Waldorf Learning Style
The program we researched is called Waldorf Education. There are many interesting observations I have made during this study of Waldorf education. The Waldorf education is based on an anthroposophical (anthroposophy-through study and practiced observation, one awakens to his own inner nature and the spiritual realities of outer nature and the cosmos. The awareness of those relationships brings a greater reverence for all life.) view designed by Rudolf Steiner, an understanding of the human being as a body, soul and spirit. It mirrors a childs development of childhood to adulthood. The students are instilled by an understanding and an appreciation for where they come from and an appreciation of their background as humans as world citizens.
“Accept the children with reverence, educate them with love, send them forth in freedom”
Rudolf Steiner
They opened the first school in September 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany by the Austrian philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner. During Hitlers rule it of course was closed as any school that taught individuals to think for themselves was not part of the Nazi regime. Private schools were opened world wide in over 40 countries after the war.
From grades 1 – 8 students have a main lesson teacher for the entire first 8 years of elementary school. As well there are no textbooks used in grade 1 to 5 and they are given lesson books which they fill in and produce their own textbooks recording all they have learned that year. Grades are not given in elementary school but the children have evaluations at the end of the year. There is no use of computers or other electronic media in the elementary years and the Waldorf school strongly discourages television . The school also incorporates these classes :
Handwork-knitting, crochet, sewing, cross stitch, weaving, toy making and woodwork
Music-singing, and all types of musical instruments.
Languages-Spanish, French, Japanese and German
Art- water on water colour painting,
“Accept the children with reverence, educate them with love, send them forth in freedom”
Rudolf Steiner
They opened the first school in September 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany by the Austrian philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner. During Hitlers rule it of course was closed as any school that taught individuals to think for themselves was not part of the Nazi regime. Private schools were opened world wide in over 40 countries after the war.
From grades 1 – 8 students have a main lesson teacher for the entire first 8 years of elementary school. As well there are no textbooks used in grade 1 to 5 and they are given lesson books which they fill in and produce their own textbooks recording all they have learned that year. Grades are not given in elementary school but the children have evaluations at the end of the year. There is no use of computers or other electronic media in the elementary years and the Waldorf school strongly discourages television . The school also incorporates these classes :
Handwork-knitting, crochet, sewing, cross stitch, weaving, toy making and woodwork
Music-singing, and all types of musical instruments.
Languages-Spanish, French, Japanese and German
Art- water on water colour painting,