weeks towards the first festival of the new school year--Michaelmas, a festival of the Will; a festival to awaken to the struggle between Michael and the Dragon; a struggle which is enacted upon the great sleeping in-breath of nature, upon the return to the mundane, from the widths of space in high summer to the depths of the earth in winter.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly article from Sept 2011 about the general meaning of the Festival of Courage. (page 2)
- Photos: Taken at the Festival of Courage in Sept 2013.
The children return in the autumn term full of energy and trailing with them summer’s warmth; a new school year begins. Nature too is breathing in. From the expanse of high summer’s dream she begins to awaken. The opening main lesson begins, and is guided over the weeks towards the first festival of the new school year--Michaelmas, a festival of the Will; a festival to awaken to the struggle between Michael and the Dragon; a struggle which is enacted upon the great sleeping in-breath of nature, upon the return to the mundane, from the widths of space in high summer to the depths of the earth in winter.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly article from Sept 2011 about the general meaning of the Festival of Courage. (page 2)
- Photos: Taken at the Festival of Courage in Sept 2013.
weekly_9.19.11_p2.pdf | |
File Size: | 76 kb |
File Type: |
Autumn Garden Festival - October
Every year the Children's Garden celebrates autumn with a festival. There are many festivals to mark the seasonal turning points (solstices and equinoxes). These festivals bring images that are part of the universal human experience, such as various harvest festivals in the autumn. Our Autumn Garden Festival marks the end of the growing season and the celebration of the bounty of the harvest. This is the time of year when human beings must find strength and courage to enter the months of cold and darkness, bearing within themselves the light and warmth that were in the outer world of nature in summertime.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly Article from Oct 2011 about the festival (page 1)
Every year the Children's Garden celebrates autumn with a festival. There are many festivals to mark the seasonal turning points (solstices and equinoxes). These festivals bring images that are part of the universal human experience, such as various harvest festivals in the autumn. Our Autumn Garden Festival marks the end of the growing season and the celebration of the bounty of the harvest. This is the time of year when human beings must find strength and courage to enter the months of cold and darkness, bearing within themselves the light and warmth that were in the outer world of nature in summertime.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly Article from Oct 2011 about the festival (page 1)
weekly_10.10.11_p1.pdf | |
File Size: | 125 kb |
File Type: |
World Food Day - October
To bring awareness to global food availability, WSB has been honoring World Food Day since 2010. Over the years, we have told stories about food, brought in a variety of speakers, and experimented with cooking with a solar-cooker. Since 2012, our Student Council has organized an annual World Food Day Food Drive -- which, for the last 2 years has collected 365 pounds of food. In 2013, the Student Council decided to offer the food to one of our community partners, Paul's Place in southwest Baltimore.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog: Various articles document our World Food Day efforts.
Oct 10, 2012: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2012/10/10/world-food-day/
Oct 23, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/10/23/food-drive-presented-by-wsbs-student-council/
Nov 19, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/11/19/student-council-food-drive-final-numbers/
- Photo: 2013 Food Drive Box
- File: Weekly article from Nov 2010 (page 5 & 6)
- File: Weekly article from Oct 2011 (page 1 & 6)
To bring awareness to global food availability, WSB has been honoring World Food Day since 2010. Over the years, we have told stories about food, brought in a variety of speakers, and experimented with cooking with a solar-cooker. Since 2012, our Student Council has organized an annual World Food Day Food Drive -- which, for the last 2 years has collected 365 pounds of food. In 2013, the Student Council decided to offer the food to one of our community partners, Paul's Place in southwest Baltimore.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog: Various articles document our World Food Day efforts.
Oct 10, 2012: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2012/10/10/world-food-day/
Oct 23, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/10/23/food-drive-presented-by-wsbs-student-council/
Nov 19, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/11/19/student-council-food-drive-final-numbers/
- Photo: 2013 Food Drive Box
- File: Weekly article from Nov 2010 (page 5 & 6)
- File: Weekly article from Oct 2011 (page 1 & 6)
weekly_11.1.10_p5.6.pdf | |
File Size: | 1073 kb |
File Type: |
weekly_10.31.11_p1.6.pdf | |
File Size: | 354 kb |
File Type: |
WINTER:
The Winter Garden - Late November/December
At the Winter Solstice, the darkest time of the year, in Waldorf Schools worldwide, we celebrate the event by walking the spiral pathway in the Winter Garden.
