What is Waldorf Education?

"For the Waldorf student, music, dance, and theater, writing, literature, legends and myths are not simply subjects to be read about, ingested and tested. They are experienced. Through these experiences, Waldorf students cultivate a lifelong love of learning as well as the intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual capacities to be individuals certain of their paths and to be of service to the world."

Teachers in Waldorf schools are dedicated to generating an inner enthusiasm for learning within every child... allowing motivation to arise from within and helping engender the capacity for joyful lifelong learning.

So how did Waldorf Schools originate? And What exactly is it?
This type of school was founded by Rudolph Steiner in 1919. He wanted the education to be based on a profound understanding of human development that would address the needs of a growing child. The teachers at Waldorf strive in transforming the education into an art that educates the students- the heart to the hands, as well as the head. These types of school are amazing. When you walk in, the first thing you notice is the care giving of the building. There are art made by the children everywhere. There is evidence of student activity everywhere to be found and the desks you see have a uniquely created main lesson book. The teachers you meet at Waldorf schools are very much interested in a childs education and life. Questions that are within the teachers are as follows:

• How do we establish within each child his or her own high level of academic excellence?
• How do we call forth enthusiasm for learning and work, a healthy self-awareness, interest and concern for fellow human beings, and a respect for the world?
• How can we help pupils find meaning in their lives?

They look at these questions with careful thought, and they analyze the students and do what is best for them. They are dedicated in teaching and learning from the kids. "The Waldorf curriculum is broad and comprehensive, 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 18 years. Rudolf Steiner stressed to teachers that the best way to provide meaningful support for the child is to comprehend these phases fully and to bring "age appropriate" content to the children that nourishes healthy growth."


Today, with more than 900 Waldorf schools in 83 countries, Waldorf Education is the fastest growing independent educational movement in the world. In North America Waldorf has been available since 1928, and there are now over 250 schools and 14 teacher training centers in some level of development. These schools exist in large cities and small towns, suburbs and rural enclaves. No two schools are identical; each is administratively independent. Nevertheless, a visitor would recognize many characteristics common to them all. There are different types of these schools. Some look the same and some don't.

This picture is the first Waldorf school founded by Steiner, now a days, these schools are bigger and better looking.

From exploring the topic of Waldorf schools I learned that any child is allowed to go, they go from birth which is really cool. I learned that these schools give kids freedom, freedom I've never experienced. I chose this topic because it was fascinating as well as very interesting and because I never heard of such a school. I like how the teachers are there to help the children because they want to and not because they are getting paid. That shows passion, the passion I have for working with children and helping them whenever they need. I like the idea Waldorf schools have, but I do not think I could teach in that environment.


http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/02_W_Education/history.asp
www.google.com/waldorf schools
http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/02_W_Education/index.asp