PODCAST · education
A Waldorf Journey Podcast
by Meredith
A Waldorf Journey is a blog and podcast started by a trained and experienced Waldorf teacher who is passionate about sharing what she has learned on the journey. Stay tuned for interviews, resource recommendations, tips and suggestions for making your Waldorf journey an incredible, life-giving experience.
Episodes
-
Waldorf Festivals: Celebrating with Intention
Festivals are one of the most beautiful and memorable parts of Waldorf education. They bring us together, connect us with the rhythms of the year, and create moments of reverence that can be hard to find in everyday life. But how often do we stop to ask why we celebrate the festivals we do? In…
more -
Why Your Students Aren’t Listening—and What to Do About It
By October, the honeymoon phase of the school year may be wearing off—and you might be noticing some classroom habits that could use a reset. In this episode, I revisit ideas from one of the most popular posts on A Waldorf Journey, 4 Reasons Why Your Students Aren’t Listening. We’ll look at a few...
-
Waldorf Education in the Age of AI: Why Being Human Matters More Than Ever
Want more info about the content in this episode? Here's where to find it. A Waldorf Journey on Substack My curriculum guides and resources The Creativity Comeback article A Waldorf Journey on Instagram There’s plenty of anxiety about artificial intelligence and what it might mean for education,...
-
Why Children Need the Seasons
There’s something deeply comforting for children about rhythm. Knowing what comes next—at bedtime, at breakfast, throughout the week—creates a sense of security and makes everyday family life run more smoothly. But if rhythm is the structure of life with children, the seasons are the spark. In…
more -
Literacy in the Waldorf Classroom with Janet Langley, Part Two
In Part Two of my conversation with Janet Langley, co-author of Roadmap to Literacy, we move from understanding the stages of literacy development into the practical question every teacher eventually asks: Okay, so what do I actually do? Janet walks us through the kinds of classroom experiences...
-
How Children Learn to Read: A Waldorf Approach to Literacy
This week, I’m reaching back into the A Waldorf Journey archives to revisit a conversation that feels especially worthwhile as we begin a new school year. In this episode, originally recorded in 2019, I talk with Janet Langley, co-author of Roadmap to Literacy, about what Waldorf teachers need to...
-
The Art of the Recall
In this episode, I’m kicking off a new series exploring the different components of the Waldorf main lesson, starting with one that can be easy to overlook: the recall. We’ll look at why reviewing yesterday’s lesson is so much more than simply going over old material. A thoughtful recall helps...
-
3 Waldorf Blocks I Love to Teach
This week, I’m taking a break from all the back-to-school planning talk to remember one of the best parts of being a Waldorf teacher: the curriculum itself. I’m sharing three blocks I really love to teach—and what makes each one so well suited to the children at that particular age. We’ll talk...
-
Dreamers, Doers, and Imagination in the Waldorf Classroom
In Waldorf education, we talk a lot about bringing lessons through pictures—and about the importance of children creating their own inner pictures as they listen to a story. But what about the child who doesn't experience stories that way? This week's episode was inspired by a listener who asked...
-
3 Things I Would Do This Week If I Were Starting a New School Year
The beginning of August makes the new school year suddenly feel real. Whether you've already begun planning or are just starting to think about it, this podcast is for you. In this episode, I share the three areas I would focus on this week if I were preparing for a new school year. What are…
more -
Weekly Rhythm: Let the Week Do Some of the Teaching
One of the greatest gifts of Waldorf education is rhythm. When we think about rhythm, we often think first about the daily rhythm of the classroom or the larger rhythm of the school year. But one of the rhythms that has made the biggest difference in my own teaching is the rhythm of the week. In...
-
How I Plan a Main Lesson Block
When I begin planning a new main lesson block, I don't start by writing daily lesson plans. Instead, I begin by thinking about the larger picture: the stories, skills, experiences, and artistic work that will shape the children's experience over the coming weeks. In this episode, I walk through…
more -
Why Waldorf Education Thinks Differently About Authority
When I began teaching, I thought authority was something to avoid. I wanted to be kind. Understanding. Flexible. I also lacked confidence and didn't feel particularly qualified to tell them what to do. I thought that if I cared enough, authority would somehow take care of itself. It didn't. Over...
