Favorite Books
Living Passages for the Whole Family ~ by Shea Darian
The author of Seven Times the Sun and Sanctuaries of Childhood shares in her newest book creative ideas for celebrating and creating contemporary and meaningful rites of passage to honor landmark events (loosing a tooth, starting school), birthdays, the nine-year change, turning 13, coming of age, and many more life transitions from birth to age 21. A valuable resource for parents, grandparents, mentors, counselors and educators and appropriate for all faiths. 336 pages. Softcover.
Heaven on Earth
Heartfelt and practical parenting tips in a convenient format designed for easy reference with busy parents in mind. Readers will learn how to establish life rhythms that lay the foundations for all learning; design indoor and outdoor play environments; and build a family culture based on love through art, storytelling, and the festival celebrations. Author Sharifa Oppenheimer is an experienced Waldorf kindergarten teacher of 21 years.
All Year Round
This book is a treasure trove of tomorrow's fond childhood memories, all mingled with a mix of colored thread, delicious cooking smells, softly sparkling candlelight, and snatches of favorite songs. Brimming with stories, poems, activities, crafts, and songs this is a fun guide to the seasonal round of Christian festivals. Authored by Ann Druitt, Christine Fynes-Clinton, Marije Rowling. Softbound, 316 pages.
Festivals Together - Guide to Multi-Cultural Celebration
Enrich your seasonal celebrations with folk stories, songs, crafts, activities, and recipes from the global village. Hear of Anancy the spider trickster, of Ganesh and how he got his elephant head, or why the sun and moon live in the sky. Make simple percussion instruments, kites that really fly, Chinese lanterns, diva lamps or Christingle oranges. A multi-cultural resource which draws on the experience of a wide variety of faiths and cultures - uddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslum, and Sikh. Authored by Sue Fitzjohn, Minda Weston, and Judy Large. Softbound, 223 pages.
The Waldorf School Book of Soups
This wonderful little book is a celebration of soups from a myriad of Waldorf school communities around the country. You will find everything from nutritious stocks and broths to a selection of vegetable, bean, tomato, beef, seafood, chicken, and dessert soups... and, of course, no Waldorf school book of soups would be complete without a recipe for Stone Soup!
Waldorf Kindergarten Snack Book
A useful compendium of information, recipes, and anecdotes from Waldorf kindergarten teacher Lisa Hildreth - a rich book for teachers, parents, and anyone who cares for young children. Create soups, breads, and fruit dishes with children and use healthy ingredients to make delicious and nutritious snacks. Whimsically and joyously illustrated by kindergarten teacher Jo Valens, you will find yourself turning to this book time and again when it's snack time. The author has also included a chapter on birthday and festival foods.
Alternatives to TV Handbook by Marie McClendon
I highly recommend this delightful handbook for 21st Century parents, grandparents, libraries, waiting rooms, or any caregivers. You'll find so many engaging activities for children ages 1-12 along with do-able suggestions on how not to use the TV as a babysitter and how-to bring out the creativity in your children. A great resource at an affordable price, for you or that spouse or grandparent who needs suggestions or thinks you have gone off the deep end!
Highlights include:
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Before or after school
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The tired and hungry pre-dinner hour
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When children claim boredom
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Children are up at 6:00am on a Saturday and you want to sleep in.
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You want more memorable moments with your family
Marie McClendon also authored Where are the Children? In a TV World or in a Tree House? She taught kindergarten in public schools for 10 years in Montana and earned her MA in Early Childhood Education from Sunbridge College, NY in 2000. But her honest-to-goodness credentials are mothering four resourceful children! Her hope is that children become ever more fully human in the best sense of the word.
Will-Developed Intelligence
Handwork and Practical Arts in the Waldorf School - Elementary through High School.
A practical guide to the subjects that make up this curriculum. This book examines how working with the hands opens up neurological passageways that establish the foundation of thinking. Copiously illustrated, this book shows how the conscious development and training of the hands in the Waldorf curriculum, from kindergarten through high school, lead through the heart forces which enhance cognition.
A Child's Seasonal Treasury
Presented in a well-organized and easy to use seasonal format are hundreds of ways to incorporate the cycles of nature in children's play. Includes timeless songs, verses, circle games, crafts, finger plays, treats and more. A useful gift this beautiful hardbound keepsake quality book is a complete resource for play groups, home schoolers, families and classrooms. Even has a satin ribbon to hold your place! 136 pages. Ages 3 and up.
An Emerging Culture: Rudolf Steiner's Continuing Impact in the World
Written primarily by Christopher Bamford (author of What Is Anthroposophy?) and edited by Eric Utne, "An Emerging Culture" covers Waldorf Education, biodynamic agriculture, the Camphill movement, anthroposophic medicine, organic art and architecture, and many other realms of activity informed and inspired by Rudolf Steiner's ideas. It's a great way to introduce your friends to the range of anthroposophical initiatives in the world today - or to explore them yourself! Printed in color, 50 pages.
You Are Your Child's First Teacher
Rahima Baldwin Dancy's ever popular classic on what parents can do with and for their children from birth to age six makes a wonderful gift for new parents and parents looking for creative, conscious parenting guidance.
Years ago when our children were young I discovered this book and it quickly became a primary source of inspiration in our lives as young parents. It not only made sense, but I felt like I had found a supportive friend who cared as much about my children's well-being as I did. Rahima's book effectively drove home the important role of a parent in the life of the child and greatly influenced our parenting as well as our choices regarding television viewing, toys, activities and education.
This gem covers many topics such as caring for the newborn, helping your toddler's development, the development of fantasy and creative play, nourishing your child's imagination, rhythm and discipline in home life, readiness for school and age recommendations for particular fairy tales and toys. Makes a great group study book. Revised and updated. 384 pages, soft bound.
Echoes of a Dream
Suggests creative ways of bringing to family life some of the reverence for nature, the spirit of creativity, and the elements of rhythm and harmony which live in a Waldorf school. Includes gardening, recipes using your garden produce, handwork ideas, music, woodcrafts, watercolor and block crayon instruction, a puppet theater idea, and more. A goldmine in this little book! Published in Canada. 68 pages.
Sanctuaries of Childhood
From the author of Seven Times the Sun comes this inspiring resource and guide full of parenting wisdom to nurture a child's spiritual life from birth to the teen years. Includes simple rituals, blessings, prayers, poems and songs to help children grow spiritually, and ideas for the spiritual nurturing and self-care of parents and caregivers. 160 pages, paperback.
Seven Times the Sun
A one-of-a-kind book full of ideas, practical advice and a refreshing view of the routine of daily life in the home and family. Stories, songs, poems, and verses are interwoven throughout. Mealtimes, chores, naps, and playtime. . . A great resource guide.
CD - Seven Times the Sun
This homespun collection is a companion CD to the parenting book Seven Times the Sun. Intended as a tool for parents, grandparents, and caregivers who desire to learn, "by ear". You'll quickly learn the simple songs and soon will be singing them with children! The songs follow the order presented in the book: Morning Songs, Mealtime Songs, Play Songs, Work Songs, Quiet Songs, Healing Songs, Bedtime Songs, Weekend Family, Personal Renewal, and Peace Songs.
Living into Dying - A Journal of Spiritual and Practical Deathcare for Family and Community
From Nancy Jewel Poer comes this wonderful journal of spiritual and practical deathcare so that families and communities may be able to provide support to loved ones at the threshold of death and beyond. Presented is a spiritual view of dying compatible with a belief in the immortality of the human soul. Also covered are legal and practical considerations such as preparing the casket, necessary paperwork, whether or not to embalm, and all the choices we actually do have in this matter.
