Library Lady's Corner
Why Waldorf Schools Celebrate May Day (and What It Means for Children) April 27 2026
May Day is a Northern Hemisphere festival—also known in some places as International Workers’ Day—and it is widely celebrated in Waldorf schools as a joyful recognition of the arrival of summer. Rooted in ancient traditions such as the Celtic festival of Beltane and Roman celebrations honoring the goddess Flora, May Day carries a long history of marking the turning of the seasons.
Earth Day Is Every Day in a Waldorf School April 21 2026
Every day is Earth Day in a Waldorf school. Since 1970, April 22 has been observed as Earth Day nationwide. Each year, the effects of modern civilization on the environment are more apparent: climate change, air and water pollution, shrinking wetlands, deforestation, habitat destruction, and water shortages are just some challenges our planet faces.
Remembering Hanukkah: A Story of Light, Courage, and Faith December 14 2025
Here in the Library Lady’s world, Hanukkah always comes as a special treat. Though not one of the high celebrations of the Jewish year, the story behind it makes it an important festival, especially for the young (of all ages).
When the Season Changes: Listening for the First Advent Angel November 29 2025
In our western world, there is a building feeling of celebration leading up to the winter solstice, Chanukah, Christmas, and even the Lakota Winter Count. The sun’s growing strength and light give this season a feeling of “something significant happening.” Ancient stories indicate that the “windows of heaven” are open for a time in the deep winter, and Heaven hovers near the earth more closely than at other times of the year.
With young children, we tell stories of the Maccabees or the birth of Christ to help them understand that this time of year is different from other times.
The Season of Giving! November 18 2025
It is the time again this year for expressing to those we admire, appreciate, and love, our gratitude for having these important people in our lives—often with a gift. This practice is a heartwarming one that pushes us to think of things that might delight the recipient, filled with meaning and riches of the heart that will give the receiver of our gifts the whispering message, the feeling of wonder we feel at our good fortune to have special people in our lives to whom we can give gifts.
Back to School: 10 Gentle Tips for a Waldorf-Inspired Transition August 04 2025
The final weeks of summer offer a precious opportunity to prepare for the new school year with intention and care. In Waldorf education, transitions are honored with rhythm, presence, and a deep respect for the child’s inner world. Rather than rushing back into structure, we can gently guide our children toward the school rhythm with warmth and confidence.
Back to School the Waldorf Way August 01 2025
The transition from summer to school can stir many emotions—eagerness, uncertainty, and everything in between. For families grounded in Waldorf education, this shift is approached not with pressure or urgency, but with rhythm, presence, and deep respect for the unfolding child. The goal isn’t to jump back into academics, but to gently guide the child into a new season of growth, connection, and discovery.
Deeper Look - Autumn-Nature Activities for Children October 08 2024
"Autumn Nature Activities for Children" is a comprehensive guide filled with creative and engaging nature-based projects designed to connect children with the natural world.Book Review - Verses and Poems and Stories to Tell March 10 2024
Light in the Darkness- Winter Solstice in Waldorf Schools December 20 2023
In Waldorf schools, December with its disturbing weeks of the deepest darkness begins with the Winter Garden. The children experience darkness and the return of the light as each individual candle gets lit and the light fills the room with increasing brilliance. The picture of the light of each of us in community is a perfect one. Hope and confidence in the light’s return is expressed quite literally.
Imbolc, Groundhog Day, St. Brigid’s Day, Candlemas Day and the Celtic Calendar of Celebrations February 01 2023
By the ancient Celtic calendar, the year was divided into four seasons. The mighty passage of the sun through these periods signaled the change of seasons—as it does for us today. These days and times vary slightly from year-to-year. For 2023 the dates for the Northern Hemisphere are: