Waldorf education works with the rhythms of the child, the day, the week, the month, and the year. It works with the body’s spiritual, emotional, and physical rhythms. It works with the rhythm of the earth – natural foods, toys, and other materials are used in Waldorf education. When I think of Waldorf, I think of a flowing river.
The child’s rhythm is the first thing we consider. What are they ready for, and when are they ready for it? Imagine you are playing in an orchestra, and you have a drum that is playing out of time. Will it help the orchestra? Will it be effective? The same happens with a child. A child is a complex being with many systems working in synchrony. To be effective and in harmony with that child, you need to synchronize the beat of your drum (their lessons) with the child’s age.
Being able to meet a child’s needs according to their natural rhythm will:
1. …foster connection, interdependence, compassion, respect, teamwork, and community awareness.
2. …create natural opportunities for conflict resolutio,n as there will be fewer conflicts.
3. …help the child connect with their natural rhythms in nature and spirit.
4. …free their minds to be more creative and will encourage creativity when they most need to be encouraged.’
5. …help you create a rhythm for your family that is “just right” – not too busy and not too slow. It will help you connect with the rhythms of nature, the day, the week, the months, and the year.
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