Puppets

The article profiles Marjorie Rehbach, a lifelong Waldorf educator who has taught at several Waldorf schools over her career. It describes how Waldorf education emphasizes creativity, imagination, and learning through the arts to teach academic subjects like science. Rehbach developed a passion for using puppetry in her teaching after being trained by a renowned puppeteer. She uses puppets to help children develop interpersonal and emotional skills in an after-school program she currently teaches. Around 20 years ago, Rehbach wrote and published a children's book called "A Maypole Dream" aimed at instilling a sense of wonder about the natural world and the changing colors of the seasons. The book was inspired by the May Day Maypole tradition. In the future, Rehbach hopes to write another book highlighting the importance of children doing chores and "working with joy" within family life. The article portrays Rehbach as an educator deeply committed to the Waldorf principles of using imagination, arts, and connections with nature to foster awe and engage children in joyful, holistic learning experiences.

Pretend play is more than just a simple game; it's a vital component of child development, weaving together imagination, social skills, and cognitive growth.

It is vital that children are given space to find their imagination in solo play, while also learning about socialization and narratives while playing with other children and adults. 

We often feel the need to entertain or engage our children 24 hours a day. Independent play not only brings joy and peace to a fatigued parent, it also has tangible benefits for children. Let's explore how we can nurture this skill in our children.