What is Waldorf Education?
Are you wondering what is Waldorf education? What makes it different from other teaching philosophies? Many people talk about this type of education but there are many others who don’t know exactly what it is. That’s okay – we’ll dive into what it is below!
If you’re ready for more homeschooling resources, check out my Homeschool Planner Printables which can be the perfect way to help you get organized and plan out your year.Â
Waldorf education was founded by Rudolph Steiner in 1919 in Germany, it is also known as Steiner education. Steiner looked at child development in 3 stages. Early childhood included children up to age 7 who learn through hands-on activities and imitation. The middle childhood or elementary years are from 7-14 and focuses on creative learning. While secondary students aged 14 and up focus on academics particularly abstract concepts.
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What is a Waldorf education?
Waldorf education encourages the child to think for themselves and develop themselves as a whole person with respect for those around them and to be socially responsible as well.
There is an emphasis on:
- Lots of outdoor time to observe nature and natural surroundings
- Arts – visual, music, and drama
- No TV or computers
- No textbooks – they read books they love and make their own books on what they’ve learned
- Toys made with natural materials ie. Waldorf dolls
Essentially, the final goal of Waldorf education is to round out the student in mind, soul, and spirituality. It is important for the child to think for themselves using their own judgment. There are many schools that follow the Waldorf education philosophy but if you are interested in implementing the Waldorf education at home there is a curriculum available as well.
You’ll find that a lot of homes that use this type of learning are quite happy with it and this is the biggest reason that they move forward with it.Â
Recommended Waldorf Toys
These Waldorf recommendations are made of natural materials such as silk and wood that will surely be enjoyed by your young learners at home.
Hiceeden Set of 9 Montessori Toys for Toddler and Kids, Sensory Bin Tools with Bag, Waldorf Kitchen Toys for Fine Motor Skill LearningNature Wooden Toys Locomo Family II Animal Figures Waldorf Open-Ended Educational Outdoor Play for Childs Learning & Creativity, Sensory for Kids 3 4 5 6 7+ Year Old, Montessori Toy Gifts (Set of 5)KOOKAROO Playdough Tools Set for Kids Ages 2-4, Sensory Bins for Toddlers 1-3, Sensory Dough Kit for Kids, Waldorf Doll, Hammering & Pounding Toys, Playdough Trays, Montessori TraysWegodal 12 inch Handmade Waldorf Doll, Waldorf Doll Handmade Knitted Doll Handmade Plush Doll, Easter Birthday Gift Handmade Waldorf Doll Plush Toy (A4)Sarah’s Silks Enchanted Mini Playsilks | Creative Waldorf Toys for Open-Ended Play (Rainbow)Alle Montessori Math Toy – Counting Peg Board with 50 Pegs – Montessori Math and Numbers for Kids, Wooden Math Manipulatives – Montessori Math Games – Counting Toys, Preschool Math, Kindergarten Math
Recommended Waldorf Books for Moms
You can always find out more information about Waldorf education by researching and reading books. Some of the books below can answer questions that you might have about whether or not this type of homeschooling education is right for you and your home.Â
It’s always smart to do your own research and having great books to read can help. While there are many resources out there, here are some of my favorites that you might enjoy as well.
Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside OutWaldorf Education: A Family GuideCreative Play for Your Toddler: Steiner Waldorf Expertise and Toy Projects for 2 – 4sWaldorf Education: An Introduction for ParentsThe Waldorf Homeschool Handbook: A simple step-by-step guide to creating and understanding a Waldorf inspired homeschool planTrust and Wonder: A Waldorf Approach to Living and Working with Infants and Toddlers
Talk to your kids about what they envision when it comes to their learning at home
I think that this is HUGE when it comes to finding something that is going to work and stick in your home for learning. Kids can easily tell you what they like and what they don’t like if you stop and just ask them.
As parents, this can be a great way to really dig deeper into what they’re hoping to learn and use that in a way to motivate them as well. The more that they are engaged and bought into it, the better.
And truth be told, kids really have a great handle on what motivates them to learn. Some kids love to use hands-on learning while others prefer more of a visual style and approach. Regardless of the type of learning that they like, ask them and see what they say.
Because the truth is that once a child is ready and excited about any type of program, it can be a great way to find great success for the entire year.
What I also love about the Waldorf education is that it embraces so many types of thoughts and learning. No matter the age of your child, they’ll be able to use this learning experience as an great way to embrace and prepare for life lessons.
Why does Waldorf education work?
Waldorf education works for a variety of different reasons. It works because it’s great for creative minds. It’s also great for hands-on learning as well.
When it comes to choosing if this type of education is right for you, it is really important to understand the type of learning environment that your kid loves best. Some kids do really well with a creative type of learning environment and this is why it’s great to have options for your child.
What is Waldorf education philosophy?
The overall goal for those who want to use Waldorf education is to understand how to educate the heart, the hands, and the head.Â
Recommended Waldorf Blogs
If you’re a fan of blogs and reading, below are some great blogs that you can gather some more great information on. All will give you a bit of insight into the Waldorf education and it can be fun to read this from different viewpoints of people who use it.Â
This post is a part of my 31-day series – Ultimate List of Homeschooling Questions.
When trying to decide if Waldorf Education is right for you, it’s important to understand what you’re hoping to get out of it.
The great thing about Waldorf Education is that it can truly be a way of life and one that embraces the teaching methods to help children grow and gain confidence.
If you’re considering Waldorf as your main point of learning in your homeschooling, it just might be the perfect learning method for you and your kids.
Take the time to research and understand if this approach is the best learning method for your children.
More Homeschooling Ideas
When it comes to dialing in and figuring out what type of homeschooling you want to do with your kids, there really are great options to think about. Make certain that you have fun with the process because you’re introducing them to a way of life that can really be quite wonderful and great.
Tricks for Homeschooling the Strong-willed Child
Ultimate List of Homeschooling Questions
Why We Chose an Eclectic Homeschooling Style
How to create a weekly homeschool schedule
The Mommy Mindset: To Homeschool or Not to Homeschool? by Darcy and Brian
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Thanks for the mention! Waldorf Homeschooling has not only changed how we homeschool it has changed how we live. As our children have gotten older the curriculum has started to look different. But what we learned about slowing down and living with intention has only gotten deeper as the years have passed. Blessings to you and your family:) Andrea
No worries, I love sharing about different homeschooling families, everyone does it so differently.
“Lots of outdoor time to observe nature and natural surroundings” I do like such kind of Waldorf education for kids.