In this episode, I’m diving into what it really takes to start the year strong in first grade. This is such a tender, transformative time—children are stepping out of the warm, dreamy world of early childhood and into something more structured, more purposeful. And they’re looking to you for clarity, confidence, and rhythm.

First grade is when we really begin to form the class, and the habits we establish early on can shape the whole year (and beyond). Here are the grounded, steady practices I’ve found make the biggest difference:

✅ Lean on Rhythm—And Keep It Simple
Children this age need steady, predictable routines. A clear rhythm—daily and weekly—helps them feel safe and grounded, so they can relax and actually learn. These rhythms aren’t just sweet rituals—they’re tools that build trust and flow.

✅ Start with Movement, Not Sitting
Six- and seven-year-olds aren’t built to sit still right away. I always start the day with movement—walking, clapping games, beanbag tosses—not just to get the wiggles out, but to build attention, coordination, and group cohesion.

✅ Model Everything—Then Model It Again
Whether it’s lining up, sharpening pencils, or walking through a doorway, I never assume they already know how to do it. I model it slowly and clearly—and then I do it again tomorrow. These kids want to know what’s expected. They’re looking for leadership.

✅ Practice Listening in Little Doses
Listening is a muscle, and it takes time to build. I use echo songs, call-and-response verses, and short memory games to strengthen their listening capacity. And when it’s time for a good story? Their attention can go so deep.

✅ Give Them Jobs—and Teach Them Well
Children want to help. Giving them small, meaningful jobs gives them a sense of purpose and belonging. But just like anything else, I take the time to teach each job slowly and carefully.

Starting first grade isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing a few key things really well, over and over, until they become part of the class rhythm. These children are wide open. They’re looking to us for how to be in the world—so let’s offer them steadiness, clarity, and purpose. You’ll be amazed at how they rise to meet it.

Let’s stay connected:
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🌐 Website
📬 Substack
✉️ Email me at meredith@awaldorfjourney.com

Thanks for listening and being part of the journey!

What does it really mean to create a Waldorf-inspired home? In this episode, I share what first drew me to the peaceful beauty of Waldorf living—and the moments when it felt completely out of reach. From the temptation to chase the aesthetic to the deeper values that truly make a Waldorf home, we’ll explore how rhythm, simplicity, and presence matter more than wooden toys and silks.

We’ll talk about:

• The heart of a Waldorf home: rhythm, warmth, and intention
• Daily and weekly rhythms that support your family life
• Creating cozy spaces and nurturing the senses
• Meaningful work and seasonal celebrations
• Why perfection isn’t the goal—presence is

Plus, I’ll offer practical ideas you can begin today, whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your home life.

My Website: A Waldorf Journey

Substack: Waldorf at Work

In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I explore the unique approach to teaching natural sciences in a Waldorf classroom, with a particular focus on physiology and anatomy in the seventh and eighth grades. I discuss how Waldorf education brings warmth, storytelling, and experiential learning to these subjects, fostering a deep and lasting connection rather than just rote memorization.

Topics Covered:

🦴 The importance of warming the soil—creating a deep feeling connection to the subject matter rather than emphasizing memorization.
🦴 How physiology (body systems) is taught in seventh grade, and anatomy (bones & muscles) in eighth grade.
🦴 The evolution of natural sciences in the Waldorf curriculum—from early childhood observations of nature to more structured blocks in the upper grades.
🦴 The role of storytelling, artistic representations, and metaphor in teaching science.
🦴 How to integrate the arts into science, including beautiful chalkboard drawings, lesson book illustrations, and artistic explorations of the body's systems.
🦴 Experiential learning—engaging the senses and fostering direct experiences in the classroom (e.g., observing digestion through eating an apple, exploring skeletal structures through movement).
🦴 Keeping the focus on health, balance, and the body's wisdom, rather than emphasizing illness or pathology.

Recommended Resources for Teachers:

Mentioned in this episode:

📖 Waldorf Inspirations – A fantastic online resource for curriculum ideas, teaching approaches, and inspiration for bringing the natural sciences to life in a Waldorf classroom. Visit Waldorf Inspirations

📚 Charles Kovacs’ Resource Books:

• Human Being and the Animal
• Botany – A Waldorf-aligned approach to teaching plants and their relationship to the human being.
• Rocks and Minerals – A beautifully written introduction to geology, making connections to the wider natural world.

These books are invaluable for teachers looking to enrich their science lessons with depth, storytelling, and the Waldorf approach to education.

Join the Conversation!

Have you taught physiology or anatomy in a Waldorf classroom? What experiences, activities, or biographies have resonated most with your students? Share your insights in the comments on YouTube or on Instagram/Facebook @AWaldorfJourney.

🎧 Listen Now on Your Favorite Podcast App
💻 Visit: AWaldorfJourney.com for curriculum materials, teaching resources, and blog posts.

Thank you for being part of the A Waldorf Journey community! 🌿✨