Do you know about the Waldorf philosophy of education? It, along with Montessori, is the fastest growing educational system in the world today. Waldorf emphasizes great respect for the child as an individual. Among the most important tenets of Waldorf is the celebration of the natural environment and the use of natural materials.
I am just beginning to learn about this philosophy and have done enough digging around to find this school on the Westside of LA that is dedicated Waldorf. I have also just finished this book:
Heaven on Earth: A Handbook for Parents of Young Children is a wonderful read that dives into the specifics of creating a Waldorf-inspired home environment conducive to the young child's greatest well-being. Heaven on Earth is written in a very practical and accessible style, and does not go overly deep into theory. Instead, it is packed full of practical ideas to implement Waldorf methods in the home. Perhaps the most valuable part of the book is the dense appendix full of amazing resources for finding the best natural materials, tools, toys, etc.
As a new mom, I am interested in learnng about different educational styles and know from my own experience that there are many flaws in the traditional educational system. Not to mention the intense competition, bullying, cheating, and so forth, that has indeed increased since I was in school. After spending much of my life in academia, I still felt uninspired and unprepared for the professional world on my graduation day. What has proven to be much more effective for me, has been following my intuition and self-directed learning according to my interests. I did not have the time and freedom to dedicate myself to this style of learning until well after I graduated. Waldorf and Montessori both stress the importance of following the child and respecting his or her individual interests and talents. I don't think you have to subscribe to one philsophy or methodolgy when it comes to teaching and guiding young children. What I like about Waldorf is that it pays great respect to the child, the arts and the natural world, all things that I can definitely get behind. I also believe that it is key to follow the child and recognize the individual's special gifts and interests. We are all unique with our own set of perspectives, attitudes, values, talents and inclinations. We have different interests, skills and we learn in different ways and I think it is important to hone and celebrate those interests from the very beginning.
Heaven on Earth goes into depth about the importance of creating daily, weeky, and seasonal rhythms. It is in this foundation of routine that the child finds stability and security to thrive. The author also talks a bit about creating a family culture and how to be intentional about the environment that we, as parents, create for our children. This has helped me be more aware of the sequencing of my days with Rylie. We listen to the same classical music every morning as we are waking up and we always find time in the day to take a walk to the nearby park or nature trail.
The book also offers suggestions for creating an outdoor play environment. I am so excited about the prospect of creating a natural playscape in our backyard. This book is next on my list.
I am very eager to learn more about Waldorf and it's similarities and differences with Montessori. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on the subject. Do you have any experience with either of the two? Even beyond Waldorf, this is a great book for families or anyone who interacts with young children regualry. It is full of wonderful ideas and advice on everything from art experiences to gentle and effective discipline. It is definitely worth a read.
Hello! I'm Liz Scott - mama to two little ones, maker, and all around curiosity chaser. I live with my family in Los Angeles, where we seek to fill each day with adventure, joy and creativity. I write about it all here on the blog. Thank you for visiting.
