This is one of the fabulous things I have to thank to the Waldorf education my son is receiving at the Sunrise School of Miami.   The curriculum places a great importance in these changes in nature. We are One with the World that surround us! When our lovely World changes, we change, whether we notice it or not. The important thing is to become more sensitive and perceptive and this will it help us to adapt and to grow as caring and loving human beings. We are not really supposed to just run through the minutes, we are meant to fully live each one of them, learning to love and to share as a community.  In true Waldorf tradition we celebrate the festival of Martinmas. This  festival revolves around the virtues of Saint Martin.  This verse relates beautifully the story we share on this day:

St. Martin, St. Martin
St. Martin road through wind and snow
On his strong horse his heart aglow
He rode so boldly through the storm,
His large cloak kept him well and warm.

By the roadside, by the roadside,
By the roadside a poor man arose
Out of the snow in tattered clothes
“I beg you help me in my plight
or else I’ll die of cold tonight.”

St. Martin, St. Martin,
St. Martin stopped his horse and drew
His sword and cut his cloak in two
One half to the beggar man he gave
And by this deed his life did save.

Martinmas Lanterns

We make unique handmade paper lanterns that will be used for the Lantern walk on the evening of the “Martinmas Festival”. We all participate in the excitement of a story – told under the stars by a bonfire and as a community we then enjoy a lovely potluck of homemade soups and breads.  There is singing and a sense of warmth and giving.  Martinmas is a traditional European celebration that is cherished by Waldorf students worldwide and it creates this much needed  sense of love, community and it certainly makes us look inside ourselves to prepare us for what it is to come.

What are you planning on doing during this lovely Autumn Time? How are we, as parents, going to help our kids understand the importance of balance, love, nature and life?

From our open hearts we wish this part of our lives helps to enrich yours….

Many Blessings,

Liseth

Chic Mommy USA

Here is one of the songs! If you click on the image it will direct you to a wonderful mom whom plays and sings the music for us! Enjoy!

Once our kids reach the preschool time, we are faced with the multiple questions regarding what is the best for them.

Financial reasons are one of the main concerns and we all know that it can get expensive.
One thing I have found is that “Most Expensive”does not equal to “Excellent Education”.

When finding out what is best for our children, we have to take into consideration:
1. Their personality.
2. Their abilities.
3. Their needs; and
4. what would suit THEM best.

If you are sending them to Public Schools and are not completely satisfied about the curriculum, try to look for groups of mothers in your area that share your concerns. Together you can come up with extracurricular activities to fill the gaps and perhaps give your kids what they may be missing without braking the bank.

If you are looking for private schools. Be careful, study the curriculum, send your kid for a visit to see if they like the environment… you don’t want to get stuck with the bill and an unhappy child.

In my case, after a lot of research I opted for a Waldorf oriented school for my son. It is small and it has become a wonderful extended family for us. He has been able to blossom, grow, make friends, and create a magical and fantastic home away from home.

To see more information on Waldorf Oriented Schools, you can visit: http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/

If you are in the South Florida area, please stop by www.sunriseschoolofmiami.com