The Waldorf school.

Today we went to the Open House at the local Waldorf school.

Why?  Because I love the Waldorf school.  I've been on their mailing list since the school's inception (it was started in The Woodlands, by a friend of mine), but have never managed to send Gabe there.

Yes, it's a little fruity ... but what a wonderful, happy, fun, structured-but-not-pressured school environment.  The classes are teeny, the classrooms beautiful.  The kids learn through fun stories, song and dance (not sitting at a desk all day)!  Every day they do practical things like baking bread, making soup, watering plants, weaving and knitting (yah, a little fruity, but still wonderful)!

The classroom is full of "natural toys" made of wood and cloth and things found in nature ...  for healthy exploration and self-expression ...

Not sure Gabe would fit in with this kind of play ...  (He made this today from his own toys.)

At the Open House we all held hands and walked around in circles, sang songs and did little dances.  Gabe seemed simultaneously amused and incredulous at the silliness.

Gabe is too old for the daily classes they have now, but maybe Max could go there (when we can afford it)!

They emphasize the importance of chores in the daily routine.  At the moment Gabe does very few chores and shows little interest in helping out (but here's Maya today, helping Grandma with the laundry)!

Maybe it could be different for Max.

They're starting a homeschool enrichment and guidance program that Gabe could potentially be part of.  He and I could attend classes together and learn German!  We'll see!  (Here's Dad, having to wear two pairs of glasses to cut his fingernails.  Boo for presbyopia.)