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?!
