Why I recommend Waldorf Education
As a Pediatric Psychologist, I've probably been asked a thousand times which educational style I feel helps contribute to happy, well-rounded kids. I'm also asked often how my own children grew into such incredible humans. I attribute a lot of who they are to Waldorf education and it is my top recommendation for parents who wish their child to receive a Whole-Child education. I especially love how Waldorf pedagogy matches the neurodevelopment of children. Quite simply, the child-centered curriculum allows children to be children and doesn't rush childhood. What a gift to give our children!
I love Waldorf Education so much that I founded a Waldorf-inspired early childhood center and was so curious that I attended teacher training at the Waldorf Institute of Southern California. My children thrived in this pedagogy and were inspired by the festivals that honor world-wide traditions, lived in the magic of childhood, and learned critical thinking as a basis for their learning.
If you are a parent looking to learn more about this beautiful educational philosophy, I encourage you to look at a Waldorf school near you. The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America is a great place to start.
I love Waldorf Education so much that I founded a Waldorf-inspired early childhood center and was so curious that I attended teacher training at the Waldorf Institute of Southern California. My children thrived in this pedagogy and were inspired by the festivals that honor world-wide traditions, lived in the magic of childhood, and learned critical thinking as a basis for their learning.
If you are a parent looking to learn more about this beautiful educational philosophy, I encourage you to look at a Waldorf school near you. The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America is a great place to start.
Here are some Waldorf-based experiences my children have had:
Here is an introduction from The Association of Waldorf Schools of North America's website:
Waldorf Education: An Introduction
Waldorf schools offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. They integrate the arts in all academic disciplines for children from preschool through twelfth grade to enhance and enrich learning. Waldorf education aims to inspire life-long learning in all students and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities.
Founded in the early 20th century, Waldorf education is based on the insights, teachings and principles of education outlined by the world renowned artist, and scientist, Rudolf Steiner. The principles of Waldorf education evolve from an understanding of human development that address the needs of the growing child.
Music, dance and theater, writing, literature, legends and myths are not simply subjects to be read about and tested. They are experienced. Through these experiences, Waldorf students cultivate their intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual capacities to be individuals certain of their paths and to be of service to the world.
Professors who have taught Waldorf students across many academic disciplines and across a wide range of campuses—from State Universities to Ivy League—note that Waldorf graduates have the ability to integrate thinking; to assimilate information as opposed to memorizing isolated facts; to be flexible, creative and willing to take intellectual risks; and are leaders with high ethical and moral standards who take initiative and are passionate to reach their goals. Waldorf graduates are highly sought after in higher education.
Teachers in Waldorf schools are dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child. This eliminates the need for competitive testing, academic placement, and rewards to motivate learning and allows motivation to arise from within. It helps engender the capacity for joyful life-long learning.
Waldorf education is independent and inclusive. It upholds the principles of freedom in education and engages independent administration locally, continentally and internationally. It is regionally appropriate education with hundreds of schools worldwide today. Waldorf education is truly Inspired Learning.
Waldorf Education: An Introduction
Waldorf schools offer a developmentally appropriate, experiential, and academically rigorous approach to education. They integrate the arts in all academic disciplines for children from preschool through twelfth grade to enhance and enrich learning. Waldorf education aims to inspire life-long learning in all students and to enable them to fully develop their unique capacities.
Founded in the early 20th century, Waldorf education is based on the insights, teachings and principles of education outlined by the world renowned artist, and scientist, Rudolf Steiner. The principles of Waldorf education evolve from an understanding of human development that address the needs of the growing child.
Music, dance and theater, writing, literature, legends and myths are not simply subjects to be read about and tested. They are experienced. Through these experiences, Waldorf students cultivate their intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual capacities to be individuals certain of their paths and to be of service to the world.
Professors who have taught Waldorf students across many academic disciplines and across a wide range of campuses—from State Universities to Ivy League—note that Waldorf graduates have the ability to integrate thinking; to assimilate information as opposed to memorizing isolated facts; to be flexible, creative and willing to take intellectual risks; and are leaders with high ethical and moral standards who take initiative and are passionate to reach their goals. Waldorf graduates are highly sought after in higher education.
Teachers in Waldorf schools are dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child. This eliminates the need for competitive testing, academic placement, and rewards to motivate learning and allows motivation to arise from within. It helps engender the capacity for joyful life-long learning.
Waldorf education is independent and inclusive. It upholds the principles of freedom in education and engages independent administration locally, continentally and internationally. It is regionally appropriate education with hundreds of schools worldwide today. Waldorf education is truly Inspired Learning.