. Let go of your visions of most schools today, which may include anxiety about testing, days without recess, art, or music, kindergartens without playtime. Instead, be open to a picture of school as it should be, where children and their teachers are eager to step into their classrooms, where each day holds promise When you open the first page…
While A Gift of Wonder is set in an independent Waldorf school, it shows a spirit of teaching and learning that is relevant to parents, homeschoolers, pod schoolers, public school teachers and independent school teachers. The time tested methods shown here in the context of an inspiring story are relevant in all learning environments. Join me as I teach the…
I worry that as time goes on and, as schools increasingly focus on the “thing” that is the curriculum and the “thing” that is the test, we will forget what is missing at school. So, I want to invite you into my classroom in a school where teachers and their students are free to learn together without the interference of…
“It was as if my long-term students and I were taking a long journey by ship and it was my fault that, in the parlance of the controversial education law, William was being left behind.”
Readers say: Told in an easy to read style, this book is actually a page turner. This turned out to be the best book I’ve read in a long time. It has the emotional impact of a book of fiction, and the educational value of a non-fiction book. Perhaps, long ago, a teacher made a difference in your life.…
Ronduin lay on the wooden floor of the barn loft. He closed his eyes but could not sleep. He heard Peter and Peyton snoring. But it was not their muffled snores that kept him awake. Nor was he kept awake by the hard floor that lacked his lovely feather bed. One at a time, Ronduin imagined the faces of his classmates. Are…
Cook Agnes sat on a stump, warmed by the signal fire which had died down to bright orange glowing embers. She still held the bundled kitchen cat. “We are going to introduce the kitchen cat to Robere, who no doubt thinks he owns barn hill,” said Cook Agnes to Ronduin who sat at her feet. Now Mirabel, holding Robere, walked…
Note: Chapter 70 showed Ronduin and Mirabel walking on mud skis ahead of the rest of the group as they crossed the muddy fields from the castle to barn hill. At the end of the chapter they stopped on a grassy mound to have a conversation. Ronduin and Mirabel waited for the rest of the mud skiers and Cook…
I’m writing to reassure everyone that I will be back to writing new chapters soon. I am working on another novel for children that is an upbeat story about climate change set in the year 2054. I am editing the complete manuscript before sending it to reviewers and this is using all my writing time. I look forward to returning…
The joyful conversation at the kitchen table could be heard far down the hallway of the castle. Stepping out of the stairwell, the King was astounded by this cheerful noise, so he ran to the kitchen door where he stood, incredulous at what he saw. Noticing that her husband was so amazed that he could not speak, the Queen stood…
Mirabel woke when it was no longer dark, but not yet light. She heard whispering. It was Sir Andrew’s voice for sure. She was almost sure the other voice was Ellyn’s. “It’s best to not say anything,” said Sir Andrew. “After all, we did promise to keep the secret.” “I agree,” said the other voice. “Rowan will have the porridge…
.. Dear Parents and Teachers, Kimberly Wilson Parsons, a homeschooling parent who runs the delightful Waldorf oriented online store Hearth and Gnome https://www.hearthandgnome.com recently wrote: “For many of us in the United States, our school year is winding to a close (or did a few weeks ago), and we are planning ahead. This year’s annual review and planning feel so very…
Dear Parents and Teachers, Kimberly Wilson Parsons, a homeschooling parent who runs the delightful Waldorf oriented online store Hearth and Gnome https://www.hearthandgnome.com, recently wrote: “For many of us in the United States, our school year is winding to a close (or did a few weeks ago), and we are planning ahead. This year’s annual review and planning feel so very different.…
Mirabel and Rowan and Adelaide and Merek and their parents sat in the shade between the stable and Disappearing Brook. Mirabel leaned against her mother who pulled a comb from her pocket and gently nudged Mirabel forward so she could comb her hair. “I didn’t bring a comb with me,” said Mirabel, “so my hair is full of tangles.” “I’ll…
Growing Children 