What is Steiner/Waldorf Education?
The Waldorf curriculum is broad, comprehensive, and structured to respond to the three developmental phases of childhood: from birth to approximately 6 or 7 years, from 7 to 14» years and from 14 to 21 years. Its aim is to transform education into an art that aims to educate the whole child: head (thinking), heart (feeling), and hands (willing). It recognizes the whole child — not just as a physical being (willing), but also soul (feeling) and spirit (thinking).
Rudolf Steiner stressed to teachers that the best way to provide meaningful support for the child is to comprehend these three developmental phases fully and to bring “age appropriate” content to the children that nourishes healthy growth.
A common misconception in our time is that education is merely the transfer of information. From the Waldorf point of view, true education also involves the awakening of capacities—~the ability to think clearly and critically, to empathetically experience and understand phenomena in the world, to distinguish what is beautiful, good, and true. The Waldorf teacher walks a path of discovery with the children and guides them into an understanding of the world of meaning, rather than the world of cause and effect.
Teachers are dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child. They achieve this in a variety of ways. Even seemingly dry and academic subjects are presented in a pictorial and dynamic manner. This eliminates the need for competitive testing, academic placement, and behavioristic rewards to motivate learning. it allows motivation to arise from within and helps engender the capacity for joyful lifelong learning.
Just as the students are given a balanced education rich in science, math, the arts, and literature, teachers and parents alike develop a breadth of knowledge, experience and expertise. Waldorf education is a partnership between Parents and Teachers in raising the child consciously.
Note: Religion is not taught as a subject but Christian festivals are celebrated and the whole curriculum instills reverence, which is the basis for any religion.