Waldorf Gift Guide | Books
I recently wrote a post about supplies for teachers (and I recorded a podcast about it, too). I definitely believe it is worth spending a little extra money for supplies to make your planning more enjoyable and every year notebooks, pens, pencils and planners go on my holiday wish list.
Gifts for the Children
But I remember too well how challenging it was to find suitable gifts for my children. They had enough toys and we didn't want to clutter our household with too much stuff. They actually didn't really even want anything, but friends and family always asked what they could give to them for the holidays, so I always turned to three ideas -- books, art supplies and clothing (usually the expensive winter gear that needed updating every year.)So over the next few days, I'll post with some of my age-specific suggestions in each of these categories. I hope you and your family members find it helpful.
Books
Many of these recommendations come from the San Francisco Waldorf School library website, which is a great resource. These are selections that have been loved by many of my students over the years.
Grade One
(These are all great read-alouds, so most of them would do for kindergarten children as well.)The Seven Year Wonder BookThe Complete Brambly HedgeJames Herriot's Treasury for ChildrenJapanese Children's Favorite Stories
Grade Two
(These are early chapter books and can be good stepping stones to independent reading.)The Bears on Hemlock MountainMany MoonsBalto and the Great RaceMagic Treehouse (series)(Here are some great read-aloud classics.)The BorrowersThe Boxcar ChildrenDaughter of the Mountains
Grade Three
Caddy WoodlawnCharlotte's WebLittle House in the Big WoodsRabbit HillThe Tale of Despereaux
Grade Four
Swallows and AmazonsThe Secret GardenA Little PrincessMrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMHMisty of Chincoteague
Grade Five
The Egypt GameThe Iron RingBecause of Winn DixieThe City of EmberA Wrinkle in Time
Grade Six
Little WomenThe Chronicles of PrydainThe Cross of LeadThe Dark is Rising SequenceCatherine, Called BirdyMy Side of the MountainThe Samurai's TaleThey Mysterious Benedict Society seriesThe Bronze BowThe Hobbit
Grade Seven
The Midwife's ApprenticeThe Last DragonslayerThe OutsidersPaper ThingsThe Wizard of EarthseaBridge to Terabithia
Grade Eight
HatchetThe Golden CompassThe YearlingHarry Potter and the Sorcerer's StoneFrankensteinTo Kill a MockingbirdThe Adventures of Tom SawyerThe Adventures of Huckleberry FinnDo you have some great book ideas that aren't on this list? Leave your suggestions in the comments.