New to Waldorf?
The Chicago Waldorf School is based upon the educational ideas of Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). Dr. Steiner was an educator, artist and philosopher active in many fields of study. He presented a philosophy and understanding of human development as well as the method of instruction common to Waldorf schools.
Waldorf has become the largest independent, non-denominational education movement in the world, with over 900 schools and an additional 600 early childhood programs in 35 countries. What accounts for this widespread interest?
Waldorf education provides a rich experience that aims to prepare children to meet the challenges of our world and the future – with clarity of thought, a caring heart and confidence to initiate change. It achieves its aims with a fully developed approach that addresses the whole child: mind, body and spirit. The Waldorf curriculum recognizes that children have distinct, age-related educational and emotional needs according to their naturally unfolding stages of development. To meet these needs, the arts are integrated into virtually every element of the curriculum. Children experience the lesson’s content through drawing, painting, song, recitation, drama and movement. Current research shows that manual dexterity is best promoted by supplementing lessons with a broad range of handwork – from knitting and weaving to woodwork, pottery and metalwork.
The Waldorf child learns about the world through an experience of the hands and the heart, as well as the mind, and in so doing, acquires a living wisdom that enriches the intellect and deepens the natural joy and wonder of learning. It is this genuine inner enthusiasm for learning that is the hallmark of Waldorf education.