Waldorf Matters … Why Main Lesson?

In our first blog of the new year in our weekly series about key aspects of Waldorf education, we consider the central importance of Main Lesson at Elmfield.

At Elmfield, our Main Lesson is a key component of the Waldorf education we offer. You can see examples of the work completed in these lessons - from Class 1 to Class 11 - here.

Main Lesson is a period of intense focus and concentration on a particular subject, that takes place between 9:00 and 11:00 each day. A topic will studied, in depth, for three weeks which allows our pupils to delve deeply, exploring a subjects various facets and gaining a thorough understanding of the material. We approach things in this manner because it encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills; students are encouraged to actively engage with the material and ask questions.

We emphasise to all prospective parents that it is this approach that most embodies what we mean when we highlight that examinations are not at the heart of what we do at Elmfield. Knowledge is not taught because it is transactional or because it is ‘on the paper’ but because it has been carefully selected and curated because it matters to the development of the child.

In "The Education of the Child," Steiner notes that "the teacher should not be content with merely imparting knowledge, but should strive to awaken the independent powers of thought in the child." It is in this way that Main Lesson helps to foster this independence by giving our students the space and time to truly engage with the material and form their own opinions and ideas.

Another important aspect of our Main Lessons is the integration of various subjects into a cohesive whole. At Elmfield, Main Lessons often combine elements of traditional subjects such as language arts, history, and science. This holistic approach to learning allows students to see the interconnectedness of different subjects and how they relate to one another. Steiner writes that "our task is to bring the different subjects into living connection with each other, and to bring the child into living connection with the world." This connection to the world is fostered through the main lesson, as students are encouraged to see the relevance of their studies in the larger context of the world around them.

Main lessons at Elmfield also emphasis the importance of hands-on, experiential learning. Rather than simply reading about a subject, students are encouraged to actively engage with the material through activities such as experiments, projects, and group work. This helps to make the material more meaningful and relevant to the students, as they are able to see the practical applications of their studies. In "The Foundations of Human Experience," Steiner highlights that "we must not allow ourselves to be satisfied with an intellectual understanding of things. We must seek to gain a living experience of the world.'“ Main Lesson allows students to do just that, by encouraging them to actively engage with the material and explore its practical applications.

Finally, Main Lesson helps to cultivate a sense of rhythm and structure in the classroom. With a set schedule and clear expectations, students are able to develop a sense of routine and focus, which can be beneficial for their overall well-being and academic success. Steiner states that "through the repetition of the main lesson, the child's rhythmic nature is strengthened and the child develops a sense of order and security." This sense of order and security can help students to feel more grounded and focused, allowing them to better absorb and retain the material being studied.

Overall, Main Lesson at Elmfield reflects a crucial element of the Waldorf educational system, serving as a means of fostering deep understanding, integration of subjects, experiential learning, and a sense of structure and focus. By providing students with the time and space to truly engage with the material, the main lesson helps to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as a connection to the world around them.