Gentle Approaches to Teaching Children How to Listen

As a Waldorf school and member of the Waldorf Early Childhood Association, we believe that play is the serious work of childhood, and that learning by doing provides the foundation for critical thinking, problem solving and a lifelong enthusiasm for knowledge.
Learn a little about what Acorn Hill Waldorf Kindergarten & Nursery has to offer, and see children in the classroom and on the playground, as well as interviews with parents and a teacher. acornhill.org
Producer: Stella Oliveras
Camera and Editing: Ricky Oliveras
Contact: [e-mail]

[@maryrutkowski4909]

The saddest thing to me is that approaches like Waldorf, Forest Schools, and Montessori are rarely offered for children above Kindergarten in the US (with the exception of some private schools). If public schools in the US were ALLOWED to teach this way, I believe our students would be in a much, much better place.

[@Cachick9184]

I completely agree

[@mandisa1054]

Well said

[@milaaquariosoulinc4994]

Milwaukee Public schools do

[@sandraumney5516]

maybe it's your time to open a new Waldorf School that stetches to lower school and upper school. spread Waldorf educaton

[@valek7700]

The founder was a nazi and a racist! Thinking about children in kindergarden needing to follow the pied piper? What?

[@Lisarata]

I want this and I'm an adult.

[@Haliosman]

Lol me too

[@stellasole3720]

Ditto!

[@daniellacarolinagiordano]

Me, too. ✨

[@joannesandaker1781]

Me too!

[@kirstiewoo5680]

Oh wow! My grandmothers used to say “ you can’t drink water and cry at the same time”. She was the only one I have ever heard say that. Sweet memories.

[@anna-lenameijer9942]

You need to be PRESENT and INTERESTED. Children feel both. Today all parents are more interested in their cellphones. Every time I see a child who tries to get the parent's attention with no success, my heart cries: that occasion will never come back. Soon the child learns that "what I need/want is not important."

[@helen9412]

Well said!

[@anna-lenameijer9942]

As a commuting teacher, I sit on trains for 5 min and listen to conversations, then everybody get their phones/pads out and start fiddling with them. In school, people text each other rather than talk. Still, science shows that computer-classes only learn 30 % where a "paper and pencil"-class learn 80 % of their homework because their brains are involved. Maria Montessori was right. We can never create the human brain outside of the body, in a computer. I have taught 2 dyslectic boys how to read and write perfectly without any aids by using BOOKS, pen and paper and my knowledge of methodology and neurolgy. The older boy studies at university now and takes his classes in English, a language which is difficult for dyslectics. He graduated with an A. His own school never gave him any help. This was in 2006, but the situation is still the same. WHEN will teachers take their calling seriously and teach so that the knowledge stays in the brains for life? They should know more every time they leave the classroom than when they came. My pupils/student NEVER have their computers in my classes. Some can't read handwriting or write by hand at first, sad fact.

[@toninickell2578]

As an Occupational Therapist, so many of these techniques are what we use to support and teach regulation. Lovely....

[@rosmutti]

Amazing, how lucky are the children that spend their days with you!

[@kimberlylipka4154]

I wish I knew this when my boys were small!! I still might start singing to my teens and see what happens! Besides eye rolling!

[@anndc121]

I loved the offering a sip of "water idea" when the child is having a crying temper tantrum. I'm so grateful to mother who used to follow this when I was a child.

[@lindalee7127]

i think if you love the children they will know and love you back. Thank you

[@nellieou]

Interestingly I was with my two year old while she was explaining her techniques and my child was having a tantrum about his legos not going together and I tried sing a little tune to him about taking a breath and trying slowly again. It worked so well!!!

[@khadijahaider2221]

And my toddler watched this with me. I told her this is a teacher she said- this teacher doesn't speak loudly. That made me feel sad. She's struggling in preschool with teachers speaking quite loudly with the kids :(

[@sandraumney5516]

it's wonderful that you've put this content out; much needed wisdom

[@Wyldgirls]

I'm a Montessori teacher, now that o have my own child (5 years old) I am so grateful for your ideas and words. Some of these suggestions came naturally but, as a single parent, I sometimes fail to be in my heart and as conscious as I intend🥰🙏

[@nataliejackson9507]

Yes it is interesting how being a teacher does not guarantee a transfer of strategies and techniques into the training and raising of your own children. It was a constant learning curve for me raising my two. I am still learning...That is the key...Keep learning. 🥰

[@Medietos]

I feel with you. And one needs felows to co-work, learn with andexchange joy, connection and support. I wish you a good husband, maybe pray for it to your creator, and visualize, practise faith, gratitude and affirmations? Best from a former Waldorf pupil in Sweden

[@nataljapetrova7682]

children can be warm feeling with teachers like You ... It's great..

