The Windrose Journal
A Waldorf Blog
The Windrose Journal is a grounded, thoughtful space where stories, reflections, and insights from the Waldorf School of DuPage community come together—past, present, and future. Like a compass rose, it helps orient families, educators, and alumni as we navigate the evolving world of Waldorf education and child development. Here, you’ll find a meaningful blend of tradition and innovation, sharing voices that illuminate the heart of our school. Whether you're seeking inspiration, perspective, or connection, The Windrose Journal offers guidance rooted in experience and purpose.
You can explore posts by topic or simply scroll down to see our most recent content. Happy reading!
The Play Is Not an Extra: How Core Academics Live Inside Our Main Lesson Play Block
Is a class play really “extra”? Not in a Waldorf classroom. In our play block, children learn sight words, spelling, grammar, and perspective writing through a story they have lived into, so the play becomes another path to the same core academics.
Living the Story: Why We Perform in Main Lesson
Second and third graders at the Waldorf School of DuPage are performing Falling Sky Woman and Turtle Island, an Anishinaabe creation story. Learn why turning a story into a play helps children build confidence, cooperation, and a lasting connection to the natural world.
Beyond the Test: How We Assess Learning in a Waldorf Main Lesson Block
Assessment in a Waldorf classroom goes beyond a single test. See how teachers observe, listen, and review student work to understand what each child knows, how they think, and where they’re headed next.
Why We Teach the Same Ideas Again and Again
Why do some subjects keep coming back in a Waldorf classroom? It’s by design. Discover how our spiral curriculum helps children build deeper, longer-lasting understanding, one return visit at a time.
RIGOR BY DESIGN: How a Waldorf Education Builds Deep, Lasting Thinking — A Look Through Bloom's Taxonomy
Storytelling, handwork, and art are easy to spot in a Waldorf classroom — but where's the rigor? Using Bloom's Taxonomy, the same framework schools worldwide use to measure depth of thinking, we walk through how Waldorf education moves students from simple recall all the way to original, independent creative work.
Meet Ms. Slattery: First Grade Guided by Experience, Warmth, and a Love of Learning
"They are requesting the courage to find a collection of possible answers." Meet Ms. Slattery, whose favorite quote shapes how she guides first graders toward strong academics, confident thinking, and genuine joy in learning.
Welcoming Our New Lower Grades Music Teacher & Accompanist
We are excited to welcome Mr. Rowan Brando to our Waldorf music faculty! With a lifelong passion for music, teaching experience, and a deep appreciation for the role the arts play in child development, he is dedicated to helping every student grow in confidence, creativity, and musical skill. Learn more about the newest member of our teaching community.
Welcome to 1st Grade Ms. Slattery!
We have a new 1st grade teacher; welcome to WSD Ms. Slattery! We are thrilled to have you. Read more about Ms. Slattery and the many gifts she’s bringing to our community.
Meet Ms. Austin: Decades of Musical Passion, Guiding Every Student in the Orchestra
“Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." Meet Ms. Austin, whose 30 years of teaching and lifelong love of music help every student (regardless of experience) find real confidence in the orchestra.
Why Blended Grades Benefit Students in Grades 1–8
What if school helped students build confidence instead of simply keeping up? Learn how a blended grade cohort model supports academic growth, leadership, meaningful friendships, and social-emotional development. Families exploring a nurturing private school near Warrenville, IL can discover why this innovative approach helps students thrive during the important school years.
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