Like the sun that warms the seed

Sends light to us below

So we light this candle, that we may enjoy it’s glow.

 

Today was our first Little Round Schoolhouse play date.  We gathered together, sung, laughed, ate lots of tomatoes and strawberries from the garden, and made a beautiful felt play mat.  It was a blessing to be surrounded by such wonderful families and children.  My heart swells with the thoughts of the sweet faces who shared my morning.  I am getting increasingly excited about the beginning of the school year.

Since our yurt hasn’t yet been raised, we spent our time together outside, under the shade of a juniper tree.

The silks were hung and blowing in the breeze.  It was a beautiful morning.

Our snack table awaiting little hands and mouths.

 

The Earth is good to me

And so I thank the Earth

For giving me the things I need

The sun and the rain and the apple seed

The Earth is good to me

 

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We are scheduling several play dates to happen before school begins on September 7th.  Our first one will be held here at our home on July 28th from 9:30-11:00.  This is a time for us to gather together, sing and move, create, and play.  It will be a great time for enrolled families to get to know one another and interested families to come learn more about who we are.

Our morning will end with a shared, potluck-style snack, so please bring something to share if you plan on attending.  Older and younger siblings are also welcome to join us in the fun!

Please RSVP to mail@LittleRoundSchoolhouse.com and we’ll be happy to tell you how to find us!

And spread the word!  We are a new, Waldorf-inspired program for children 3-6 years old in Asheville, NC.  Now enrolling for Fall 2010!

This morning, Scott, Banyan, and I visited Laurel Nest Yurts, an Asheville-based yurt company.  We were really impressed!  The first thing that struck us was the friendliness of Hal and Asia.  They spent a lot of time showing us their workshop as well as their demo yurt.  They are excited about the possibility of a Waldorf-inspired school in one of their yurts.  Hal really knows what he’s talking about, after having lived many years in yurts he’s made.  He took a lot of time to listen to what we want to do with our space to make sure we get into a yurt that is a perfect fit.  We left their workshop feeling quite inspired.  We are excited about moving forward with building the Little Round Schoolhouse.  We are taking tonight to let it all sink in and we hope to place our order early next week.

As we work on preparing the land for the yurt, we are also collecting all the materials we will need for our classroom.  Take a look at the list and email us (mail@LittleRoundSchoolhouse.com) if you have anything to donate.

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The past two weeks have been moving fast!  When we mentioned our plans to open a school, our idea was met with much enthusiasm.  We feel very positive about where we are heading and are now  putting our energy into building the physical structure and sharing our plans with the greater community.  We have a lot to do to get ready!  This blog will act as a witness to what we are doing and give you a chance to be a part of the excitement and activity.  Thanks for your support, encouragement, and help as we begin this journey!

First, here is the “official” blurb about our program:

The Little Round Schoolhouse is a mixed age program for children 3-6 years old.  The school is situated on our land, conveniently located in East Asheville.  We are devoted to providing a quality program that meets the physical, social-emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of young children.  We recognize and value the magic of early childhood and want to create a space that honors and nurtures our young children.

We draw a great amount of inspiration from the Waldorf model of early childhood education, which doesn’t include any formal academics but sets the foundation for academic learning later in life.  We believe that play is the true work of childhood and that learning by doing provides a framework for problem solving and critical thinking, as well as a love for lifelong learning.

We surround our children with simple, natural toys and experiences.  We let the children do things directly for themselves, trusting in their natural development and growth.

We believe that children flourish when their activities are arranged to match the natural rhythm of life.   Our day flows with a breathing in and a breathing out, from the quiet moments of circle time and story time to the vigorous, active moments of work and play.

Typically our morning begins with circle time and creative free play.  In circle time, children will enjoy songs, movements, verses, and finger plays that recognize and celebrate the cycles of the natural world.  During free play, children have time to experience watercolor painting, baking, beeswax modeling, handwork and sewing, or seasonal crafts.  Children are served organic, nutritious snacks daily, often made with their help.  After snack, children go outside to play and have the opportunity to garden or participate in group games.  After outdoor play, we return to the classroom once more to experience the magic of a fairy tale.  Our day ends as we gather together around the table for lunch.

Each week brings the opportunity to experience nature walks, yoga, gardening, arts and crafts, and music.  We are awaiting the arrival of chickens and goats and desire to offer the children opportunities to participate in meaningful exchanges with animals and urban farming.

We are a family of teachers with many years experience and training.  We value lifelong learning in ourselves and strive for continual education outside of the classroom.

The Little Round Schoolhouse meets Tues, Weds, and Thurs from 9-1, beginning September 7, 2010.

Tuition: $283/month

Fees: $25 non-refundable application fee
      $75 materials/enrollment fee

Contact info:
      Phone:  828.777.6318

      Email:  mail@littleroundschoolhouse.com

It’s that moment when you find yourself day dreaming about a particular scenario–a home, a place, meaningful work–and you find that flow of happiness and joy.  It is that bliss you must lock into and follow.

That got me to where I am right now.  I found my “flow” in teaching.  I get lost in the moments and time moves faster.  I discovered it this year when I, for the first time, was able to teach from my heart.  I followed the rhythms of nature–the cycles of the earth–they were my first guide.  And I followed the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, as I studied (solo) his thoughts, theories, and practices.

I was talking to my husband this morning on the phone and found myself in touch with that flow of bliss once again.  I was rambling on and on about what I’d like to do if I could do anything.  Finally I had the image…a small children’s garden  on our property…where we are learning to urban homestead as best we can…a yurt…children gardening, chasing chickens, and participating in meaningful work.  This is it!

I’m moving forward with the work I’m intended to do.  I’m building a school here.