When is lunchtime at a preschool more than just a time to eat, but also a learning opportunity? When it’s at Truckee’s first Waldorf preschool, Cedar Sage, which opened in June.
Bonnie River recently moved to Truckee to open Cedar Sage. River, whose daughter is Heather River, owner of Bespoke in downtown Truckee, has founded six Waldorf schools across the west, been the principal at two large Waldorf schools, and also teaches college level classes at Rudolf Steiner College’s hybrid program for teachers who want to become Waldorf certified. When the owners of the Reggio-Emilio preschool, A Child’s Center, were looking to pursue new paths in life, River knew this was the time to make her move to Truckee from Citrus Heights. Having a public Waldorf school in Truckee is very close to River’s heart because her grandson, Orland Hess, will start kindergarten in 2015.
All three of River’s children attended Waldorf schools in Sebastopol and one is currently a Waldorf teacher in Sonoma County. River wants the same education for Orland because she believes and trusts in the Waldorf curriculum. River feels strongly that a child’s school should be a community where the parents are involved helping to set an example for their kids. “All children want to grow up and be like mom and dad,” River said.
On June 2, River officially took over the preschool, and is currently in the process of transforming the school to match the Waldorf curriculum and aesthetics. The preschool is remaining open during the changeover.
Teachers use wide vocabulary when speaking to the children all while leading them through everyday activities, which include lessons in quantitative analysis and algebraic thinking.
River gave an example of what lunchtime looks like at a public Waldorf school. The children help with the cooking of their meal, then each child sets the table. The learning begins with the placement of the rectangular place mat and a square napkin and round cup. Upon completion of the table set-up, the children will pour each other water and ask, “Would you prefer a third of a cup or a half of a cup?” Before the children eat, they thank the natural elements that made the food such as earth, wind, and water.
Another characteristic of a Waldorf school is the lack of mainstream plastic toys; natural wood materials are used for play and learning. There might be a basket of rocks and wooden planks to build a house, while the next day the same materials are used to build a train. Children are forced to use their imagination instead of relying on a plastic kitchen set that can only be what it is. Waldorf is relationship-based, which means the teacher will offer and engage with each child in a manner that fits his or her learning style. River believes that children have to move and shouldn’t be sitting at a table tracing numbers in a workbook. Waldorf schools encourage the same learning as mainstream schools but through different avenues.
Once the transition to a Waldorf preschool is complete by December, River will begin focusing on trying to add kindergarten through third grade as part of a tuition-free public school. River encourages any parents or residents to join her in working with the school district to make this a reality. One detail working to her advantage — both River and Truckee Tahoe Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Leri attended the University of La Verne doctoral program.
If you’re interested in helping Bonnie River create a public Waldorf K-3 school, email cedarsagewaldorf@gmail.com.
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