This morning when I was reading an interview from an Etsy seller, Fairyfolk, I was introduced to the idea of Waldorf schools. I had never heard of them before. They are schools that focuses on our creative selves, as well as our intellectual selves. I can't tell you how overjoyed I am to see such schools! Granted, they are tuition-based schools, but what a concept. To me, this is the approach public schools should take. I think there would be a positive change in the state of our education system.
General Curriculum of Waldorf Schools
General Curriculum of Waldorf Schools
Waldorf Education approaches all aspects of schooling in a unique and comprehensive way. The curriculum is designed to meet the various stages of child development. Waldorf teachers are dedicated to creating a genuine inner enthusiasm for learning that is essential for educational success.
Preschool and Kindergarten children learn primarily through imitation and imagination. The goal of the kindergarten is to develop a sense of wonder in the young child and reverence for all living things. This creates an eagerness for the academics that follow in the grades. Preschool and Kindergarten activities include:
- storytelling, puppetry, creative play
- singing, eurythmy (movement)
- games and finger plays
- painting, drawing and beeswax modeling
- baking and cooking, nature walks
- foreign language and circle time for festival and seasonal celebrations
Elementary and middle-school children learn through the guidance of a class teacher who stays with the class ideally for eight years. The curriculum includes:
- English based on world literature, myths, and legends
- history that is chronological and inclusive of the world's great civilizations
- science that surveys geography, astronomy, meteorology, physical and life sciences
- mathematics that develops competence in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry
- foreign languages; physical education; gardening
- arts including music, painting, sculpture, drama, eurythmy, sketching
- handwork such as knitting, weaving, and woodworking
- a humanities curriculum that integrates history, literature, and knowledge of world cultures
- a science curriculum that includes physics, biology, chemistry, geology, and a four-year college preparatory mathematics program
- an arts and crafts program that includes calligraphy, drawing, painting, sculpture, pottery, weaving, block printing and bookbinding
- a performing arts program offering orchestra, choir, eurythmy and drama
- a foreign language program
- a physical education program
The Waldorf high school is dedicated to helping students develop their full potential as scholars, artists, athletes, and community members. The course of study includes:
ABOUT WALDORF GRADUATES...
According to a recent study of Waldorf graduates:
- 94% attended college or university
- 47% chose humanities or arts as a major
- 42% chose sciences or math as a major
- 89% are highly satisfied in choice of occupation
- 91% are active in lifelong education
- 92% placed a high value on critical thinking
- 90% highly values tolerance of other viewpoints
Such an interesting teaching concept. I can't believe that I am almost 45 yrs old, and I have never heard of these schools. If I were a parent, I would definitely want my kids experiencing this type of learning. Who knew?!
I cannot believe I'm a teacher and I hadn't either! Thanks for sharing!!!!
ReplyDeleteRossetti - You're welcome. There's even a Waldorf school less than 10 miles from my house. These schools have been around for a long time. It's almost like they are being kept a secret.
DeleteAs a former Waldorf kid I have mixed feelings about the schools. On one hand, the arts, crafts and music curriculum WAS great. On the other, they did have a few odd ideas. The underlying philosophy is called Anthroposophy and contains some rather questionable elements. If I had kids I'd probably think twice before sending them to Waldorf - but on the other hand, there are definitely worse alternatives! It's a difficult question.
ReplyDelete(The kid with the sewing machine was adorable, though!)
Anderson - Thanks so much for your comments. I love the concept. I'm sure since they are independently run, some are probably better than others. The concept is definitely one I think needs to be adopted in the public schools. Right now most of them just teach to trying to pass the "No Child Left Behind" tests. It's such a joke and some of our kids are suffering miserably. They are not taught how to think and they are taking things out of the schools like music.
DeleteYeah, there are definitely both upsides and downsides to the concept, and certainly differences between schools (and countries - I'm not in the US and don't know a lot about your school system in general). Deciding where to send your kids for school (if you get a choice!) is one of those hard decisions I really don't envy parents. :)
ReplyDeleteAnderson - We have some great schools in some areas and terrible schools in other areas. But the biggest issue has been a program they put in place over 10 yrs ago that has made the schools mostly about standardized testing. It's too much to get into right here, but suffice it to say it's a big mess. There are choices, but the best choices are so expensive and most parents can't take advantage of it. Like I said, public schools in some areas of the US are wonderful! Others, aren't.
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