Let’s Talk Waldorf
When I first started homeschooling my son a few years ago, I was searching for a curriculum that truly understood a child’s developmental needs—not just their intellectual abilities, but their whole being. Despite my background in education, I struggled to find a program that felt right.
Then I toured a Waldorf school in Philadelphia. While I was there, I came across a poster for their early childhood program. For the first time, I saw a school that emphasized the sensory needs of young children, something that resonated deeply with me. It was the moment I thought, maybe there’s something to this Waldorf thing.
Waldorf education, founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, is built on a philosophy that nurtures the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a child. Steiner’s approach emphasizes creativity, hands-on learning, and a deep respect for individuality, laying the foundation for a holistic and human-centered education.
From my years of experience, I know how crucial the sensory system is to a child’s healthy development. Yet, in today’s society, this is often overlooked in favor of pushing academics at younger and younger ages. We’ve replaced playing in the mud, jumping from rocks, and swimming in streams with flashcards and practicing letters. Neuroscience tells us that in these early years, the brain is wired to develop the sensory system. But when we push these fast-developing brains to focus on academics too early, they divert energy away from sensory development. Sure, your child might learn to read in kindergarten, but at what cost? They may also grow up with ADHD or other sensory issues.
Is it any wonder that we’re seeing record numbers of these disorders as we push our children into more complex academic skills at younger and younger ages?
After visiting the Waldorf school, I scheduled an appointment with DIR FloorTime specialists to evaluate my son. These were professionals I had worked with during my FloorTime training, and I trusted their expertise. They confirmed what I suspected—my child didn’t have the problems his previous school claimed. He was simply traumatized by that environment. What struck me even more was that these specialists were now recommending Waldorf schools to their patients because of the gentle, developmentally appropriate approach.
That was all the confirmation I needed. I dove into research, consuming everything I could find about Waldorf education.
The more I learned, the more I fell in love with Waldorf. In this approach, children aren’t expected to start reading independently until third grade, aligning with what neuroscience shows is the appropriate time. A typical day begins with activities like knitting, which activates both sides of the brain—a skill crucial for reading, writing, and many other tasks. The day is structured around “breathing in” and “breathing out” periods. “Breathing in” involves focused concentration, allowing children to delve deep into topics, followed by “breathing out” times where they can run around outside and release their energy.
But how do Waldorf students fare in the long run? Research shows that children who graduate from Waldorf schools often excel in their later academic and professional lives. They tend to be well-rounded, creative thinkers with strong problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. Studies have found that Waldorf graduates are more likely to pursue careers in the arts, education, and sciences, and they report higher levels of satisfaction in their personal and professional lives. Compared to their peers from public or other private schools, Waldorf graduates often display a greater sense of responsibility, social awareness, and a lifelong love of learning.
Waldorf schools also emphasize the importance of time spent outdoors, with children often spending over two hours outside each day. Art is integrated into every subject across all grades, helping to develop fine motor skills, awaken the brain, and express emotions. Stories are carefully chosen to resonate with the emotional milestones each age group is experiencing.
Waldorf education is more than just a curriculum—it’s a beautiful, thoughtful approach to nurturing the whole child. It’s about creating an environment where children can thrive, full of wonder, respect, beauty, nature, and a deep understanding of human development.
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