Curriculum – Waldorf

• Rudolf Steiner: Anthroposophy; Anthropo=man+ Sophia= wisdom 
• Ant.: spiritual-science movement (Christianity) 

Two imp. Component: oneness with the world (life cyle, connections, butterfly effect) and search for self (body, mind, and spirit).

• Steiner; 
  • The first 7 years;
    • children’s development is focused on their physical body.
    • They practice real work.
    • Concept of ‘Will’ through imitative play.
    • Fantasy and imagination should be improved.
    • Academic instruction is inappropriate 
  • 7-14 years; more awareness of surrounding world 
    • the child is ready to begin academic instruction.
    • Feeling is being realized.
  • 14-21 years; puberty
    • more abstract thoughts     ‘thinking’
    • a sense of independence 
  • Developing a child’s faculties is more important than teaching subject. 
  • A Waldorf kindergarten serves children btw. the ages of 3 to 6 years (the first 7-year cycle in Steiner’s theory)
  • The curriculum consist of imaginative play, fairy tales, fables, folklore, imitation, art activities, “real work” ( knitting, baking bread)’ musical instruments’ dance’ drama’ and awareness of nature’ cycles and seasons. 
  • Toys are simple and open ended to encourage imaginative uses. Also, natural materials such as gourds, pinecones, branches, and pebbles are used. 
  • The Waldorf kindergarten is designed to be an extension of the home.  There is no formal academic instruction’ educational toys and even books are rarely found.
    • language learning through stories, poems and songs.
    • mathematical experiences through cooking and imaginative play.
  • Waldorf education respect children’s own developmental stages. Teachers believe there is a right time for every ability. It is not unusual to see children who begin to read in grade 3-4.
• Mixed-age classes