Would you like to convert your classroom or home into a Waldorf home or classroom?
Would you like to know the meaning behind some of the Waldorf activities?
I created a mini class for the Waldorf parents at my school in 1994 to help them understand the essence of Waldorf and the meaning behind the activities we did at school. Each week, we discussed a different topic from the handout. I called this class “Waldorf 101” because it was a series I designed specifically for new Waldorf parents and teachers to help them get started on the Waldorf path. We updated this course in December 2025, and we welcome you to enjoy our new and improved experience!
This mini-course is designed to be easy to do so that you can become more knowledgeable about Waldorf 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!
Waldorf 101: Philosophy
Waldorf Philosophy
Parent-Child Modeling
The Importance of Free Play
Waldorf 101: Curriculum & Rhythm
Rhythm & Stages in Waldorf Education
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
Waldorf 101: Materials
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
Spirituality
Religion and Spirituality in Waldorf Education
Celebrations
Waldorf Celebrations
The Waldorf Birthday Story
Verses
The Basic Verses
Bedtime Verses
Waldorf 101: Temperaments
Waldorf 101: Teacher Tasks
Meditation and Inner Work
Educating the Teacher/Parent
The Modern World
“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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