Nurturing Children's Spirits & Delivering Cultural Insights - Dia de los Muertos

Humans are complex beings and, to achieve our fullest potential all aspects of our humanity must be nurtured. In Waldorf education, teachers not only aspire to develop a child’s mind and body, but they place an equal emphasis on helping a child to develop their spirit. There is also a pronounced openness to the traditions of all cultures -- particularly to those represented by our student body. Recently, these two unique aspects of Waldorf education came together at Sanderling Waldorf School when our sixth grade teacher, Jake Ciofalo (“Mr. C”), delivered a soul-enriching experience to his students by welcoming them to share in the tradition of the Mexican holiday of “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead). The intent of this holiday is to demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members, celebrating their lives, and remembering them with reverence. Mr. C welcomed his students to share about a loss they experienced, whether of a pet or a loved one. It was a moving experience in which students took turns sharing heartfelt stories of remembrance with their peers. As Mr. C and peers listened intently, each student had the opportunity to process their loss in the safety of their close-knit class community. There were a few tears, lots of laughs, and plenty of hugs shared between the children as Mr. C facilitated. He modeling calmness, gratitude, and a reverence for each student who chose to participate. Words cannot convey the value of a Sanderling Waldorf education where children get so much more than academic lessons. It is a special place where children feel safe enough to engage in personally meaningful and enriching experiences like these that help them value different cultures and, in this instance, to deeply experience the meaning of grieving as a memorial that celebrates love and life within the safe circle of compassionate classmates. This is just one example of how our committed Sanderling Waldorf teachers deliver personally meaningful experiences that serve children in all areas of their development while also broadening their knowledge of the world around them.