[@lindacarmichael21]

What a lovely, caring lady I have a grandson and could only dream that he could have a teacher as wonderful you 💕💕

[@marygraceumali1047]

Thank you so much for sharing. I'm a Kindergarten teacher for six years now and I learned to do these techniques from sharers like you not from books. God bless you. May you live a full life with Jesus, Mary and St. Joseph. Amen.

[@jf8461]

As a grandparent of two home-schooled children (and part-time teacher to them), I really liked many of the tips this schoolteacher gives for teaching young children!

[@spiralsun1]

This shows how poetry and music are natural -for children as well as adults. ❤️ Everyone has poetry at their core. However repressed, however shielded, sometimes out of fear unfortunately. Sometimes like a pearl in creation. We should respect that in them. ❤️

[@whitethunder9083]

A very beautiful video, i have always been very interested in Walforf education.

[@scottsmith3507]

Loved it... thank you from a full time single Dad

[@rhondarockhound622]

I can’t believe I’m just hearing this now. I’ve been teaching 25 years in public school. Teaching kindergarten for the first time.Can’t wait to get back to real school and try these techniques. We’ve got a big push and funding for mental Heath and counselors here in CA, coming after COVID opening. Public schools are ripe and ready to try these wise practices. Can’t wait to learn more.

[@sungwayliu4421]

2:07 Have conscious intention listen to others. 2:47 Repetition is very important for young children.

[@taragrace2928]

Such a wonderful video, more teachers should teach your way, even for older children. So many teaching styles emphasize punishing mistakes which usually only makes kids scared, resentful, and loss of self worth and self confidence. I like your soothing voice techniques and positive reinforcement.

[@maryloewen3041]

I so needed this year's ago I have 5 children ages 9, 7,6,4 and almost 3😮 tough stuff now I feel like I screwed everything up they don't want to listen to me alot I will be honest I have stressed alot. I have gone through major issues I think maybe I simply gave up. I need help to teach my kids to behave I love them it's just hard

[@kidinawell]

My son is very drawn to you. He usually ignores the videos I watch on my computer but he came over and sat in my lap. He liked your pentatonic scale. I sing almost all instructions to him, but he really liked your song. I'll try it next time its time to do something

[@harppoet]

As a sound healer, we use Resonance all of the time. Thank you for reminding me to use it with my children too, especially the use of Pentatonic songs to initiate a new activity - It totally works! In healing music, Resonance is vibrating in harmony, realizing that we are actually all vibration. Putting forth intention is so important, agreed.

[@rachelb8863]

Yes so this means that our own vibrational output ( alignment) is more important than trying to control the children.

[@anacuevas9273]

Consistency is a wonderful word approaching parenthood and pedagogy.

[@vote4anna]

We remember words if they are in a song , so beautiful.

[@mvskiran]

Can't appreciate this enough. Thank you so much.

[@ellyalovis640]

So glad I found this today. I've admired this educational philosophy and dream of every child starting in this manner. I am a volunteer at a rehab facility leading meditation and yoga,, weekly. As a retired massage therapist and drug addict in recovery, I understand that all adults need to be treated with the same thoughtful consideration Waldorf and Montessori education models. Oh Happy Day, when we can all reclaim our abandoned parts...and not act out as adults. Thank you so much for this lovely presentation.

[@ember6800]

honoring the inner child in an adult - both myself and in others - similar in a way to honoring the future adult in a child!

[@jessicabulloch5302]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom . I am a homeschooling mom to 8 . I have never tried singing instructions, but I will now.

[@lizab8400]

As an adult I was very relaxed just by listening to you😉. Thanks for the advise! I have two young active boys and I wonder what other mother's do to get their children so calm at times. I will give your direction a go ♥️

[@4sandyc]

You are an angel 💜

[@The_Dancelegz_Experience]

Four years later and this is still very relevant

[@jennifercoute-carmellino5847]

I am so grateful for these videos/teachings. My son is now 9 yrs old, and I so wish I could go backward and do things differently. Don't we all at some point...

