Technological Prudence

Dear Members of The Waldorf School of Santa Barbara Community,

Founder of Waldorf education Rudolf Steiner wrote: “From the first to the seventh year, gesture predominates in the life of the young child, but gesture in the widest sense of the word, gesture that in the child lives in imitation.” Meanwhile writer Gary Snyder says, "What one hopes to pass along is the living experience of being in each moment."

Here at The Waldorf School of Santa Barbara, for the sake of the children and the community at large, we strive to embody a technological prudence -- a mindfulness around the use of today's gadgets. We believe that showing up for the children -- and other adults (and our fellow creatures) -- asks of us a discernment, a heedfulness, insofar as phones and computers. At bottom we know that the gesture we want the children to imitate is not one of distractedness, split-attention, disassociation, but an attempt -- as the adage has it -- to be here now. How we humans, especially children, are nourished by those of us who cultivate presence!

To that end we adults at WSSB strive to not overuse our gadgets here but use them prudently (challenging work indeed). And we ask that you -- parents and caretakers -- not use your phones when on campus. Thank you for working to honor this important WSSB practice. Let's do our best -- insofar as today's technology -- to be worthy of imitation.

In gratitude,
The WSSB Admin Team

PS The thought of the week is by Thich Nhat Hanh:

"To love...is above all to be there. But being there is not an easy thing. Some training is necessary, some practice. If you are not there, how can you love?"