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
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 […]
Exercising Early in Life is Rewarded
Waldorf Principle Explored: Nature Walks & Outdoor Play Playing outdoors and taking daily nature walks are an important part of Waldorf education. They are not considered “just recess” or “gym class” but are considered an integral part of the entire educational process. Classes from ages preschool through high school take daily nature walks and are encouraged to spend as much […]
Access to Nature Improves Quality of Learning
Waldorf Principle Explored: Nature in Education Incorporating nature walks, natural materials and natural features into the Waldorf classroom are important aspects of the Waldorf inspired learning environment. The article below talks about how this environment is not only beneficial for the students now, but can also help them grow to be healthier adults. This article also discusses […]
Why Food is Just as Important to Mental Health as Physical Health
Waldorf Principle Explored: Healthy Eating Waldorf education embraces educating the child’s head, heart & hands as well as their body. Preparing a snack together and baking homemade bread from scratch are just a couple Waldorf inspired activities that are daily occurrences in the Waldorf inspired classroom. This article talks about how important those experiences really are… The Lancet & […]
Could a Dose of Nature be Just What the Doctor Ordered?
Waldorf Principles Explored: Nature in Education Waldorf education teaches the importance of nature in education. From nature walks to using natural materials in the classroom, Waldorf education provides numerous opportunities for children to be closer to nature. This article discusses the importance of this early and ongoing exposure to nature… Science Daily Numerous studies over the past 30 years […]
Disruptive Children Benefit from Tailored Intervention
Waldorf Principle Explored: The Temperaments At some point in exploring Waldorf education you have probably heard about the importance of knowing your student’s temperament and how you can use it to be a more effective teacher in the classroom. This concept is important but also unique to Waldorf education. The article below explores how incorporating this knowledge into […]