[@meschouxpetits]

I have a very bright one year old and have been needing a clearer vision for our home rhythm. This is wonderfully practical guidance. Thank you!

[@Michelle7.17]

What a beautiful video. The children who are in your care are blessed for sure

[@jessicaasch1635]

This honestly was everything I needed to hear to respond better to myself and take better care. 🧡 thanks

[@kristina4944]

What books would you recommend for someone new to the Waldorf philosophy? I find your aura to be tranquil via the internet, I can imagine the peace that you bring to the children in your class! 💓

[@aileend2620]

I too would love to know, please.

[@CarolStJohn-np4tr]

Over the Rainbow Bridge

[@CarolStJohn-np4tr]

Kim John Payne's Book Simplicity Parenting

[@samiasayadi4224]

Great teacher with such a sweet voice! How lucky the kids in your class are! My father ( a retired teacher now) used to turn "commands" into beautiful songs so we do what he wants us to .......Songs have that magic grip on kids brains...just like the Pied-Piper ..you mentioned.

[@valek7700]

Why is the Pied Piper mentioned in a positive way? It's a slang used by nazis and an appalling and gruesome story... Rudolf Steiner, the founder of the Waldorf concept was a racist and a nazi... The technique's the woman in the video is referring to are mostly manipulating instead of reaching the children's needs, which is important in such a young age.

[@bluerose234]

"I definitely have a rhythm, which some people call schedule" that caught me...

[@juliawitt3813]

What an amazing woman 🙏❤️ I think the grestest block to this method is the selfish attitude of many parents. So few nowadays put their own needs aside to ensure good parenting. I suppose its because most live in an inner child - like state themselves, they may be big, but are not really adult .

[@laurameyer2477]

I am a doula & this is what I do for my clients with personalized attention for every contraction💗 Also love the word resonance used in here!

[@kberken]

Oh this is so good! I wish I knew all this when I was raising my children. But I take care of my 3 year old granddaughter a day a week. I'm going to learn more about this.

[@normabumbaugh6929]

Beautiful. I’ve always wondered how teachers were able to control their classroom with such grace and calm. I’m hoping to share these videos with the parents of my grandchildren.

[@musicbus84]

I love this, Ive noticed my baby does everything with more pleasure when we do it with singing and dancing.

[@itsaplantlife9850]

Our daughter has been in a Reggio preschool for almost 3 years. For kindergarten we are moving her into a progressive school (here in Indiana, Orchard school), hoping she gets a similar routine of respect and care to help her grow while keeping her inner fire and curiosity. Nature is a huge love of hers. I've admired the Waldorf way for two decades now, and attachment parented my kiddos before knowing it had a title.

[@fc4660]

Your daughter is a lucky little lady to have a Mom like you! I hope she loves her new school.

[@juliafox52]

"Progressive" in what way?

[@itsaplantlife9850]

@@juliafox52 We have yet to really know, but desks seem rare. Kids learn through doing. Kindergarten will have her learning via nature on their 43 acre campus. They met her first to ensure she was ready and if she's more advanced or weaker in subjects she will be accurately moved with other ages in the same need. Encouraged to think freely, to move their bodies on rope courses (at hers). Not simply reading, writing, arithmetic and testing.

[@juliafox52]

@@itsaplantlife9850 Ah, good! "Progressive" in our household has become a very dirty word. In our experience as teachers, my husband and I have found that by us if a school brags about how progressive they are, it means that they teach Crticial Race Theory and racial socialism, both of which are highly regressive and take a very negative toll on the children. Glad to hear that the term has not been totally ruined within the field of education, though beware, it may be hidden until one day your child comes home threatening to kill himself because he's been told due to his skin color everything wrong in the world is his fault. I am not watching this video for this school, but rather in terms of gleening advice from fellow teachers. Best of luck!

[@ASmith-jn7kf]

It doesn't have a name until idiots disguised as wise men give things they observe in nature, names and act like they created it. When in actuality they observed it and just took credit for it.

[@janieweimer3909]

Just stumbled upon this channel. Just after a few minutes listening, i just knew i needed to subscribe. Thank you for sharing. I am looking foward to browsing this whole page and learning and listening to what you have to offer. I am in dire need of some positive changes in parenting and am grateful for finding you. Thanks again!

