What is Waldorf Education? Waldorf education is a distinctive approach to learning that emphasizes holistic development, creativity, and the integration of arts and academics. Founded by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1919, this educational philosophy is rooted in anthroposophy, a spiritual science that seeks to understand the human being in relation to the universe. Steiner […]
Steiner
Rudolf Steiner’s Vision for Education and Its Relevance Today
The Foundations of Rudolf Steiner’s Educational Philosophy Rudolf Steiner, the Austrian philosopher and founder of Anthroposophy, envisioned education as a transformative process that nurtures the whole human being—body, soul, and spirit. His approach to education was deeply rooted in the belief that learning should go beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge and skills. Steiner emphasized […]
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 Long-Term Benefits of a Waldorf Education
What is Waldorf Education? Waldorf education, founded by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1919, is a unique approach to learning that emphasizes holistic development. Rooted in Steiner’s anthroposophy philosophy, Waldorf schools aim to nurture the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of each child. Unlike traditional education systems that often prioritize standardized testing and […]
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 […]
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 […]
Storytelling Tips for Teachers & Parents
Question: Are there examples of written story summaries anywhere? I am struggling with creating concise, accurate summaries for long stories. Currently I am writing what my daughter and I create together, but it goes on and on sometimes. TIA! Right now I am working on all the September lessons – Rapunzel, The Boy Who Cried […]
Why Do We Put the Whole Before the Parts (Math)?
In Waldorf education there are variations on how the times tables are taught. However, one constant remains – that we always work from the whole to the parts. But what does that mean and why do we do that? In Waldorf classrooms different teachers recite the times tables with their classes in different ways. In […]
10 Tips on Teaching Different Ages Together
1. Always have an older child teach a younger child something when possible. That way you have two children occupied and one less Main Lesson to teach. I remember my second grader used to help me with all my classes when she was little. She was like a mini Waldorf teacher – sooo cute! 2. […]
Summer Verse for Waldorf First Grade
Summer Verse for Waldorf First Grade How the corn has grown ripe in the Summer’s hot days, And the reaping began with the sun’s early rays, Mike and Jack since the morn, Have been cutting the corn, Which is bound up by Peggy and Sue; And sweet, flaunting poppies and flow’rets of blue Wag their heads […]
Telling Waldorf Stories in Second Grade
Telling Waldorf Stories in Second Grade: Question from John and Karen: Right now all my stories for my pre/K child are done with figures and props. When it comes to 1st grade are main lesson stories only told using chalkboard drawings or can puppetry type storytelling still be used? Reply from Waldorf Teacher Diane Power: To tell […]
Waldorf Summer School
Waldorf Summer School Question from Angil: Do you have suggestions for “summer school” to round out the missing lessons from 3rd grade – math, and reading (very slow reader and fluctuations in interest)? Reply from Waldorf Teacher Diane Power: “Summer school” I always encouraged the parents to allow their child to play outdoors as much as possible, […]
Earthschooling – an Award Winning Curriculum
