SCHOOL READINESS AND THE CHILD'S DEVELOPING BRAIN

Our four children all began their schooldays in the southern hemisphere, which meant... in January. So there are parents in that half of the world who are wondering 'Is my little girl or boy really ready for this big step?'
   
Almost every week I read about new research that proves the benefits of starting school later rather than earlier. This applies even to kindergarten, although I'd say if you find a really good Waldorf kindergarten you might happily entrust your four year old to the teacher's tender care. In any case, as a parent who yearns to do the best for your child, you might ask, "How can I judge when my child is ready for formal schooling?" The usual way is to go by age, but each of us is a unique individual, right?

Actually the subject is a complex one. Waldorf schools employ a process, and usually prefer a 7 year-old rather than a 6 year-old start. Dr. Rudolf Steiner actually indicates that the best way is to remember when your child was conceived, sometime before the middle of November, or toward the end. A simple guideline can be what usually happens around the age of six: i.e. the milk teeth begin to loosen and fall out. This signals a new development of the brain, one you can foster by... wait for it... teaching your child to knit! This is an ideal activity when for when your children are around seven or eight years of age.

I thought of this yesterday when I had to go for a routine blood test. Expecting to wait, I took a book with me. When I was done, I passed through the waiting room again. There sat a woman, happily engaged with her knitting. I was struck by delight, especially as everyone else was engrossed in the cyber-world rather than the real. But there she sat, content with her productive activity, and I thought, "Good for you!"

These are the needles and wool (yes, wool, not artificial yarn) I bought for my grandsons. It's a good idea to cast on a few stitches for them. I clearly remember having to ask my gran for help with this when I was young. And there's a nice Waldorf verse you can use to help the child. Here it is:

In through the front door,
Once around the back,
Peek through the window,
And off jumps Jack!

Advent tide

Here we are, approaching the second Sunday in Advent, a week when we specially think of our debt to the plant world and acknowledge our gratitude. Last Sunday the grandsons, now nine and seven years old, came over with their parents for a simple celebration at our house.

They came about an hour before we sat down to share a meal together. When they arrived, the house was in darkness (the sun sets soon after 4.20 p.m. these days). I met them in the entrance hall, and gave each of them a candlestick to carry.

We lit their candles and they carried them into our living/dining room and placed them carefully on the mantelpiece. Then we lit other candles around the room and the children sat down to hear a Christmas story read. Over the years I've collected quite a few and they work well for setting a mood... especially in candlelight.

So there mom and dad sat, each with a boy on the lap, listening by candlelight. This was such a lovely sight that I thought I should take a photo. I even went so far as to fetch my digital camera. But then I thought... 'No, a flash, the taking of a photo, will totally intrude and interfere with this special moment. So I refrained.

After the story we sang a song together 'People look East'. Cheryl had never heard that before. Luckily I'd thought to print out four copies of the words so we could all join in. The lyrics are easily found on the web.

Over the years I've also collected art postcards of the Annunciation. I selected a couple of these to have as images around the room. In these days when so much of what meets our eyes is hideous, not to mention evil, it's helpful to look at the beautiful and true.

So here is the Angel Gabriel to salute you on this Advent Friday. I send you a virtual lily and wish you a quiet, lovely moment or two.