Giving to Waldorf and Montessori
“To live a creative life we must lose our fear of being wrong” - Joseph Chilton Pierce
Go Natural Baby has donated organic cotton baby and children's clothes to Cedarwood Waldorf and Sunstone Montessori schools' recent auctions. Both schools are located here in Portland, Oregon.
Although some may think that Waldorf and Montessori educations are similar they are quite different. The fundamental difference is that they view brain development differently. In a very crude summary Montessori believes in the "absorbent mind" for the young child (to fill the mind) and Waldorf believes that the earlier years should not be about filling the mind but in imaginary play (which is in alignment with brain development).
I have had the pleasure of being apart of both communities and value and honor both. I think I will leave it at that,but would like to refer you to some other sites that can provide curious readers with more information.
Of course I invite families to share their experiences. If you have questions I am also happy to share our experiences with both.
For Waldorf:
Why Waldorf Works
Wiki's Definition of Waldorf Education
American's For Waldorf Education
For Montessori:
Montessori Connection
Wiki's Definition of Montessori Education
The International Montessori Index
The Montessori Foundation
Also of interest may be any of Joseph Chilton Pierce's books. I went to a talk he did in Marin County when my son was an infant and it changed the way I viewed everything when it came to education and brain development. Here is an older interview I found online with him you can also check Amazon.com for some of his books.
Blessings,
Justyn
