Interview with a Waldorf Education Expert: A Holistic Approach to Learning and Development.

Interview with a Waldorf Education Expert

Waldorf education is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the holistic development of a child. It was founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1919, and today there are over 1,000 Waldorf schools around the world. To learn more about this unique approach to education, we spoke with Jane Smith, an experienced teacher and administrator at a Waldorf school in California.

Q: Can you give us an overview of what makes Waldorf education different from traditional schooling?

A: Sure! One of the main things that sets Waldorf apart is our emphasis on developmental stages. We believe that children go through different phases as they grow up, and that each stage requires a different approach to learning. For example, young children need lots of play-based activities to develop their imaginations and physical skills. Older kids are ready for more academic work, but we still try to connect everything they learn back to real-life experiences.

Another big difference is our use of the arts in all subjects. Every day at our school includes music, painting or drawing, movement (like eurythmy), and storytelling or drama. These activities not only engage students’ creativity but also help them understand concepts on a deeper level.

Finally, we don’t rely on textbooks or standardized tests like many other schools do. Our teachers create their own curriculum based on what they know will be engaging for their particular group of students.

Q: That sounds very student-centered! What kind of results have you seen from this approach?

A: Well, I’ve been teaching at this school for over ten years now, so I’ve had the opportunity to see many students graduate and move on to high school or college. In my experience, Waldorf graduates tend to be well-rounded individuals who are confident in themselves and able to think creatively about solving problems.

We also hear from parents who appreciate that their children love coming to school every day and are excited about learning. In a world where so many kids are disengaged from education, that’s really important.

Q: I can imagine! But some people might be concerned that Waldorf students won’t be prepared for college or the workforce. What would you say to them?

A: Actually, we have found that our graduates do very well in both of those areas. We’ve had students go on to Ivy League schools and other top universities, as well as successful careers in fields like medicine, law, and engineering.

I think what sets Waldorf apart is that we’re not just teaching kids how to memorize facts or pass tests – we’re helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in any area of life. Things like critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and collaboration are essential no matter what path a student chooses.

Q: That makes sense. One thing I’ve heard about Waldorf is that it doesn’t use technology very much – is that true?

A: Yes and no! It’s true that we don’t use computers or tablets with young children (under age 12), because we believe they need hands-on experiences with real objects to develop their senses properly. However, older students do use technology when it’s relevant to their learning.

For example, high schoolers might use computers for research projects or digital art classes. But even then, we try to balance screen time with plenty of opportunities for movement and outdoor activities.

Q: Speaking of outdoor activities – I’ve also heard that Waldorf schools place a lot of emphasis on nature education. Can you tell us more about that?

A: Absolutely! Connecting children with nature is a big part of our philosophy. We know from research that spending time outdoors has many benefits for physical health as well as mental wellbeing.

So at our school (and many others), you’ll see things like gardening programs where kids learn how to grow food, outdoor play areas that encourage exploration and physical activity, and nature walks where students can learn about local flora and fauna.

Q: It sounds like there are a lot of different elements to Waldorf education. How do you ensure that teachers are trained to implement all of them effectively?

A: That’s a great question. All Waldorf schools require their teachers to have completed a specific training program in Waldorf education. This usually involves several years of coursework on topics like child development, curriculum planning, and the arts.

In addition, our school (and many others) also provide ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers throughout the year. We might bring in outside experts to lead workshops on specific topics or hold regular meetings where we share ideas and best practices.

It’s definitely an intensive process – but it’s worth it to be able to offer such a rich educational experience for our students.

Q: It certainly sounds like it! Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like readers to know about Waldorf education?

A: Just that I think every child deserves an education that nourishes their whole being – not just their academic skills. And while Waldorf isn’t the right fit for everyone, I believe it offers something truly special for those who thrive in this kind of environment.

If anyone reading this is interested in learning more about Waldorf or finding a school near them, I would encourage them to visit waldorfeducation.org or check out one of our many parent information sessions held throughout the year.