The Benefits of Incorporating Music in Homeschooling Music is more than just a form of entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for enhancing a child’s overall development. Research has consistently shown that music education can significantly boost cognitive abilities, including memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. For example, studies have found that children who engage in music […]
Waldorf in the News
How to Encourage Independent Learning in Children
What is Independent Learning and Why is it Important? Independent learning refers to the ability of a child to take charge of their own educational journey, exploring topics, solving problems, and acquiring knowledge without constant supervision or instruction. It is characterized by self-motivation, curiosity, and the ability to set and achieve personal goals. Unlike traditional […]
How Homeschooling Families Can Incorporate Waldorf Principles
What Are Waldorf Principles? Waldorf education, founded by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century, is a holistic approach to learning that emphasizes the development of the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. At its core, Waldorf education seeks to nurture creativity, imagination, and a deep connection to the natural world. Unlike traditional education […]
The Benefits of a Natural Curriculum in Modern Education
What is a Natural Curriculum? A natural curriculum is an innovative approach to education that prioritizes experiential, student-centered learning and integrates real-world contexts into the classroom. Unlike traditional education models that often rely on rigid structures, standardized testing, and rote memorization, this approach emphasizes flexibility, creativity, and relevance to students’ lives. It seeks to align […]
The Benefits of Handwork and Crafting for Children
Why Handwork and Crafting Matter for Child Development Handwork and crafting are more than just fun activities for children—they are essential tools for holistic development. Engaging in creative tasks like sewing, knitting, painting, or building models helps children develop critical cognitive, emotional, and physical skills. These activities stimulate brain development by encouraging problem-solving, […]
Music’s Power on the Developing Brain and Beyond
By Anne Marie Daniolos Upon discovering this statement an intense search commenced to learn more on how music education impacts the whole developing brain. The findings were astounding. These are a short list of findings to share. Physician, professor of neurology, historian of science, philosopher, naturalist, pianist and author, Oliver Wolf Sacks studied the brain […]
Waldorf in the News: Children Have More Than Five Senses
Waldorf Principle Explored: Steiner’s 12-Senses (Additional information on Steiner’s 12-senses is available HERE) Rudolf Steiner, founder of the Waldorf method of education believed that all people, including the students you teach, have 12 senses. For many people, belief in a “sixth sense” is not a big leap. Some of the other senses he describes are harder to grasp. However, thanks to a […]
Waldorf in the News: Natural Light & Outdoor Play Reduces Short-Sightedness in Children
Waldorf Principle Explored: Bringing the Classroom Outdoors & The Outdoors Inside Having students spend significant amounts of time outdoors is integral to Waldorf education. No matter what the weather is or the student’s age, students are dressed appropriately and have daily time to play and explore outdoors. Even when students are indoors, classrooms are filled with natural light […]
Waldorf In the News: Using Nature in the Classroom
Waldorf Principle Explored: Natural Supplies in the Classroom If you have ever explored a Waldorf toy catalog or website you have probably noticed that every toy, school supply and piece of clothing is “all natural”. This means that the supplies are made from natural materials like cotton, beeswax, wood, plants and other natural materials. To someone new […]
Waldorf in the News: Stress is Contagious in the Classroom
Waldorf Principle Explored: Inner Work for the Teacher Daily inner work is required of all Waldorf teachers and is highly suggested for all teachers in general. Inner work is the process strengthening our “inner forces” so they are strong enough to carry us through the challenges of the day. One popular way to pursue “inner work” is to start […]
Waldorf in the News: Importance of Music, Circle Time & Verses
Waldorf Principle Explored: Singing in Waldorf Education Singing is an integral part of Waldorf education. One does not need to have a musical voice to participate in this activity. Verses are used for circle time in the morning, music lessons in the afternoon and, in early childhood, verses are often used to introduce a lesson or to […]
How Much Math or Science Homework is Too Much?
Waldorf Principle Explored: The Main Lesson The Main Lesson is the central part of the Waldorf inspired educational day and often only lasts 1 to 2 hours. Parents and teachers who are making the transition from an 8 to 3:00 day to a homeschooling day often worry that they may not be providing their students with enough working […]
Earthschooling – an Award Winning Curriculum