-
What Should Waldorf Teachers Actually Do During the Summer?
Summer is a season of rest—but it's also an opportunity to lay the foundation for a joyful, well-prepared school year. In this episode, I share the approach I've developed over more than twenty years of Waldorf teaching for easing into summer planning without sacrificing the rest and renewal that...
-
Back from the Classroom (and now back to A Waldorf Journey)
After a year of being mostly quiet, I'm back behind the microphone! In this episode, I share where I've been, why I stepped back from creating content, and what's next for A Waldorf Journey. I talk about my unexpected return to the classroom, the balance of teaching and school leadership, and why...
-
Habits to Start Strong in First Grade
In this episode, I’m diving into what it really takes to start the year strong in first grade. This is such a tender, transformative time—children are stepping out of the warm, dreamy world of early childhood and into something more structured, more purposeful. And they’re looking to you for...
-
Creating a Waldorf Home: Nurturing Rhythm, Simplicity, and Beauty
What does it really mean to create a Waldorf-inspired home? In this episode, I share what first drew me to the peaceful beauty of Waldorf living—and the moments when it felt completely out of reach. From the temptation to chase the aesthetic to the deeper values that truly make a Waldorf home,...
-
Teaching Natural Sciences – Physiology & Anatomy in the Waldorf School
In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I explore the unique approach to teaching natural sciences in a Waldorf classroom, with a particular focus on physiology and anatomy in the seventh and eighth grades. I discuss how Waldorf education brings warmth, storytelling, and experiential learning to...
-
Bringing the Waldorf Class Play to Life
In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I welcome my colleague Laura Elmore for a deep dive into one of the most cherished Waldorf traditions—the class play. With decades of experience in Waldorf education, Laura shares her insights into why class plays are such an integral part of the curriculum,...
-
Why I Quit Teaching and What I'm Doing Now, 2025 Edit
In this episode, I take a moment to share a personal story about my decision to leave teaching and the journey that followed. Teaching, especially in a Waldorf school, is a deeply fulfilling experience—but it also comes with its challenges. I reflect on the thoughts that led to my transition…
more -
Tools for Drawing in the Waldorf Grade School
Welcome to A Waldorf Journey! Let's explore the artistic tools that shape a Waldorf classroom, from beeswax crayons to colored pencils, and why these choices matter for child development. 🔹 Beeswax Crayons – Supporting grip strength, movement, and blending colors for a sensory-rich experience.…
more -
The Power of Mentorship in Waldorf Education: Supporting Teachers for Success
In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I dive into the essential role of mentorship in supporting Waldorf teachers. Join me as I explore the benefits and challenges of mentorship in Waldorf schools, from the common practice of pairing new teachers with experienced colleagues to the advantages of...
-
Exploring the Journey from Mythology to History in Waldorf Education
Prefer to watch this on YouTube? Check it out here! In this episode of A Waldorf Journey, I take a deep dive into one of the most inspiring aspects of Waldorf education: the transition from teaching mythology to history through the grades. Join me as I explore how this unique approach supports...
-
Looking Ahead, Looking Back: The June Dilemma
These days my inbox is filled with two kinds of questions. Can you give me some advice for writing end-of-year reports? Do you have suggestions for making summer planning easier? Luckily, I have thoughts on both of those topics. You can find lots of information about them both on the blog. But I...
-
Waldorf Transitions, Traditions, and Ceremonies
In this episode, I take a look at the Waldorf traditions and ceremonies that mark students' development and transitions. Waldorf is really good at marking time in this way and it's one of the things many of us really love about Waldorf Education. The blog post for this episode. Waldorf at Work…
more -
Waldorf Enough, Waldorf at Work
Interested in following me on my new adventure? You can subscribe at: waldorfatwork.substack.com Also in this episode, I talk about the question I hate most: "Am I Waldorf enough?" I talk through the assumptions that are embedded in this question and some of the reasons why they are completely...
