Waldorf School: what is it, the pros and cons

The Waldorf educational model appeared in 1919, when the owner of the Waldorf-Astoria cigarette factory in Germany asked Rudolf Steiner to open an educational institution for children of workers. The school, created by Steiner, grew very quickly, and other children were able to study in it. In addition, it was here that a unique direction in pedagogy was born. Today in the world there are more than 1000 Waldorf schools. There are such institutions in Russia, and at the same time they are becoming popular. To decide whether your child needs such an education, you need to weigh the pros and cons.

What is walford teaching

Rudolf Steiner, the creator of the school, introduced a new philosophy (anthroposophy), which is based on three elements:

• spirit (thoughts, intellectual abilities);

• soul (feelings and emotions);

• body (practical skills).

Based on this idea, the educational system of the Waldorf school is aimed not only at developing the mental aspect of the child, but also at the emotional upbringing of children.

Waldorf School offers only general, non-specialized education. Children do not receive grades (as in a regular school) and do not use textbooks in the classroom. The purpose of the institution is to educate and develop a person. In anthroposophy, childhood and adolescence are not considered as stages in the preparation of a child for adulthood. On the contrary, it is believed that this period is a very important stage that affects the physical, mental and emotional health of the individual.

Music, singing and acting are an integral part of studying at a Waldorf school, so daily lessons in playing musical instruments are held. There is no separation of students depending on talent, children with completely different abilities and interests study together, since Waldorf school teachers believe that the only way to learn is to learn from each other and with each other. Teachers and students organize numerous events where they demonstrate their musical and dance skills, and parents are required to attend to learn about the successes of the children.

In a Waldorf school, the teacher is the center of the class; he is the most important person. Classes are held according to a special plan. In the morning, the most difficult subjects are held: mathematics, Russian, reading, and then - creative lessons and learning foreign languages.