I was not familiar with Waldorf education so I thought it
would be interesting to learn about something new. Waldorf education is based
on the ideas of the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. A main focus of
Waldorf education is to focus on the child as a whole person including their spiritual
and emotional selves, not only their academic selves. The goal is to have the
student develop their own desire and enthusiasm for learning.
Steiner believed that there were three main stages of child
development. The first stage was from birth to age 7 and included preschool and
kindergarten. The classrooms are supposed to feel like the students home, and
there is a similar schedule everyday so children get used to a routine. At this
stage the children learn through imitation and example so they are shown a lot
of activities that they will have the chance to do for themselves. There are many opportunities for free play
inside the classroom as well as outdoors. Also, a lot of the learning is done
through the arts like storytelling, music and poetry to help children build their
creativity.
The second stage of development is from 7 to 14 years old
and consists of elementary school. The curriculum is very broad and covers
different topics in math, science, history, language arts, mythology, and
physical education. These topics are taught in creative ways through music,
art, stories, drama, and crafts. Textbooks are rarely used. The social aspect
encourages cooperation between children, rather than competition. Usually, the
school tries to keep the children with their same teacher throughout elementary
school.
The third stage is from 14 on. Children start secondary
school at this time. They have different teachers for each of their classes and
the classes have more of an academic focus. Students still take creative
classes in art and music though. The goal is to help students develop good judgment,
morals, and social responsibility, along with their academic education.
I found this to be a very interesting theory of education. I
really like the idea that students are taught through the arts to help
stimulate their creativity and to develop enthusiasm for learning. I think it
would be great to have the opportunity to observe in a Waldorf school.
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