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 […]
Waldorf Homeschol Curriculum
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 […]
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, […]
My Son Had Trouble Knitting in First Grade
Can I Teach the Solar System in First Grade?
Question from Melissa: There has been recent discussion on several Waldorf pages pertaining to teaching younger children about the solar system or the night sky in general. It looks to me like the solar system is not taught until about 6th grade. Is there a specific reason for that? My girls are 6 1/2 and fascinated […]
Block Crayons and Developmental Skills
Question from Esther: I have a question about Stockmar vs Filana crayons. We have found that the Filana transfers to the paper much more easily, but you can still get different results applying different pressures. I would like to know if there is a reason why Stockmar for Waldorf other than the wanting of a beeswax […]
A Waldorf National Day Celebration
The ideas below can be used for any national celebration in any country. We used the Fourth of July in America as our example. In today’s world of amusement parks, sugar-filled treats, electric grills and commercialism where does one go for a, earthy, non-electric, Waldorf 4th of July or any Independence Day celebration for that matter? A family picnic […]
Earthschooling – an Award Winning Curriculum
