Rest and Renewal

The setting sun.

I try and take a moment each day to watch the sunset. It is a reminder that everything must rest, that things must come to a close, and that everything needs an opportunity for renewal.

Letting things rest is an important facet of Steiner pedagogy; the idea that new information gets the chance to grow and develop in our minds while we are not actively engaged with the information.

Each year, I plan a gap week between blocks to let everything rest, or sleep if you prefer that term. We are ready for a break from main lessons and a chance to follow our rhythm in a different way. It is so rejuvenating! Many have questioned this tactic, asking if we get behind, if it ruins the rhythm of learning and separates everything too much. I always answer: it is needed, and that is why we do it.

We need the space to breathe, recollect ourselves, and to REALLY let things rest. My goal is not to go from one block to the next, filling my children’s heads with as much information as possible. My goal is to ignite a passion for learning, to speak to the needs of my children, and to allow them the time to really feel the subjects.

This year, I’m taking it one step further and we will not be practicing daily math. GASP! I KNOW!! I’m kind of freaked out too! But during a little experiment in the spring, we skipped daily math for six weeks. And the children came back to it stronger than ever. While I know that dropping daily math or creating a gap week between all blocks might not be what is needed for every family, I really want everyone to take a moment and focus on the importance of rest period. The importance of providing the mind time for for stretching into unfilled space.

When it comes down to it, I need that space as much as the children. I need the space to regroup and switch hats for the next main lesson. I need the space to allow for real reflection on what worked and what didn’t. I need time to make adjustments if necessary. I need the time to take a breath and meet the next topic with excitement and energy.

We all need time, and as home schoolers we are blessed with the opportunity to create as much of it as we need.

Until next time,
Marina