Welcome!

Welcome to Wood Nymph Way! I have created this blog with two intentions: (A) keeping our family and friends, many of whom live in lands Far Far Away, up to date with what we've been doing, and (B) as a tool to document and learn from our journey as a Waldorf homeschooling family. Enjoy! And don't forget to check out my resource pages on the right!

This Is What We Listen To

Most Waldorf purists would discourage the use of recorded music with young children.  Listening to live music and making their own music is extremely important to their development.  I agree with that.  However, when we're not singing or making our own music, we do like to listen to some appropriate music.  I use the term appropriate here to mean music that is not mass-marketed, "popular" music that changes day to day with the latest and greatest new bands or singers.  I cringe whenever I hear some little kid belt out a tune (usually with adult lyrics) they heard on their parents radio.  It's not cute.  They might not understand what they're singing now, but those lyrics are becoming a part of their little brains every time they sing them.  And people wonder why kids grow up too fast.  Anyhow, I digress.... :)

This is music for children, along child appropriate themes.  I am not a fan of things marketed to children in general (Baby Einstein, Disney anything, and Wee Sing for example, uugghhh...) but the following selections are for children and their families to enjoy together.  Wholesome music that won't make you want to tear your ears off.  Did I just use the word "wholesome"?  Who am I, June Cleaver?

Here's what's in our CD basket right now:

Leave Your Sleep- Natalie Merchant
I must say a few words about this selection given what I previously stated about popular music.  While Natalie Merchant (remember 10,000 Maniacs?) could be considered a popular, alternative recording artist, this collection isn't something that will really hit the mainstream.  It is an absolutely beautiful collection of classic children's poetry set to music.  I continue to be ridiculously impressed by this every time we listen to it.  She created this for her own daughter.  What a treasure for her and us lucky listeners!  My favorite track is probably Calico Pie written by Edward Lear, and who doesn't love Edward Lear!  It's a very catchy tune!
Listen to the samples on the page I've linked this to.

I haven't found one yet that I don't like.  I'd love to have them all, but so far these are our favorites:
Celtic Dreamland
Dreamland
African Playground
Picnic Playground
Folk Playground
Sing Along With Putumayo
Animal Playground

Naturally You Can Sing- Song Books and CDs by Mary Thienes-Schunemann
We're building our collection of these.  Fabulous acapella recordings and SO Waldorf friendly.  My kids absolutely adore them.  Along with Come Follow Me, these get the most play out of all our CDs.  Great for homeschoolers and other teachers who are looking for new songs for circle.  This is what we have so far:
Lavender's Blue, Dilly Dilly
This Is the Way We Wash-a-Day
Sing A Song of Seasons
The Wonder of Lullabies

Come Follow Me (Volumes One and Two) by Lorraine Nelson Wolf
Superb collection of songs for each season of the year.  Beautifully sung with lovely music.  These are two of our favorite CDs and are a great resource for songs for circles and celebrations.  I find myself humming/singing these songs throughout the day.  :)