[@oleleewahjahlawze60]

I live in an harsh cultural climate so when I did that as an educator I was singled out for being "friendly" to students.I get results of seeing them becoming better humans.I am switching career to mental health deal with the adults who viewed my methodology as "madness".there are others like me in out there.I had to homeschool my kids because of this and lost career my advancement.

[@fathimakhan5622]

Thank you so much for sharing these pearls of wisdom ❤️

[@jasmera9889]

Thank you so much. Your school is amazing! I wish my kids can go to a school like yours ❤️

[@nobletruthshealingandascen183]

Waldorf Schools and Steiner Schools are amazing

[@valek7700]

The philosophy derives from a racist nazi. There are other concepts to raise a child, that fullfil a child's needs.

[@Catlady-mw4en]

@@valek7700 I didn’t hear anything racist. If Hitler liked puppies, it doesn’t mean puppies are bad. If Nazis created an effective way to nurture children, it would be silly to dismiss it due to origin.

[@marydesmond2102]

I respect your kindness and patience and sincere love for others

[@rachelnstephens]

I love this! Such thoughtful tips.

[@Jaquableu]

I love this. I have a dream about a school that focuses on a Childs strengths instead of generalized like it is now. This is wonderful.

[@lauraelizabeth4363]

This is wonderful!

[@birgitditto2133]

I am a very spiritual grandmother and I love your approach. Awesome I wish every Kindergarten would use your advice. Thank you for sharing!

[@MsLadyTycoon1]

Thank you for this video and topic. You are so correct about linking behaviors with diet. There are so many things out there that causes our children to react outside of their natural selves. I will also be adding the singing to my interaction with my daughter. I actually forgot about this strategy. Thanks again, you are awesome.

[@aaliyahhussain3636]

Thank you so much, you are wonderful...wish I had you as my teacher when I was a child ❤️

[@marieltorrestorres5469]

Thank you for your time. I'm going to try my best.God bless you!

[@brendasimspon3378]

You are so right about the signing. I do it all the time, but never realised I did until a parent wrote a reference and thank you letter to me and said she is amazing how she bursts into song over nothing all day long. And I do, it softens the moment it relaxes the children and it makes the day flow. I have children 6 weeks too 10 years old. And love every moment of my work.

[@pickycrab5175]

Thank you so much for sharing this gem on youtube. Here there is a kindergarten adopted Waldorf teaching method, but it's like 7 hours away from my place. Having a rough childhood and journey myself, I struggle to do what's best for my children, sometimes it's so confusing and I kind of lost. I'm glad I can learn from you here, your knowledge and experience were very useful for my clueless mind.

[@suzyq6767]

This is beautiful.

[@kayazzara108]

I had a teacher who took her guitar out at the end of the day and sang as we waited for our bus to be called. When I drove a school bus I had a radio installed because getting them to all sing Jack and Diane at the same time was way better than needing to yell!🤪

[@Sofia-vu6yp]

Wonderful ! Highly recommend this sound education for children !

[@ennelya]

This is what every children needs! New world, listen!

[@neogirl37]

I'm a conductor, & what you said as a pedagogy made absolute sense, thanks for trying to teach the world!! Love from UK ❤️

[@PatientFarmer]

Never heard of this but it resonates with my soul and how I want to raise my child. I'll be looking into this further and adjusting some of my habits. Thank you for sharing and Thank KZbin for suggesting this video to me!

[@waldorfgamesandsongs725]

Thank you for sharing these incredible words. I whole heartedly agree with everything said here.

[@mariuseibenberg4695]

Thank you so much. Very helpful . Blessing from New Zealand.

[@meganr9280]

I needed this. So glad it came up in my feed.

[@minoomanimahoor5779]

Thank you for your briliant advice and knowledge

[@debanwitahajra]

It is mesmerizing to know that you were interested to think about why something happens.

[@AvaMoon-f9g]

beautiful teachings... i wish public schools would teach teachers how to teach this. this is teaching that is natural not forced.

[@dvabrannon]

Thank you for these insights - so well presented! Thank Heaven for Rudolf Steiner, and his loving dedication to community!

[@valek7700]

For a community of racists and nazis... He isn't the saint you are imagining him. Many of the technique's she spoke about are manipulating.

