Waldorf Matters … Living not Laminating

In our next blog in our weekly series about Waldorf Education we consider how some of the key principles of Waldorf pedagogy are given voice at Elmfield.

Waldorf education is a holistic approach to education where, at its heart, is a set of principles that aim to cultivate the whole child – intellectually, emotionally, and physically – and support the development of their innate capacities to realise their full potential.

There is an excellent video on our website here.

In this blog, we will consider some of the key principles of Waldorf education, given shape by the words of Steiner, and how they apply to in the work we do at Elmfield.

"The child's development follows a natural path... If we observe the child, we can discover the appropriate way to educate him."

One of the key principles of Waldorf education is the importance of the developmental stages of childhood. Steiner believed that children pass through distinct phases of development, each with its own unique characteristics and needs. He argued that education should be tailored to the individual needs of each child at each stage of development, rather than trying to force children to fit into a one-size-fits-all educational model. A key feature of the work we do at Elmfield is carefully, and constantly, considering the nature of the curriculum that is brought to each class. Our Subject Guardians - from the Early Years to Class 11 working together to ensure a coherent flow - regularly review and consider subject content for each class - taking into account the individuals and their needs.

"Imagination is not just a “nice-to-have” in education, it is a fundamental aspect of our humanity, and is essential for the development of the whole person.”

Another central principle of Waldorf education is the belief in the power of imagination and creativity. Steiner believed that the imaginative faculty is a vital aspect of the human experience and that it is important to nurture and support the child's imagination and creativity. Elmfield places a strong emphasis on art, music, and storytelling as means of fostering creativity and imagination in children. The creative arts appear throughout the week as Subject Lessons and, also, appear in the Main Lesson blocks. For example, each Class will conceive, rehearse and perform their ‘Class Play’ during these morning lessons.

"Experience is the best teacher. It gives us the opportunity to engage with the world, to explore and discover, and to make our own meaningful connections."

A further key principle of Waldorf education that we seek to embody here at Elmfield is the emphasis on experiential learning. Steiner believed that children learn best through first-hand experience and hands-on exploration. As such, we place a strong emphasis on practical, experiential learning, with a focus on hands-on activities, nature study, and manual work. Metalwork, Woodwork, Forest School, Handwork and Cookery are all delivered across the week in Main Lessons, Subject Lessons and in Modules.

"The teacher is not there to impose knowledge on the child, but rather to create an environment where the child can learn and grow in their own way.”

In addition, Waldorf education also values the importance of the teacher-student relationship and the role of the teacher as a facilitator of learning. Steiner believed that the teacher's role is to create a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe and supported, and to guide and support the child's natural process of learning and development. The small class sizes at Elmfield, our deep and respectful relationships and the consistency of presence are all important ways in which we seek to keep this principle alive in our work.

"The development of social and emotional skills is just as important as the development of intellectual skills. It is essential for the well-being and success of the individual and the community."

Waldorf education also places a strong emphasis on social and emotional development, with a focus on helping children develop strong moral values, self-awareness, and self-regulation. As well as the critical focus on these matters in Main Lessons, our Life Skills programme and PSHE lessons are also an important way in which we seek to help children develop these foundations. Likewise, we are increasingly seeking to get our into the community to play a full and active part as good citizens.

In conclusion, Waldorf education is a holistic approach to education that is based on a set of principles that aim to support the development of the whole child – intellectually, emotionally, and physically. These principles include the importance of developmental stages, the power of imagination and creativity, the value of experiential learning, the role of the teacher as a facilitator of learning, and the importance of social and emotional development. By following these principles, Elmfield aims to cultivate the innate capacities of children