The Waldorf method. Alternative education for children
The Waldorf pedagogy , founded in 1919 by the German philosopher Rudolf Steiner, has the purpose of making education respect and support the psychic, spiritual and physiological development of children, because it believes that to achieve a good intellectual development it is necessary that there is
The Waldorf pedagogy , founded in 1919 by the German philosopher Rudolf Steiner, has the purpose of making education respect and support the psychic, spiritual and physiological development of children, because it believes that to achieve a good intellectual development it is necessary that there is a solid emotional base.
This method seeks the development of each child in a free and cooperative environment, without exams and with strong support in manual works and in art.
How the Waldorf pedagogy develops
The teaching within this method is divided into seven-year cycles, the first one being aimed at children of 0 and 7 years old. In this stage, children learn through play. Its purpose is to stimulate the senses, fantasy and imagination, and to strengthen the will of each child. In this period they do not teach them to read or write, although that does not mean that this aspect is neglected. The method is similar to the one used in Finland, where it is considered the best teaching in the world. First, the emotional basis of the children is worked, then the learning. In the schools that develop this method, there are asmaximum of 20 students per class
and two teachers for children. With the aim of promoting the development of the capacities to think, to feel, to have will and vital initiative in children, the Waldorf pedagogy presents, in addition to the usual subjects of the official educational curriculum, artistic subjects such as music, theater, painting and dance, apart from handicrafts with different materials
such as clay, wood, stone, etc. The Waldorf method also includes language classes, English and German, from the first year of the Primary course. Benefits of the Waldorf method
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The family and the school.
The participation of the family in the day to day of the school. - The teaching staff.
Training and permanent updating for teachers is offered. There is only one tutor for each educational stage, that is, the children have the same teacher-tutor in Primary Education, and another tutor in Secondary Education and Baccalaureate. The method believes that links can be better anchored. - Training for children.
Teaches children to have strength and criteria in life to guide themselves autonomously and in solidarity. An education based on values such as cooperation and respect. Each child evolves at their own pace. The method defends that children need to feel safe and supported so that their virtues can emerge. - Contact with nature.
They awaken awareness of the need to live and enjoy nature, and to defend it. - Stories and stories.
The method defends that through children's stories, children learn to be curious and imaginative. He believes that parents should tell many stories, daily, to children. - Personalized classes and duties.
The method guides the classes according to the interests of the children. Children have the right to ask, to doubt, to make mistakes. Duties are personalized, in the same group, allowing children to take homework at home, according to their abilities and interests. A child understood and cared for, there is more. The Waldorf method
is implemented in 80 countries on 5 continents. In Spain, it began to be known in 1975. There are educational centers in other countries such as the United States, Chile, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and others.
