Waldorf Schools are widespread in India (and the world, of course) and yet, most parents are not sensitized to the teaching methodology. In fact, there are many misconceptions that make it seem like Waldorf education is not right for children at all. Let’s learn about it in detail so that we don’t fall prey to popular beliefs.
Rudolf Steiner introduced Waldorf education, which is also popular as Steiner education. The system is based on his educational philosophy and aims at developing practical, social, artistic, and intellectual skills in each child. The focus of this system is creativity.
It is a holistic approach that taps into every being as a whole. In other words, the entire body engages in learning from the head to the heart. The approach recognizes three developmental stages: early childhood (birth to age 7), middle years (Ages 7 to 14), and adolescence (Ages 14 to 21).
The curriculum is richly diverse and varied, focusing on immersive learning in age-appropriate ways.
Now, let’s see how a Waldorf school is different from conventional schools by focusing on a few not-very-popular facts.
Waldorf education centralizes teacher-student relationships. Children learn to make eye contact with their teachers, greet them, and shake their hand from day one. Values and respect are not just taught – they are implemented as a part of the curriculum.
Waldorf learning does not require standardized textbooks. In fact, until grade 8, children do not have textbooks. They only have one main book or a master book from which they pen their own textbooks.
In the higher grades, though, some schools introduce textbooks to help children with math, grammar, etc.
Waldorf schools are progressive schools that shun the grading system altogether. Children do not memorize their lessons for the sake of tests and they do not face the terror of examinations either. Yet, Waldorf students perform exceedingly well when they take standardized tests.
Right from elementary school, children focus on expressing their creativity. Art and project-work, thus, is a part of growing up for them. Handwork, woodwork, and music are introduced from the elementary stages to develop motor skills and for brain development.
Waldorf curriculum is highly structured with one main class that lasts for 2 hours and many lessons such as language, handwork, movement education, and music after that.
Waldorf is indeed a progressive approach to holistic education. Children from Waldorf schools usually do very well in various fields of life because they were never restricted to academia to begin with.
We hope your outlook towards Waldorf education has now changed with these facts and that you are now able to understand how it all works. If you would like to add anything to this or if you have any feedback, please feel free to Comment.