{ prairie hearts learning community }

A new local community of parents has formed to learn and incorporate an "old-school way of learning" into their family lives.

The Prairie Hearts Learning Community connects families through playgroups and community events inspired by Waldorf philosophies that were first developed in 1919. The Waldorf education model strives to educate the whole child: the heart, the hands and the head.

Marlene Luneng, a local mom and founder of Prairie Hearts, said the Waldorf principles she has learned have brought "traditions, rhythm, love and patience" into her home. "I began to relate to how my ancestors found balance in the natural rhythm of nature and their lives," she said. "My confidence grew as a parent. I was beginning to build an awareness of how I could be my daughter's parent verses how to parent her."

Prairie Hearts playgroups, for children up to age 7, are held at Grace-Westminster Church every Tuesday at 9:30-11:30 a.m.  The playgroups strive to create a home-like environment for free play within a routine. Children share in food, crafts, songs, stories, nature and imagination. There are opportunities to interact with your child as well as enjoy time with other parents. Drop-in rates are $10 per weekly session.

A parent study group will be held every third Wednesday night of the month to learn Waldorf principles through books, movies and fellowship.

Once the community is well-established, there are hopes to launch a Waldorf school in Saskatoon that would begin with Kindergarten and build on higher grades each year.

If you are interested in more information, visit the Prairie Hearts web site, join them on Facebook or contact the group via e-mail.