What is Waldorf Education?
Waldorf education, founded by Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century, is an educational philosophy that emphasizes holistic development and creativity. The approach integrates academic learning with artistic expression and practical skills, aiming to nurture the intellectual, emotional, and physical aspects of students. Central to Waldorf pedagogy is the belief in the importance of imagination in learning, which fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
In Waldorf education, curricula is designed to align with the developmental stages of children. The pedagogy promotes experiential learning through storytelling, arts, and hands-on activities. This method seeks to cultivate a lifelong love for learning while respecting each child’s individuality.
Furthermore, Waldorf education places significant emphasis on community involvement and social responsibility. By fostering collaboration among students, teachers, and parents, it aims to create a supportive environment conducive to personal growth.
If you are interested in learning more about Waldorf education you can visit the Waldorf Education website.
Like a Waldorf & Like a Public School
Sun Mountain Community school is a unique school that blends Waldorf-inspired curriculum and teaching methods with New Mexico state standards. Here is a comparative overview of key educational practices and philosophies and explores what ways we will look like a Waldorf school and what ways we will look like a public school.
Awareness of Rudolf Steiner’s Developmental Stages.
Like a Waldorf School - Teachers study the developmental stages presented by Rudolf Steiner. This “road map” of human development, with its distinguishable 7 year cycles, informs a teacher what and how information is taught.
Like a Public School - The public charter school system allows philosophical differences in teaching methodology as long as standards are delivered, so “the how” can remain true. These standards will not always align with “the what” is taught according to the developmental stages as in a traditional private Waldorf school. Often, these standards come earlier in a public school.
Philosophy of how a child learns.
Like a Waldorf School - Central to Waldorf education is fostering a child’s imagination. Teachers emphasize storytelling, allowing children to create mental images that are later expressed through drawing, writing, and other creative activities. This helps children learn from within and process information in a multisensory way.
Like a Public School - The public charter school system allows philosophical differences in teaching methodology as long as standards are delivered.
Technology use in the classroom
Like a Waldorf School - In the early grades, technology is not used as a learning tool. All content - songs, stories, concepts - is delivered through direct teacher instruction. While middle school students begin to learn about responsible technology use and research, it never replaces direct instruction.
Like a Public School - Computers are used for all testing. Additionally, students will use computers to prepare for an upcoming test, so they feel comfortable on the device while they are being tested.
Outdoor play and Nature Engagement
Like a Waldorf School - Outdoor play is prioritized, with each grade will have 1 hour of daily outdoor activities. First and second graders will have weekly Nature Studies classes which will offer additional extended periods in outdoor exploration. Students and teachers will be expected to go outside in all weather conditions. First through eighth grade will have a multi day camping trip.
Like a Public School - Our liaison for the McKenti-Vento act will organize a free closet that provides coats, hats, and proper shoes for any student in need so they can comfortably enjoy the outdoors.
Learning to read
Like a Waldorf School - Reading comprehension is built through daily storytelling and story recall through activities that engage multiple senses, such as speaking, drawing and movement. Fine and gross motor skills for writing and reading, such as cutting food for snacks, sewing, and modeling with beeswax, are essential for developing writing and reading skills. Bilateral brain integration, critical for whole-word recognition and decoding words, is fostered with cross-lateral skipping, jump roping and knitting. The building blocks that support learning to read, oral literacy, listening, and writing, are understood and supported.
Like a Public School - Students will be taught structured literacy skills, beginning in kindergarten, parallel to the development of pre-literacy skills. During kindergarten, almost all of these standards will be learned in circle time, in the traditional Waldorf classroom approach. Beginning in 1st grade, the students will learn and practice these standards in their mainlesson books and with the help of decodable books.
Mathematics
Like a Waldorf School - A teacher’s awareness of child development impacts how they present a mathematical concept and a child’s ability to take up that concept. For example, fractions are more easily understood after a child experiences the nine-year change, and imaginary numbers are easier to conceive after adolescence begins around the age of 12.
Like a Public School - We will teach fractions in third grade, as is required in state standards. Because of our above understanding, however, this information will be introduced late in the year and with the knowledge that it will need to get revisited in the years to come with greater emphasis and deeper understanding by the student.
Grades
Like a Waldorf School - K-5th grade, teachers will create written summative reports on their child. A 1-4 grading scale will commence in 6th grade. Grading in middle school will include completion of homework, tests grades, completion and effort of main lesson books and classroom participation.
Like a Public School - Grading will remain the same with the addition of a “Standards Concept Grading Sheet” that a teacher will keep track of for the benefit of their work and parent knowledge.
Testing
Like a Waldorf School - Formative assessments, such as daily mental math, story recall, and group work guide instruction. Block tests inform teachers of a student’s understanding and help shape future lessons.
Like a Public School - Teachers will use a Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS) to address students' needs and intervene quickly when students need additional support. State-required interim and summative tests, as well as dyslexia screenings and gifted student identification, are administered as part of the curriculum.
Special Education
Like a Waldorf School - Teachers and families collaborate to observe and address special learning needs, with a focus on integrating students into the general classroom setting.
Like a Public School - Licensed special education teachers provide support for students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). There are established processes for identifying and testing students with learning differences or giftedness.
Discipline
Like a Waldorf School - Discipline is managed primarily by teachers, who set clear expectations and facilitate conflict resolution. Teachers work closely with parents and colleagues to address behavioral issues. If necessary, supporting staff is called in to further support a child, a Care Plan is created, outlining solutions and behavioral expectations.
Like a Public School - Among our support staff will be a counselor and a special education teacher who can round out student support needs. All guidelines for suspension and expulsion will adhere to state statute regarding these matters.
Working with the spiritual world
Like a Waldorf School - Teachers study Rudolf Steiner’s philosophy, which emphasizes the unseen forces that shape human development. This approach focuses on the child as a whole, integrating head, heart, and hands in the learning process. While the spiritual realm is acknowledged, it is not discussed explicitly with students.
Like a Public School - Language in daily verses is carefully chosen to be inclusive and universal. Students may explore world religions from an academic standpoint, learning about diverse cultures and beliefs without religious instruction.
The role of the teacher
Like a Waldorf School - Teachers are highly respected, being referred to by their last name, and expected to model integrity, presence, and self-reflection. The demands of their work is broad. They are artisans. They are responsible for creating a supportive and nurturing environment for their students and must be prepared both mentally and physically.
Like a Public School - Teachers are compensated for their involvement in committees and adhere to structured preparation periods.