About the Chiron Initiative

Chiron (ki'-ron), a teacher of young heroes in Greek mythology, is the inspiration for this initiative of curriculum intensives and curriculum resources for homeschoolers and parents interested in integrating a Waldorf approach to education and home life. High on Mount Pelion in Thessaly was the temple of Zeus, King of the Gods and of his wife, the lovely Hera. Near the summit was the cave of the King-Centaur Chiron, half man and half beast. It was there that Chiron raised and instructed his young heroes. No heroes were ever better trained than those youths whose childhood had been spent with Chiron. He made them more swift of foot than any other children. He made them stronger and more agile. Moreover, Chiron taught his young heroes knowledge of the stars, of healing herbs and medicine, the art of music and the ways of the gods. When it came time for them to bid a grateful farewell to their teacher, Chiron told them of the striving and sufferings in the world, of injustices and acts of nobility and he bade them to go forth and do mighty deeds 'as one who has the eyes of the immortals upon him'.

Homeschooling the Waldorf Way

Waldorf education follows a curriculum which parallels the developmental stages of the child. It's objective is to educate the whole child; head, heart and hands, and it therefore requires a unique teaching methodology. For our good homeschooling intentions to bear fruit, they must find expression within busy, everyday home life. This takes planning. The summer curriculum intensives are designed to give participants a solid grounding at each level in Waldorf pedagogy and methodology and curriculum guidelines resulting in individually prepared plans for the coming home schooling year. Good planning is essential. It ensures that a thorough, well-rounded program will be offered while still allowing the flexibility to adjust to new, on-going priorities. For parents of primary aged children, it is recommended that the Early Childhood and Primary sessions be taken together as the success of the first three school years hinges on the development of the early years' stages. To facilitate this, discounts and financial arrangements can be made for the combined package when registering.

Program Dates - Summer 2008

• Early Childhood: Sat. July 19th & Sun. July 20th
• Enrichment Day: Mon. July 21st
• Primary (Grades 1-8): Tues. July 22nd-Thurs. July 24th

All programs are held at The Rudolf Steiner Centre in Toronto, Ontario.

For More Information