If you’re not familiar with the Waldorf education model, let me give you a quick snapshot. Per their website:
“Waldorf education strives to produce “human beings who are capable themselves of imparting purpose and direction to their lives. By seeking to educate the head, heart, and hands of the child, the curriculum covers a broad spectrum of subjects, balancing academics, artistic expression and skill, and practical learning. Waldorf teachers are dedicated to cultivating a natural love of learning in their students, developing their intrinsic motivation and essentially teaching them how to joyfully teach themselves, a resource they will be able to draw on throughout their lives.”
Waldorf education is deeply rooted in connecting with nature and one’s environment. The earlier education draws on a lot of fantasy and imaginative play and less of a traditional academic focus. Technology plays little to no role in the education and the school as a whole encourages families to limit media exposure at home to ensure healthy family routines.
My brother went to both a Waldorf and Montessori school during the preschool ages so I was vaguely familiar with the school and their philosophy. My stepmom had always spoken so highly of my brother’s experience with both schools. She found this Buttercup group for me when we only had Charlie (although I was very pregnant and sick during much of our time at this class). I wanted to learn more about the Waldorf education and this playgroup proved to be not only a beautiful experience with my daughter, but also the perfect introduction into their culture.
There is only one Waldorf school in Nashville and it’s in Green Hills on the corner of Hillsboro and Sharondale in the big, sprawling beautiful white church- it is not connected with the church in any way, the school only rents the space during the week. If you’re in Nashville, you know how beautiful this space is. Huge, towering trees, and open green fields. So just the experience of showing up to this space once a week was lovely.
The class is once a week for two hours from 8:45 to 10:45- the days vary from semester to semester.
“Linden Waldorf School’s Buttercup Parent/Child Playgroup is a treasured experience for families where young children—accompanied by a caregiver and guided by a Waldorf teacher—enjoy a rhythmic morning of song, movement, organic snacks, storytelling, puppetry, nature walks, and free play. The unhurried pace of the Buttercup experience provides an opportunity to slow down, enjoy our children and each other, and bring a precious moment of peace into our lives. As a condensed model of our early childhood classrooms, this weekly class serves to familiarize interested families with Waldorf education. Approximately seven families participate in each class. Children will benefit most from this program if they are 1½ to 3 years old.”
It was $425 for the semester when we went a couple of years ago and now the price has gone up to $475. Our playgroup was led by Ms. Shay- and oh what a blessing this was! Ms. Shay is a beautiful, beautiful soul who has the most gentle and nurturing spirit. If you’re in your mid-to-late 30s like me, you are probably familiar with “The Magic School Bus.” Ms. Shay is Ms. Frizzle. And I mean that in the BEST possible way. She’s whimsical and fun and you have a feeling she always has something beautiful to say.
Let me start by saying this will always be one of my favorite experiences and memories with Charlie. The class is set up for the child and one caregiver so either parent is welcome- or a grandparent! The picture at the top is of Charlie at the class with her Gigi- my stepmom, Ginger. She was the one who introduced us to this whole thing so it was so special that she got to go with Charlie one week. And I only have that one picture because we weren’t really “allowed” to have our phones with us or take pictures- as the entire point was to be present with our children. One week, however, when there were quite a few grandparents in attendance, one of them requested to take some pictures.
The first hour was spent on the floor with open-ended toys made out of natural materials. We would come in and sit down with our babe and just let them explore. We were encouraged to not worry about being perfectly on time, as this time was to focus on slowing down, being present and simply enjoying a couple of quiet hours with our children. I LOVED THIS. Oh, don’t worry about being on time? YOU DON’T HAVE TO TELL ME TWICE. Ok, kidding, I have actually made it a massive priority in life to be on time or early to things. Can’t say that was true at other points in my life. But it was nice to have zero pressure about rushing during the morning routine.
After free-play, it’s song and circle time. Charlie was not yet walking at this point, although she was 20 months (we had to do physical therapy for a year to help her walk). Ms. Shay and all the parents and children were so patient with us and so understanding and inclusive. I had to pick her up sometimes when the other children were walking, but we made it work for us. The songs sometimes involved little dolls or toys or felt balls and sometimes it was as simple as singing Old McDonald together. The kids all loved this time very much.
Next, we all sat down at the long table (at a toddler height so they can be independent and get set up themselves) to enjoy Ms. Shay’s famous oatmeal and a mug of water. The kids help set the table and they help wash the dishes at the end. There are little blessings and songs to go with activities like washing hands and saying thanks for the food. The table is set with real (ceramic) plates and mugs to let the kids practice using these things.
After snack time, Ms. Shay did a puppet show with little dolls that helped explain a child getting ready to go and play outside. It’s the same story every time, but this repetition was quite beautiful. Natural elements like stones are introduced. Ms. Shay would have the kids come up one by one to feel the coolness of a flat stone on their cheek. Charlie LOVED this part so, so much.
The class ended with time outside on the playground, rain or shine. Cold or warm. Waldorf encourages children playing outside in the elements no matter what the weather and is also big on dressing warmly and appropriately (heavy hats, gloves, boots) to make sure the child being cold doesn’t get in the way of them playing outside.
Charlie was pretty quiet during the few months that we did this class. She was the youngest and not walking yet. But it has been so, so cool to now see what she remembers and hear her bring up certain parts of the class, even a couple of years later. She remembers the songs and games (we still do Wonder Ball all the time!). She learned to love collecting and appreciating things like leaves and rocks and playing outside. She still talks about that delicious oatmeal and we make it often. We wave and say, “Hiiiii Ms. Shay” when we pass the school, as that part of town is on our daily path. We sing the “Tidy Song” to clean up all the time. It’s clear that being an active participant in daily routines like washing hands and helping set the table and helping was the dishes was deeply instilled in Charlie from this class.
It was an incredibly, incredibly beautiful time with my daughter. I loved slowing down. I loved watching her process and learn through this class. I loved all the whimsical and fantasy-based songs. I loved connecting with the other moms and dads every week. And I loved learning myself, little ways of life from the Waldorf philosophy to incorporate into our own family. I loved the focus on natural toys and imaginative play. It was simply a lovely and meaningful way to be present and spend time with Charlie. I can’t WAIT to do this playgroup again with Tessa.
While the Waldorf education wasn’t the right fit for our family in terms of on-going education, the Buttercup class was perfect. A perfect little snapshot into their world and a beautiful experience. You don’t have to want to give your children a Waldorf education to enjoy or benefit from this class. If you’re just looking for a great play group with your child- try it!
If you’re reading this from somewhere other than Nashville, I encourage you to check out your local Waldorf school and see if they have a similar playgroup.
Pro-tip: Ms. Heather was the apprentice to Ms. Shay and she was SO lovely. I just loved her. She created a gorrrrrrgeous little shop in the back of the campus with every wooden and natural toy your little head could ever dream of. I got Charlie the sweetest push toy and this green felt necklace with a little mouse dude that fits in there that we lovingly call “Pouchy.” You could easily go to the office and ask them to check out the shop even if you don’t check out the class!
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