Homeschoolers Inspired by Waldorf Education

Welcome to the blog for the Peach Cobblers. This group is for homeschoolers and families inspired by Waldorf methods living in Georgia.

The Peach Cobbers are a very interactive group. Our intention is to be a close-knit, intimate community of friends, and as such we expect participation from each and every member. We believe that for our community to flourish, there must always be momentum. We have many ways to participate - joining in forum discussions, sharing lesson ideas, hosting activities, getting to know other members, attending events, sharing your skills, etc. It requires effort, but then so does everything worthwhile. :)

Here you will find active exchanges of ideas and support for your Waldorf journey. From parenting advice to lesson planning assistance, we strive to meet everyone's needs. If you are interested in joining, please tell us a bit about yourself and what you hope to gain from becoming a member here.

To join, visit us at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PeachCobblers/

Martinmas Lantern Walk

This evening we gathered with our friends to share in the celebration of Martinmas.  Our celebration began with a lovely feast and the lighting a raging bonfire.  We gathered together to remember St. Martin and the light that shines within us all.  The children, and perhaps some adults, were delighted with an enchanting shadow puppet show of "Sophie and the Golden Lantern", which was immediately followed by our procession of beautiful lanterns carried by wide-eyed and wondrous children through the lantern-lit forest trails.  What could top such a magical evening?  Roasted marshmallows and hot apple cider anyone?  Yum!   

Michaelmas Festival

Once again, we gathered for a day of courage and enchantment.  Our brave young knights conquered  their fears and overcame obstacles with speed, balance and agility, finally receiving their golden capes of courage.  Then appetites were whetted with hot stews and soups and warm dragon bread amidst the great company of our friends.

Back to School Celebration

Welcome back to school everyone!  This past Friday, our group gathered to celebrate the new school year and celebrate our grand group of first graders.  You can read more about that delightful day here: http://theparentingpassageway.com/2011/08/28/a-beautiful-back-to-school-ceremony/.

If you are finding our group for the first time, or just browsing our blog, please take a look at our calendar to see  all the wonderful events we have planned for the Autumn and holiday season.

Summer Camp with Ms. Judy

 Our children had a special week with Ms. Judy Forster, attending her week long Fiber Camp.  They had the chance to work with several types of sheeps' wool.  They washed it, carded it and dyed it a range of beautiful colors using plant dyes such as osage orange, weld, brazilwood, and indigo.  After making their own drop spindle, the children learned to spin their own yarn, finger  knit and make beautiful weave patterns on stick looms.  They even got to dye clothing with indigo!  What a delightful way to kick off a summer full of wonder!

May Day Festival

On this beautiful first day of May, our group gathered to celebrate with delicious food, a May Day cake, dancing around the maypole and a lovely marionette play of the Queen Bee.

Spring Celebration

Spring is in the air!  To welcome the season, we gathered together along the river for our Spring Celebration.  Handmade and nature's gifts were well hidden for each child to find.  Beautiful silks, decorated by the Early Years playgroup brought a soft, colorful touch to Mother Nature's decor.  Healthy and lovingly prepared dishes were shared by all for our picnic lunch and there was lots of outdoor play, fairy house building and croquet.  What a delightful day to spend with our friends!

Spring Activities

Spring is peeking around the corner, with daffodils and crocuses coming up, birds singing and buds on the trees. We have some fun activities in store - for parents: workshops on storytelling, painting with wool and other beautiful handmade creations for your child's Easter or Spring basket. For children with a parent: wet felted eggs with chicks, park days; and for the whole family: our wonderful Spring Celebration. Please check the calendar and plan to join us.

Curriculum Fair

Our annual curriculum fair was a resounding success! Now is the perfect time to start gathering ideas and curriculum materials for the next school year, and this gathering allowed parents to peruse many different curriculums before purchasing. Also available to see were non-fiction books on parenting, gardening, handcrafts, whole foods and more; children's literature and samples of main lesson books that our members' children have created. It was a wonderful sharing of experience and resources and we were delighted that several new families were able to join us.

Winter Gathering

On a blustery but sunny day we gathered in a member's backyard to celebrate Candlemas and Valentines Day. With 28 children planning on attending, we had all been busy in the days before creating handmade valentines as individual as we ourselves, and the children enjoyed dropping them in each other's mailbags and baskets.

A story and sweet songs reinforced the themes of love and light. Two at a time, children were then invited to make a beeswax candle while others enjoyed an outdoor picnic and free time for play.