by Sharon True, for the Parent Association

You have questions about discipline. You’d like to better understand the anthroposophic underpinnings to your child’s education, or to gardening, or health. You’d like ideas about how to create rituals and rhythms that support your children at home.

You’ll find resources to help with these issues and more in the Parent Library. Come check it out one morning after drop-off, before pick-up, or anytime you’ve got some time on hand and the school is open. You’ll find lots there to inform and inspire you!

Q: Where is the Parent Library located?
A: In a bookcase against the wall to the left of the fireplace in the Library at the Elementary School.

Q: When is it open?
A: It is open during school hours. You can also access it in the evening when there are events held in the Library.

Q: Who is the librarian?
A: Mrs. Jean Zay. She is most likely to be in the room first thing in the morning, during lunch hour, and after school.

Q: How do you take out materials?
A: Simply remove the card in the back of the book or journal and sign it out with Mrs. Zay. If she is not in the room at the time, you can leave the card on the desk. If you want to check out audio materials, such as lectures offered by visiting experts sponsored by the Parent Association, see Mrs. Zay.

Q: What kinds of materials will I find in the Parent Library?
A: You’ll find classics such as A Life for the Spirit (Rudolf Steiner), The Recovery of Man in Childhood (A.C. Howard), First Three Years of Childhood (Karl Konig), A Guide to Child Health (Michael Gloeckler), You are Your Child’s First Teacher (Rahima Baldwin), and Prayers and Graces (Michael Jones). If you are short on time for reading, pick up an issue or two of “Renewal”, a journal with wonderful, insightful articles written by Waldorf teachers and parents about Waldorf education in North America. You will also find books on discipline and other topics of interest to parents. There are Lillipoh catalogs, a source for anthroposophically-inspired toys, clothing, and more. Be sure to ask about the audiotapes and CDs we have from lectures by Kim Payne and other experts talking about child development, discipline, and health

Q: Can I donate books to the Parent Library?
A: Yes! Please bring books you think might be of interest to parents to Mrs. Zay. Donations for the children’s library are also welcome.

Talk to your child’s teacher for suggestions about what to read – it helps to have a sense of how your child’s education here at the Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School fits into the larger world of Waldorf education and the society we live in today.