What is Waldorf Education?

Are you wondering what is Waldorf education? What makes it different from other teaching philosophies?

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 is from 7-14 focuses on creative learning. While secondary students age 14 and up focus on academics particularly abstract concepts.

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 with made with natural materials ie. waldorf dolls – Waldorf Doll Leaf Elf

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 judgement. There are many schools that follow the Waldorf education philosophy but if you are interested in implementing the a Waldorf education at home there is curriculum available as well.

Favorite Waldorf books

• Understanding Waldorf Education: Teaching from the Inside Out
• Creative Play for Your Toddler: Steiner Waldorf Expertise and Toy Projects for 2 – 4s
• Waldorf Education: A Family Guide

Favorite Waldorf blogs

• My Sweet Homeschool
• Magic Onions
• Whole Family Rhythms

This post is a part of my 31 day series – Ultimate List of Homeschooling Questions.

Monique

I share educational printables and activities to help teachers make learning about math and science fun!