What is a Waldorf school?
"Waldorf education is a unique approach that views children as complex, whole human beings developing in mind, body, and spirit—or head, hands, and heart. The Waldorf philosophy is based on this holistic approach to education and operates under the often-used principle of education toward freedom" (Follari, pg 297, 2019). This philosophy focuses developmentally appropriate learning, meaning that students at Desert Willow learn through play and exploration. Focusing on these skills sets a strong foundation for academics in later years of their academic journey, around age 6.
Founder of Waldorf, Rudolph Steiner
The Waldorf philosophy was born in the early 20th century in Germany, after world war I. Rudolph Steiner claimed that we as people are only complete when our three aspects of being; mind, body, and spirit were developed. He was given the opportunity to out this idea to the test when a cigarette factory hired him to build the school program for their workers' children in Stuttgart, Germany. This philosophy became known as the Waldorf model.
Play Based Learning
Learning through play and nature is the key aspect of the early childhood education Waldorf program. This is the central focus of our program. Prioritizing free play and outdoor play ensure that children are receiving a quality Waldorf education. Many philosophical developmental stages in children such as Eriksons initiative vs guilt at age 4-5 which states that children yearn to explore and manipulate the world around them (Follari, 2019), supporting the need for extended play time. Piaget's Pre - operational stage from age 2-7 which is when students start to think symbolically and begin to master language (Follari, 2019). Play base learning allows for students to communicate and problem solve with their peer's using language. These are just a few examples of how the Waldorf system is a valid and educational choice.
"Overall, with enough play, children can develop their ‘will forces (and) can ultimately achieve numeracy, literacy, the capacity for creative thinking, the ability to exercise informed judgement, and self-actualization in adulthood" (Attfield, pg.3, 2022).
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