To symbolize the darkness of the winter days, the Winter Garden is lit by only one candle at the center of a spiral of green boughs. After hearing a seasonal story, each child walks the spiral to its center carrying an unlit candle. In the center an Eighth Grade Angel helps each child light his or her candle. Then the child retraces the path, placing the candle along the spiral, amid the boughs. Hidden amongst the greenery are treasures, such as crystals, stones, stars, or seashells; as the candlelight grows even stronger, these treasures begin to sparkle in the darkness. The walk into the center of the spiral towards the single light and out of the spiral, increasing the light’s strength, mirrors the journey we make into ourselves at this time of the year. We look inward to find the light in our own hearts and bring it out into the world to share.
The Winter Garden is open to the community for a few days near the Winter Solstice.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly article about the Winter garden. Nov 2011 (page 1 & 3)
- Photos: Images of the Winter Garden taken in Nov 2012
At the Winter Solstice, the darkest time of the year, in Waldorf Schools worldwide, we celebrate the event by walking the spiral pathway in the Winter Garden.
To symbolize the darkness of the winter days, the Winter Garden is lit by only one candle at the center of a spiral of green boughs. After hearing a seasonal story, each child walks the spiral to its center carrying an unlit candle. In the center an Eighth Grade Angel helps each child light his or her candle. Then the child retraces the path, placing the candle along the spiral, amid the boughs. Hidden amongst the greenery are treasures, such as crystals, stones, stars, or seashells; as the candlelight grows even stronger, these treasures begin to sparkle in the darkness. The walk into the center of the spiral towards the single light and out of the spiral, increasing the light’s strength, mirrors the journey we make into ourselves at this time of the year. We look inward to find the light in our own hearts and bring it out into the world to share.
The Winter Garden is open to the community for a few days near the Winter Solstice.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly article about the Winter garden. Nov 2011 (page 1 & 3)
- Photos: Images of the Winter Garden taken in Nov 2012
weekly_11.21.11_p1.3.pdf | |
File Size: | 152 kb |
File Type: |
World Water Day - March
WSB has been celebrating World Water Day since 2010. WSB offers a learning experience regarding water to every class at this time of year. For example, in 2013, Bay-Wise came to our school to deliver an educational program to our 1st through 8th grade students. The 1st - 4th grade students participated in a demonstration regarding pollution and the Chesapeake Bay. Our 5th through 8th grade students walked our school grounds to explore and problem-solve water runoff issues.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog: Entry documenting World Water Day 2013
March 25, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/03/25/world-water-day-2013-wsb-hosts-bay-wise/
- Files: Weekly article from March 2010 (page 8) & Feb 2011 (page 3) & April 2011 (page 1)
- Photos taken on World Water Day 2013
WSB has been celebrating World Water Day since 2010. WSB offers a learning experience regarding water to every class at this time of year. For example, in 2013, Bay-Wise came to our school to deliver an educational program to our 1st through 8th grade students. The 1st - 4th grade students participated in a demonstration regarding pollution and the Chesapeake Bay. Our 5th through 8th grade students walked our school grounds to explore and problem-solve water runoff issues.