-
Growth Mindset for Grownups
How do you demonstrate your commitment to learning and growing? What mistakes have you made recently? How do you show others that it's okay to make mistakes? And how do you make sure you're REALLY okay with making mistakes? Finding these answers has been a big part of my work recently, and my own...
-
Why I Quit Teaching
A brand new episode catching you up on why I left teaching and what I'm doing now. Mentioned in this episode My website, A Waldorf Journey Blog post about my decision to leave teaching Blog post about telling my students A post about walking the growth mindset talk My new project, Evolving…
more -
The Importance of Wonder
Recently I was working with some teachers who are getting ready to teach 7th grade and we were talking about the creative writing block most often called Wish, Wonder and Surprise. We had a conversation about each one of these gestures and what makes them different from each other. And we talked...
-
How To Enjoy Your Teacher Planning
It’s August, so I’m headlong in planning mode. And though there are many things competing for my time these days, working on my planning is one the tasks that I actually look forward to every day. It’s also the one thing that teachers ask me for the most help with. I feel lucky that planning is...
-
Heading Into Waldorf Middle School
Register for my summer productivity course. My history as a middle school teacher How our work will change What we’re doing to set a solid framework Building Habits homework Finishing their work Engaging with our lessons General classroom behavior Building a Culture of Caring we’re good people…
more -
Growth Mindset Series, February
Join me as I make my way through The Growth Mindset Coach — a month-by-month guide for teachers. Each month I’ll record an episode about it and I’d love to hear what you think! In this episode . . . Audible (affiliate link) my curriculum guides The Growth Mindset Coach by Annie Brock and Heather...
-
Growth Mindset Series, January
Join me as I make my way through The Growth Mindset Coach -- a month-by-month guide for teachers. Each month I'll record an episode about it and I'd love to hear what you think! In this episode . . . Skillshare (my affiliate link) my curriculum guides The Growth Mindset Coach by Annie Brock and...
-
January 2021 Update
Promos Audible -- Get your free trial by hitting my link. Skillshare -- I'm loving Skillshare. Free 14 day trial with my link. My curriculum guides -- I've got a guide that will help you teach and give you just the amount of help that you need. Things I Talked About This Week My bio structure and...
-
5 Things That Made Me Happy in 2020
Promos Audible -- Get your free trial by hitting my link. Skillshare -- I'm loving Skillshare. Free 14 day trial with my link. My curriculum guides -- I've got a guide that will help you teach and give you just the amount of help that you need. Content Things that made me happy in 2020. Creating...
-
My Waldorf Distance Learning Set-Up
Home Resource Guide This free Waldorf-at-Home Resource guide goes through 4 of those basic ideas that can help you create a harmonious Waldorf home, and maybe even realize that you're doing a pretty good job of getting there already. To get this free guide, just go to…
more -
Waldorf and Festivals
As we enter into the holiday season, I thought it would be a good chance to talk about Waldorf and festivals. I know that the festivals were one of the things that drew me to Waldorf when I first discovered it, and though they are lovely, my thoughts about them have changed through the years. I'm...
-
Thinking, Feeling and Willing in Child Development
This week we're going to talk about child development. We've all heard about thinking, feeling, and willing of Waldorf education. This episode is all about where you can find thinking feeling and willing in child development and which aspect you should be focusing on when. This episode is being...
-
Rhythms and Routines for Planning
This week we're talking about one of my secret weapons for making this Waldorf teaching work so much easier. It took me awhile to figure it out, but having a structure and a set of systems will make this job so much more sustainable. This week I'm going to talk about some of the rhythms I've...
