If you have taken a serious look at Rainbow Mountain Childrenβs School and you are familiar with schools that are inspired by Waldorf Education, you may have noticed some similarities in feel.Β In fact, many of our teachers, and even the Executive Director, have some Waldorf teacher training
Rainbow features that may look or feel similar to some schools inspired by Waldorf Education:
Similarities in beliefs about child development
Approaching the child holistically
A nurturing classroom environment
Emphasis on the teaching as a sacred calling
Appreciation of story and myth
Emphasis and love for the natural world
Use of natural materials and aesthetically beautiful classroom environments
Similar view of the media as needing to be tempered in the life of young people
Art immersion
It is important to note that some schools inspired by Waldorf Education are not members of the Association of Waldorf Schools of North America (AWSNA). Β There are differences between schools inspired by Waldorf Education and AWSNA member schools.
The Contrasts: The differences we see between Rainbow andΒ other schools inspired by WaldorfΒ Education are primarily a result of underlying philosophy.
The first Waldorf School was founded by Rudolf Steiner, a clairvoyant, philosopher and βspiritual scientistβ (as he termed it) in World War I Germany.Β Many schools inspired by Waldorf Education turn to Steinerβs writings and transcribed lectures on education and anthroposophy (the term for his spiritual science) as the primary source.
While Rainbow loves to pull from the best practicesΒ many schools, it is not bound to the doctrine of one particular philosopher.Β As a result of this fundamental difference in foundational approaches, here are a few of the different specific practices at Rainbow:
We believe that every child is different and we introduce many concepts before the curriculum that was indicated by Rudolf Steiner.Β For example, we believe many kindergartners are ready to learn to read, some are not.Β Both are accommodated at Rainbow.
We hire teachers who are trained in both conventional education (usually with an MA in education)Β andΒ trained in alternative education.
WeΒ haveΒ students begin using technology in 4thΒ grade.
We believe that different teachers bring different strengths, passions, and relationships for students and therefore do not loop the same teacher with a group of students from grades 1-8, as indicated by Steiner (we occasionally have kids loop with a teacher for two years).
We allow students to write their own fiction stories and students their own artwork out of their imagination at young ages.
A Summary
If you love some of the practices of schools inspired by Waldorf Education but you want that balanced with an academic program that progresses a little faster in the lower grades, then Rainbow may be a great fit for your family.
Rainbow Mountain’s media policy is very open — we merely recommend parents become aware of the affects of media exposure on children and attempt to limit it.
I highly recommend watching this short film from the Marin Waldorf School.Β Even though we are not a Waldorf School, we have many similarities with the Waldorf approach, including similar views bout the media.
I found the photos of classrooms and children very akin to our atmosphere at Rainbow.Β The message about the media is a good reminder and inspiring.
I had the pleasure of joining Omega for centering today. After lighting the candle and taking a few breaths, Susan asked us to take out our journals and write a question we are contemplating about the future. Then Susan pulled out “A Book of Answers.” We went around the circle, each saying our question aloud, then opening to a random page in the book to read the answer. Some answers were very funny, but most (even the funny ones) had some ironic twist and/or a deep sense of wisdom. We are all ooo-ing, awe-ing, and laughing as we heard each answer. When we came to my place in the circle, I asked the question, “What will the new name of Rainbow Mountain Children’s School be?” When I opened the book the answer said something like, “Do not wait for answers. Find out!”
Here are some of the other questions and answers I remember:
Q: Will I be successful with my music?
A: You can’t do everything. Focus on what you truly want.
Q: Will there ever be world peace?
A: Concentrate on one thing at a time.
This was a wonderful centering. It certainly inspired some deep contemplation. I know I am going to be working more deligently on “finding out” what our new name is going to be. I will have an update for you all in a couple of weeks about the progress!
From June 18 – 26, Renee will be traveling with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science, as one of ten chosen participants on their Educators of Excellence Ecuador Institute.Β This will be a learning experience for everyone.Β You follow the team’s blog posts each day of the trip. Through the blog, you can join Renee as she visits the Heifer International Alpaca Ranch, teaches at a rural school, and hikes Isla de la Plata. The group will be learning about the natural history of the fabulous and fascinating wildlife of Ecuador.
The Museum’s vision is to educate teachers about the natural world, so they, in turn, inspire their students to develop a love for the natural world too. “We want our students to see themselves as part of the global web of life!”
Rainbow Mountain Children’s Schoolβs executive director, Renee Owen, has been chosen as one of ten βEducators of Excellenceβ in North Carolina to travel to Ecuador this summer with the Museum of Natural Science.Β The Educators of Excellence Institute programs are designed to give deserving educators an opportunity to learn about the ecology and natural history of other regions. Educators of Excellence Institutes are a learning opportunity for teachers who want to pass on to their students the ability to envision themselves as part of the global web of life.
Reneeβs Ecuadoran adventure will be from June 18 β 26. She and her fellow educators will spend time at the Heifer Internationalβs alpaca farm in the highlands of Ecuador, learning about Heiferβs innovative program to reduce poverty in the region. The group will have several days in different regions of Ecuador, learning its natural history. One location is the Isla de la Platas, which is home to many of the same wildlife as the Galapagos Islands. In Palmar, on the Southwestern coast of Ecuador, the group will be working in a rural school teaching classes and working with students and teachers. The team of teachers will meet again in Raleigh, in October, to purchase educational materials for the Ecuador school and design lessons for the 2013 βEducators in Excellenceβ team.
Congratulations, Renee, for this honor. We are excited for your adventure. If you would like to follow Reneeβs trip through Ecuador, the group will be posting a daily blog at http://ecuadorinstitute.wordpress.com. Renee is looking forward to sharing lessons and information about Ecuador and Heifer International with families and students at Rainbow Mountain Children’s School both on the blog and when school starts back up in the fall.
“From the mouth’s of babes…” What a POWERFUL speaker.Β This girl reminds me of some of the young people who have graduated from Rainbow Mountain.
~Renee Owen (Executive Director)
PS. The video is slightly out of focus, but totally worth it.
Rainbow Mountain Children’s Schoolβs executive director, Renee Owen, has been chosen as one of ten βEducators of Excellenceβ in North Carolina to travel to Ecuador this summer with the Museum of Natural Science.Β The Educators of Excellence Institute programs are designed to give deserving educators an opportunity to learn about the ecology and natural history of other regions. Educators of Excellence Institutes are a learning opportunity for teachers who want to pass on to their students the ability to envision themselves as part of the global web of life.
