Waldorf Education: Frequently asked questions and answers

For more information on Waldorf education, visit these websites:

• http://www.awsna.org --The Association of Waldorf Schools Of North America. An association of independent Waldorf schools and Waldorf teacher education institutes. It's mission is to strengthen and support the schools and to inform the public about the benefits of Waldorf Education.

• http://www.steinercollege.org --Rudolf Steiner College. Located in Fair Oaks, CA, it is one of America's leading Waldorf teacher education colleges as well as a center for anthroposophical studies.

• http://www.allianceforchildhood.net --Alliance for Childhood. Promotes policies and practices that support children’s healthy development, love of learning, and joy in living.

• http://www.fortnet.org/rsws/waldorf/fax.html --A list of "Frequently Asked Questions" published by River Song Waldorf School. Explains what Waldorf Education is, the philosophies behind Waldorf Education, and other important topics. A nice introduction to Waldorf Education.

• http://www.waldorfanswers.org --This site was created by two Waldorf teachers named Robert Mays and Sune Nordwall.  The intent of the authors is to "provide answers about Waldorf education, in depth, that parents and prospective parents may have, and to clear up some of the misconceptions that may exist about Waldorf education."

• http://www.waldorfinthehome.org

• http://www.waldorfwithoutwalls.com

• http://www.waldorfworld.org --Anything and everything related to Waldorf Education, Anthroposophy, natural living, etc. This is a vast and varied website. It may take you some time to get through it all, but it is well worth it. A link to our school will soon be listed on this site under "Schools."

• http://www.waldorfschoolonline.com

• http://www.americans4waldorf.org --A website developed by current and former Waldorf students and educators. Their goal is to "...support Waldorf education by providing general information on it (articles, experiences, research), by answering questions from the press and the public, and by correcting myths, misunderstandings and misinformation about Waldorf education which sometimes appear in the media and on the Internet."

• http://www.atoygarden.com/heart -- We are now affiliated with A Toy Garden. This means, 10% of your purchases go to our lovely school. A Toy Garden always ships Priority or UPS so orders should take just a day or 2 to arrive. If you are in the Sacramento area, you may also want to check out the store in Orangevale. Store hours are: Thursdays 9-5 or other times by appointment. Heart to Hand will receive credit for in-store orders as well as online. For more information, contact Sonya at 916-390-5320. It is important that all online orders use the above link so Heart to Hand will receive proper credit. A Toy Garden has the best selection as well as the least expensive Play Silks we've seen - many are $5 each!!! So start shopping!!!

• http://www.novanatural.com -- Nova Natural offers finely crafted toys that inspire imaginative play, beautifully illustrated children's books, a wide range of parenting and craft books, non-competitive games which successfully combine action and challenge with co-operation and compassion and natural craft and art supplies to create your own works of beauty.

• http://www.magiccabin.com -- A unique selection of all-natural, heirloom-quality dolls, toys and crafts.

• http://www.hearthsong.com -- "Classic" childhood toys and games, unusual craft kits for parents and children to make together, and decorations for seasonal celebrations that reinforce the "family" theme.

• http://www.waldorfsupplies.com -- Offers art and school supplies including: watercolor supplies, colored pencils, wool felt, wool yarn, crayons, chalk, blackboards, china silk and silk gauze.

• http://www.bellalunatoys.com -- A family-owned, home-based business offering a wide range of natural, Waldorf-inspired playthings. They also try to match other's prices!

• http://www.islandtreasuretoys.com -- A family run business, specializing in natural and Waldorf inspired toys including: Waldorf toys, Waldorf dolls, wooden play kitchens, playstands, homeschool supplies and much more.

• http://www.achildsdream.com -- A family run business offering Waldorf supplies for art, handwork, crafts, pentatonic music and instruments, and imaginative play. Also offers accessories, clothing, and body care products.

• http://www.raphaelassociation.org/ -- Raphael House is a clinic in Fair Oaks, California that houses medical doctors, therapists (art, psychotherapy, eurythmy, music, hydrotherapy, rhythmical massage and natural skin care) and a nurse, all of whom provide Anthroposophical medical services. In addition to their practices, the Raphael House staff and practitioners continually introduce and educate the community about the Anthroposophic medical approach to healing.