-
Waldorf Parenting
This week we're talking about Waldorf Parenting. I've got some pretty strong opinions (they maybe even a little controversial) and some basic ideas to help you create an intentional Waldorf family life for yourself and your children. This episode is being brought to you by my ebook The Waldorf...
-
Waldorf via Zoom, Lessons Learned
Many of us are teaching in ways we never expected before and it's pushing us far beyond our comfort zones. We miss working with our students in person, but the news isn't all bad. I, for one, have been amazed at how much learning and connection is actually happening in our distance learning...
-
Communication, Feedback and Record-Keeping for Teachers
This week we're talking about feedback and record-keeping for Waldorf teachers. We'll explore the different types of feedback you need to give and who you need to consider when putting together your feedback plan. Promo This episode is being brought to you by my course, Feedback and…
more -
Lessons in a Pandemic
This episode is being brought to you by my free workshop, the 3 classroom management strategies every waldorf teacher needs to know, which will be released in later this month (October 2020.) I’m really excited to offer this workshop because I think it is something that isn’t talked about enough…
more -
An Update and Productivity Tools for Teachers
Introduction This episode is being brought to you by my new course, Feedback and Record-Keeping for Waldorf Teachers. I've offered this course in the past, but it's been updated and brought over to my own platform so it's more available. I strongly believe that providing feedback and keeping...
-
AWJ 51 | Current Thoughts About Literacy and Language Arts
I taught for a long time before I really became aware of all of the nuances of teaching language arts and I have to say it is the aspect of my teaching that has occupied most of my attention for the past few years. There is so much to think about and I find it endlessly fascinating to consider…
more -
AWJ 50 | Ultimate Guide To Main Lesson
When I first started teaching, I remember feeling like the 2 hours of main lesson was an eternity. I thought it would be impossible to fill that time with valuable content. These days I’m far more likely to run out of time and not get to everything than to have extra time on my hands. The truth…
more -
AWJ 49 | Waldorf Teacher Mentoring
Getting connected with a good mentor can really make or break your experience and success as a Waldorf teacher. I had a couple of fantastic mentors early in my career and it made all the difference. I attribute those early mentoring years to my continued success. This episode is all about how to...
-
AWJ 48 | What's Happening In Third Grade
Welcome, I’ve been looking forward to recording for a while now and I’m so glad to finally have the time to do it. In this episode, I’m going to share what’s happening in 3rd grade and some of my observations about the highlights and challenges of teaching 3rd grade. This episode is being brought...
-
AWJ 47 | How to Make Your Waldorf Child a Reader
So much is made of delaying reading instruction until after early childhood, that many parents wonder if it's okay to follow their child’s interests and begin reading instruction. Other parents wonder if they should push their child, even when they are not demonstrating any interest at age 7 or…
more -
AWJ 46 | Screen Time Reality Check: How to Make the Right Decision for Your Family
How much screen time is okay? What about educational shows? Is it really that bad? Will the Waldorf police come after me? Making decisions about media use for your children is one of the most charged issues in Waldorf Education. There are so many shoulds that parents can feel completely…
more
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
A Waldorf Journey is a blog and podcast started by a trained and experienced Waldorf teacher who is passionate about sharing what she has learned on the journey. Stay tuned for interviews, resource recommendations, tips and suggestions for making your Waldorf journey an incredible, life-giving experience.
HOSTED BY
Meredith
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does A Waldorf Journey Podcast have?
A Waldorf Journey Podcast currently has 80 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is A Waldorf Journey Podcast about?
A Waldorf Journey is a blog and podcast started by a trained and experienced Waldorf teacher who is passionate about sharing what she has learned on the journey. Stay tuned for interviews, resource recommendations, tips and suggestions for making your Waldorf journey an incredible, life-giving...
How often does A Waldorf Journey Podcast release new episodes?
A Waldorf Journey Podcast has 80 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to A Waldorf Journey Podcast?
You can listen to A Waldorf Journey Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts A Waldorf Journey Podcast?
A Waldorf Journey Podcast is created and hosted by Meredith.
URL copied to clipboard!