Life at Urban Prairie Blog
One of our core philosophies at Urban Prairie is that it is a community effort to educate and support children as they grow and develop. An important part of that is communication between our school and our families. Our Life at Urban Prairie blogs part of that communication, helping us share with you what is happening at school, what your children are learning, and why and how they are learning it. We have a few different categories of news and blog posts, so be sure to check them all out!
Latest News & Updates
A Green Ribbon School: Connecting Children with Nature since 2009
At Urban Prairie Waldorf School, we are proud to be a U.S Department of Education Green Ribbon School. We are the only school in Chicago with Green Ribbon status, and one of three schools in Illinois. The US Department of Education awards Green Ribbon status to...
Social-Emotional Middle School Health
What if we flipped the script on the traditional narratives of middle school to look at this critical stage in a person’s development with wonder, curiosity, and reverence?
Green Ribbon School
U.S. Secretary of Education Names Urban Prairie Waldorf School 2022 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School The U.S. Department of Education announced today that Urban Prairie Waldorf School in Chicago, IL, is one of three schools in Illinois among the 2022...
Geography In Lower School
Geography in grades one, two, three, and four begins close to the child. It acquaints the child with home surroundings, proceeds to local geography, and by the end of grade four, expands to include the geography of the whole region, whether it be a state or a unified micro-region.
The Further Adventures of Tamara Times Multiply
First Grade Waldorf Math Curriculum
Teachable Moments and More
Written by Mat Riendeau – Urban Prairie Waldorf School teacher A few parents have asked for suggestions around ways to reinforce the learning that is happening at school. An excellent request, so I thought that I’d answer here in the larger forum so in case anyone...
How to Prepare Your Student for 1st Grade Over the Summer
Written by Mat Riendeau - Urban Prairie Waldorf School teacher Spring is making its way into summer, and before we know it, Fall will be upon us. One of the beautiful aspects of summer vacation is that it is, well, summer vacation. In the rhythm of the year, it is a...
Science in the Waldorf Curriculum
Did you know that 42% of Waldorf high school graduates go on to major in science and math? This is significantly more than the national average. Science is central to the Waldorf curriculum, and the lessons begin in 1st grade. From the start, students are immersed in...
Chinese Calligraphy at UPWS
Both an art form as well as the traditional form of writing throughout East Asia, Chinese calligraphy employs special brushes, which Urban Prairie Waldorf Chinese Teacher, Xuefen (Glenda) Ding, tracked down and purchased in China. Using a specific vertical brush hold,...