As a Waldorf-Trained teacher in a classroom, enrichment program, or even online, it can be rewarding to share some behind-the-scenes wisdom with the parents of your students. This can help cultivate a sense of trust and understanding. If you are a parent or teacher yourself, reading this short series can also help you understand some of the basic philosophy and methods contained in the lessons.
My first class in 1994 was done with a Waldorf-Trained teacher who helped me create a “packet” we would then hand out to parents in the program.
This mini-course is designed to be easy to do so that you can become more knowledgeable about this style of education with minimal effort. We know how busy you are because we are busy parents & teachers too! Each article only takes moments to read.
However, we have also provided additional resources at the end of each mini article so you can see videos, read more in-depth, or explore more as an option! Each article includes an optional free video, free in-depth lessons, and links to additional resources!
The Philosophy of a Waldorf-Trained Teacher
Waldorf Philosophy
Parent-Child Modeling
The Importance of Free Play
Curriculum & Rhythm
Rhythm & Stages in the Waldorf-Trained Teacher’s Classrooom
Summary of Needs and Rhythms of Each Age from Preschool to Eighth Grade
Specific Lessons and Themes for Each Year – Preschool to Eighth Grade
The Rhythm of the Day
The Rhythm of the Month
The Rhythm of the Year
Lesson Blocks
Breathing In, Breathing Out, and Baking Bread
Materials Used in the Classroom
Natural Toys, Clothing, and Materials
What is a Main Lesson Book? (Where are the Worksheets?)
Stories & Language
The Wisdom of Fairytales
Teaching Reading in Waldorf Education
Art & Handwork
Is There Something Called Waldorf Art?
Spirituality
Religion and Spirituality in Education
Celebrations
Celebrations
The Birthday Story
Verses
The Basic Verses
Bedtime Verses
The Temperaments
Waldorf-Trained Teacher Tasks
Meditation and Inner Work
Educating the Teacher/Parent
The Modern World
Does Television Have a Place in Waldorf Education?
“Your Children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself. They come through you, but not from you, and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you. You may house their bodies but not their souls. For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow. Which you cannot visit. Not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. – Khalil Gibran
“Accept the children with reverence, educate them with love, send them forth in freedom.” So said Rudolf Steiner, the Founder of Waldorf Education. And indeed, his vision for schooling the whole child, and not just the mind, still stands today, 80 years after the first Waldorf school opened in Stuttgart, Germany.
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