Supporting Documentation:
- Blog: Entry documenting World Water Day 2013
March 25, 2013: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/03/25/world-water-day-2013-wsb-hosts-bay-wise/
- Files: Weekly article from March 2010 (page 8) & Feb 2011 (page 3) & April 2011 (page 1)
- Photos taken on World Water Day 2013
weekly_3.29.10_p8.pdf | |
File Size: | 70 kb |
File Type: |
weekly_4.4.11_p1.pdf | |
File Size: | 90 kb |
File Type: |
SPRING:
Spring Festival - April
Spring, the most welcome of seasons, rushes towards us -- then it takes a tender pause--and dashes forward again with renewed vigor. As days grow longer and the breeze softens, we patiently wait and hope. The ground softens, the ditches gurgle with rains, and buds swell on the twig. New life erupts from the earth, helped by worms and ants. Stories of Father Sun, Sister Rain, Brother Wind and Mother Earth are just right for the Children’s Garden. These archetypal representations of nature's forces sustain a child’s sense of wonder and inquiry, creating an understanding of the seasons that will flourish and develop with the child. Wonder is the seed of wisdom. The Children's Garden celebrates the season by creating a Spring Festival, much the same way they fashion the Autumn Festival. After hearing a story from their teacher, children take turns receiving a crown from a Spring Fairy, a seed from Mother Earth, light and warmth from Father Sun, water from Sister Rain, and nourishing breezes from Brother Wind. It is a quiet event, a chance for reflection and reverence amidst the ebullience of the season.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly article about The Children's Garden Spring Festival. April 2011 (page 4)
Spring, the most welcome of seasons, rushes towards us -- then it takes a tender pause--and dashes forward again with renewed vigor. As days grow longer and the breeze softens, we patiently wait and hope. The ground softens, the ditches gurgle with rains, and buds swell on the twig. New life erupts from the earth, helped by worms and ants. Stories of Father Sun, Sister Rain, Brother Wind and Mother Earth are just right for the Children’s Garden. These archetypal representations of nature's forces sustain a child’s sense of wonder and inquiry, creating an understanding of the seasons that will flourish and develop with the child. Wonder is the seed of wisdom. The Children's Garden celebrates the season by creating a Spring Festival, much the same way they fashion the Autumn Festival. After hearing a story from their teacher, children take turns receiving a crown from a Spring Fairy, a seed from Mother Earth, light and warmth from Father Sun, water from Sister Rain, and nourishing breezes from Brother Wind. It is a quiet event, a chance for reflection and reverence amidst the ebullience of the season.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly article about The Children's Garden Spring Festival. April 2011 (page 4)
weekly_4.25.11_p4.pdf | |
File Size: | 1195 kb |
File Type: |
Earth Day - Late April
The entire WSB community celebrates Earth Day every year. WSB typically engages in a service day on our property, giving special attention to our school's grounds and organic garden. We also share stories, poems, and songs about the Earth and talk about how people from all over the world are celebrating our 'home' on this special day. Around this time of year we also celebrate May Day which is celebrated with a May Pole Dance. In 2013, Clean Currents (our community partner) came to sign up people for renewable wind energy in their homes.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly Article about 2010 Earth Day - April 2010 (page 3)
- File: Weekly Article about 2011 Earth Day - April 2011 (page 1,5,6)
- File: Weekly Article about 2012 Earth Day - April 2012 (page 6-7)
- Blog Entry: A post regarding 2013 Earth Day picnic & biodynamic spraying: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/05/13/biodynamic-spraying-at-wsb-this-wed-may-15th/
- Photos: Taken at the May Day celebration in May 2013
The entire WSB community celebrates Earth Day every year. WSB typically engages in a service day on our property, giving special attention to our school's grounds and organic garden. We also share stories, poems, and songs about the Earth and talk about how people from all over the world are celebrating our 'home' on this special day. Around this time of year we also celebrate May Day which is celebrated with a May Pole Dance. In 2013, Clean Currents (our community partner) came to sign up people for renewable wind energy in their homes.
Supporting Documentation:
- File: Weekly Article about 2010 Earth Day - April 2010 (page 3)
- File: Weekly Article about 2011 Earth Day - April 2011 (page 1,5,6)
- File: Weekly Article about 2012 Earth Day - April 2012 (page 6-7)
- Blog Entry: A post regarding 2013 Earth Day picnic & biodynamic spraying: http://sustainablewaldorf.com/2013/05/13/biodynamic-spraying-at-wsb-this-wed-may-15th/
- Photos: Taken at the May Day celebration in May 2013
weekly_4.12.10_p3.pdf | |
File Size: | 74 kb |
File Type: |
weekly_4.25.11_p1.5.6.pdf | |
File Size: | 528 kb |
File Type: |
weekly_04.30.12_p6.7.pdf | |
File Size: | 383 kb |
File Type: |