A Waldorf Childhood — By: Keara
When I look back on my childhood I think of gnomes, arts & crafts, singing, playing in the woods and some awful haircuts. I went to Pine Hill Waldorf School in Wilton, NH, a place where children learn through their own doing, rather than being told through text books. My teacher, Sumitra, is probably one of the few people I’ll remember for the rest of my life. She held an extremely nurturing classroom, teaching us self-confidence, good morals, trust and a great love and interest for the world around us.
You know how sometimes something such as a watch or bracelet can make a small circle light reflection on a ceiling or wall? I was taught that those were invisible faeries. It still makes me smile whenever I see one of those little reflections, and think about how excited I used to get at the idea that one was nearby.
The transition to public school was a little bit of a shock. No more dancing? No more making dolls out of crab apples? Where was my favorite doll house made out of a tree stump? My mother recalls taking a walk with me one day soon after, when we passed a neighbor’s house with a big mossy garden and having me sigh and say, “Oh, I miss the fairies and the gnomes.” (I had always called the homeowner ‘the faerie lady’ because of her garden)
I went back a few years ago for a fundraiser for the Sheldrick Forest (the woods around the campus), and fell in love with the school all over again. I hope to send my children there as well, despite the big commute. At least to experience the early childhood program, which is a great alternative to most children’s everyday video game routine.
