Life is the Curriculum

As an early childhood educator by trade, the early years of childhood have always had a special place in my heart. It is such a magical time of human development, where children dance through life, dreamily cocooned in the safety of all that is good and beautiful around them.

We, as adults, have an important role in making sure the cocoon protects the children from being exposed to that which they are not ready for, while at the same time making sure it doesn’t hinder their development.

How do we achieve that balance?

There is an ever present push in society to make sure young children “don’t fall behind”. Early academics have been trumpeted in toddler, preschool and kindergarten programs around North America, even though current studies show that not only do these programs not have any lasting effect on a child’s academic ability in grade school, they have actually been shown to cause a decline in ability in many children.

So what is it that children need?

Rudolf Steiner had very specific ideas about the unfolding of children from birth to age seven. He referred to young children as fully open sense beings, unable to filter the “dazzle and noise of the outer world”. It is a phase of building up the physical body through soul and spirit forces (called formative forces), which are keenly affected by their environment. Children in this stage must experience calm and simplicity and trust in the goodness of the world.

Cynthia Aldinger, founder of LifeWays North America, aptly titled her book about supporting this phase of childhood “Life is the Curriculum”. It is a journey through the daily life of both children and the adults that care for them, and highlights how the work that creates home is exactly the support these small beings need to thrive in the world. It is a phenomenal look at daily life within the home (whether the home be your own home or that of a caregiver), and I highly recommend it for parents and care givers of children of all ages.

Through LifeWays Ontario, I will be hosting a seven week book study on “The Life is the Curriculum”. Across the seven weeks we will each hold on to the question “What is home?” and discover ways we can create an environment that supports not only our children, but ourselves. Throughout our weeks together, we will share practical tips, learn how to incorporate Aldinger’s Living Arts into your rhythm and discover how children, adults and the environment form the curriculum needed to thrive.

Details:

• Tuesdays from 6-7:30pm EST, October 18 to November 29, 2022
• Via Zoom
• Investment: $80

To register for this book study, please click below. I hope to see you there!