[@MissSuesSkills4Success]

Wow thank you Ms. Carol! I'm an Early Childhood Teacher too and I enjoyed listening to everything you had to say in this video! I agree with what you had to say! I don't recall learning about using about the pentatonic scale with young children- so interesting! I will have to give it a try. :) Singing with young children is so fun...one of my favorite things. Nice video. :)

[@Gingerificcolorist]

What a beautiful legacy to leave, wisdom on communication with children 👏

[@draganamastrapovic4123]

This video is so inspiring! thank you very much .

[@anamarysalgado9112]

Thank you from the bottom of my heart..I have thought before of some of the things you have said because children are so intuitive and need love and attention so much..Sometimes we miss what they are trying to tell us because they do not Express their emotions many times like we do as adults..But being gentle and understanding them even putting ourselves in their shoes makes a huge difference!! Thank you!

[@mhansen09]

I teach middle and high school and many of these tactics will be something I implement. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@shynessbreakthroughcommuni826]

This is so interesting! Using music/resonance like the pied piper to attract/move children! It's amazing the power of music and the human connection

[@oceandevi13]

This is awesome, thank you 🙏

[@dimplesharmalyngdoh628]

I am a teacher too and I have been doing all this with my kids especially special kids loves songs and they tend to listen if we r in a rhythm

[@PaulWolfProductions]

Why can't i like several times? :D

[@haseenamonga7609]

I love this can u please do more videos.

[@Bigfoottehchipmunk]

Thank you for this. My grandchildren have moved closer to me, and I have realized that I have forgotten some of these things. This will help me slow down a little bit too.

[@kasiako355]

I love it so much, all this wisdom and gentleness

[@lornangumbullu8385]

Oh how I’ve loved your teaching.... 💓💓🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@ambernectar3158]

Totally correct. Wisdom, age, experuence and revcignising oneself is the key. Anen

[@1983OneThe]

I always sing to my kids when I need them to do something ❤️🌸 they love it, kids love music so much🌷

[@lamarijasmine4558]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@gracens1380]

Thank you! I have a 2 year old and a 7 month old. I will absolutely keep watching these videos💌💫

[@kensmaman]

This is such a great video. I’m sure a lot of teachers would be happy to learn techniques like this and as a mom it is a huge help to me. Thanks so much!

[@danicarodriguez7770]

My 3 year old would be stuck in pretend mode and it was so frustrating to try and get her to listen to me. One day i decided to talk to the toy she was holding like "hey kitty, let's go get our shoes on." And as the kitty she said ok mama and ran to her shoes. I have started doing this when she's stuck in pretend land and it has reduced tears. I'm going to try singing requests now. I think she would respond well. Thank you for this video.

[@sheilakhan8037]

Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with the world. I feel a lot of what you have said would work for adults too. You have a beautiful voice. God bless you

[@jessicanelson9545]

Thank you so much for your video. Are used your advice right away, and it worked!

[@lavendermint578]

Makes sense..sounds beautiful..mine are older now...still navigating through ebb and flow of surprising waters as they enter the shoreline and reach out again in amazement. Thank you. 🌿

[@OriahVlogs]

This is so interesting, I am loving these videos. I wish there was a waldorf school near me.

[@RoseWater20]

We don’t have a Waldorf school here either so I and 5 other mothers started our own Waldorf co-op. I realize that’s not doable for everyone but it’s been an incredible thing. Us mothers partner up and two mothers partner up and take turns leading our day. Just an idea if you’re able to create your own Waldorf school/co-op go for it!

[@taliarenee3646]

All I wanted as a chil was this type of guidance. Now, as a mother, all I want to do is provide this for my child

[@katiebug_love]

Thank you so much. This video popped up randomly on my newsfeed very near the top... I have been praying for some guidance here and this was exactly the reminder that I needed to be most successful with my two toddlers. Sincerely, so thankful for this. Perfect length and amount of detail/examples too :) Love and light!

[@judymarshall3661]

Thank you for this video. I am familar with the Worldorf school, where we held a homeschool class, once a week. I have watched the Nurturing Rooms, in England and just finished a foster parent course. I love your method!

[@abigailknox-leet6949]

Thanking you. This is very helpful 🙏🏼

[@nailsdeb]

Children will listen when they know you like them and are interested in who they are. They can smell fake.... don’t even bother.